Who would have guessed that I would do another pageant before Miss Earth United States? After receiving some negative feedback from those closest to me, I was unsure if pageantry was the right thing for me. If pageantry was turning me into somebody "judgmental" and "pretentious". It wasn't till a chance encounter with the director of Miss Teen Seattle America and Miss/Mrs. Washington International while dress shopping for a friend that I was driven to compete. Elizabeth Gibbons is truly a wonder to speak with as she is so knowledgable and experienced and so passionate about helping young women into themselves and helping them be successful.
After much deliberation and discussion, and wonderful advice from Elizabeth, I signed up to compete! I rushed to finish my headshots, platform page, and ad for the pageant. Something about this pageant felt right as I prepared for it. Here's how I prepped for the pageant:
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The Friday before the pageant we all met for the first time in Renton. I chose to stay in the hotel for the convince of driving and sanity. There was when I met my first Mrs contestant ever, who was an absolute blast! We carpooled to rehearsals and boy were we late because of typical Seattle traffic and poor parking lot design. Rehearsals went quickly and were ran well thanks to Elizabeth and Cassie Searles who knew exactly what they were doing. Not only did they help but in the audience we had Gary Umemeto and another pageant queen giving us walk, facial, EVERYTHING advice so that we would compete at our highest the next day. Even our Executive Pageant Director and most amazing sponsor Dr. Erik Suh came by with snacks to come watch as we prepared.
While in bed I was so distraught and dreamt that I tripped on stage, rolled my bad ankle, and would continue with the opening number sobbing but still snapping because you can't stop the dance.
While in bed I was so distraught and dreamt that I tripped on stage, rolled my bad ankle, and would continue with the opening number sobbing but still snapping because you can't stop the dance.
That Saturday I woke up excessively early to get my hair done by Canary Salon, which was wonderful as usual as I got shampoo-d and a wonderful hairstyle that I couldn't have done even with a million Pinterest tutorials! I even got a "swag bag" of hair products just so I could maintain their magic throughout the night!
Then were interviews! The experience with the International system of interviews was amazing. At 25 minutes total, it may seem crazy long, but I loved getting a one-on-one with each judge to talk about my platform and whatever else they wanted to discuss. I can't imagine a better interview process to truly get to know a pageant girl.
In between there was a few hours to do whatever needed to be done. I talked with the Mrs. contestants, got Starbucks, and practiced my on-stage platform speech about 50 times before I gave up and hung out. One of the Mrs contestants and I got some "drinks" (hey diet pepsi, the first I had in months!). It was such a nice bonding experience and I wish I had done some of the early events so I could have gotten to know them better. Eventually we made it to rehearsal where everyone was in full face and I hadn't changed from interview! After a rash attempt at smokey eye, eyeliner, and lashes I thought I was well prepared. Turns out, after some wonderful, if not off-putting backstage help, I needed a TON more blush and bronzer and a much darker lipstick. It was off putting because I thought I was so prepared and it turns out I was totally off. I'm so grateful for their help because my cheeks popped on stage and my lips were just visible, they were 100% right.
Then were interviews! The experience with the International system of interviews was amazing. At 25 minutes total, it may seem crazy long, but I loved getting a one-on-one with each judge to talk about my platform and whatever else they wanted to discuss. I can't imagine a better interview process to truly get to know a pageant girl.
In between there was a few hours to do whatever needed to be done. I talked with the Mrs. contestants, got Starbucks, and practiced my on-stage platform speech about 50 times before I gave up and hung out. One of the Mrs contestants and I got some "drinks" (hey diet pepsi, the first I had in months!). It was such a nice bonding experience and I wish I had done some of the early events so I could have gotten to know them better. Eventually we made it to rehearsal where everyone was in full face and I hadn't changed from interview! After a rash attempt at smokey eye, eyeliner, and lashes I thought I was well prepared. Turns out, after some wonderful, if not off-putting backstage help, I needed a TON more blush and bronzer and a much darker lipstick. It was off putting because I thought I was so prepared and it turns out I was totally off. I'm so grateful for their help because my cheeks popped on stage and my lips were just visible, they were 100% right.
Then came competition. My second foot on stage, I tripped. I tripped in active wear. I stepped on my dress in evening gown. I have no idea what my face looked like for most of it. I do know that my platform speech went perfectly and ended right on time and hit all of my speaking points! At intermission, Miss Seattle America sang "La Vie En Rose" and it was so lovely I didn't know what to do with myself. After it was all said and done, I had an idea where I might place but I was so focused on myself I didn't have a clue how anyone else did. At the end of the night I placed 2nd runner up, at my second pageant, and I couldn't be prouder! I am proud of Stormy for her 1st runner up spot and elated for Kylie for being the first Miss Washington International (crowned at a state competition). I really got to get to know Kylie as she was #1 and I was #2 contestant and her platform is so important and she is the perfect role model for young girls and women wanting to go into STEM.
This years class at Miss and Mrs. Washington were simply amazing and I am seriously thinking about competing again next year!
Links:
Program Book
Miss/Mrs Washington International
Mrs. Washington International Facebook
Washington International Pageants Facebook
This years class at Miss and Mrs. Washington were simply amazing and I am seriously thinking about competing again next year!
Links:
Program Book
Miss/Mrs Washington International
Mrs. Washington International Facebook
Washington International Pageants Facebook