Envision Your Reign

If you're like most pageant moms, your eyes are sensitive to all things wardrobe as you prepare your daughter for her next pageant. Here's where to find the perfect interview outfit. 5. Facebook Re-sell pages.  Awesome for both custom and off-the-rack dresses. There are several groups that offer slightly used clothing for a fraction of the cost. Do a search in facebook and send a join request. You can post an "ISO" and get several responses within minutes. 4. Macy's . You can find lots of good finds OTR at Macy's. I like the variety they have for older divisions. 3. Dillard's. Great for the youngest age divisions to Miss. Although I would caution that if your daughter is in the "tween" stage, there are not a lot of options, so you'd have to get creative. I suggest finding a dress in the junior section and having it altered down versus buying a dress in the children's section. 2. Nordstrom. They have a tween depar...

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...