How I Prep for a Pageant

Hey y'all! As of May 2020 I have a few months left until International Junior Miss' international pageant this summer in the Woodlands, TX. What better time to write about how I prepare for a pageant than when I'm preparing for a pageant! I have been competing in pageants since I was 12 years old, so I have been doing this thing for about 8 years. It has been one of the coolest growing experiences ever. Since beginning this journey I have really come out of my shell. I can talk to people everywhere I go, I believe in myself more, and above all else I am continuously proud of what I accomplish! I used to be so hard on myself and genuinely disliked looking in the mirror. Now, my reflection is not something I shy away from.

When I am getting into pageant season (which, let's face it, is all year for someone that loves it as much as I do) I try to make sure I am prepared all around. Mentally, physically, spiritually, the whole shebang.

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One thing any first time pageant girl, or even a seasoned competitor, would really benefit from is journaling! Getting yourself in the habit of reflecting on your progress as a person not just a pageant girl is something I think is super important in the overall bettering of individuals. Pageants are not forever, but your attitude and how you treat others is! Journal the hard stuff. Did you have a bad emotional day and take it out on those around you? Write it down. Did you wake up feeling amazing and have one of y0ur best days ever? Write it down! The journal is for you and your personal growth, so there is no need to be embarrassed or worry about what anyone else might think of you.

Try to get in some exercise at least 4 days a week. I cannot stress this enough though: this is about you. You should not be trying to get to some body standard you feel the judges would want to see. It is not about fitting into a dress. You have to feel confident in yourself before you step out on that stage, and sometimes we can find a little more of that confidence when we're sweaty as heck! It is also worth noting that this post is based on my experience. I love how I feel when I work out, and that is not necessarily based on how I look. I just like knowing that I had a good run or leg day or what have you. Exercise is scientifically proven to boost your mood, decrease stress, and reduce risk of some health issues like cardiovascular problems and non-insulin dependent diabetes, and in my personal experience can increase your levels of feeling like a baddie. As well as decrease your likelihood of murdering your old and rich husband so that Elle Woods can prove your innocence! (Please tell me y'all know that reference in the comments).

Another small thing I like to do but I feel gives me a big impact is whiten my teeth! I am a naturally pale complected person, with blonde hair. So I find that when I get tanned for pageants my skin and the tones in my hair tend to blend on the neutral scale, and I like for my teeth to stand out as brilliantly white! Instead of the off-white the rest of me is on stage. (and the off-white we all know our teeth can get).

An obvious one but always a good reminder: practice interview questions!!! Y'all, a pageant interview is identical to a job interview. Why? Because a title is a job! You are entering a year long contract with a company where you will promote them and represent their brand well, and you usually get paid for it. Hello? It's a job. So if you want the job and you want to show the judges that you deserve it, practice practice practice! You can find plenty of interview question examples online but I'll be nice and give you a few that have been super common in my experience.

- Why do you want to be the next Miss ____? (this question can also sound like, why should we pick you, what makes you stand out, etc). The judges want to know what amazing qualities you are bringing to the table.

- Tell me about yourself. This one I hear nearly every single time I compete so you would think people would be more used to it by now. Wrong! Girls get seriously stumped by this question and I can't figure out why! Sister! The whole point of competing in pageants is showing yourself off! You walk on stage to show your elegance and natural beauty. You do fun fashion/swimsuit/fitness to show your personality and energy. And we have interview so you can tell the judges all of the amazing things you have accomplished and why they should want your name associated with the title! This question should be the easiest thing ever.

- Where do you see yourself in five years? I love this question because I am a big planner kinda person. This question also helps the judges get a feel for your priorities and how driven you are.

After practicing interview the other thing I always do while getting ready for pageant season is walk in my competition shoes. This helps you first; break them in. No one wants to be competing in a pair of tippy tops and feel halfway through their first competition that they're getting a major blister and then have to suffer through that for the rest of the night and weekend. Second, this helps you see if they're really the right shoes for you. If you've been practicing your walk in some super high heels for three weeks and it's not getting any easier, you may need to find a pair that aren't as tall! Let me stress that that is not a bad thing. Not everyone can do the classic nude strappy tippy tops and that is a-okay. Remember that this is about you and what is going to help you put your best foot forward (literally lol).

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If people like this post and want more little tips from me for pageants I would love to continue this! I love competing and have been doing it for a little bit, so I am more than happy to share what I've learned along the way. And if we can highlight a little more of the pageant world and all its benefits for the people that aren't aware then that's a double win for me!

Thank y'all so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you compete in pageants and if so where and with what system! As always I appreciate everyone that interacts with my blog so much, and I wouldn't be a pageant girl if I didn't say...