Moments with Miss America

~Moments with Miss America~

By Natalie McGovern

Meeting Miss America for the first time was a treat, and not just because I was one of the lucky titleholders to grace the stage she walked on at the Natalie M. Fashion Show, the largest charity fashion show in the nation.  As a representative of the Miss United States Organization I had the unique pleasure of being able to take a professional photo with the famous beauty queen of all, alongside the prominent designer Tony Bowls.

Meeting Kira was surreal, she was so amicable and beamed with delight when she met me and my sister queens, shaking our hands warmly.  Okay, excuse me while I relive my fangirl moment. In short it could only be described as incredible.

Miss America in the Flesh

Wearing a blush pink Tony Bowls gown Kira was the epitome of poise and elegance.  Having the opportunity afterward to hear her story of making it in New York as a first generation American was inspiring.  I had read her blog prior to our meeting and before she won the Miss America crown she had the opportunity to travel to Russia and connect to her roots.  The impact that this title has had upon her life is astounding as she is the third consecutive Miss New York to be Miss America and learned how to make it when she barely had the support of her state directors to help her gain sponsors.

For those naysayers who judged her looks the night she was crowned, I have to say she is as lovely and photogenic in person as she is charismatic in personality. Her hair and makeup perfection, the confidence she displays for the world to see makes you want to be her.  Kira’s personality is infectious, she gets on your level and is so relatable. It is easy to see why she was chosen by the judges to represent the American ideal. She is truly leading a legacy.

POST CROWN

I admire Kira for wanting to pursue her law degree after her reign.  She has the grit and determination to make it and turn her dreams into reality. Her current plan after Miss America is to go to law school. She was accepted at Notre Dame and had to postpone when she won so she has plans to continue that direction.

TONY BOWLS

I also had an impromptu interview opportunity to catch a glimpse into Tony Bowl’s esteemed life. He started in retail and was one day offered $100,000 by the Miss America Organization to expand his business, and from that day forth he has never looked back.  Now the official sponsor of Miss America, Tony Bowls has created custom gowns for many famous Miss Americas such as Miss America 2008 Katie Stam, celebrities such as Carrie Underwood, Miss USA titleholders and has dressed many pageant winners. One thing is for certain, he has a heart for giving back and wants to make a difference in the lives of others. There is an aura about Tony Bowls that eminates such kindness and goodwill.

The Natalie M. Fashion Show is an annual charity fashion show that showcases the work of pageant and prom designers each year, raising philanthropic funds for education. For more information concerning the fashion show, go to http://www.nataliemfoundation.com

PageantLIVE & Ask The Crown's Most Memorable Moments of 2014

Setting the Trend

This has been amazing year for PageantLIVE and Ask the Crown.  These accomplishments were made possible by the incredible people who support us...YOU.  A heartfelt thank you to the volunteer staff, family and friends... you are all the backbone that brings life into each and every production.   Here are some of our most memorable interviews and moments from 2014.

10)  Miss Teen USA - K. Lee Graham

9) Gretchen Carlson - Miss America 1989 and host of The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson

8 ) Designer and star of Project Runway, Johnathan Kayne

7) Miss USA - Nia Sanchez

6) World Famous designer Mac Duggal

5) Stephanie McGrane co-hosting the Miss United States Pageant in Washington, DC where it was officially announced that the new winner would represent the US at the 2014 Miss World Pageant. And, of course meeting Megan Young - Miss World 2013!

4) PageantLIVE traveling to Mexico with titleholders from around the world to film a reality TV show

3) Kyle Haggerty helping Elizabeth Safrit win the Miss World Media Challenge with his Ask The Crown interview

2) Miss Universe - Gabriela Isler

1) Our media invitation to cover the Miss Universe Pageant! We can't wait to arrive in Doral! Watch for exclusive interviews with some of the most gorgeous ladies in the universe!

We hope your 2015 allows you to shine bright like a diamond!

Miss Asia Pacific World USA

There is a new competition in town open to everyone who is interested in advancing their career in modeling, pageantry, or the entertainment industry

MAPW USA

You DO NOT have to be Asian or of Asian Descent to compete. This competition is open to all ethnicities. Two winners will be crowned; MAPW USA and MAPW USA SuperTalent (1st runner-up).

This is not your traditional pageant. It adheres to modeling standards on the catwalk instead of the traditional pageant walk and posing. 

The Areas of Competition: 

Photogenic - Points will be added to overall score. 

Evening Wear - Couture, high-low, or pageant gowns are acceptable. Cocktail attire is not permitted. 

Fashion Swimsuit – High energy catwalk modeling, Victoria's Secret style...you own the runway in boots, heels, feathers or whatever suits your fancy…just own it! 

Top 12 will also compete in Self Expression; a performing arts or a spokesmodel presentation. 

Top 6 will compete in On-Stage question.

Evening Wear

Fashion Swimsuit - Victoria Secret Style

Self Expression 

Commitments, Benefits and Awards:

** Title is non-contractual. You can compete in other top tier pageants, such as USA, MAO, United States, World America, etc. If you win another title, you are only required to come back to crown your successor and compete at the International Pageant in Europe or South Korea.

** If you do want to compete in another pageant, coaching and preparation is provided to you at no cost.

** The USA National winner wins an all expense trip to compete in Paris, Zurich, Milan and Geneva for International finals. Your competition wardrobe is provided to you at no cost.

** The USA National first runner up will receive: an invitation to the Miss Asia Pacific World SuperTalent 2015; and an invitation to participate at the International competition in South Korea (they receive an invite, but will have to pay their own airfare), all other expenses are paid.

** The  International winner will reside in Seoul, Korea in a celebrity status and travel the world.

** USA National winner's prize package is valued at over $8,000.00

** International prize package is valued at over $150,000.00

Requirements:

1.  Must reside in the United States (you do not have to be a US citizen)

2.  Ages: Biological must be under 17. 17 and older: your external casting appearance must be 30 or under

4.  Not married

3.  Able to commit to compete in the two week national competition in Europe or South Korea

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMissAsiaPacificWorldSuperTalent

http://www.supertalentoftheworld.com/

Miss Asia Pacific World Super Talent (1st Runner up)
**Invitation to compete in International Competition in South Korea
**Entrance fee paid
**Wardrobe sponsorship
**Training provided
***The International winner receives exposure with international agencies in Europe and Asia, and a modeling contract for 1 year (approximate value $250K)

***Will have a residence provided to in Seoul, South Korea and will travel the world

https://www.facebook.com/MissAsiaPacificWorldUSA

http://www.missasiapacificworldusa.com/

Pageant Details

**Early Bird registration fee is $395.00 until December 31, 2014.  Effective January 1, 2015 the fee is $495.00 and fee the day of the competition is $595.00

This is a one day national pageant held:

March 14, 2015 in Washington, DC at the Kreeger Theater - Arena Stage

Would you like more information?  Please contact Stephanie McGrane at AsktheCrown@gmail.com or call her at (612) 605-9766.

  

Up Close and Personal with Chris Franz

~Coaching Expert~

Natalie McGovern

With roots in the entertainment and music industry, Chris Franz has made a name for himself as both a judge and coach in the pageant world.  He started out judging pageants and then began his interview coaching right of the gate when girls would come to him for advice on their interview skills. Chris Franz is a full-service coach and does it all.

If you are interested in a coach who will get to know you on a personal level, then Chris is just the person to get the job done.

A personal relationship between a client and a coach is vital to success, and it is best to have an open communication where you can talk to each other honestly and trust one another. When it comes to coaching clients Chris has a whole process to discovering who you are and bringing out your personality. Chris even goes as far as to have his clients complete a 3-4 page forum to get down the discovery process. At the end of the day the winner’s circle is all about the details.

Chris alluded that being a coach is a lot like being a therapist in many ways-you have to discuss about your body, mind, and talk about things that may be awkward or uncomfortable. Nonetheless, it is important to keep an open channel of communication.

Time to Move On

Chris will do everything to prep you and make you feel ready. If a coach is just coaching you to take your money you often get an intuitive sense and may feel it is time to move on.  Coaching with Chris there needs to be a certain level of dedication from his client to get to the level needed to be able to perform at the absolute best.'

Stage Presence

Stage presence is everything. Don’t forget to smile! A smile is your strongest asset. Learn to perfect poise and personality. Acknowledge that there is a way to do it; in pageantry there is a way to walk and present yourself. Be aware of the audience as well as the judges. Take the moment you are given. Just as in entertainment and the music industry-you have your moment to shine, put It all out there and give it all you've got!

Showing Confidence

Know the system-Miss USA vs. Miss America. Give a little nod, and show the way that you place your hands on your hips and SELL it! Be confident in who you are. Learn how to be comfortable in your pageant shoes, and practice, even if it means vacuuming the house in heels or walking on the treadmill.

Chris tailors his coaching to each individual client. His roots are in the Mrs. Pageants, but he is versatile in coaching all systems. Chris is well adverse in each system because he judges each system and he also keeps up on it. Miss USA is all about the glam, whereas Miss America is about interview, style and poise and the classic beauty queen pageant ideal that comes to mind.

Long Distance Coaching

Coaching long distance is easily accessible thanks to technology.  Coaching by Skype or phone is a viable option if a client does not have the luxury to travel and meet in person.

Skype offers a real time connection when picking out a gown at and needing advice on what to go with for your winning look. Chris Franz also suggests going shopping together online. It’s a little more feasible for remote locations that are not near a gown boutique or pageant shop.

Very Best Pageant Tips:

1.      Stage Presence

Hitting 3 points on stage, don’t forget to acknowledge the judges-look at them-look down toward them, don’t let nerves get to you. Take that deep breath, inhaling naturally puts your chest where it should be and gives you proper posture. Remember this simple breathing exercise to lift you up

2.      Paying Attention

Pay attention to the choreographer of the pageant. It’s your moment to shine so take advantage of that. Be a part of that entire group, then maximize the skills you have on stage.

3.      Panel Interview Tips:

Interview for a panel:

Look at the forehead, look into the right eye. Don’t close your eyes, don’t look down, don’t look above the judges’ heads.

  

Recap

Aside from all the “tough love” coaches out there, Chris will be your #1 fan. He will not be that hard pushing coach unless you want that from him. Chris tells clients to hone their skills accordingly. What are your three weaknesses and 3 strengths?  He will help you fix whatever you feel is broken. An expert in Mrs. Pageants, Chris stated that after coming off of a long hiatus often married women are sometimes not as confident, so he is able to work around the challenges that are presented when prepping a married woman for a pageant.

Overall, Chris coaches from the heart out. You can work on outside beauty, but if you are beautiful on the inside, it will naturally show.

Chris writes for The Platform Magazine which features the accomplishments of successful and inspirational individuals. You can view The Platform magazine electronically online.

For expert full-service coaching with Chris Franz contact Stephanie McGrane at askthecrown@gmail.com to receive 20 % off! Book today

Exclusive interview with the AMAZING Chris Franz