I can't think of a better person than Stephanie to start a pageant of this kind. The quintessential pageant veteran, she has captured not only the national Mrs. United States title while representing Michigan in 2007, but also the Mrs. Michigan America (2010), Mrs. Michigan Galaxy (2006) and Mrs. Michigan International (2005) titles.
How was the Ms. World International pageant developed?
Stephanie: Ms. World International was based on the concept originated by the Acclaimed TV modeling competition “She's Got the Look” for women 35 & older. MWI is about today’s woman who is comfortable in her own shoes. The woman who knows who she is and is not defined by labels. We are about celebrating the Beauty, Elegance & Sophistication of today’s Mature Woman.
Raquel Riley, Mrs. MD America 2010 (4th from right) and finalists of "She's got the Look" - Season 2
Editor's Note: Mrs. Maryland America (and 1st Runner-Up to Mrs. America 2010) Raquel Riley, was finalist in Season 2 of TV Land's "She's Got the Look" Why is MWI focused on women 35 years of age and over?
Stephanie: Women of this age group are today’s movers & shakers. MWI provides a platform to for these women to compete on the level of sophistication and maturity that represent their station of life.
How does this system differ from other pageant's you've competed in as an adult?
Nicole: MWI allows me to be a mother, wife, educator, role model, and an International Beauty Queen. The actual pageant categories allow for creativity, fun, and lets women show their flair for fashion. My other pageant experiences were very standard, i.e.: photogenic, interview, swimsuit, and evening gown. MWI is very out of the box with a fun flair. Think Milan, Paris, runway, etc...
How does it feel to have been selected as the Inaugural Queen for this pageant system?
Nicole: It feels amazing to be the Inaugural Queen for this system. I never thought it would be me! I am excited to represent married, single, divorced, etc... all women who are 35 years and older. This pageant has so much in store for me as the Inaugural Queen, the delegates for the inaugural event, and the woman who is bestowed the honor of being crowned the very first Ms. World International. I feel so honored!
Ms. World International 2011 with the North Carolina State University mascot.
In the year to come, what will make Ms. World International stand out in pageantry?
Stephanie: Along with a prize package that rivals the top pageants in the industry, it is the only system celebrating women 35 & over! MWI has thrown a monkey wrench in traditional pageantry by changing the rules & providing a new twist in pageant competition.
Do you think that the pageant location of Puerto Rico will deter some women from competing?
Stephanie: Absolutely not. Puerto Rico is the Beauty Queen capital, where the pageant contestant is truly QUEEN. The island of Puerto Rico is beautiful, and as a US commonwealth, it makes for easy travel as there are no passport requirement for US citizens. Puerto Rico adores pageants and has opened their arms wide to embrace the Ms. World International Organization. We are drawing quite a bit of excitement over there already.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about competing in next year's pageant?
Nicole: I would say that if you want a pageant where you can be yourself, share your sense of style and fun, and is unlike any other event, then MWI is the pageant for you. A trip to Puerto Rico for the live event isn't so bad either! I would also tell them to put their thoughts of traditional pageantry aside and go with it! Step out of the box and have some fun! Be yourself and smile!
Who are some of the notable pageant names associated with Ms. World International?
- Sheila Strassburg, award winning film Master Hair Stylist & Make-up Artits
- Dr. Ayoub Sayeg, award winning Plastic Surgeon & International pageant judge.
- Norieta Stephanos, Owner - Crowning Closet & Pageant Fashions expert
- Judy Cole, Pageant University
- A & P Digital International, Beauty and Event videographers/photographers
- Nola Summer, PR expert
- Michelle Butler, Personal Trainer & Nutritionist
- Naomi Horne, MWI Vice President & website designer
Is there anything else you’d like to share about the Ms. World International pageant?
Stephanie: We are truly excited and proud about what we have created here at MWI. It has been a dream come true to be at the helm of a pageant system such as this. I wanted to bring back the integrity of old school pageantry with a modern style & flare.
I want to thank Stephanie and Nicole for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer my questions! I for one am very excited to see what the Ms. World International pageant has in store for us. With delegate selection set to begin tomorrow, March 31st - we won't have long to wait to begin noticing this pageant system nationwide.
Thanks so much for the interview. We're very happy to be here!!
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