A chat with Lidia Szczepanowski, Ms. World Elite 2017, of Dix Hills
Earlier this year, Lidia Szczepanowski was crowned Ms. World Elite 2017. Beyond being a beauty queen, the Dix Hills resident is a top-rated litigation attorney with a successful practice in Melville. She is also the founder of Everything Lidia, a multi-platform lifestyle enterprises, and the National Organization for Women's Safety Awareness.
As a writer, when you hear of someone who is well-rounded while carrying a universally-strong reputation, you most likely want to interview them. Thankfully, I was able to set up Q&A with Szczepanowski via R. Couri Hay Creative PR shortly after Szczepanowski's June 2017 event at the Haven Rooftop in Manhattan. More on Ms. World Elite 2017 and her various projects -- some of which described below -- can be found at www.everythinglidia.com.
You were recently crowded Ms. World Elite 2017. What inspired you to compete for that?
Lidia Szczepanowski: I believe Ms. World Elite is a smart, stylish, stiletto clad woman who recognizes and celebrates her strengths and accomplishments. She never stops learning and she exemplifies the words “success, independence and glamour." Savvy and outspoken, Ms. World Elite is a dynamic woman with a distinctive point of view who shares her positive message of empowerment with passion, humor and intelligence. She is honest about her own trials and tribulations while motivating women to always be their personal best.
I wanted to be Ms. World Elite so I could embody this description and share this powerful message to women of all ages throughout the world! This was my inspiration.
What is the best part of having that title?
Lidia Szczepanowski: Winning and holding the title of Ms. World Elite 2017 has not only given me a bigger voice to share my ideology that there are no limits to what women in our country can achieve, but it has also given me a powerful -- yet glamourous -- platform to continue to encourage women to celebrate their achievements, accomplishments, and contributions to their families, careers, and communities.
My mission continues to be to inspire and challenge women to always try new things, never settle for the ordinary and experience life to the fullest. I believe my title helps me promote my positive message which I hope is delivered with intelligence, professionalism, passion, humor and a touch of panache. I want women of all ages to feel fulfilled, healthy, fabulous, and successful.
You live in Dix Hills. Is that where you grew up?
Lidia Szczepanowski: No, I grew up in Huntington Station and attended Walt Whitman High School.
What is it that keeps you a Long Islander?
Lidia Szczepanowski: Long Island is the perfect place to live. Spectacular beaches are abundant, it lies right outside of New York City, the shopping and restaurants are incredible, it has four beautiful seasons and there is something to do throughout the year. The Island has a rich history, the east end has amazing wineries and vineyards, and this has always been my home and it always will be. It’s where I grew up, where I raised my children and where I intend to retire to.
Do you have a favorite restaurant on the Island?
Lidia Szczepanowski: Although I have so many “favorite” restaurants on Long Island, if I had to pick the first one I would say Stone Creek Inn in East Quogue. Phenomenal foie gras and duck breast!
What was the last concert you attended on Long Island?
Lidia Szczepanowski: The last concert I attended on Long Island was Suicide Silence. Although I am not a huge fan of “deathcore” music, it was my pleasure to spend time with my daughter who loves this genre of music. We were lucky to be able to attend a private meet and greet where we had a chance to speak one on one with the band members, who could not have been kinder.
Ms. World Elite appearances aside, what's coming up for you work-wise?
Lidia Szczepanowski: I am launching a dress line called Sculptura, which I proudly designed. I like to describe Sculptura dresses as one of a kind, classically evolved “LBD’s” that contain a special patented Body Sculpting Technology. Sculptura combines stylish design and luxurious fabrics with exclusive "Sculpting Tools" to create the perfect body silhouette for any occasion, from courtroom to cocktails.
I also have a book coming out soon entitled There’s Something Fishy About That Skinny Bitch. It’s the “Unconventional, Irreverent, and Often Unsophisticated Guide to Dining, Losing Weight and Never Dieting Again!” Part-memoir and part-nutrition and lifestyle advice, Something Fishy is the first book that cuts through all the “diet” nonsense and gives readers unfettered and raw information about what women think about and do when trying to lose weight, which of these bizarre thoughts and actions actually work, and how anyone can become thinner and healthier by following a few simple rules.
When not busy being Ms. World Elite or working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Lidia Szczepanowski: During my free time, I enjoy cooking, dirt bike and quad riding, running, playing tennis, skiing, just about every water sport you can think of, including jumping waves in the ocean on my Wave Runner and challenging myself with extreme activities such as Tough Mudder, ziplining, and scuba diving. I try to do these activities as often as possible together with my family.
Finally, Lidia, any last words for the kids?
Lidia Szczepanowski: Always be true to yourself, but be respectful of others especially older people, take responsibility for your actions and if you’re wrong, admit it. Be honest and stand up for what you believe in, listen attentively and disagree politely and try not to exclude people from conversations. Remember to do the right things especially when no one is watching and it’s more important and fulfilling to give of yourself than to receive.
