Each week, I share no-nonsense coaching tips to help you win at pageants AND at life. With clients across Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America, this isn’t theory—it’s what works.
Not every crown fits every queen.
So why do so many contestants sign up for a pageant before asking the most important question of all:
Is this the right system for me?
After conducting over 300 pageant interviews in the last decade, here’s the truth I’ve landed on:
The right pageant feels different.
Not easier—but aligned.
With this year’s pageant season drawing to a close, I want to challenge you to stop signing up on autopilot. Before you re-enter the same system you’ve always done, or jump ship to one that looks shinier on Instagram, take a moment.
Let’s break down the questions you should be asking—before you invest blood, sweat, and tears into your next pageant journey.
1. Stop chasing your childhood dream—if it’s no longer your dream
You wanted to be Miss Universe because someone told you that was the pinnacle. Maybe a favorite titleholder inspired you. Maybe it was the glamour. But ask yourself:
Is that still what I want?
Or just what I’ve always thought I SHOULD want?
Miss Universe and Miss USA used to be household names. Winning meant instant celebrity status. But times have changed. New leadership, new values, and a lot of behind-the-scenes drama mean that chasing a title from 10 years ago might leave you with a very different experience than you imagined.
2. Know what you want—and what you don’t
Grab a pen. Make two lists:
What are 5–10 things I want from my pageant experience?
What are 5–10 things I don’t want?
Then go through and highlight the non-negotiables—the musts and the must-nots.
💡 Want to promote your advocacy on a national stage?
Model-focused systems may not be the best fit.
💡 Want to graduate debt-free?
You’re probably looking at scholarship systems like Miss America or Miss Volunteer America.
💡 Don’t want to compete in swimsuit?
That rules out a number of systems right away.
Your clarity here will save you months of misaligned effort—and possibly a world of heartache.
3. If you wouldn’t do the work without a crown, don’t do it at all
Let’s be honest. Only one woman walks away with the title. If you don’t win, will you still feel the journey was worth it?
Would you still be proud of the preparation? Of the growth, the friendships, the work you did? If the answer is no—if the title is the only thing keeping you motivated—you’re walking a dangerous line.
4. Your priorities will change. That’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.
Maybe you’ve been in pageantry five years. Maybe ten. If you’ve grown as a person, your goals have probably grown too. Your choice of pageant system should reflect that.
After watching Miss Volunteer America firsthand, I realized I’d become fascinated by two things:
Scholarship opportunities for young women
Talent performances as storytelling
That wasn’t true five years ago. But it is now.
Your goals evolve. Let your pageant journey evolve with them.
5. Understand what the whole journey requires
It’s not just the state or national title. It’s what happens if you win. Some systems (like Miss Earth, Miss World, Miss Grand) require you to take a full month off to compete internationally.
If that’s a dealbreaker for your career, your family, or your lifestyle—be honest with yourself. Don’t enter a system you can’t commit to just because it sounds prestigious.
6. Don’t enter a system just to try and “change” it
If you don’t agree with the system’s values or mission, don’t enter it hoping to reform it from within. That rarely ends well.
You’re not a villain for saying, “This system isn’t for me.” You’re smart. And there are enough systems out there now that you can find one that aligns with your values without compromising them.
7. Pick the system that feels like a partnership, not a push
When you’ve found the right fit, you’ll feel it.
That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy—you’ll still have to put in the work. But you won’t feel like you’re swimming against the tide. Things will click. You’ll feel energized—not drained. You’ll stop feeling like just another number.
So Before You Sign Up Again…
Do me favor and jot down:
5–10 things you want in a pageant experience
5–10 things you don’t want
Highlight your non-negotiables in both
Even the act of jotting these down will get your brain working. And then, next time you're thinking about entering a pageant, pause. Reflect. Re-read the list.
And ask yourself:
Does this system align with who I am now?
Because if it doesn’t, you don’t need to justify walking away. You’ve grown. And maybe it’s time your pageant strategy grew with you.
Timestamps
00:00 – Why this matters more than you think
03:11 – What are you really looking for?
05:55 – Make this list before you sign up
07:03 – Would you still do it if you lost?
10:15 – How your priorities will change
12:44 – What talent performances taught me
15:18 – Know the full commitment before you win
17:59 – Your dream title might not be your best fit
20:45 – The right system just feels different
If you're looking for one-on-one coaching, I offer a limited number of private sessions. It’s ideal for women who want to take that next step—on stage and beyond. Click the button below to book.
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