How To Prep for a Pageant♡
Hi Loves! As most of you know, I recently won the title of NAM Miss Alabama. While the competition was short the preparation was NOT. It is kinda funny how I spent 365 days preparing for a 3 day competition. Obviously the hard work paid off so I am here to share all of my pageant prep tips!
So I am assuming you are here because you’ve decided to slay the pageant stage and win your very own sparkly hat? Preparing for a pageant is like no other – it takes blood, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of sparkle. Taking the first step is always the scariest so let me be the first to say it… I AM SO PROUD OF YOU♡
OK now it’s time to get you pageant ready. Let’s do this!!
Set Your Goals
First things first, set your intentions and goals for the pageant. Whether it’s winning the crown or gaining confidence, knowing what you want keeps you focused and motivated throughout your journey.
My goal when preparing for NAM was to simply have fun. In doing this I was able to go in fully enjoying the weekend and all it had to offer. I made new friends, grew my confidence, and had fun while doing it. I knew no matter the outcome my goal had been accomplished. The crown was just the cherry on top! I encourage you to set other goals besides just the crown as well.
Make a Schedule
Pageant prep is no joke so planning is key! Create a schedule that includes time for not only practicing but also mental prep. Treat yourself like the queen you are and block out time for self-care.
For me personally, I would wake up early to have an extra 30 minutes-1 hour to practice my walk. I did this daily. I used my time driving to work to practice my personal introduction. At night I would do 5-10 interview questions before bed. Create a schedule that works for you and stick with it.
Invest In Your Dream
The best thing I did was invest in my dream and begin working with my pageant coach- Cady! I seriously could use this entire section to talk about how amazing she is. Cady is a former National American Miss so I knew she would know exactly how to get me to my goal. I don’t know if I ever could have done it without her. While there are some amazing free resources out there you can use to get you closer to the crown (Dani Walker has an amazing YouTube channel!) for me that 1:1 feedback helped me grow the most as a competitor.
For more information on coaching with Cady click here
Interview Matters
Practice answering questions with not only poise but authenticity. Remember, it’s not just about what you say but how confidently you say it.
Be sure that you are familiarizing yourself with current events, social issues, and topics relevant to your pageant system. For NAM there are no political questions but it is always good to be knowledgeable just in case you need to use it as a point of reference. I also did Mock Interviews when leading up to my state pageant. I highly recommend doing this! They are a great way to get feedback without fully investing into coaching. While I know it can get tiring constantly practicing interview I knew walking into the interview room there was simply nothing they could ask to throw me off my game. BEST. FEELING. EVER!!!
Learn from Others
One of the most beautiful aspects of the pageant community is the opportunity you have to learn from others. Iron sharpens Iron, y’all! Just being in that environment can help your growth tremendously. Whether this is your first pageant or 100th , connecting with others who've walked in your heels (get it? hehe) can provide invaluable insights. From navigating interview nerves to perfecting your evening gown walk learning from those who've been there can make all the difference.
Besides… creating friendships with fellow contestants creates bonds that can last a lifetime. In the worlds of the High School Musical cast… we’re all in this together!!! These friendships are not only fun but also provide a strong support system that boosts your confidence.
Dream it. Do it.
Picture yourself walking across that stage with grace and confidence. Visualization is a powerful tool that can help manifest your dreams into reality. Daily I would stand in front a mirror and tell myself I would win NAM Miss Alabama. Believe in yourself, bby. You’ve got this!
Embrace the Experience
Win or lose, remember that every moment of this journey is precious. Embrace the friendships you make, the lessons you learn, and the growth you experience. You’re a queen no matter what, and this experience will shape you in ways you never imagined.
Some of my all time favorite advice is “God will either bless you with it or save you from it”. I didn’t fully understand what that meant until he blessed me with it. 15 year old Sara couldn’t have handled the things 23 year old Sara had to go through after winning. That is why he saved me from it all those years. Know that your time will come!
There you have it– my favorite tips to prep for a pageant like the queen you are! Remember that everyone’s journeys will look different. My prep may look a lot different than yours. There truly is no 1 size fits all when it comes to pageant prep but these tips should be a good starting point! I am so excited for you to go on this journey. It is going to be so rewarding!
Talk soon?
XOXO Sara
P.S. If you are looking for the perfect pageant system to start with I definitely recommend National American Miss! Learn more about your state pageant here
