About the Bloggers

If you haven’t done so already, you can read more about me here.

When I write for the blog, it is generally about interview skills or other aspects of the pageant world. I was not raised to participate in pageants—in fact, it is exactly the opposite of what my parents would have liked me to do! But when I moved out on my own at age 17 and was working to support myself and pay for school, one of the jobs I had was modeling. I was a runway and print model, did some mannequin and hand modeling, as well as TV commercial work and radio voice-over work.

One of my unique features was that I was a “petite” (5’4” or under) in a world of “traditional” height models (usually taller than 5’10”). If I were photographed alone or with other petites, you’d have never guessed that I wasn’t a traditional-height model, but when I was walking by or photographed next to one of them then, as you’d guess, the difference in our heights was quite clear. Occasionally there’d be a petites-only show, but most often I was the only petite model booked for a fashion show to walk the runway to show that a designer, clothing line, or store had petite sizes too.

In one of runway shows, some one affiliated with the show approached me and encouraged me to enter a pageant that was coming up. I was surprised and honored that someone thought I should enter a pageant and, when I looked into it, it was clear that it was a reasonable way to potentially earn some money or scholarships for school, as well as other prizes that could be helpful to me in my humble life. I was worried I had little to no chance of winning because all the other contestants had so much more experience and, it seemed, more money and the support of their family. I sorted out out the clothes and swimsuit situation (I mention some of my tips in the book and might blog on it sometime too!), but…

It seemed obvious to me that the BEST way to set myself apart from all the beautiful and talented contestants was to master INTERVIEW skills for both behind-the-scenes judges’ interview questions and the on-stage question. I thoughtfully prepared and was indeed told after the pageant, by audience members and judges alike, that it was how I spoke and what I said that made the difference. I took that to heart and prepared more, and a bit differently, for the national pageant, and I took that crown home too!

So, while I have some insights on the other blog categories I could share too, my time is often tight…so when I write for the blog it’ll generally be to share some tips and perspectives to help you with your interview skills and general perspectives and attitudes toward pageants and “winning,” etc., as my emphasis is on how the skills you learn and practice in pageants can help you in other areas of your life. That’s why I like the title “Pageant To PhD” and the tagline on the book cover is “a pageant is just the beginning…”

Hello my beauties! My name is Brittney Thurman and when I wrote my posts I was a Freshman at Arizona State University studying Business Marketing within the Barrett Honors Program offered at ASU. Modeling was one of my passions, because I enjoy the industry and what it has to offer. I also am familiar with the pageant world through modeling. Through both industries, I have been acquainted with incredible and empowering women. In addition to modeling and pageantry, beauty and fashion are my favorite topics, so I wrote some posts on that! Over the years, I have familiarized myself with the many components of beauty and fashion and continue to keep up with the newest fashion must-haves. During my spare time I find myself watching makeup tutorials, researching the top skincare line, or hunting for the latest fashion trend. I was very excited to share my knowledge with each and every one of you gorgeous ladies! Xoxo

Hello lovelies! I am Audrey Powell and I was a freshman at Arizona State University studying Industrial Design when I wrote my posts.  Pageants have always played a large role in my life- I competed in my first one when I was 7 (not like the “Toddlers and Tiaras” ones—this one had a 5 min. interview!) and I have continued to participate in pageants ever since.  I had competed in over 13 when I was writing my posts for this blog, and had recently placed in the Top 10 at Miss Idaho. I felt so accomplished and proud of myself.  Since I competed in the Miss America Organization, I perform a talent of clogging.  To watch a clip of my talent- follow me on Instagram @audreypowell101

I hope to teach you more about the pageant world and want to make you feel more confident in your pageant career.  Best of luck!

Hello, ladies! My name is Shreya, and I was a sophomore in college, planning to graduate with a degree in Business Communications., when I wrote my posts! I have a huge passion for anything artistic, be it movies, theatre, fine arts, music, or even beauty and fashion. I’m all about keeping things natural beauty-wise, as often times nature knows best! You’ll see a lot of posts from me on the things I value and enjoy and that includes good skincare and pampering. Yes, pampering, because everyone deserves to pamper themselves every now and then. I look forward to sharing all of my beauty and skincare tips, tricks, and recommendations with you!

Hello, my lovely pageant ladies, I’m Madison! I was a sophomore in college when I wrote my posts at the same time I was Global Politics, as well as earning a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. I love to travel, and have been lucky enough to be given the opportunity to traverse the United States, Europe, and Asia. Travelling built my love of language (I am proficient in Spanish and I am learning German). In regard to fashion and beauty, I spend almost all my spare time reading fashion magazines and blogs and watching YouTube beauty tutorials. Thus, I am very excited to share with you the knowledge I have accumulated over the years! Keep shining my beautiful pageant stars! :-)

Hello ladies! I’m Sasha, a “California Girl” who was majoring in Justice with a minor in Women’s Studies when I wrote my posts. I am passionate about equality for women and bettering the portrayal of women in the media. I hope to improve the mental and physical health of teen girls through increasing their awareness about nutrition and self-esteem. Some of my favorite things include frozen yogurt and dancing in my room to the latest pop hits. Most of my free time was spent playing intramural volleyball, working out at the gym, eating chocolate cake, and studying with chai tea in hand. I’ve modeled before and have had friends who have handled their perceptions of beauty in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Let’s always choose the healthy ways! I look forward to sharing tips to help you be healthy and happy as you pursue your dreams!

Hello beautiful pageant queens! My name is Audrey! When I wrote my posts, I was a Barrett, The Honors College student at Arizona State University pursuing a bachelor of science in Nutrition Dietetics. I am passionate about health, and have always been intrigued and amazed by the human body. I am a huge foodie, and I am willing to try just about anything (as long as I’m not allergic to it). I learned about the Mediterranean Diet on a nutrition study abroad trip, and the superlative I received from my professors was the “Most Adventurous Eater” because I was not going to turn down an opportunity to try something different. My favorite food is pizza, and I was featured on the national Instagram for my sorority Chi Omega, wearing a shirt that said: Chi-Os Just Wanna Have Pizza, while eating a slice of the pizza I made from scratch in Florence. Additionally, I consider coffee the nectar of the gods. My favorite way to consume my fruits and vegetables is in a green smoothie for breakfast. I love staying active, and I absolutely love running and hiking; I’m basically an endorphin junkie. I’ve been a long distance runner since I was 13 years old. I ran my first half marathon when I was 20 years old, and was determined to cross running a marathon off of my bucket list after I finished my undergraduate degree. I love doing my makeup because it is the only artistic skill I possess. Eyeshadow is by far my favorite kind of makeup. I also aspire to own an extensive shoe and purse collection in the future. My favorite annual shows are The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Miss America, Miss USA, and the SuperBowl.