As an Image Consultant, I am always attracted to the people who really put pride in their image and showcase it. Beauty pageant contestants display their image to be judged and critiqued, so they are an excellent example of how an image is so much more than the clothes we wear. I recently caught up with my good friend Kim, who just completed the Mrs. America Pageant in Las Vegas. I thought it would be interesting to see what all she did as she prepared for the contest.
Image Consultant Interviews A Beauty Queen
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to be in a pageant.
I came to pageantry late, through Mrs. pageants, as a way to push myself to achieve goals and step out of my comfort zone. I have found pageantry to be a great way to meet wonderful, motivated, community-minded women I would have never met otherwise. Many of these women are now forever friends. Most importantly, pageantry has provided me so many more opportunities to promote the causes I care about and make a greater impact.
Kim & Her Husband
Q: What titles do you have?
Q: What wardrobe did you need, and how did you select and prepare it (alterations)?
For the stage portion of a pageant, you typically need an opening number dress (typically a black cocktail dress or a dress provided by the pageant), a swimsuit or fitness outfit (depending on the system), and an evening gown (which you choose on your own). There is also a separate interview portion of the pageant where you meet with the judges one-on-one, either in a panel style or round robin. For that you wear a dress or suit; something that looks professional but also fashionable.
For nationals, you also need a lot of outfits for rehearsals, formal dinners, and other outings. I spent months finding cocktail dresses, rompers, evening gowns, and more casual options to be sure I had enough wardrobe. I took four suitcases full of wardrobe and shoes!Q: In What Other Ways Did You Great Ready (Exercise, diet)?
Q: What were finals like in Vegas?
Q: What Advice Would You Give A Women Who’s A First-Time Contestant?
You Don’t Have To Be A Beauty Queen To Think About Your Image
Beauty queens like Kim are expected to look beautiful when they compete. Where do you compete? In the office? At church? Other social events? Make sure you’re showing off your best features with a color analysis or personal styling with a certified Image Consultant. And Father’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re sick of seeing dad in the same outfit, again, purchase him a gift certificate. It’s a great fit for a hardworking professional or someone who is always striving to make a great first impression.
