Alyssa Avant, Christian author and speaker, founded Beauty By Design Ministries in January 2005 to reach an ever growing population of girls who are pressured and confused by the messages of style, fashion and beauty within our culture. Alyssa brings together her 9 years of experience in the modeling industry with her strong commitment to the Lord and 5 years of experience in student ministry together to make her girls’ events fun, entertaining and empowering. Her mission is “turning the hearts of girls towards God.”
Alyssa now offers her services through Party Boxes, Gift Boxes, her ezine Heart to Heart: Mom-Daughter Connection, and articles on several WAHM websites and blogs, in addition to her key note speaking, event and party planning services.
Alyssa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Mississippi and is completing her Master's Degree in Christian Education from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007. Alyssa served as the youth and children's minister at Carrollton Baptist Church from June 2002 March 2007.
She has been married to her husband, Greg, for 7 years and is the mom of a 3 year old son, Baker and a newborn daughter, Lillian Claire “Lily”. She and her family live in Carrollton, MS with their beloved basset hound, Duke.

Embracing the Rain's Interview with Alyssa Avant
By Debbie McMannus

1. What do you feel is the greatest obstacle facing young women today?

I believe that the greatest obstacle for young women is unrealistic pressure from society to be super woman. She has to be the career person, the mom, the wife, and do it all well.

2. How do you feel society hampers a young women's self image today?

Society hampers young women to do by making her believe that she must conform to a certain standard. That she has to be thin, beautiful, talented, athletic, smart, the total package.

3. Who is your favorite Christian author and why?

Beth Moore, she is an amazing woman of God who knows His Word. She admits that she isn’t perfect and bares her soul for her readers.

4. What is your favorite scripture and how has it influenced your ministry?

My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28. It has influenced my ministry because I realize everything in my life has been leading up to my having this ministry and that “all things truly do work for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

5. What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?

I hope to be speaking and writing, as I am now, with much more success of course. I hope to have several books published and a full schedule of events. I will also make my children and their activities a priority.

6. What are some of the projects you are working on presently?

I am currently working on a podcast for moms and one for teens. I hope to begin this by the fall.

7. What is one of your greatest accomplishments you have achieved while in your ministry?

My greatest accomplishment thus far in my ministry is leading a girl’s retreat in its entirety. I planned the entire thing and spoke for all three sessions as well as led the activities. It was a wonderful weekend.

8. How do you think society influences women today in regards to weight issues?

It makes most young women believe that they must be thin.

9. What do you think society can do to help out young women today?

Society can help young women by helping them to realize we are all unique and all have a very special makeup and purpose.

For more information on Beauty By Design check out Beauty By Design