Envision Your Reign

Brooke and her daughter after being crowned Miss PA In a previous article  I wrote about the importance of creating a vision board as a success tool in pageantry.  If you've got one,  good for you!  You've completed the first step in achieving a dream. But don't stop there. You have to break down dreams into bite-sized quantifiable chunks in order for your vision to manifest.   In pageantry, it is not enough to simply say:  " My goal is to be the next 'Miss Whoever'! " While this is a very ambitious dream, it simply is not enough.  It's vague, has no action plan, and may not even be realistic. As an educator, I stress the importance of goals.  I sit down with my students individually and ask them to write down a specific grade they would like to make on their next big test. Then I coach them on specific tasks and steps they need to take in order to achieve the growth they desire.  It's written down and kept in a file in addition to a g

It's the start of a new year!  This is the time when people resolve to make this year better than the last. For many, lists of goals, tasks, or objectives are created in hopes of accomplishing them within the next 365 days.  Pageant girls everywhere are listing that big title as top priority. With hard work and dedication, many of these pageant goals will be accomplished.  However, some crown-chasers will unfortunately fail to even come close to their dream with little reason as to why. As a mom, educator, and coach, I tirelessly encourage young people to set goals.  However, in pageantry, I believe the extra step of creating a vision board will catapult dreams into reality.  Here are the reasons why a vision board should be a priority to-do item in any pageant girl's journey. I once had a client (fairly new to pageantry) who had never heard of a vision board.  The first thing I required her to do before we proceeded with coaching sessions was to create a vision

Emery after she competed in her state pageant You may have participated in pageants when you were younger.  Or, your only experience with pageants may have been watching the infamous 'Toddlers & Tiaras' on television.   You may have finally given in to your daughter's one-hundred and twenty ninth request to enter a pageant. Whatever the case, your daughter's first pageant journey can be daunting for everyone involved.  Start paving your way to success by reading these simple tips.  Here are my top 5 tips for new pageant moms: 1. Ask a lot of questions.   Use anyone in your circle as a resource and inquire specific questions on getting started.  If there is no pageant pro in your circle, don't worry.  You'll soon be  initiated  into to the pageant mom sorority as your journey progresses.  In the meantime, call the pageant director or the head offices with a list of your top questions.  They are ultimately your most reliable resource.

National American Miss Texas State Finalist, Natalia Davalillo 1. Confidence Booster This is especially true if your daughter is not very actively involved OR if her activities don't have many opportunities for individual recognition/honors.  Pageantry is good for highlighting each and every contestant for their own unique talents and strengths.  It gives each contestant an opportunity to shine alone on stage whether they're performing, speaking, or even just walking. Contrary to what some may think, even if a girl doesn't win it all she can still achieve a great sense of accomplishment from what she did gain while preparing for and competing in a pageant. It makes girls feel good when they're recognized! NAM National Finalist Blayne Brown celebrates with the Spirit Stick She Won 2. Builds Communication Skills There is not one sport that I can think of that lends itself toward speaking with authority, assertion, and eloquence in commun