Casa La Hermosa - The Most Beautiful Gowns in the House

WINNING STYLE: Casa La Hermosa Exclusive

Robin Ross Fleming shares her tips and trade secrets on hot styles and trends, appropriate silhouettes and what to wear on a big occasion.

La Casa Hermosa is a team of stylists that works with competitive, bridal, prom and special occasion gowns.  The mission is for clients to feel their best whether it be on the pageant stage or the red carpet. This boutique dresses you to win, so look no further for the winning gown to win you the crown.

Hottest Styles:  Eye Candy

Each year brings new fashions and trends but this year’s lineup showcases Tarik Ediz, a unique collection that is reasonably priced.  The touches are crepe with amazing finishes such as a stunning open back with illusions and Swarovski stones.  The finishes are often a focus on embellishments and accents at a very responsible priced.

Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013

Miss America/Miss USA

La Casa Hermosa boasts Nana Merriweather and Mallory Hagan as clients that have won the prestigious crowns in their specialty gowns. The styles vary by each pageant, so it is important to pay attention to what the style of a Miss America gown is opposed to a Miss USA gown. Miss American definitely errs on the side of a more classic style, whereas Miss USA is the sexy girl next door. It’s not necessary to show more skin but you can push the envelope more in this system. No matter what each gown should be flattering to you and accentuate your figure.

Nana Merriweather, Miss USA 2012

Know Your Area and Your Stage

It’s important to remember that no particular gown will win you the pageant. Also keep in mind the region and area that you are competing in, because it matters. Regional differences play a part in the color selection that a judge will look at.

LA has a more couture feel and Florida is all over the board with a heavy Latina cultural flair. Girls competing in Florida can get away with wearing a very sexy gown that is still tasteful. Plain and simple, pick what the judges will love. Dress for the job and remember what is appropriate for each pageant.

On a Budget

Many dresses are priced inexpensively if you are on a tight budget and but still want to look like a million bucks. Crossover gowns can be found that will transition from Miss America to Miss USA. The Royalty collection, a line of affordable pageant gowns that can also double as a prom gown. Clients don’t have to break the bank to find their winning dream gown.

White Doesn't Always Win
According to Robin it’s not about following a formula, it’s about standing out. Wear the color that you wear best. Different skin tones will look better in white than other tones, so white will not always win the pageant. It is important to remember to keep in mind your skin tone and what looks good on you when selecting the color for your gown.

Luis Calvero
A resident expert who does a weekly fashion segment in Miami. Luis answered viewer’s questions which covered the preferences for both plus size and petite women. La Casa Hermosa has a line called Fabulous which is a collection designed with a curvier figure in mind and caters specifically to plus size figures. For petite sizes figure out a gown that is flattering to your figure with a print or shaping that compliments, such as a vertically sequined gown. Subtlety with accents that elongate the shape of the body is key. For example, a trumpet shape is flattering because it accentuates what you want to emphasize.

petite

curvy

petite

Viewers can email their questions to La Casa Hermosa at gowns@lacasahermosa.com and follow on Twitter. Any viewer that watched and commented $25 gift certificate toward any purchase of a cocktail dress or gown.

Ask the Crown Exclusive Interview with owner, Robin Fleming

The Next Miss USA? Haley O'Brien, Miss Minnesota USA

Ready for the Job

Haley O’Brien can hardly believe she really is Miss Minnesota USA. The night she was crowned was a surreal moment for her and she still wears her crown around the house.

The reigning Miss Minnesota USA is not your typical beauty queen. A self-professed nerd who is out to prove that beauty queens can be both beautiful and smart. Not only is she studying to be a doctor but she also finds opportunities to go after her passion of modeling. Haley has modeled for Sherri Hill and had the privilege to model a gorgeous collection of gowns she wishes she could take home. Her ultimate modeling job would to walk 

in the iconic Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.

It is evident that a stigma is held that pageant girls are not very smart and have a misconception that it is like Toddlers and Tiaras. A down to earth, sensible woman, Haley is out to prove that titleholders can be just as smart as they are beautiful. She is proud that she enjoys pageantry and not afraid to prove that beauty and brains can go together. Growing up people never thought that she would do pageants because she loved Math and Science, so Haley is determined to break the “dumb pageant girl” stereotype.

Not only is Haley is out to break pageant stereotypes but she is ready to break gender stereotypes as well. Haley has her sights on being a reconstructive facial surgeon and doesn't feel that being in a male profession should determine what you want to do. “Do what you love and it doesn't matter what gender you are, it matters what you are passionate about.”

Miss Minnesota Teen USA

A former Miss Minnesota Teen USA, Haley doesn't feel that’s what won her the Miss crown since the

two pageants are not the same in the level of preparation. She practiced and prepared as much as she could for the Miss Minnesota USA title because she knew the stakes would be even higher. This year marks a record breaking win for former's so Haley is excited to join her 2010 teen sister queens at Miss USA.

Strong is the New Skinny

A social media movement, it focuses on being the best version of you and celebrating a strong healthy, body. Haley strongly supports this movement. The vision is to focus on what is healthy and strong and not be influenced by the messages of body image in the media.

Miss USA

Haley has aspirations of going to med school, so if her plans change and she is crowned Miss USA then she is not going to compromise on either one. She would wait to go to med school and fulfill her duties as Miss USA. Haley knows without a doubt why she wants to be Miss USA. She would be the most dedicated USA, doing whatever it takes to fulfill her duties. She knows what it is like to idolize a Miss USA and what the iconic title signifies. She wants to be a role model who looks gorgeous on a stage who can take off her makeup and sit down with the girls that look up to her.

How does she juggle it all? 

Nicknamed by friends “the energizer bunny” Haley loves to be on the go and takes on a packed schedule head on. She offered some advice on how to be successful: organization is key as well as having confidence in yourself that you can accomplish the things that you set your mind to. Another good tip she gave was to label everything and pick stuff that you love-the gown, the swim suit, everything. If you love your gown, it will show!

Follow Haley’s journey to the crown by following her on Twitter at @RealMissMNUSA and on Facebook at Miss Minnesota USA 2014.

Ask the Crown Interview with Stephanie McGrane

Cassandra Kunze and Bianca Vierra -- Miss and Teen California USA Titleholders

By Wendy Lindberg -- America's SUPER Queen

Stephanie McGrane had an opportunity to meet with Miss California Teen USA and Miss California USA the day after their crowning to talk a bit about their experience. In the midst of their preparations for their official photo shoot, Stephanie was able to ask then some questions about their beauty regimen, their dresses, crowns and the winning moment.

The Crowning Moment

Cassandra Kunze- Miss California

Bianca Vierra- Miss Teen California

Crowned just the night before, the two new California queens are still having trouble wrapping their heads around the big win. "We both hardly slept so it feels like it just happened," Bianca said. "They called the first runner-up first and I was like, 'wait, they didn't call my name! That's me!' It was just an amazing feeling."

"I had a very similar reaction," Cassandra shared. "I was in complete shock and in the video I have the weirdest reaction. ... It hasn't quite sunk in yet."

Two Crowns for Each Queen!

You may have noticed that the Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA titleholders have two different crowns during their year of reign. These are created by INTA Gems and are filled with real gems, diamonds and pearls.  The design holds a lot of symbolism and are made to represent California's love, beauty, and unity. A search online found a 2009 press release about the Miss California USA crown. You can see it HERE. 

The provided link shares this as part of the explanation of the design. "Designed by Peter Young, Creative Director of INTA Gems & Diamonds, the Miss California USA® Crown incorporates many elements of California to symbolize the beauty of the state. Sparkling stars line the border of the crown to represent the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition, the curves of the crown bring out the natural beauty of strong glistening waves that flow back and forth, just like the beautiful California coastline. 

Peter Young says, 'I based the design elements for the Miss California USA® Crown from the natural beauty of California. Also, with the controversy over Carrie Prejean’s opinion regarding gay marriage at the Miss USA® pageant, I wanted my design to present an open view for the next 2010 Miss California USA® titleholder. My wave design represents the different perspectives everybody has because of our diversity in California. I felt a strong need for people to know that although we may have different opinions from opposite sides, the one universal idea that speaks true for all of us is that love unites. Therefore, at the center of the beautifully formed sparkling wave design is a heart. I hope that speaks true to the next Miss California USA."

The Miss California USA crown.

The teen crown was created in 2010 and dedicated to the MTV Love is Louder Movement. This crown holds a number of symbols and representations of not only California, but also has pieces to represent bullying prevention and awareness. A video made by the 2010 Miss California Teen USA and crown designer, Peter Young, talks more about the tiara. You can view the video and explanation of the design HERE. 

The link from INTA Gems says the following about the design of the teen crown: "The Miss California Teen USA Crown has a similar style to the senior Miss California USA Crown; however, the Teen Crown incorporates a rising sun in the center symbolizing the dawn of a brighter day and future.  There are fancy yellow diamonds that represent radiant sun rays shining upon a curving California coastline.  The design elements derived by the natural beauty of California incorporates glistening waves and vivid sun rays which together form a heart outline to symbolize LOVE.  

In addition, there are natural purple sapphires that are set in the crown in memory of the teens who have taken their own lives because of bullying.  The purple color is a reminder to the Miss California Teen USAs who wear the crown to not forget their pain and to speak out on their behalf. The Miss California Teen USA Crown is crafted of precious gems, diamonds, platinum, silver, and gold and is valued at $200,000.  

Peter Young said, 'The heart that symbolizes love of the Miss California Teen USA Crown is not noticeably visible at first, but if you look closely at the waves and sun rays of the crown, you will see that they together form a heart in the center. To young people who are bullied and harassed for any reason, we encourage you to seek out and share your feelings with your friends, family, school faculty.  Together, loved ones in the center of your life can actively speak out and find ways to stop the bullying.'"

The Miss California Teen USA Crown

Stephanie McGrane hanging out with Miss CA USA and Miss CA Teen USA 

To see more about the crowns, healthy living tips, and more about these titleholders, you can check out the video below. Please be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss a blog or video!

Brooklynne Bond Miss Oklahoma Teen USA

By Wendy Lindberg, America's SUPER Queen 2013-14

Struggles with Body Image

As I was listening to this interview with Miss Oklahoma Teen USA, Brooklynne Bond, I thought of a recent video I had watched. The timing seemed perfect.

See the Buzzfeed video here

 The video's statistics are scary:

81% of ten-year-olds are afraid of being fat. 69% of American School girls who read magazines say the images influence their concept of the ideal body shape. 49% of them say the pictures make them want to lose weight. 1/3 of non-overweight girls report dieting.

And many of us struggle with body image, feelings of being less than someone else, and comparing ourselves to others.

"I want to go and speak at schools. I think that girls really get caught up in the look aspect of everything. I just want to encourage them to be who they were created to be." Brooklynne said, "Whenever I was growing up, I always struggled with comparing myself to other girls. I always wanted to look like them and be like them. As I kind of grew into myself, I just learned that it was really important to stay true to who you are, no matter what the situation is. Ultimately that is what makes me feel beautiful. I just want to show girls that that is how I feel myself. I want to speak about that, especially at schools."

Preparations for Miss Teen USA

"I am only going to have one chance to compete at Miss Teen USA and that is something that I have dreamed about my entire life. Not only being a state titleholder, but making it to the next level and making a bigger difference. Just having the opportunity is such an honor to me. To get ready I just want to continue to keep working on my interview skills because it is important to keep learning more about yourself everyday. I love walking and modeling so I will continue to work on that, and just have the right mindset whenever I am going into the pageant" Brooklynne said. "I want to show the judges who I am and what I stand for. ... Just really prepare myself mentally for that week that I compete."

Brooklynne's Role Model

Who does Brooklynne really look up to? "I really look up to Alyssa Campanella. She just happens to be Miss USA 2011. I think she has just such poise and confidence. She just radiates whenever she is on stage or just standing in a room. And so I just really look up to her for the confidence she has and just how she leads people. I think she was a great Miss USA."

Two Brooklynnes???

In a strange twist of events, the Miss Teen and Miss Oklahoma USA winners this year happened to have the first same name! "Never in my life met someone with the same name with the exact same spelling. It's just hysterical. The first morning after we won, we had a photo shoot and our directors were trying to call us in for who is shooting and who is not and so it would (get really confusing)." Brooklynne shared, "I love her so much so I am excited for my year with her."

To hear more about Brooklynne's Tips for pageant day, her advice to contestants, and how to follow her, you can see the video below.  

If you would also like to know, THIS is where you can find Moleskin. :) 

Be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss a blog or episode. 

K. Lee Graham -- Miss South Carolina Teen USA

By Wendy Lindberg- America's SUPER Queen 2013-14


Stephanie took some time last week to talk with K. Lee Graham, Miss South Carolina Teen USA.

Following in Footsteps, but Her Own Person

Many contestants and pageant queens always wish for the understanding and support of their family in their pageant pursuits, and K. Lee has a unique prospective on being a USA title holder as her mother was crowned in 1985 as Miss South Carolina Teen USA. "Everyone has been asking me since they heard that my mom had won in 1985, 'Were you born and raised to enter this pageant?' The answer is, 'No'. I decided on my own that I wanted to do it." She shared, "It's really great to have that legacy that goes on between us and it's a really special bond, that is for sure." 

"(When they called my name) I looked right into the audience and I saw where my mom was... She was cheering so much, and my family was there." K. Lee recalled, "That's what I will remember forever, just seeing all of them and feeling their support from onstage. It was great." 

Being Successful

K. Lee was asked to share some of what she believes has made her successful in taking home the crown. "I think that my family really kept me grounded," she said. "I also credit preparation. I think preparation is really big for anything you do in life. Especially for something like this. I worked really hard for it. I worked consistently for it too. I try to do something everyday that will help me get a little closer to my goals. ... Just getting in the right mindset: really knowing what I wanted to do after I was crowned, really knowing what I wanted to do with my year, that was really important to me as well. I think it really helped me keep everything in focus and keep my nerves down during pageant weekend because I was confident and I felt ready."

Making a Winning Gown

K. Lee and her mother have been teaming up for the last few years to make her competition gowns. K. Lee designs it and her mother sews and constructs them. "That's another special bond that we have. I guess I can't take all the credit for designing it. My mom helped a lot with it. We have always made my gowns. We've never bought it." K. Lee shared, "We worked on it a long time. ... Everyone asks how long it takes, to be honest, I can't tell you. I can just say a long time. We work a little bit here, a little bit there, fit here and take it out and restitch it here to get it perfect. ... It was really a good bonding experience."

K. Lee will have her gown for Miss Teen USA sponsored by the Miss South Carolina sponsored company and be able to give her mom a little break. "I am really excited to be able to explore my options now. ... I have a lot of ideas and I definitely have my own taste and my own style," she said.  "I know they will take me in the right direction."

Live Beautifully

"One of the great things about being Miss South Carolina Teen USA is that I have this voice now to go out and speak to South Carolina about things that I am passionate about. Particularly, my Live Beautifully campaign. So I will be getting out there and meeting a lot of people," K. Lee said. 

You can see K. Lee's blog at http://www.livebeautifullyblog.com/

"Through my Live Beautifully campaign, I promote that true beauty comes from your character. It's always really fun to dress up and do your make-up and your hair. There is nothing wrong with that, but I found that it's not going to last if you put your self-value in that." K. Lee continued, "I have my blog ... where I talk about true beauty and achieving that by embracing yourself, others and your community."

Live Healthy

K. Lee is a self proclaimed "health junkie". 

"My mom's always been a really good example of what it means to be a healthy individual. I have not always lived that way. I was always tired, I felt really sluggish, I didn't feel good. It was just not a fun way to live. ... I decided if it takes me eating healthy and exercising and it's going to make me happier... then why not do it?" 

One of K. Lee's favorite recipes? She shared it with Stephanie during this interview. 

Slice up and freeze a banana. Once it is frozen, add it to a blender.

Then add a little vanilla soy milk and crunchy almond butter. Blend it until it has the consistency of ice cream.

"Some people are skeptical, but it really does taste like ice cream, and it actually tastes good. That's what I am all about. Finding healthy recipes that actually taste good." 

Best Advice for your Pageant Week

"Go and make friends. We all know you are competing together... but you have this opportunity to meet the most accomplished girls in your state. ... I made my best friend through pageants."

To see K. Lee's interview and why her name is spelled the way it is, you can see it below. 

Be sure to subscribe to the channel and follow the blog so you never miss interview! 

Cassidy Wolf, Miss Teen USA

--Wendy Lindberg, America's SUPER Queen


 Stephanie McGrane took a moment to interview Cassidy Wolf, Miss Teen USA.

 The Crowning Moment

Stephanie asked Cassidy about her crowning moment and what it felt like to become Miss Teen USA. "First of all, I couldn't breathe. ... My first thought when they called my name was, 'okay, take a deep breath, take a deep breath,' and I couldn't and all I could think in my head was, 'oh my gosh, oh my gosh, it's me!' ... it was a whole whirlwind of crazy emotions." Cassidy shared with excitement and smiles, "All I wanted to do was hug my family because they were just so amazing the whole time I was up there."

Cassidy credits a lot of her successes to her support team who helped her feel confident going into the Miss Teen USA competition. "Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."

A Nightmare Extortion Case

Unknowingly, Cassidy found herself in a scary case of cyber hacking and extortion when an anonymous email arrived to her asking her to send inappropriate photographs to the emailer, or he would release photographs of her undressing in her bedroom: something she did not know he had done.  The investigation revealed that Jared James Abraham, a former high school classmate, had hacked the webcam built into her laptop and had been turning it on remotely to watch her and over a dozen other women.

I found this news article and interview with NBC exploring the case a bit more.

http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/12/21422496-suspect-in-sextortion-of-miss-teen-usa-other-young-women-pleads-guilty?lite

"One of my biggest tips is to change passwords every couple of months and always keep track (of your password) on a piece of paper, not on your phone. ... Change them (passwords) as often as possible. ... When you are not Skyping somebody that you are friends with, cover your webcam. If I would have known that, I probably wouldn't have had what happened to me happen." Cassidy shared, "It happened to me and it could really happen to anybody."

A Year as Miss Teen USA

"I've been focusing a lot on school." Cassidy told Stephanie. "I got to do New York Fashion Week, which was absolutely amazing. I did Project Sunshine visits and I look forward to doing those in the future. ... When you go to a Project Sunshine visit, it touches the kids, but I feel like it touches us even more. ... When you leave a Project Sunshine visit it makes you feel so good. That has definitely been my favorite part."

When asked about her highlights and challenges, Cassidy told Stephanie that the company and the time balances have been some of her highlights and challenges. "Getting to work with Miss USA and Miss Universe (has been great). They are so sweet and I love working with them. Getting to meet new people everyday (is a highlight). This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so blessed to have this opportunity." Cassidy said. Speaking on her challenges, Cassidy also shared the challenges of balancing school and the Miss Teen USA title. "I am a full time student and I go to school five days a week. When I am not in school, I am Miss Teen USA. .. but I am learning a lot about myself, so I am loving it."

The final recipient of Chinese Laundry Tippy Top Shoes (an official sponsor of the Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageant) is also announced in this episode, so you want to be sure to watch all the way through to see who it is!

To see more on the Cassidy Wolf interview, you can view it below. 

Be sure you follow PageantLIVE and Ask the Crown on Youtube so you never miss an episode!

Erin Brady-- Miss USA 2013

-- Wendy Lindberg, America's SUPER Queen 2013-14



Stephanie McGrane met online with Erin Brady earlier this week to talk about being Miss USA.

Time at Miss Universe

Erin talked a bit about her experiences at the Miss Universe Pageant finals. "Honestly, it's a very mental process because you are there for such a long period of time and it's exhausting." Erin shared, "you need to go there and enjoy your experience, which is exactly what I did...I just loved every moment of it. You are only onstage and on camera for a very short period of time so you have to make sure you that you absolutely live it up because you never get a second chance to go back."

National Costume

When working on finding her national costume for the competition, Erin thought steering away from the "traditional" costume was part of what she wanted to do. "I had done my research and looked at years previous... I am a bit out of the box and an abstract thinker so I said, 'You know something, why don't we do something very modern, very over the top, like a transformer?' And I loved it because I obviously was about eight feet tall so you had this essence of this beautiful, strong, empowered woman which is really what I feel this whole position is about, being Miss USA."  Erin shared." I got good feedback and bad feedback, but any feedback is good feedback in my eyes."

And how tall were those boots she wore? "They were sixteen inches. So they gave me a good foot and then some."


The Evening Gown 

Erin was able to work with Sherri Hill to find the perfect gown for her competition at Miss USA. "Red is my color. I love red. So I knew that I wanted to go with a red gown. ... I put this gown on in black first and I said, 'can you make this gown in red?' and she said, 'absolutely'. The liquid beading is something that when you are on stage and the lights hit it, it makes you look so elongated and it really just fits my body. ... I  just fell in love with it. I think picking the gown is one of those things that you just put it on and know that this is what you want to compete in."

Photo Sessions With Fadil Berisha

Erin had the pleasure of working with Fadil Berisha for the "Ice Princess" contestant photo session.  "He is so good." Erin said, "Every year (he) comes in with this amazing concept, so he wanted to embrace Russia and his concept of what he thought would be a great really, really unique photo shoot. So he said, 'why not ice princess?'. ...They had two mirrors that were kind of fogged with the blue lighting and the make-up was different shades of blues and silvers to make it look really icy." 

"It is great to see somebody work with him for the first time and to see how they embrace his creativity." Erin recalled. 

Preparing for Miss Universe

Stephanie asked Erin what some of the preparations she took to get ready for Miss Universe. "A lot of it is mental. ... Really just making sure you can keep in the best fit shape that you can."

The Top 5

What did Erin think of the top five at Miss Universe? "Honestly, I was so excited. All of the girls that made it into the top 5, I had the opportunity to speak with personally. Obviously with so many girls, it gets a bit tricky especially with the language barrier. I thought that they were all deserving and had a great performance. You never know, when you get into the top five, before the questions are asked, it could go either way. I would have been happy with anybody. It's a unique situation for me because the winner gets to move to New York City and be my roommate, so of course, I am sitting there going, 'oh please be nice.' ... And Miss Venezuela (the new Miss Universe) is fantastic and extremely smart."

Tippy Tops and Chinese Laundry

Erin wore a pair under her evening gown. As an official sponsor of the Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants.  Ask the Crown was able to team up with Chinese Laundry to give away three pairs to our viewers. To find out who the winners are, you need to WATCH the show! ;)

A big thank you to Chinese Laundry for the sponsorship of this prize!

To hear more of the interview and see what else Erin has to share and what she thinks was the secret to becoming Miss USA, you can watch the show here:

LeTecia Cunningham Ms United America Woman

Wendy Lindberg -- America's SUPER Queen

They are chilling statistics:
according to http://domesticviolencestatistics.org/domestic-violence-statistics/

• Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.

• Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during 

• Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

• Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

• Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern.

• Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused.

So LeTecia Cunningham, has decided her mission in platform pageantry should be to share her experience with a violent relationship, and as a domestic violence survivor, to help change these statistics.

"At one point in my life it seemed like I got every loser, bad-boy." LeTecia said. "I got with a guy who was fine and had great money. At first he treated me like I have always wanted to be treated.. (but) as we got more into the relationship, it started off with the insults and put downs, and then it went into the pushing and shaking," she continues. "We had been together for about five years and I had been slapped and punched and beaten and bruised enough that I started to actually get that I wanted to get out of this. That it wasn't what I wanted in life. So I made my decision to get out."

When LeTecia was leaving, she met her partner at the stair well. The confrontation ended with him shooting her and beating her to near death. 

Working the Platform

Now LeTecia works with her platform of domestic violence awareness and working with survivors. LeTecia has actually been brought to many undisclosed areas where shelters are located to talk to women who have left their mates to survive. "I tell them my story and I let them know (not to) give up. Keep going. Even if you leave everything behind, you still have your life. And as long as you have your life, you an get all that materialistic stuff back."

"(Domestic Violence) is a thing that goes through every community. It's in the roughest of neighborhoods out into the neighborhoods with the best and prettiest houses. This is something that knows no color, no creed, no financial background. If a woman is getting hurt, you have to get help." LeTecia shared. "You Have got to tell somebody (if you are being abused)."

I checked out this TED talk that shared another woman's story and her thoughts on why women don't leave these situations. You can see this video HERE. 

Author and Work

LeTecia is also in talks with a publishing company to get her book out on the shelves in the 2014 spring. The title is Love Can Break a Thug. "I can't tell you (too much of what happens) because you won't get the book." LeTecia Joke.

In addition to the book, LeTecia is an ordained minister. "Everything is grounded with God... I knew him, then I went through that phase where I went out into the streets. I had to get shot and get my head busted a couple times. But then you come home... You always want to come back. I am thankful that I serve a God that when I was ready to come home, he was there with  open arms to welcome me back." She says. Working at 247 Praise Radio also gives her the chance to share her love for God. 

LeTecia also talked a bit about working for Tyler Perry as the project development coordinator for Perry Studios. Stephanie asked LeTecia to tell the audience a bit about that. "(When we are together) it is a lot of work related things. But I can truthfully say that he is humble. He is very down-to-earth," she said. "(He) does so many things for people in his film studios (and the community). He has programs where he actually trains individuals at the film studios and gives them skills so they can get out of the streets and get a career. ... I wish more people who had big businesses would see we all make mistakes in life, but if no one is willing to give you a second chance, we're just going to have communities of people filled with mistakes."

Ms United America Woman

LeTecia also talked about her title with the United America System and being a plus sized individual. "I really believe as a plus sized woman, we shine too. We just got more to do it with. I enjoy it, and I love our pageant system, United America. I love our sisters in the system. ... The beauty pageant system was something I was scared of. It's really starting to open their arms and embrace plus sized women." 

To see the interview, please check out the video below along with additional links to information about domestic violence. 

Some links about domestic violence:

National Domestic Violence Hotline http://www.thehotline.org/

http://www.domesticviolence.org/

http://www.ncadv.org/

http://www.now.org/issues/violence/stats.html

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

Interview with Cherie Wimberly - Author of the Ultimate Pageant Notebook

 --Wendy Linderg, America's SUPER Queen

Many girls dream of being a model or pageant queen. On November 9th, Cherie Wimberly took some time to meet with Stephanie McGrane and PageantLIVE's Ask the Crown to talk a bit about her career in modeling, her work with The LA Examiner, her experience with Pageantry, and her book, The Ultimate Pageant Notebook. 

Being Discovered

Cherie told Stephanie that she started out her modeling career as a teenager modeling in a department store that is now Macy's. She was discovered there by Scott Teitler. "I really didn't start working professionally until I was in my early twenties  in South Beach. My very first job was a photoshoot for Elle Magazine... I was very lucky to start off the bat with such a great job." Cherie Said.

Along with being in Elle, Italian Vogue and Cosmo, her acting took off and she was placed in films like "Bad Boys" and television opportunities like "General Hospital" and "Frasier".

"I have had a lot of good luck and being in the right place at the right time.. Sometimes I have to pinch my self and say, 'did this really happen?' But I have been very, very lucky.

You can find a lot of information on Cherie's Career in modeling, acting and writing at www.cheriesite.com .

Writing Career

Cherie has also had a lot of opportunities to share her knowledge and experiences in acting, modeling and pageantry in books, and through her job as an article writer for the www.examiner.com website.  She gets the opportunity to write abut casting calls, pageants, celebrity news, modeling contests and, recently, the Miss Universe Pageant. 

According to her website, she also has authored a few children's books: Bumble Learns to Fly and Two Babies Called Twins

One the articles she wrote for the Examiner was about safety tips for models. "You always hear stories on the news about models getting into trouble, getting taken. It really is a reality, and it's something that everybody should be aware of in the business. And I really felt compelled, as one of my first articles, to do an article about safety tips." Cherie told Stephanie, "The more aware you are of your surroundings and what's going on , the better for you. You can be an easy target." 

 So see her article with her tips, you can see it HERE. 

Along with her experience modeling, Cherie has tried her hand at competing and judging pageants and during that time, she developed the Ultimate Pageant Notebook, available on Amazon. "I wrote the (Ultimate) Pageant Notebook while I was preparing for a pageant myself. What is does it help you to get organized. It helps you to prepare everything from start to finish. From the rules of your pageant, to getting sponsors, writing your platform, writing a speech if you have to do an introductory speech. It's also really good for beginners. It has a lot of tips in there, things that you may not know about pageants." Cherie said, "It basically gives you an outline of everything you have to do for your pageant."  Ther are also many different versions of the book for various types of pageant contestants from kids to Mrs. contestants. 

Called It!

Cherie also talked a bit about her prediction as to who would win Miss Universe... and for the record... she called it! :)

To see the full interview, check it out below!

Here are a few other photos to share of Cherie throughout her years of modeling!

Interview with Miss Alabama Teen USA Lorin Holcombe

-- Wendy Lindberg, America's SUPER Queen 

Stephanie McGrane met with Lorin Holcombe this past week to discuss her year as Miss Alabama Teen USA.

Determination

When asked what she thought the secret was to capturing the crown, Lorin told her that she thought it was "pure determination".

"I had no pageant experience. I just wanted it so much that I was willing to work hard and give up a lot of time to get into shape. I actually lost 20 pounds." Lorin shared, "So, I think determination is the secret. And a lot of prayers and a lot of focus."

A Whirl-wind 

Lorin went on to talk a bit about her title. As she prepares to give up her crown on November 16th, she is reflecting on some of the things that have happened over the past year.  "It was a whirl-wind. At first there was so much to learn," she noted. "I didn't know how to do photo shoots, and social media... learning how to handle all of that was difficult, but once I got the hang of it, it turned out to be one of the most amazing years of my life."

Lorin also highlighted some of her favorite parts of her reign. "There has been so many great things (about my year). Probably the best thing is that my platform was about self-esteem. So I got to go to speak to girls in a lot of low income areas. ... The impact you get to make on those little ones and getting to experience being a role model is certainly a highlight of (my year)." She continued, "I think when you are crowned you are put into a certain position of power. You have the ability to influence others. I think that it is every titleholders' responsibility to use that in a positive way."

At Miss Teen USA

"It is so much fun. Meeting all the girls is great." Lorin shared her experience on the national stage, "It really brought me to tears almost every night just because it was such an amazing, humbling experience." 

The pageant week was filled, and Lorin said to expect a lack of sleep if you are fortunate enough to be a part of the national experience. "You can definitely expect not to get much sleep... It is morning to night and you are constantly going."

The Next Miss Alabama Teen USA and Beyond

Lorin will be giving the crown to the next Miss Alabama Teen USA this coming weekend. When Stephanie asked her for her advice to those thinking about competing, Lorin said, "You should go for it.... You walk away with confidence, you walk away with great friends. You should do it, no matter what." 

"(Practicing your public speaking and confidence) are very important and the interview skills as well. In a competitive job market ... you have to be able to communicate well with others."

Lorin is starting her path to her future as a dentist or orthodontist. She is beginning her major as a bio-medical student. "I hope to go to UAB for dental school and maybe start my own practice."

"I've (also) been dabbling in some petite modeling recently and I had never been really open to that world before until pageantry. I have been enjoying it." She added, "I am also in a sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, so I would like to become one of the officers in that sorority as well." 

Beauty and Brains

Lorin was asked to share a little bit about what she would like to share with others who think that pageants are just beauty without the brains.  "Of the many girls that I have met, you have talented musicians, you have girls who are interested in the sciences and mathematics like I am. Many that graduated high school two and three years early out of merit." Lorin added, "I graduated high school with a 4.2, and I am making straight A's in my first year of college in a very hard major. So I think if you really paid attention, you'd realize that pageants draw the most determined and driven girls, and typically determined and driven girls do very well in academics."

Whatever her next moves may be, I am sure they will be amazing ones. 

You can see the interview in the video below. 

Fashion Hero Website and Registration to Launch! PageantLIVE Hosts a Special Presentation

--Wendy Lindberg, America's SUPER Queen   @SUPERqueenWendy

"It's practically universal. Girls discover their own beauty at a young age, and many dream of becoming models," says the official YouTube teaser, "but not every girl can be a super model."  

But that is the mission of The Fashion Hero, a new website and television project, launching November 14th, 2013. 

This is where Sheree' Walcher, Chelsea St.Pierre, Susan Hoover, and Ava St.Pierre Cogburn join PageantLIVE to talk about their big project and launch of:

Not the Usual Supermodel

"I think in a nutshell as well, it really opens an avenue to help everyone's dream come true, that may not have thought that they had an opportunity in the fashion industry," said Chelsea. 

"I think some new doors will be opening for people, especially like Susan and myself, who are short." Sheree' added. "I modeled as a child with my mom in fashion shows for JC Penny and large department stores. As I got older, I was told I was too short to model. So this will be a great opportunity for people of every race, color, or size. It doesn't matter. Everyone can participate and register for The Fashion Hero."

The Fashion Hero has an official teaser on YouTube that seems to sum it up pretty well. You can watch it below.

Roll the Cameras 

Some of the filming of the show has already begun, but the finale is preparing for next fall and will be shot at the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa in Mexico, who is also a sponsor of the program. "A panel of judges will be picking who will be going on to the finale in Mexico," Ava shared. "There is (also) a panel of judges that will follow the website as well as the companies that will be also sponsoring and are a part of The Fashion Hero TV show and series. They will be following the website. Each and every person, male and female, that goes onto the website will have the opportunity to go ahead and have their own page on the website. Once they do that they will be able to have their bios, career goals, pictures..."

The excitement of The Fashion Hero grew as Chelsea shared that the events and program will be not just national, but international.

The Events and Website

"We will be posting all of our events on The Fashion Hero website," Ava told PageantLIVE interviewer, Stephanie McGrane.

"And we ask that you keep checking," Susan recommended, "because every time we go to an event, we are going to have the opportunity to meet so many fascinating new people and new friends. We will be updating the events. We will have all the events we can possibly have."

"We have a team busy working on the website launch.... so do please check back," Sheree' added.

You can also find The Fashion Hero on other social media sights. "you can find us on Pinterest, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

You can see the website here as it prepares for its official launch November 14th:

The Fashion Hero Website

With Thanks

As the team begins work for the events and tours, there were a few people and brands (companies) they wanted to thanks for a lot of the initial work and sponsorship being put into the program.


The Founder and CEO, Caroline Bernier "(She) brought this concept to all of us to see and have a vision of what fashion and beauty should really be about." Ava Shared. "I also want to thank everyone (on the team in Canada) for bringing us in on this side to help out."

Some of the sponsors being added to the program are: 

Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa in Mexico

MEXX 

Planet Beach

Tocara Canada

Style SO Original

Laboratoire Dr Renaud

and Elle Sunglasses


To see the full interview, and celebration of the launch (coming Novemeber 14th), check it out here!

PageantLIVE presents The Fashion Hero