"They tarnished my image and I didn't even know it"

Disclaimer: brutal honesty below.

While watching an episode of Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition, it dawned upon me that the dance world is much like the pageant world. There are people your age that you are competing with, who want the same things, who are spending just as much (if not more) money on things to make them shine etc. But something really stood out were the parents...

While we all love our parents to pieces, I think we need to consider if they are hurting us. More specifically, is mom or dad always looking panicked? Starting drama? Talking behind people's backs? You certainly do not need that drama during pageant week or weekend, so why should you be surrounded by it? Not to mention, is your friend or boyfriend tagging along? Does that friend have green (or whatever unnatural color) hair? Ripped jeans and a tee shirt, escorting you to rehearsal? What image does that present of you?

Let's remember ladies, even if the pageant director does not want to admit it, an image or an idea is being cast of you by how you dress, how you present yourself etc and if you're presenting yourself with a mom who hasn't cared to get dressed for the morning or a friend who is still in their PJs, how does that make you look?

It's all about image - your personal brand. What brand or image are you telling the world? Will this brand or image develop much while being the titleholder? Will it develop for the positive? Pageants want representatives. They want girls who look, act, behave etc in a certain way. That's a fact. You have to fit an image - whether that's the "all-american girl" or the "glam girl", that's just the truth. Consider what image the people around you are giving off.

Advice: show that you are independent and strong. You don't need mom breathing down your neck or brushing your hair in the dressing room. Be a big girl and do it yourself. Leave the boyfriend or best friend at home or in the room. Stop the tag-alongs! Never fail to look and be the titleholder!

Yes, the judges do not see the crazy mom or friends in PJs but everyone else does. The pageant system is not just crowning you - they crown your family for a year too! They have to spend the year with you ALL - I don't know about you,  but I rather them like my family and make my year fun rather than them talk about me to other directors in other systems or spread the word that I'm a baby or can't handle myself.

You read the disclaimer...and if you are here, you read the blog above. Don't freak out - I'm not speaking directly at your situation, but I am telling you - people will not want to work with you, even if life, if you give off the wrong image or idea. It is a reality, now how can you fix your reality? 

Don't let that single person be the reason why you have difficulties winning! Don't be the girl who says, "they tarnished my image and I didn't even know it"! 

My story: long story short, you all know I love and live pageants. While at a recent event on-site, one person bothered me so much and caused so much drama that I honestly wanted to quit my work. I wanted to pack up and leave. Heaven forbid if that person causes that drama outside of the BV room and in the ballrooms because her child will never win - her image/brand will be one of chaos and chaos will not win. Don't let someone tarnish your image!

Just Jump Out of the Car?

When offering my pageant coaching services to contestants, I often hear, "Oh I only need to work on interview...nothing else". Really? Seriously? Contestants need to be the complete package - there is no harm in brushing up all of your skills.

And even worse, please don't tell me, "I already have a coach for the other stuff". Really? Seriously? Everyone you chat with will have something new to offer! What if I told you a tip that your coach had never thought of? Wouldn't you be better off knowing even more? Just a thought...

My main point is that no matter if you have a coach or you do not, you need to practice everything when preparing for a pageant. Daily. Twice a day, if possible. This includes all speaking portions of competition, walking, fitness, etc. Everything. Practice like a pro.

Two quick points about pageant/life preparation:

1. You need to look like you don't need practice: look like a pro.
Some people say that you need to look like you didn't even prepare, like you were born ready. Well, if you did not prepare, you would stumble over words, trip in your new shoes, have the wrong wardrobe etc. So let's rephrase what some people have you told you - you need to look like a pro and that will come from constant practice and preparation.

2. Practice hard enough that things come easier to you
Prior to Miss Maryland, I would practice my talent, yes. But part of my trick for looking like I could do it in my sleep was constantly listening to the track and going through the motions. After my talent performance on finale night this year, I walked off stage saying..."did I just do my talent"? It came with such ease and brought such happiness that I was in a state of bliss versus remorse for not practicing. And everyone told me I looked like I was having the time of my life - yes, I was! Because I had run through the music (via Ipod attached to my body) every waking moment for the previous few weeks, the motions came to my mind and body easier and I did not have the look of "what's coming next?" when dancing. Think of that before your next interview or gown walk or fitness routine...practice to look like a pro.


The more often you work at that speech or remembering the routine or nailing that full turn in your swimsuit walk, the easier it will come to you. However, I must add that PROPER  preparation prevents poor performance - this means, do things "full out" or don't do them at all. Practice your interview in your suit, shoes, and nylons...practice your gown walk in your heels and gown on a stage-like floor etc. Do not do things half way...you have heard the phrase "practice makes perfect", right? Well, that's wrong..."proper practice makes perfect"...do it right or do not bother.

Let's make this simple: You are driving to the beach one day and you have packed all of your beach attire, necessities etc. into the car. However, while driving to the beach with your friends, you heard on the radio that there is a full marathon (26.5 miles) at the next exit...so you decide to take the exit, jump out the car, and enter the race with plans to win the whole thing!

Um, no.

It doesn't happen that way my friends. You cannot jump out of the car and expect to win. You have to prepare properly for all phases of the competition that will come at you. PROPER preparation will prevent poor performance...and will help you look and feel like a pro on-stage! So do what you have to do to prepare properly... and let me know if you need any help along the way... <3

*Viki


Let me help you figure out what's your next step or what you should be doing to prepare properly; email me at bevictoriousprep@gmail.com today or visit the BV website now: www.BeVictoriousPrep.tk

Move on girl!

I was recently asked by a BV girl: "when is it the right time to leave behind a pageant system and try others". Well, my opinion on this has not changed and I want to remind you of my thoughts on this issue:

Try every pageant. Never stick to just one.

If you stay in one spot your whole life, you'll never see the world. You'll never have new experiences. Can you imagine never trying something new? Can you imagine eating the same sandwich every single day? I hope not. If so, stop reading.

Yes, you may love one system - their staff, their mission etc, but it will not be learning anything new about yourself or what you are capable of! Sad!

Reminder of my personal story: I spent four years in the same pageant system trying every single year and getting better, but never winning. It was not until I left that pageant system that I had my first pageant WIN and thus my first opportunity to go out into the community and meet people, to attend and compete in a national pageant, etc etc etc!

Try every pageant. Never stick to just one. You will learn something new about yourself with every life experience...and with every pageant experience. Different judges look for different things. Different pageants look for different things. Maybe you are just not what that pageant is looking for - do you want to waste years of your life never winning or doing better just because you love being at that same pageant every year? I think not.

Try new pageants - there are tons out there that have commonalities, so never fear that you're going in as a complete "newbie". Here are some ideas of pageants that have many phases of competition in common (in alphabetical order), which means you can most likely use the same gown, intro, interview style etc:

International Junior Miss
Miss American Coed
National American Miss
USA Ambassador

Two Popular Programs (on TV)
Miss America (has a teen division too: Miss America's Outstanding Teen)
Miss USA (has a teen division too: Miss Teen USA)

I also direct my own pageant called Miss Miracles Happen - we raise funds for Johns Hopkins Children's Center/Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) and thus, we make "miracles happen"! Your registration fee is a donation to CMNH....our event is May 11, 2013. Check out the website for more info, I would love to see you register! www.MissMiraclesHappen.com

Hope this helped! <3

Pageant "Drama"

When I tell people that I 'do pageants', I often hear questions about the drama that goes on: "do girls cut your dresses in the dressing room?" or "is everyone snooty?" Fortunately, I have participated in pageants that have very little to no drama! However, this is not to say that there is never any pageant drama...I just choose to stay away from it.

Sometimes being in a competitive nature can make us say or do things that we would not usually do, but please understand that anything like rolling your eyes, mumbling things under your breath, etc is a form of bullying - today we live in a world where bullying is taboo subject, as people don't like to talk about it, but we have to understand that it does indeed exist. So for me, bullying and pageant drama are equal.

Choose to avoid the drama - think before you speak - think before you act. Don't let a piece of plastic with rhinestones attached or a piece of satin and thread ruin your friendships or scar your reputation.

If you find that you have participated in pageant drama or bullying, realize that it is wrong...and that the world moves on...so can you! Say your apologies and move on, move forward.

I recently worked on-site at a pageant for about six days and honestly, the competition just got to some people. It's ok...take your personal feelings back to your room and sort them out there, don't bring them to the attention of others or try to make others feel bad.

You are beautiful, you are intelligent, you are amazing...you do not need to lower yourself by making others feel bad or question themselves. Never doubt how awesome you are and work hard to achieve your goals. Even if you do not win, you will have learned more about yourself and your capabilities with every pageant you try and every "drama-filled moment" that you avoid! =)


A note from Anne McConnell, America's Mrs. 2012: "As unfortunate as the drama is, it is also a training ground for life because we all will eventually face these kinds of stresses in the real world-crown or no crown, but queens can be out there showing the world why we are queens ;)"

Choosing Your Swimsuit

Ladies, we are coming towards the end of summer very soon, but that does not mean that the pageant world will stop wearing them! How do you choose the best swimsuit for your body shape, size, skin color etc?

I just found this article online discussing this very topic, take a look below:

CREDIT TO: http://askmissa.com/2012/07/30/swimwear-styles-for-any-body-type/

Swimwear Styles For Any Body Type

BY Susan Bodack
 July 30th, 2012  Leave a comment

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Whether you’re shopping for dresses, pants or some sexy new swimwear, it’s important to keep your body type in mind. Since different silhouettes look better on different body shapes, it’s important to know what swimwear styles will work best for you. Once you figure that out, you’ll be well on your way to looking like the beauty of the beach!

Great top for triangle shapes (Photo Credit: L*SPACE)

The Inverted Triangle:
If your top half is bigger than your bottom half, you’re said to have an inverted triangle shape. Your perfect swimwear styles are those with solid, dark-colored tops that offer the bust support you crave, paired with printed bottoms with more fabric. Think black halter tops or underwire bra tops paired with stylish hipsters or skirted bottoms in fun prints. When pairing these swimwear styles together, you’ll help emphasize your smaller bottom half and balance out your look.

A monokini is a great silhouette for rectangle shapes (Photo Credit: Anika Brazil)

The Triangle:
If your top half is smaller than your bottom half, your body type can be described as a triangle-shaped figure. Go for swimwear styles that will emphasize your bustline and make your bottom half appear smaller. Try bandeau or triangle tops embellished with fringe or ruffles or those featuring busy prints paired with solid dark-colored scoop bottoms. This swimwear combination will help accentuate and draw attention upward while making your bottom half look smaller.

The Rectangle/Boyish:
If you have a smaller bust, narrow shoulders and hips and are generally non-curvy in the torso and hips area, you have a rectangle or boyish figure. Look for swimwear styles that will help create the illusion of curves. Try twist bandeau tops paired with printed hipster bottoms, or one-piece swimsuits with side cutout sections. Let the swimwear work its magic!

Perfect bikini for an hourglass shape (Photo Credit: ViX)

The Hourglass:
For those who have hourglass figures, not only are your top and bottom halves proportionate, but you have a tiny waist and probably the most coveted female figure around! You want to go for swimwear styles that won’t throw off your balanced proportions. Try halter tops or triangle tops paired with scoop bottoms or tie-side bottoms with thicker ties. Avoid swimwear bottoms that are too thick or too thin on the sides so you don’t mess with your natural hourglass shape.

The Curvy:
Finally, if you have a curvy or full-figured physique, then you generally have fuller hips, a bigger bust and sexy curves. You want to look for swimwear styles that offer great overall fit and support and hide any problem areas. For two-pieces, try bikinis or tankinis with supportive halter top designs paired with scoop bottoms. If you’re into one-pieces, look for swimwear styles with flattering ruched detail and sexy features like deep plunging necklines.

This season, get ready to turn heads in swimwear styles that show off that bod of yours!

Pageants = Money = The Need For Sponsors??

Yes, competing in pageants is NOT cheap. Now that we've stated the obvious, how do we get around the endless costs that surround a pageant?


For those of you asking: "what costs?" let me give you a brief rundown of the possibilities:
*gown
*shoes
*swimsuit
*attire for the weekend (rehearsals, dinners etc)
*travel (gas, airplane, hotel)
*ad fees
*registration/entry fees
*fitness trainer
*hair and makeup supplies


...the list goes on and on! Not to mention, add the pageant coaching to that list - you have a panel of judges to impress...might as well get help from someone who has been on a panel before to give you the advice you need!


But, how can you minimize these costs? Find sponsors!


Well, answer me this...why would YOU sponsor someone for anything? 
For the fun of it? Probably not. That takes money you don't have...
For the pretty picture in the program book with you? Eh, no.


Then what?


You would sponsor someone if you got something in return...


So, the question becomes: what can I give these sponsors in return for sponsoring this ad for me? You have to convince them that this is a great investment for them...not just an expensive picture for a program book.


How do you appear as an investment/great value to them? Try these:


1. Make a physical proposal
Get to your computer and make a professional, yet fun, list of all of the possibilities that the potential sponsor has. You want to appear professional, so prepare a proposal sheet or brochure listing out the options for the potential sponsor. When you visit them, show them your "outline". In this outline, be very clear about what you can give them.


List all of the benefits...will you work as a model for them to increase their exposure and lessen the cost of them having to pay for a model? Will their "donation" be tax-deductible? Will you facebook or blog about them? List everything!


It would benefit you to list your expenses too...some people don't understand that pageants are expensive, so be honest. Tell them what you need and why you need it. They will appreciate the honesty...and in a way, you're getting ready to be a titleholder by doing this - you're already acting as an ambassador for the pageant, before the competition even begins! What a great thing to mention in interview... ;)


2. Dress to impress
When visiting the potential sponsor, dress in a business suit or business dress. Look serious if you want to be taken seriously. For those of you who already have some sort of title, wear your crown and sash/banner to draw their attention (and prove that you are the contestant you say you are). Note: you can also add to your "potential sponsor advantages" that they get a photo with you at their venue on the spot (when you receive the check) for the program book; what about mentioning that you will send the picture to the local newspaper for them, highlighting that their business is supporting local youth/a local titleholder? Sounds like a nice reward to me.


3. Conduct yourself professionally
Walk in with the greatest posture you've ever seen, the best grammar you've ever heard, and the eye contact to win (great practice for the judges later on at your pageant)! You have to act the part...that's half the battle!


And don't forget to "know your stuff"...know what title you're up for, know what system you are competing in etc.




4. Close the "deal"
Only you can close the deal. If you don't make the effort to follow up or to get that check in your hands, guess what...it won't get there. You must follow up and close the deal...or say goodbye to that sponsorship! Again, these potential sponsors won't just hand you the money...you have to prove you need and want it.






It takes work to make it happen...but you can indeed minimize or almost eliminate your pageant costs simply by asking for sponsors. It'll be more beneficial than you think!


With your success in mind,
Victory

Stop Waiting Around!

A mistake that most pageant girls make is that they get stuck on one pageant system. For example, you try pageant system and love the staff, production, competitions etc. and so, you subconsciously vow to never compete in another pageant system. I think is one of the greatest mistakes you can ever make during your competition years. More specifically, what if that pageant system just "was not for you" or you were "just not for them"? Take that into consideration first.

Most of you know my personal story:
 I competed in one particular pageant system for many years and I never really wanted to compete elsewhere. I was intrigued by the level of production, how cool the staff was, etc. However, as many years as I competed there, I could never actually win. I would always make it into the top 10 or top 5, but I could just never take that title.


In all honesty, the one year that I decided to compete elsewhere (at the advice of a mentor of mine), I finally won a pageant title: Miss Maryland American Coed Teen 2006. I was elated and of course, was on my way to the 2006 national pageant.


Looking back, had I never left my original pageant system, I often think "could I have ever won there"? Was I just "not what they were looking for at the moment"...every year? Whatever the case, I WANT YOU to consider looking into and trying other pageant systems because you never know what they are looking for and if you could possibly be the best fit for them.

There are so many other pageant systems out there and they all want to do the same thing: empower young women to think independently, act fearlessly, and grow in their self-confidence and ability to be strong and unique. Pageantry, as a whole, teaches young women to be bold and make a statement; consider this when waiting a whole year for your same pageant to roll around again.

Please also consider that the winner rarely only prepares a few weeks prior to the state pageant; if you want the experience necessary to capture your next title, it may be necessary for you to get the experience from other pageant systems to finally take the win and your coveted title =)