Envision Your Reign

Caroline getting ready to mail letters to soldiers One of the great things about pageantry is that there are so many amazing girls all around the world who are trying to make a difference in their schools and communities locally, nationally, and globally. Pageantry offers girls a wide and available audience to deliver a message, spread awareness, raise money, or fight for a cause. Damacia collected books for children in Africa If you have a passion for service, helping others, being involved in your community, but don't know where to start, here are some tips: 1. Use your love or hobby . For example, if you love eating popcorn more than anything in the world, why not do popcorn fundraisers to raise money for (choose a cause). When you choose a cause, don't just pick a random one. See the next tip! 2. Choose a cause that you have a connection to. For example, if your father is in the military, you might do something related to armed forces or families of

Caroline's crowning moment as Miss Missouri Princess It's not her gown. It's not her hair, make-up, or anything aesthetic. It's not a perfectly crafted personal introduction. It's not how gracefully she walks in formal wear. It's her PLATFORM. NAM Cover Girl Elizabeth promoting her platform A platform is a cause or project that the contestant volunteers her time and effort to by bringing awareness, raising money, doing service work, or some other similar activity. Like I wrote about in another article , in any natural pageant system, judges are looking for a contestant who is service oriented, who is trying to make a difference in her community, who is thinking of others more than herself. Shelby serves with her project: Angels Giving Back by Shelby So now the question becomes, "How will the judges know what she's doing in the community when they ask what her favorite color and foods are?" The answer is simple. The contestant h

I once had a chance to speak with a very sweet lady whose daughter had just won her first state title. The very interesting thing about it was that she had been attempting this for thirteen years, and each year her daughter would place 1st or 2nd runner up to the crown. She mentioned the “always the bridesmaid, never the bride” adage. Don’t get me wrong, I was very excited for this mom and her daugher. But I couldn’t help but to think that if it were me, what I would have done in that situation. If you’re caught in the cycle of runner-up-ing every year, then there may be something you can do to break the curse once and for all. NAM Jr. Pre Teen Colorado Queen's Court 1. Platform . Make sure you have a strong platform that you have a true connection to. Judges are looking for a title-holder that is service oriented and will represent their system just as well as she’s representing a worthy cause. 2. Change it up . If you’re wearing generally the same style or co

NAM contestant Cortni posing in her interview outfit I’ve heard many horror stories of moms who criticize and degrade their daughters for “messing up” at their pageants. These are those moms who just get too wound up and deep down, really want their daughter to win. They just don’t know how to best encourage and motivate her. Or, their motives may be in the wrong place to begin with - living vicariously through their daughter's every pageant move. If your daughter “messes up” during pageant weekend, the number one thing to realize is pageant weekend is not the time to wag your finger in her face reminding her of her shortcomings. Here are some other things to keep in mind that will help keep your daughter motivated during pageant week: 1. Don’t expect perfection. Your daughter is not a robot, she’s a human. She’s going to make a mistake from time to time. Instead, expect excellence. When she tries her very best, those efforts should be applauded. 2. Celebrate the