After your reign, why did you choose to continue to work in the pageant industry ?
I actually didn’t at first! I claimed I had retired or at least that’s what I told my boyfriend at the time (now my husband) I have two little boys and wanted to be a stay at home mom with them. I started judging Miss USA state pageants and loved being on the other side of the table. I started having more and more contestants asking for lessons. That’s when I decided to open my own business and go for it. I have been very successful with two back to back Miss Teen USA winners.
You were Miss Teen USA Sophia's coach last year, in your opinion, what makes a good coach ?
I think someone that customizes a plan for each contestant and doesn’t have only one way of teaching.
Do you still follow important pageants like Miss USA/Miss Universe ?
Absolutely! It’s my job and my passion!
Which part of a pageant is the most important in your opinion ? (swimsuit/evening gown/interview...)
I honestly think that depends on the pageant system. Interview is and always will be my favorite portion of the competition. I always loved the challenge of having five minutes for the judges to fall in love with me and get to know me as a person.
We’ve all seen the stereotypical portrayals of pageant contestants, a la Miss Congeniality, spreading peace, love and beauty throughout the world. How do you think women can do to break the stereotype ?
Social Media! Utilize what is right at your fingertips. Promote your platform and educate your followers on what your pageant system stands for. This will help educate those who want to have a negative outlook on anything they don’t understand.
What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?
A competitive contestant must be able to accept constructive advice and utilize the resources that are out there.
Who is your ideal beauty queen and why?
I actually have a few favorites!
Of course my clients Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff and Hailey Colborn Miss TEEN USA 2017 and 2018, Savvy Shields Miss America 2017, and Pia Wurtzbach Miss Universe 2015. All of these women portray absolute class and confidence. They used their titles to promote their platforms meanwhile using social media to empower women to go after their dreams.
