Pageantry 101 - Do you really need a pageant coach?

Kristy Wells | Ms. Lone Star Plus America 2015

Hello Queen,

Now that you are a little more familiar with how to get started in pageantry, you should be ready to move onto the next steps. If you missed the last post, read it here ( Pageantry 101 - Getting Started).

Selecting the pageant system that is best for you is an area in which I strongly suggest you research. Much of it is going to be your personal preference but you also want to take a look at the mission and  purpose of the pageant system. Also consider what you can give back to the organization and how you can be of service to incoming delegates.  As a delegate you will invest much time and financial resources into your pageant experience. Therefore, it only makes sense that the experience is worthy of your investment.

There are many questions you can ask yourself when determining the pageant system in which you will start your journey. What values do the pageant system uphold, if any? How do they treat their delegates or better yet, how much do they value their titleholders? Do they actually award the prizes to the winners that they advertise? Also, take a look at past titleholders. Are they women of integrity and purpose? Would you be proud and honored to walk in their footsteps? These are important questions to consider and in this technology heavy day and age, it's pretty easy to find out. So don't get lazy, do your research...and don't be shy, ask questions!

Now that you have decided on a pageant system, what next? Do you really need a pageant coach? The answer will strongly depend on you and what you wish to gain from your pageant experience. Great coaching should not only prepare you to compete on a pageant stage but it should also prepare you to compete on the stage called life! Because let's not forget, there is life after pageantry.

Now let me say this before we go any further. You can spend thousands of dollars on a pageant coach and practice from sun up to sun down for months on end and still not win the title. No amount of coaching will guarantee you a winning title so please do not allow someone to take advantage of you.
What coaching does is prepare you to look and perform your absolute best. Effective coaching will guarantee that you are prepared!

Please understand that effective pageant and image coaching does carry a price tag so be sure you plan for this expense. I have seen individuals advertise their service for well into the thousands of dollars while some offer hourly rates at a more nominal fee. Please don't fall into the trap of thinking that the more expensive, the better because this is not necessarily the case. You also want to consider personality and character because this will determine how well  you and your coach will work together. This is a partnership and it must be comfortable for all parties involved.

Understand that there are many options when it comes to selecting a pageant coach or a coaching method. Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure it is effective and that your results are measurable. One such option is a pageant bootcamp. Bootcamps usually run over the course of a weekend or it can be over the course of a single day. Participants are trained in multiple areas during the bootcamp. My friends at Walking Tall Pageant and Etiquette Consulting are presenting a Queen of Queens pageant bootcamp January 29-31, 2016 in Baton Rouge, LA! This is a great way to jumpstart your pageant preparation and learn from experienced leaders in pageantry.

You may also consider online pageant boards and pageant community websites such as The Pageant Planet founded by my friend Steven Roddy. The Pageant Planet is a one stop shop for all things pageantry. One of the things I enjoy about The Pageant Planet is that they offer daily coaching tips free of charge. In addition, they offer more in depth and cost friendly pageant coaching plans and mock interviews with former titleholders from organizations such as the Miss America and Miss USA pageant systems! How awesome is that... and you don't have to break the bank to receive this great coaching.

Cha'Kiva Latrell | Diary of a Spoiled Diva with Steven Roddy | The Pageant Planet

Finally, you may choose to seek coaching assistance from former titleholders turned pageant coaches! Who better to teach and mold than a woman who has been where you are going? I've been in pageantry since the age of 14. My number one reason for entering my first pageant was to strengthen my interview and communication skills. I knew even at a young age that these areas would be very important to my overall success in life. I had big dreams and I wanted to be prepared to make all of them come true. Sure, I've won a few pageant titles along the way and have made a name for myself in the pageant industry, but it wasn't about winning a pageant title...rather winning in life!

Second Runner-up | Miss Missouri America Coed. (always thank your judges)  The girl standing next to me was Third Runner up and went on to become Miss USA 2005!

Cha'Kiva Latrell | Ms. All World Beauties International | Photo by Afif  Cherif of StudioPrimetime

I have  enjoyed a wonderful career in the fashion industry as a creative and technical fashion designer for Victoria's Secret Stores, Lane Bryant and Reebok International. I've traveled overseas to the factories and was a major part of the production process for these brands. I now manage my own line of clothing and accessories for ladies called... wait for it...Spoiled Diva by CL Felder! Spoiled meaning cherished or favored and Diva meaning a person of great distinction! Spoiled Diva by CL Felder is enjoyed by women all over the globe, I am still in awe of that!

I also enjoy a pretty sweet modeling career and have been blessed to grace the runway for brands and retailers including Ashley Stewart, Macy's, The Curvy Fashionista, BlackBride.com, LiviRae Lingerie and others.

I have now added Pageant and Image Coach to my resume. Mainly because of the numerous requests and inbox messages I receive from ladies wanting my assistance with their pageant journey. Because of my experience and background, I would say I am qualified to do so. My expertise is in the areas of pageant image and style, however I am able to prepare you for every area of competition!

Sade Price | Client and National All American Tourism Beauty 2015

I am accepting new clients for the 2016 pageant season and I am available for a 15 minute complimentary consultation for new clients. Contact me at msawbinternational@yahoo.com to set an appointment.

Remember queen, whatever coaching method or option you choose, understand that the purpose is to prepare you to be the best version of yourself. Apply the skills in every area of your life...on and off stage.

Are you a pageant or image coach and would like to share your service in Diary of a Spoiled Diva? Perhaps you are a titleholder or delegate with an amazing testimony to share.  Please contact me at info@spoileddivaonline.com for details!

Until next time.



Smooches,
Cha'Kiva Latrell aka The Spoiled Diva
Follow me on Instagram: @chakivalatrell