Catching Up With…Ashley Tesoro (ex-Kimberly, B&B, 1998-2001)
On B&B, she played Macy’s half-sister Kimberly, a wide-eyed innocent turned spunky troublemaker, but in real life, Ashley Tesoro (née: Cafagna) has been happily married to Anthony Tesoro for 18 years, and they are the proud parents of three children: Gabriella, 6, Anthony, 4 and Valentina, 1. Here’s the latest….
Soap Opera Digest: Hi, Ashley. What’s new with you?
Ashley Tesoro: I’m so excited to be running in the Mrs. Nevada America pageant on June 7th at the South Point Hotel & Casino in the beautiful city of Las Vegas! I’m a 15-year resident of Nevada so I couldn’t be prouder to be competing in this amazing event. I’m running for two titles in one night: Mrs. Nevada-America and Mrs. Nevada America-World. I have the opportunity to win one or the other. If I win a title on June 7, then I go on to compete in the Mrs. America pageant. I’m so thrilled to have this opportunity. It is my first big entertainment endeavor in a long time.
Digest: You actually started out in pageants, right?
Tesoro: I began my entertainment endeavors as a young girl through beauty pageants, and I held the “Little Miss California” title [at the age of 8]. So, it doesn’t surprise me that my life’s path has circled me back to the pageant industry.
Digest: Tell us more about this endeavor.
Tesoro: The pageant I’m running in is the premier pageant for married women. This event is filled with accomplished ladies seeking to do great works for their community. Contrary to certain beliefs, pageant women are not just “pretty faces.” In this competition, we have a military woman, a pilot, a doctor; mothers, wives and philanthropists. I’m proud to be running along side these accomplished women. If I win the crown, I will do all I can to bring greater visibility to this pageant system. It’s actually a very important industry for women. Not only does it give us self-expression and a way to showcase our talents and beauty but as pageant contestants, we also do extensive charity outreach helping people in need in our communities.
Digest: How did this all come about?
Tesoro: I thought I was done with my competition days until I met a beautiful lady named Jackie McKenna. Jackie is the director of the Mrs. Nevada America pageant. She was also Mrs. Nevada in 1990. I met her while judging for the Miss NV High School America Pageant. I was asked by a friend to be a judge for girls from babyhood through college. I had the privilege of helping to crown several girls that day. Jackie and I met and she told me about the Mrs. Nevada competition. I had never heard of it before. Upon learning about it, I believed it was right up my alley. It is the perfect venue for me to showcase everything I’m about, and gives me the opportunity to stand on a new platform to further my charitable works.
Digest: How does it feel to be back on the pageant circuit?
Tesoro: I’m pouring my heart into this opportunity, and I’m hoping to bring home that crown to make you all proud. Being on the stage is my happy place. I’m looking forward to stepping on the stage in June and soaking it all in. I will definitely take my moment. When I was a young girl competing in pageants, my mom told me, “Don’t get off that stage until you finish your routine. Don’t let anyone push you off the stage and take your moment.” I will remember these words on pageant night.
Digest: What’s been your family’s response?
Tesoro: My husband, Anthony, and our children Gabriella, Anthony, and Valentina, are so supportive and excited for me. Gabriella gave me a sticker with a gold trophy on it and told me, “Mom, look at this every day because you’re going to bring home the gold.” What an encouragement from my sweet six-year-old! My parents and my sister and family on both sides are thrilled for me, too. I’m so thankful for all the love and support I have received. It’s been an outpouring of kindness, and it has touched me deeply.
Digest: Who’s on your “thank you” list?
Tesoro: I would like to thank my sponsors for helping me with my title run. I couldn’t do this without all of you. Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Cafagna, Mr. and Mrs. Tesoro, Brittney Cafagna Branca, Tesoro Ministry Foundation Inc., South Shore Country Club LLV, Dance Addiction, Crazy Pita, Trish Nash Team, Skin Bar, Regenerate Medical Concierge, and a special thank you to Soap Opera Digest and all my soap fans who have stood by me through the years.
Digest: How can fans get in on the action?
Tesoro: Please follow my Instagram @ashleytesoro to keep updated on my journey. All of my family, friends and fans will have the opportunity to vote for me for “People’s Choice,” which moves me to the top five. Everyone will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the event, as well. I will be updating my Instagram account and giving all the latest details on everything about the pageant. Check it out!
