Envision Your Reign

After some time in pageantry you may consider crossing over to the other side better known as the "industry". While there are a lot of skills that overlap in both arenas, the process of getting booked for print modeling, television commercials and movies is a whole 'nother story.  Here's what I've learned from professional actress and acting coach Sametria Ewunes . 1. Agencies should never ask you for any money. If they do, RUN like the wind. Period.   2. How to find agencies? Do a google search of agencies in your area and find out what they require to submit your child for consideration. Agencies that are SAG-AFTRA certified are preferred.  3. Get professional photos. I know there is a lot of advice saying all you need are still shots with your i-phone and you can submit those to agencies...and this may work for some. However, in order to present the best version of yourself, a professional looking portfolio may get you through the door fast...

Parades and pageantry go hand in hand. They're a great way to show pride in your local communities, promote your title, have fun during your reign. Parade participation creates memories that last a lifetime. Here are some tips on how to make this occasion festive and fun.    1. Secure your participation as soon as possible.   Contact the event organizer or the city if the parade is sponsored by the city or town. Complete the parade entry form or application. Pay the parade entry fee (if applicable).    2. Secure a vehicle . Whether you have your own pick-up truck, convertible or float, you'll want to have some type of transportation. If you don't, contact a local car dealership to requests sponsorship (use of their vehicle). Paying the entry fee in advance and allowing the dealership to advertise with their banner will be a plus for them. The advertising will be a tax deductible expense.     3. Get a car magnet. Contact a local sig...

Delaney Delgado National Cover Miss Pre-Teen With rising costs of everything pageant related, it may be worth it to look into sponsors for your daughter's next pageant. Here are some helpful tips on how to get started. 1. Planning for sponsors . Make a list of businesses that you regularly patronize and make a calendar of when you would like to make your first contact to each of them. In addition to those businesses, contact other small businesses in your area. Usually 'mom and pop' businesses require less red tape and will be more readily available to donate. Create a speech that your daughter can memorize that explains the nature of the pageant, that the expense is tax-deductible and how the sponsorship will be used. 3. Sponsorship levels . Create levels of sponsorship for potential donors to choose from. This will make it simpler for a donor to figure out how much to give. Create a handout or letter of the sponsorship levels and include it in the packet (explai...

Layla F. in her crowning moment as Miss KY JPT (NAM) If you are looking for a coach to help you or your daughter succeed in pageantry, here is a list of my top six questions to ask during your search. 1. How do you provide feedback? Feedback is paramount to improvement. A good pageant coach will provide ongoing feedback to the contestant. An awesomely fantastic coach will provide very specific and immediate feedback in each area of coaching in written format so that there is a record of progress over time (and so the client doesn't forget it!) This way you can be assured that your coach tailors the coaching journey specifically for your daughter and that she is receiving personalized services. Kira E. after winning her state title as Miss NC (MAC) 2. What is your specialty? You need to know this because each coach is unique, as are the needs of your daughter. You may need a coach to concentrate on modeling or stage presence versus interview and communication skil...

NAM Texas royalty pose after a pageant Whether you have a local, state, or national title the "unspoken rules" of wearing your crown and sash are the same no matter which pageant system you represent. And if you hold more than one title, these rules are just as important.  Here are my tips on proper crown and sash wear: When and how to wear them. 1. Community Service - Wear your sash or no sash at all. No crown.  Since the focus should be on the people or cause you're serving, a crown is not necessary. It could even take attention away from the cause. Sometimes it's good to bring the sash along with you for photo opportunities before or after the event but leave it off while you're actually serving. You could wear a jacket or t-shirt with your title on it as an alternative. It's always  a good idea to check with the event organizer on what they deem appropriate. Natalia D. performs community service 2. A gala, fashion show, awards ceremony...

1. She's too young... If she's not achieving those big state or national titles, she could very well be performing at her very personal best, but may be "out-performed" by older girls in her division. There's a huge developmental gap between age 4 and age 7, yet, pageants may have them competing in the same age division, which puts older girls at a huge advantage. Girls may peak at different stages, or ebb and flow into their sweet spots.  Age can be a major factor throughout her pageant journey. 2. Low Self Esteem.. .Older contestants will tend to have a variety of personal issues ignited by puberty, society's unrealistic standards of beauty, or personal hardships. It takes a super confident contestant to fight through these challenges to win. Ishta showing a confident smile before her competition 3. Too focused on "winning"... because when she doesn't win, her self confidence plummets, sending her through a downward spiral of...