I want to compete in a pageant....WHERE DO I START??!!

The pageant bug has bitten you!  You've watched your friends post photos with new friends having fun in glamorous gowns.  You've read about how someone just won a title and is preparing for the next big adventure in some really cool location.  You've witnessed as girls get opportunities that you didn't even know existed and now you want in on it  So, you're taking the plunge and signing up for your first pageant.  You do a little googling and quickly become overwhelmed...."WHERE DO I START??!!!"

No worries, I'll share a few things you should look for as you sign up for your first pageant experience.  I can't share everything, after all, I am a pageant coach, so if you need more than just what will scratch the surface here, then contact me and set up some one-on-one time at my studio so you can head to that first pageant totally confident and fully prepared!

First and foremost, no two pageants are the same.  Okay, so they may be similar, but they are hardly ever the same.  There are many things that differ from one pageant to the next, but some of the obvious things include areas of competition, scoring, available age divisions and style.  What, am I going too fast?  Okay, I'll use this blog post to break those down a little further for you...

          Areas of competition - the areas of competition are the part of the pageant that you actually have to compete in.  Some areas may include interview, photogenic self-introduction, talent, swimwear, fitness wear, fun fashion, formal, community service, etc.  Again, the keyword is "some."  Not every system is going to have swimwear just like not every one has a self-introduction.  The important thing when signing up for a pageant is to know exactly what you are signing up for.  If you don't have an on-stage talent, then competing in a pageant where talent is mandatory is probably not a good idea!  That being said, some pageants then offer what we call "optionals."  These are things you can compete in as an option...meaning, they are not mandatory and your scores from those optionals won't count towards the actual pageant scores.  So, if you have a talent, but you're still working on developing it then signing up for a talent optional competition may be a good place for you to start.  Well, what did you learn here?  Know what the mandatory areas of competition are and what might just be an option.

          Scoring - It's a pageant...you're being judged, so you are getting scored.  A winner is chosen based off of who has the highest scores from the judges.  This is generally done on some sort of scale.  It could be 1-10, 1-20 or ranked or whatever they decide.  Most pageants will include how their scoring is handled in the paperwork, so make sure you read up on it!  That being said, each area of competition accounts for a certain percentage of your overall score.  For example, a pageant may have interview, fashion and formal as their areas of comp, with all three being equally weighted at roughly 33% each.  Great, so if you bomb interview, then you have the other two stage areas to make up for it.  But another system with the same three areas may have interview weighted at 50% of your score with fashion 25% and formal the last 25%.  That tells you that interview is a heavier weight of your overall score, so that's one area you'll want to make sure to excel in.  Some pageants are heavily dependent on your talent, so if talent is 50% or higher of your score, then you'll want to make sure you're talent is spot-on and really strong!  Regardless of the percentage though, you should always make sure you are completely prepared for EVERY phase of your competition. Make sense?  Know the percentage breakdown of the areas!

Available age divisions - most pageants are broken down into divisions so that a toddler isn't competing against someone in their 30's.  This keeps the competition fair and balanced.  Some pageants are broken down solely based off of your age, while others are by age AND marital status, meaning, some pageants have separate age divisions for those who are married or for those who are not but yet in the same age group. Every division then has it's own separate group name based off of what that particular pageant likes to call it.  For instance, one system may have a 9-11 year old age division and call it "Pre-Teen," while another with the same breakdown may call it "Junior Teen."  Basically, when signing up, make sure you know what age division you are in and know what the title is that you are competing for!

          Style- okay, so this just may be the most important part of signing up for a pageant...you need to know the pageant's style.  Some pageants are what we call "conservative" while others may be more "glitz" and then there's everything in-between!  Just knowing the style of the pageant alone can lead you to success.  A conservative pageant is going to look for more of the natural overall looks.  This means, certain age divisions may not be allowed to wear makeup, while others will not be allowed slits in their dresses or deep-plunging necklines.  Knowing this ahead of time will help save you from unnecessary point deductions.  Glitz pageants are more like what you see on the tv show "Toddlers & Tiaras," heavy makeup, spray tans and fake hair for little ones.  There's nothing wrong with the different individual styles of pageantry, but it will be important to figure out which style you personally want to pursue and then find a system to match your needs.  When I first started, I signed up for a more conservative system and bombed because I wasn't doing the "pageant-patty" things they looked for, but then I tried one that was a little more glam and high-fashion and ended up doing really well.  So success can really start with choosing the right system for YOU.  Bottom line, know the style of the system that you are signing up for and follow their rules!

Clearly, there's a lot to pageantry and these are just some of the many things to consider when doing your research.  That's just it though...do your research!  Google.  Bing.  Ask friends who have competed before.  Talk to strangers.  I don't care what you have to do, but get the knowledge!  Most pageant websites will list the director's name and contact info, so don't be afraid to ask questions to them directly before you sign up for anything...most deposits are non-refundable, so do your homework before you pay.  Speaking of paying, look into all of the fees too while you're at it.  Is it just a one-time entry fee?  Are there mandatory program ad page fees?  Do you have to pay for dinners or other tickets on top of the entry fee?  This will be important to know for your budget.  Also, consider what will happen if you do go and end up winning....after all, that really could happen you know.  Is there another level that you'll have to compete at?  What is that info...dates, location, etc?  These are all things to consider for your wants, needs, schedule, budget, etc. Worse case, come see me at Studio K Coaching and I'll help ya out! ;)

Moral of the story (in case you're one of those people who don't really like to read and just scroll) DO YOUR HOMEWORK before signing up for anything!!!

Meet Studio K Model Madison!

MEET MADISON!

Photo by: Clover Storm Photography

 

RYR: As a Studio K girl, you're obviously into modeling, acting, fashion, pageantry or something of the sort, so what made you want to get involved in the industry that you're in?

M: I am currently trying to get into the modeling and acting industry. What made me really want to be apart of this was when I was younger, and I watched a Mary-Kate and Ashley movie. They were very good actors and models, and I would always say "I want to be just like them!" Ever since then, this industry has always been a dream of mine. I see the teen models in the magazines and the young actresses be very successful, and I strive to make similar accomplishments like them.

 

RYR: What has been your favorite experience so far?

M: My Favorite experience so far would have to be the portfolio building workshop that I participated in! It was so much fun, and a really good introduction to the modeling business for me.

 

 

RYR: If you could have any modeling or acting gig, what would be your "dream job?"

M: My dream job would have to be having the lead role in an action movie. I find those movies to be very challenging to act in due to all the special effects and green screens needed to create the movie. Even though it would definitely be a challenge, I feel it would be a great accomplishment if I ever get the opportunity to do one.

 

RYR: This industry is often stereotyped.  What would you tell someone who has a negative view?

M: Even though the industry is much stereotyped, the way I see it is that you don't know unless you try. People don't see all the hard work and dedication put into modeling or acting, or the amount of rejection that is present to many if not everyone who is apart of this industry. All people who stereotype this industry see is a pretty face on screen or in a picture, yet they don't see the amount of effort put into getting the opportunity to act or model. I would tell someone with a negative view of this industry to try it and see if their negative view remains the same.

 

RYR: What is one unexpected thing that you've learned through your experiences in the industry?

M: Personally, I learned that there is a lot more work put into this industry than I originally thought. I am very new to this, and I never realized how much effort someone needs to make to become a figure in the industry. I knew coming into this new that very little actually make it big, but I never realized how small that number was until I was introduced to modeling and acting.

 

RYR: If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking at starting out in the modeling/acting/pageant world, what would you say?

M: The main thing I would tell someone who is starting out in this industry is to never give up. You are going to be rejected, told you aren't good enough for a job, and told you are not what they're looking for. Instead of giving up, get back on your feet and work even harder to improving yourself to be better at what you do. Prove to the people who turned that they were wrong. This industry is very tough, so you can't let down and stop striving to be better. Nothing comes easy in life, but the good things come to those who work for it.

Photo by: Clover Storm Photography

 

RYR: Have you ever been compared to a celebrity?  If so, who?

M: In fact I have been compared to a celebrity, and that person is Jennifer Lawrence. She has talked about how hard she's has had to work to be where she is today, which is what I am currently in the process of doing. She's not afraid to be who she is, and she doesn't necessarily care what people think of her. She is such a good role model for young girls dealing with their weight, appearance, and the who they are. She is one woman who I aspire to be like.

 

RYR: If you could be on the cover of any magazine, what would it be and why? 

M:  If I could be on the cover of any magazine, I would have to choose Seventeen magazine. This magazine doesn't seem to try to show the models as being something they aren't, and I can relate to the models. They genuinely seem happy and proud to be in the magazine, plus it showcases who they are as a person through the pictures. 

 

RYR: What is your biggest pet-peeve?  (I just like hearing the answers to this one!)

M: A pet peeve of mine is when girls feel as if they need someone to depend on; such as a boyfriend. Personally, I feel that these girls need to show that they can be strong, independent women who don't nee a man by their side. It doesn't look the greatest when girls constantly need someone there for them. I find it awesome to have girl who can prove to others that she can stand on her own two feet and can rely on herself.

 

RYR: Rock Your Runway likes to showcase the different "runways" that people like to rock.  The term runway is obviously used in modeling, but for this blog, I like to relate it to anything in your life, something that you are passionate about.  So, other than the obvious, what would you consider your "runway" to be?

M: My "runway" would have to be my gymnastics. I have been a gymnast for thirteen years, and it has been my rock. I have grown up with such great coaches and teammates who have helped make me who I am today. I have gained grace, strength, and a certain confidence to myself that I know I would not have today if I had not become a gymnast.

 

 

Rocking the Photoshoot!

As much as I love getting the opportunity to do some work in front of the camera, I absolutely love even more working behind it.  Recently, I've been able to coordinate and style a few different photoshoots and they have been AWESOME!

I was able to coordinate a shoot for some of my Studio K models to help build their portfolios.  I partnered with Kevin Charles Salon in Sylvania, Ohio and a few of their stylists worked on hand to offer some fun styles for the models.  They did everything from sleek straight looks to curly waves to crazy edgy hair.  So many great styles.  Kevin Charles also opened up his location for us to hold the shoots which worked out perfectly!  I also partnered with Tiffany Taylor, a top notch makeup artist and Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay.  Don't let the MK name fool you though, this girl has mad-makeup skills!  She always says, "this ain't your grandma's Mary Kay" and that couldn't be more true!  And lastly, the wonderful photographer, John Flynn from Clover Storm Photography came in to photograph the gorgeous models.  John shoots lots of pageants, shows and he's worked a lot of different fashion shoots.  I'll let his work below speak to just how talented he is!  I have to admit, this team has been awesome and I'm so happy to be able to offer these portfolio building photoshoot sessions for our talent!  Here's a few of the recent shots....

 

 

 

I also recently had the opportunity to style an editorial photoshoot for Sarah Modene Photography.  Sarah is another amazing photographer who specializes in photo sessions for seniors graduating from high school.  She has a staff of hair and makeup artists on hand for every session she does, so her shots really are unique for each "model."  She wanted to put together a shoot to help promote her business and she asked me to help style it.  We really wanted to make it different and fun, so I contacted my friends at Blue by Atlas Bridal Shop and they graciously agreed to let us borrow some gorgeous gowns and dresses and then my dear friend Mindi Marshall, an Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot let me borrow some beautiful jewels to help accessorize each girl. 

For the first look, we wanted it to be upbeat and fun with bright colors.  I kept calling this "bubblegum."  To me, the colors just looked like bubblegum!  haha!  I had the girls bring chucks or some sort of canvas tennie to pair with the colorful dresses...this just added a youthful twist which I felt was appropriate for Sarah's target audience.  Here's a few of my behind-the-scenes pics, but head over to Sarah Modene Photography for some of the finished photos! 

 

 

 

I wanted to then go with a more "Hollywood Glam" or "red carpet" style look for the second set of photos and I feel that with the black, gold and pops of red, we were able to do just that!  And the cars were just a cool addition...I mean, why not?!!

 

 

I just love putting things together that are unexpected and fun and these shoots have allowed me to be creative while offering a different experience for my talent and those that I work with.  Buzz on over to my Studio K facebook page for more photos from all of these sessions!

My Favorite Things!

Okay, let me start off by saying that I am not getting paid to endorse any of these products or brands...heck, if I was, I'd be doing a lot more of these posts!  haha!  Anyways, I get asked all of the time what some of my "must-haves" are so thought I would share a few with you now.  These are just items that I like.  I'm a product junkie - I love trying out new things and seeing how they work for me.  These are just a few select items that I find myself buying over and over again, so clearly, I must like something about them! 

1.) Hair Products - Yes, I have short hair, but that being said, product is important!  I absolutely could not live without Redken's Rough Paste to help tame my fly-aways and smooth my hair.  It's not super sticky or tacky and a little goes a long way, so it lasts forever.  I also have tried many different hairsprays.  When you're a pageant girl like me, hairspray is your best friend and I have fallen in love with Big Sexy Hair's Spray and Play.  I also like their root pump moose to give me volume at the root, but I don't use it everyday.  Now hairspray?  That's a daily necessity! ;)


2.) Camis - I am a fan of wearing camisoles.  I don't know why, but it's just my thing.  I have one in every color of the rainbow, but I mostly wear the neutrals under tees, blouses and sweaters.  I feel like it just makes my look be more polished and I honestly just feel more comfortable.  Neutrals are your blacks, whites and beige or any skintone color.  These really are a must especially if you are wearing a top with a thin material or obviously if it's see-thru!  They can smooth you out and depending on the brand and material, some even can suck you in!





3.) Nude Shoes - Okay ladies, seriously if you do not have one pair of nude-color shoes in your closet, then you are missing out!  I don't care if they are ballet flats, 6-inch heels, suede, patent leather or nude with rhinestones and a puff ball, nude shoes go with EVERYTHING!  They really are the perfect go-to shoe for that hard to match outfit, so please...run out and pick yourself up a pair!

 

4.) Vitamins - Yep, this is totally random, but these are a daily must-have for me!  Now, I'm not by any means telling you that I'm some sort of health nut, nor am I telling YOU what you should put in your body, but this blog is about MY favorite things and well....these are included.  I can't do the big crazy horse pills and am not excited about taking a bag full of "stuff" every morning, so I have found that settling for the gummies has worked.  I pop two first thing when I wake up and boom...it's that easy.  When I'm out and haven't taken them for a few days, I definitely feel weird and sluggish, so I think they seem to work great for me!

5.) Skincare - Now this is always a topic for debate.  I understand that there are a million and one products out there and depending on who you talk to, one is always going to be better than the other.  I love playing with makeup and skincare, so I'm honestly not really loyal to any one brand.  These are just a few of my favorites that I will buy over and over again.

        Makeup Remover - precleanse by Dermalogica is the one product that will always be in my cabinet. You use it before you wash your makeup off with your normal cleanser and it literally just wipes the yuck off your face!  No tugging or pulling at your eye makeup to remove it anymore!  And it's good for your whole entire face, gets it so much cleaner than just washing alone.
        Moisturizer - I love, love, love the Chanel Ultra Correction Line Repair.  Let's face it, I'm not getting any younger and well, I've heard your should really be using anti-aging products in your 20's!  I love that is has spf 15, but is still lightweight and smooth and, I must say, it smells like heaven.  I use it under my foundation and before I go to bed at night.
        Concealer - Mary Kay Corrector.  I've tried them all and this one gets an A+ from me!  Many seem to settle in the fine lines, especially under the eyes and this one doesn't yet still has great coverage.  It's also not cake-y feeling, which is a plus!
        Eye Primer - if you have never used eye primer, then now is the time to start!  It seriously makes your eye shadow stay on without creasing and it makes the colors so much more vibrant.  Shadow Insurance by Too Faced just happens to be the brand that I like, but makeup artists have used others on me and they seemed to work just as good.  Anything is better than nothing...trust me, you'll notice a huge difference just by using primer!
        Mascara - Chanel Le Volume is THEE best!  I love the brush as it has a lot of bristles going in various directions so it lengthens while also adding volume.  Again, there are tons of amazing mascaras out there, I get it, but if you know me, you'll know I really am kind of a weirdo about my mascara....I don't like clumps and I really hate when they smell funny, so after going through many different brands, this one seems to work the best for me!
      
Hope you enjoyed my favorite things.  Again, I'm not endorsed by any of these companies to discuss their products, but should they want to sponsor me, I wouldn't be mad! ;)

It's Spring - Now What?

Ahhh...Spring has sprung!  The days are getting longer and the nights are getting warmer, so you know what that means...time to update your look!  Are you ready for spring?  Is your wardrobe?  Don't have time to shop for the latest spring trends?  No worries, here's a few quick fixes that you can do now that will help you easily transition into the new season!

1.) Brights - don't feel like you have to put away those black skinny jeans or get rid of your brown leather skirt just yet.  Bring them with you into the spring, but add a pop of color to them.  So, instead of wearing a black sweater with your leather skirt, add that coral blouse you bought last year to it to brighten it up.  White is always easy to do and pretty much in everyone's wardrobe.  Adding a white tunic or white blazer to any darker, fall-like outfit can instantly brighten it up!  Don't be afraid to pull out those bright, floral printed heels you bought on sale at the end of the season last year too, those will be perfect still for this spring!

2.) Hair - Just reworking your hairstyle can help you transition from winter to spring.  No need for those winter hats anymore, so hop on pinterest and play with some new do ideas.  Throw it up in a perfectly polished sock bun, add some cute waterfall braids, just have fun with it and that alone will make you feel like a new woman!  Gone are the days of static cling and dry locks.  It's time for that hair to say hello to the warm rays of sunshine and let it fly in the wind!  There are so many creative ideas out there, so if you aren't ready to update your wardrobe, you can at least update your hairstyle every single day!  Best part of that is, playing with hairstyles looks is always FREE and I don't know about you, but I like free!

3.) Makeup - again, no time to shop for new clothes, no worries, pull out those eye shadow palettes and have fun!  Updating your makeup look is an easy way to move you forward into the warmer temps.  No longer a need to wear those browns and taupe eye shadows, instead play with the untouched blue hues or green shadows sitting in your makeup kit and brighten up your overall look. You'll feel fresh and ready to take on all that spring has to offer!

4.) Scarves - this is one accessory that you can pretty much find ANYWHERE!  I have a billion scarves from wool to silk to cotton, throwing on a weather-appropriate scarf is not only a great transition piece, but a lovely accessory!  Leave the wool for winter and fall, but pull out those cotton and silk scarves for your spring collection.  We all know that as the seasons change, the weather often takes some time to catch up and realize that, so keeping those scarves around can really help when the weather guy says it will be 65, but in reality, it's only really 50 degrees out!  Stick with bright colors too and you'll hit two trends!  I personally love to wear my with a jean jacket for a nice casual, spring look.

5.) Layers - winter always has us dressing in layers upon layers, but did you know spring can be that way too?  You just need to change them up!  If you are used to dressing in layers, then keep with the trend, but spring it forward.  Instead of the tank, layered with a long-sleeve tee under a wool cardigan, throw on a soft camisole under a three-quarter button down.  Light layers is always a spring trend, so keep layering up those colors and prints, but just keep the fabrics light and flowy, just like the air outside!  Have fun transitioning and enjoy the weather! :)