Savvy Sophistication

We have a saying in my house, and it’s given pageants a nickname. We all know there is the real world, and then there is “Pageant Land”. The Pageant world seems so big, but in reality it is very small. It is made up of a collection of people who have been involved for decades, and even a majority that hand it down as a tradition from mother to daughter. There are coaches, gurus, directors, committee members, pageant Mamaw’s, former queens, photographers, makeup artists, designers, wardrobe stylists, and the list goes on and on. Beyond pageant land there is only one thing we mostly all agree on. That it is an experience of a lifetime. There is a substantial impact that a crown can bring. It is what keeps us coming back year after year, and practice daily. However, after we have won all of the crowns, and moved on what is life like after that?

The Glamorous Beginning
Now I’m from a different decade of pageant girls. We wore swimsuits, heels called touch ups, interview suits, and I will never forget the butt glue.. if you have to ask then I envy you! Even though I joke about the timing of my experience I still remember those days with a fondness. I use to be a very shy young girl from a small town in North Carolina. I remember my first encounter meeting a pageant queen. She was a local Miss North Carolina titleholder, and I met her at a festival. She made me feel like a princess by her greeting. She was tall, beautiful, well spoken, and so kind. I remember wanting to be just like her when I grew up. I also remember watching Miss America on my tv in the living room of my childhood home. Laying on the floor with my chin resting on my hands. I adored every gown that graced the stage, had my eyes pilled to every talent presentation, and gasped at swimsuit walks. I remember thinking how brave you had to be to get on national television in a swimsuit! So I went on to compete in every pageant I could all the way into my Miss years. I won several titles, a state title, and won lots of scholarships. It was empowering knowing I always walked away with a community service plaque, swimsuit award, and of course those scholarship prizes. Something I walked away with something bigger than that, and it was character building I didn’t know I needed. Interview skills, public speaking, conviction in my personal beliefs, networking skills, and friendships.

Behind the Scenes
I admit pageantry to most looks easy. People think you can just slap on a gown and go. The truth is so much time is put into modeling, interview coaching, reading current events, picking the right wardrobe, and putting in HOURS of community service. I remember personal training, meal prepping, talent practice, and walking in heels for hours. I faced challenges as we all do. Being known as “barbie” and “pre Madonna”. Honestly, I faced harder challenges than that. Keeping a perfect 4.0 GPA, working a full time job, graduating from college, and maintaining pageant preparations. I have so much respect for pageant girls, because they are made of true determination and grace. Those that have never competed will never understand the rigorous training that goes into those sparkly crowns, and the weight they carry.

Life After the Crown
I believe that you’re never really a former, but forever beauty queen. We march into board rooms, Operating Rooms, court rooms, and use those skills we worked so hard to gain. We tackle motherhood organized, and manage PTOs, and still enjoy our philanthropy. We go on to live life to the fullest because we know the stars are the limit. What’s a graduation cap or a scrub cap when you’ve worn a crown.

Redefining Beauty Standards
The beauty of pageantry is diversity, and seeing so many accomplished women from different backgrounds succeeding is so beautiful. Returning and seeing other formers, introducing our daughters, and giggling about that time one of us fell on stage. Oh wait that was me!

Has Been Beauty Queen & Now Pageant Mama
Now I get to pass on the legacy to my daughter. We enjoy our traveling, and practicing together. She has thrived so much already, and her confidence astounds me. She gets on that stage and I am blown away every time. Brings back the sparkle and awe of watching Miss America on cable television. Except now it’s through the eyes of a has been beauty queen.

Stay Savvy

Xoxo,

Corey