Little Beauties in Maryland

A new and EXCITING pageant is happening in Maryland and moving throughout the East Coast.  The first Maryland Beautiful Pageant, a natural, fun and pageant for girls ages 0 - 12 years old, over four divisions (Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss and Junior Miss), will take place on Sunday, November 7th.  Maryland Residency is not a requirement and every participant will receive a trophy. 

Division winners receive a CASH prize, crown and sash.  Photogenic, an optional category, will also receive a crown.  Share this one category competition with your daughters, nieces, friends, cousins, church members, goddaughters and neighbors!!!!   The divisions are:

• Baby Miss - 0 months to 3 years  
• Tiny Miss - 4 to 6 years old 
• Little Miss - 7 - 9 years old
• Junior Miss - 10 - 12 years old

 

The deadline to submit your application to reserve your spot as well as non-refundable application fee is Monday, November 1st.  Contact mrsmarylandinternational@gmail.com for additional information.

A Mid October's Dream - "For Success"

Yesterday, I had the honor of serving on the host committee for the Baltimore chapter of Dress for Success's annual fashion show fundraiser.  The theme was "Hidden Dreams", a reflection of the organization's commitment to bringing light to the forgotten and underserved women of Baltimore, affectionately known as Charm City and it's surrounding areas!    The models of the show were a wonderful array of shapes, sizes and hues, including the reigning Mrs. Maryland Galaxy - Adrienne Watson Carver.    My guests for the evening were Yolanda Makle, Ms. Galaxy International 2011 and Tracey Jamison, Mrs. All-American Classic Woman 2010.  We were treated to a pre-show reception, full of fabulous light fare and deserts provided by one of the evening's sponsors Sullivan's Steakhouse, as well as champagne, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

This organization is very near and dear to my heart as it assists women in gaining some of the positive self-esteem and confidence attributes we often spout in our pageant endeavors.   In case you are not familiar with the mission of Dress for Success, let me share.  According to the national website "The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."   While that is technically what they do, the inspiration and motivation they give women - by providing them with some of the tools they need to reclaim their status as employees and productive citizens proves they really do so much more.    The Baltimore chapter serviced more than 500 women last year alone!!!  It is my hope that the pageant community of Maryland will continue to assist this organization in any way possible!!!

Congratulations Virginia International Pageants!

Congratulations are in order for DeShawn Shepard and her entire Virginia International Pageants staff, including the Pretty Pageant People!   This past weekend, they crowned the 2011 Mrs. Virginia International, Miss Virginia International and Miss Preteen Virginia International.

Also in attendance were the three reigning International title holders - Miss International Ashley Smith, Miss Teen International Juliana McKee and Mrs. International Shannon Devine.

Rebecca Crosen, the new Mrs. Virginia International, proved third time is a charm as this stunning brunette captured the crown.  She now will continue her work on her platform "It's Hip to Give" - promoting the American Red Cross and blood donation.  Representing the Piedmont area, this mother of one has made outstanding strides in her cause - check out her blog.

DeShauna Barber, the new Miss Virginia International is an U.S. Army reservist, who will use her reign to promote supporting our troops and encouraging young people to give back!  DeShauna was first runner up to Miss Virginia International 2010 Tamika Mills and has previously competed in the Miss Virginia USA pageants.