Jaydin Gassett, Miss Midwest Royalty International
Where to start? I started pageants at 12 years old and then restarted them at 21 after taking a break from pageantry. These are the 10 things I wish I knew before I started pageants.
1. How many pageants there are.
Ambassador programs, scholarship, beauty, etc there are so many out there and all of them are different and judge on different things. Some have platforms and others require you to have your own platform. Make sure to do your research and read reviews before entering a pro gram, usually I try to find a previous candidate in the program and ask them about their experiences with said pageant.
2. Pageants are expensive.
Wardrobe, hair, makeup, travel expenses, hotels, and misc fees all add up. Then, if you add in the time for missed work you are looking at quite the hefty bill. *Do not forget to give your work a heads up in advance of the time you will need off.*
3. Wardrobe and brands DO matter
Some pageants may say that the cost and brand doesn’t matter, but unfortunately it seems like it does. Quite a bit actually. When I restarted pageants I couldn’t believe how much formal dresses, fun fashion, and interview outfits cost! Not to mention all the shoes. There are the “it” brands that you ”should” have (Sherri Hill, Mac Duggal, Jovani, Marc Defang). Once you are in pageants for awhile you can point out a $50 jumpsuit versus a one of a kind $400 Mac Duggal romper. With that being said, the clothes should not make or break how you place overall. I have learned to find your stores and brands
and stick with them. I only go to Angelique’s bridal for my formal wear because I know I will find a gorgeous gown without breaking the bank.
4. Sponsors can help!
A sponsor can be a person or business that supports you with pageant fees or needs. A sponsor can make life so much easier for a pageant girl. In return for these goods or services you recommend and promote this business or service. A good sponsor is hard to find but once you find them make sure to hold up your end of the deal to make their sponsorship to you worth it for them as well.
5. Pick a platform that means something to you.
When choosing a platform make sure that it means something to you. Look at your volunteer work and what type of community service you gravitate towards. This way when you volunteer and represent your platform it will not feel like work, but instead will be something you are excited and passionate about.
6. Preparation is key!
If you are anything like me you may look at pageants and think “ it doesn’t look that hard, i’ll just practice my walk when I get there” Simple right? WRONG! Pageants take hard work and dedication months in advance. Practicing walks, interview skills, and stage presence is an important thing to do weeks or months in advance. Going into a pageant prepared will make you feel more confident in yourself and confidence shows.
7. Social media can have a positive or negative effect on you.
Remember that time you were having so much fun at the party and you took a bunch of selfies ( maybe with a solo cup or two?). Well, Facebook remembers. The internet is truly forever and that includes what you divulge on your social media accounts, private or
public they are still accessible and can affect how people may perceive you. Not saying to quit your social media, as it can help you as well! Social media is a great way to share your passion about your pageant and your platform. Just remember the grandma rule. “Would I be okay if my grandma saw this post or picture?”
8. Coordinators and judges are people too.
You are going to have a lot of questions, especially if it is your first pageant. Your pageant coordinator should be able to answer those questions for you but remember they are people with lives as well, so maybe that random question you think of at 2AM should wait until business hours.
As scary as they may be, Judges are people as well. Yes they may seem put together and have on their poker face but don’t be afraid to crack a joke if the moment arises in your interview. This shows them you are human and like making people laugh.
9. Be yourself!
This may seem like a no brainer, but it needs to be said! You are putting in the time and work into this pageant so make sure the judges see you, the real you. If you get asked a question in your interview that you don’t know the answer to do not just fake it, usually they will know the correct answer and will know if you are just winging it. It is perfectly fine to say “ I’m sorry I do not know the answer to that question.” They will respect the honesty. If they ask you “ what is your favorite color?” and you think that they want to hear “pink” but your real favorite color is lime green make sure you tell them the truth and not what you think they want to hear. YOU want to win this pageant, so make sure its YOU who is competing for it.
10. Winning is not everything.
It is finally here, time to announce the winner. You have worked so hard and you want it so bad but then…. That wasn’t your name called. In that moment there is a thousand emotions that come up, no matter what you feel remember to smile and congratulate the winner. That girl also worked hard and she also wanted it so bad, don’t forget she put in the work just like you did. Losing is hard and it sucks but it is not the end of the world. Take what you learned and turn it into a lesson and maybe you will be called next time. Don’t give up.
I could write a book about all the things I have learned from pageantry. Some of my closest friends I have met while competing against them! I have been the winner, runner up, or not placed at all. I have wanted to give up but I got back up and kept going. Pageants are NOT easy but they ARE worth it!