tag:www.wetv.com,2008-04-18:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159 2009-10-08T16:47:33Z Go behind the scenes of Little Miss Perfect with pageant director Michael Galanes, the judges and some of the pageant moms. Movable Type Publishing Platform 4.02 tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.38935 2009-10-08T16:37:04Z 2009-10-08T16:47:33Z

By Michael Galanes, Pageant DirectorLittle Miss Perfect, Season 1, was all that I hoped for, maybe more or maybe less at times, but that's show business! In all honesty, pageants like Little Miss Perfect and all that these events entail...

MMcGowan By Michael Galanes, Pageant Director
Little Miss Perfect, Season 1, was all that I hoped for, maybe more or maybe less at times, but that's show business! In all honesty, pageants like Little Miss Perfect and all that these events entail truly is my life! I think as outsiders look in to the life of a pageant director, they only see the glitz, glamour and showy stage performances, but there is so much more than the actual pageant. At my pageant office, located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., it is not all fun and games and lip gloss is not always worn, you see! I work close to 70 hours a week. My job description includes securing venues, recruiting contestants, solidifying prize packages, finding qualified judges, creating pageant paperwork, maintaining websites, entertaining all of the questions via telephone and e-mail, training pageant contestants from all over the United States, working with hotels to make certain the pageants run as smoothly as possible, creating pageant schedules, ordering crowns, banners, trophies, booking appearances for all of my queens, preparing my queens for the next level of competition, visiting gown stores and creating the perfect wardrobes, photo shoots, working out, hair and make-up lessons and the list goes on! But, this is my life and I would have it no other way!

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We are all put on this earth for a very specific reason and one of my purposes in life is to educate and enlighten the American public on the benefits of pageantry! At least 2 times a day, I have a conversation with someone about pageants, NOTHING PHASES ME! I always encourage these individuals to attend one of my events and I guarantee their viewpoints will change in a very positive direction!

These little girls are gaining important life lessons, they are making friends, spending time with family, working on confidence, learning to win and loose in a gracious fashion, and most importantly having the times of their lives. Who doesn't want to be a princess for a day anyway?

My involvement with pageants almost spans 20 years! I have attended more graduations, performances, weddings, parties, parades, BROADWAY shows, movies, modeling gigs, shopping sprees, vacations, galas, and pageants than I care to count! Let's just say, these pageants are my life and I thank you for supporting Little Miss Perfect...just one of my favorite pageant memories! The Little Miss Perfect Pageant...where all your dreams come true, that is the truth!

Words of wisdom from the Perfect Pageant Director: Sparkle your way through life and never underestimate the power of a smile, a good hair and make-up artist, and the decadence of rhinestones GALORE! ]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.21975 2009-03-18T18:48:46Z 2009-03-18T18:56:26Z

Parent's Name: Tracey Pendergrass Child's Name: Sabrina Pendergrass I had a friend that was involved in beauty pageants with her daughter and she told us about a pageant that was coming up. We competed in the pageant and Sabrina won....

MMcGowan Parent's Name: Tracey Pendergrass
Child's Name: Sabrina Pendergrass

I had a friend that was involved in beauty pageants with her daughter and she told us about a pageant that was coming up. We competed in the pageant and Sabrina won. We were so excited we caught the "Pageant Fever." We actually had a lot of fun.

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I have always thought that there is no reason to regret anything. Anything that you have done is over and done with so there is no reason to regret anything. Just learn from it and move on.

There are mixed feelings in my family about pageants. Some family members do not like the fact that Sabrina is wearing all of the hair and makeup and dressing up to parade up and down a stage in front of people. Most think that it is a great learning experience for her. It will help her self confidence. It will also help her build poise and speaking abilities.

My daughter, Sabrina, is not the typical little pageant girl. In her regular time she plays softball and soccer. Sabrina also loves to play rough. She loves to skateboard and she is a little daredevil. She is not afraid of anything and if it involves getting dirty or playing rough, she is all for it. We have enjoyed the friends we have met and the places we have been. It has been mostly a great experience.]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.21974 2009-03-18T18:48:39Z 2009-03-18T19:07:44Z

Parent's Name: Kris Olive Child's Name: Amber Olive, 11 I had started doing pageants in 1995 with my oldest daughter Cassidy and later with my middle daughter Ashley. We loved pageants so much that I entered Amber in one at...

MMcGowan Parent's Name: Kris Olive
Child's Name: Amber Olive, 11

I had started doing pageants in 1995 with my oldest daughter Cassidy and later with my middle daughter Ashley. We loved pageants so much that I entered Amber in one at 6 months old. She was 1st runner-up. For about four years she was winning 1st runner-up at local pageants and sometimes winning the queen title. Then we took a pageant break because of nasty comments from pageant moms when my girls hit a winning streak.

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When Amber was picked for the show. I was excited for us all, but mainly for Amber. Amber is so witty and funny, and a real doll. She has always been an "A" student and a wonderful daughter. She's the star of her cheerleading team and a precious child.

Amber's sisters had always won a lot of pageants, and she never really considered herself as successful as them. Don't get me wrong, she won a lot of local pageants, but she only had one big win--the 2007 North Carolina State Little Miss Sunburst Queen. This was huge for Amber. She had what they were looking for that weekend, natural beauty and tons of personality. It was her second state pageant and there she won big. She proudly toted off a 6-foot tall trophy, a big check, a huge crown, gifts and a monogrammed satin sash. To win against her pageant friends who are all gorgeous, in her eyes she had made it. Her sister Ashley won the 5-27 State overall just the year before and now Amber was in a circle of winners in the largest pageant in the business in the South. That same year, she did five other pageants and was 1st runner-up.

Doing the show was a lot harder then we expected. Every day was filled with nail and facial appointments at the best spa in town. Haircuts, special private dance sessions with 25 competitive dancers and two dance teachers and practices. Amber was the star of Little Miss Perfect for one week of filming. America would know who she was and how cute and smart she was. Now it was Amber's time as the youngest in the family to shine.

Despite the busy schedule and people filming everything going on in our lives Amber loved it but was really off her schedule. The show wanted her to look for things she didn't usually wear, like fake hair and teeth. She was late for cheerleading and she missed playing outside with her friends after school. The best thing was the recognition and being made to feel so special. For me, it was a time to say, "Hey pageant moms! Look at my sweet Amber!"

A friend of mine told me once years ago, "Remember a win is a win. You earned the crown, worked hard for it and every win counts--big and small."

I do not regret doing the show, because the WE tv staff was awesome and fun like us. I felt the best part was working with people who were trying to bring out the real Olive family. Every day I heard, "You are awesome mom." My friends and family were so excited for Amber and all of us. It was fun to see how people in our community reacted to all of this. We really have become local celebrities through the show. It was great for our tiny Mint Hill city to be shown. We have a beautiful town full of great people. My husband was the only one who didn't like the adjustments that had to be made to our every day life. He hated seeing Amber tired from filming and stressed out. During the taping, she became very tired, and it showed at the pageant. Her eyes looked tired and she wasn't her old self. She loved the TV show filming, and is excited about being able to tell her kids one day that she was picked out of tons of pretty girls to be on a TV show.

No one can take away Amber's smile and memories. No pageant moms really know the real kids we love. It's hard to take mean comments, but it is something we have lived with over the years. People will always find fault with you or your child in sports, dance and school. It's something we moms of beautiful, talented and smart kids have to live with, I guess.

Amber's confidence when speaking and being in control in front of people is why we started pageants. My daughters have all gained friends and learned patience, as well as how to prepare in order to reach a goal and how to deal with winning or losing.

We are now preparing for Little Miss Mecklenburg pageant held in 2009. We had wanted to go do a Christmas pageant, but still haven't gotten over the last one. 2009 will be a good year for us pageant-wise. We will keep doing mainly scholarship and natural pageants, but watch out! Two of my girls are working to be at the biggest and best pageant of the year 2009--TDS (Tropical Dream Stars).

So, pageant hugs and kisses to all our friends and family out there. Thank you, too, Fancy Feet Dance Studio in Matthews NC, Spa 51(Ben aka-Duke bootie), Teresa Mallouky for Amber's fabulous dress design, hair and makeup and wonderful advice. Thanks also to our favorite clothing store, Linda's Clothing Shoppe in Matthew NC. Thank you Miss Amber Kiser--we love you and your modeling instruction is the best. Remember we all love our girls and will always think of them as the most beautiful, smartest and most talented!!

Final words from this 4-foot, 11-inch pageant loving mama: I have always loved the excitement of pageants. I love the prettiness of it all and I love the gamble. I am addicted to pageants of all types. If they have a pretty crown we are going! We will always consider ourselves big winners, too! Thank you, Lord for giving me beautiful, smart daughters. I hope their kids will compete in pageants when they grow up. Thank you Blaine and Charlie for seeing a cute family and choosing us. Love to you!]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.21588 2009-03-12T15:15:59Z 2009-03-12T15:23:40Z

Parent's Name: Jeanie Webb Adcox Child's Name: Jordan Elizabeth Adcox Brother's Name: Vincent Caleb Scoggins Grandparent's Name: Terry and Gail WebbJordan has been competing in pageants since she was five months old. We were encouraged by a friend of mine...

MMcGowan Parent's Name: Jeanie Webb Adcox
Child's Name: Jordan Elizabeth Adcox
Brother's Name: Vincent Caleb Scoggins
Grandparent's Name: Terry and Gail Webb

Jordan has been competing in pageants since she was five months old. We were encouraged by a friend of mine to enter Jordan in a mall preliminary pageant. I had competed in pageants with this friend when we were younger and we decided to enter Jordan and her son in this mall pageant together.]]>
Jordan has had so many great experiences that many girls her age do not get to have. We have done lots of traveling and she has friends in all corners of the United States that we have met at pageants. Pageants for Jordan are just like any other sport or activity that any child could be involved in--it requires lots of practice but it's meant to be fun and if she not having a good time doing it then we need to find a new activity. Pageants do not consume Jordan's life. She is also active with competitive dance, tumbling, local art council theater, choir at church and just being a normal kid.

I hope that Jordan can take her experiences from pageants and use them to succeed in all areas of her life. It's hard to say if pageants have given Jordan the self confidence that she has or if it was born in her since she has competed in pageants all her life, but I feel that pageants are the reason she pursues her dreams the way that she does and succeeds in all aspects of her life. I feel that pageants are a learning experience for Jordan and sometimes she learns more from losing and how to do it gracefully that she does from actually winning.

I have no regrets about the time and energy that we have put into pageants for Jordan. My family and friends, and even Jordan's and her brother Caleb's friends, are very supportive of Jordan's hobby and are always asking how she does when we go to compete. (Everyone loves to see pictures from the competitions.) I feel that we are very lucky to have the support that we do because I know that some people look down on pageants but we have never had any negative remarks made to us and for this I am very grateful.

Our family enjoyed this experience with WE tv so much. It was a life-changing experience for me and the kids. Jordan cried for hours after the filming was over because she was going to miss the film crew so much. She talks about her experiences with them often and hopes to one day see them again. We would like to thank WE tv for giving Jordan the experience of a lifetime and we are so happy that we could be a part of the Little Miss Perfect family.

Special thanks to Deanna Williams, Teresa Mallouky, Tracey Pendergrass, DreamWeavers Dance Studio, our church family, Jordan's teachers, Principal and classmates, my co-workers and to all the people of our community and all of our pageant family and friends for your love and support. We will forever be grateful for the sacrifices that you made to make this a reality for Jordan.]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.21587 2009-03-12T15:05:29Z 2009-03-12T15:14:57Z

Parent's Name: Debbie Tye Child's Name: Emily Tye Hello, my name is Debbie Tye and my daughter Emily is nine-and-a-half years old. Emily has been doing pageants since she was eight months old and is still going strong. We started...

MMcGowan Parent's Name: Debbie Tye
Child's Name: Emily Tye

Hello, my name is Debbie Tye and my daughter Emily is nine-and-a-half years old. Emily has been doing pageants since she was eight months old and is still going strong. We started like most families--saw the advertisement at the mall and figured "what the heck?" Well we did that one and Emily won, we did the next few and she did OK, but the clincher was when she went her first state pageant and won. We were so in over our heads and had NO clue what we were doing. Emily was 15 months old and there were 55 other little girls in her group and she won--that was it for us!

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When we were contacted to do the auditions for the "Little Miss Perfect" show, I was very leery at first. We had done a seven-week series for Bravo called, "Showbiz Moms and Dads" and that didn't go exactly the way we had planned. A lot of things happened that we were not prepared for or knew about. I have never denied saying or doing anything on that show, but it caused a lot of problems with some moms in Florida and people that had no clue what pageants were even about. To this day, I am still bashed for it, and that was over five years ago. But when we started filming, it was actually a lot of fun and nothing like what we had experienced before. The producer and crew were a little exhausting (Love ya Kat, Eileen and Tony!) but they were awesome and so supportive. When we said "stop" they stopped and when we wanted to eat they would let us eat. I don't feel that anything that was filmed could be bad or "used against me" in any way. I honestly think that this will be the first show that may possibly show pageants in a positive light. Show that most of our girls love what they do and that these are fun and enjoyable and can really be good in the long run.

I only hope that people will watch this with an open mind and see how MOST of our kids enjoy pageants.]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.21194 2009-03-05T17:35:12Z 2009-03-05T17:39:47Z

MMcGowan Parent's Name: Rhonda & Robert Meeks
Child's Name: Kendall-Grace Meeks

We decided to become involved in beauty pageants with our daughter to try something new, to make friends and see what pageants were all about... and to see if there were any life-lessons to be gained from pageants.

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We have absolutely no regrets! We made new friends, we had a lot of fun in the process, and learned some things about each other.

Our family and friends are very supportive. We have our own cheering section at the events and that always makes us feel good! Everyone is very excited and can't wait to see the television show. They all want everyone to see that we are real people who happen to do pageants. We all want everyone to know that there are things that can be learned from pageants and that not all pageant people are like what has been previously portrayed on television.

We are a close-knit family who support each other in whatever activity we happen to be doing. We try and have fun wherever we go and make life an interesting journey as life is too short. Our philosophy is "If it isn't fun, try something else!" ]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.21193 2009-03-05T17:28:51Z 2009-03-05T17:34:05Z

Parent's Name: Traci Lin PangonasChild's Name: Alexa Lin Pangonas I have been in front of a still and video camera since birth. I was the first grandchild and an only child for six years, so spoiled was my middle...

MMcGowan Parent's Name: Traci Lin Pangonas
Child's Name: Alexa Lin Pangonas

I have been in front of a still and video camera since birth. I was the first grandchild and an only child for six years, so spoiled was my middle name!  I have been a fitness professional for over 20 years and I thought that maybe I would like to try a pageant and see what happens. At the age of 36 I started doing pageants. My daughter Alexa attended several and saw that I was having fun and asked if she could be in a pageant. After her first one at the age of three, she was hooked. When this opportunity came we decided to go for it!

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I regret that I tried to be a "super" mom, be on a diet, workout too much, pageant train Alexa, learn a dance/gymnastics routine and shoot a TV show all in a short period of time! I was very overwhelmed with my husband in Afghanistan and I tried too hard to put on a brave face for the kids.

My friends and family think it is so ME to do pageants, but that it is time to stop. My mom and sister don't understand the need to do more when I have already won a title. My husband Timber does not feel the need for me or Alexa to stand in front of total strangers and let them judge us on beauty and poise. (It can be expensive so my husband wishes I would pick up a new hobby.) What my friends and family do see and like is that I have made friends with some very amazing women. Being a military spouse, I have done great things in all the different communities and states that we have lived in. Alexa absolutely loves going to hotels and staying with friends and competing. It's like a big slumber party!

We are a very normal and down to earth family that has been very blessed! Alexa and I like to dress up, get our make-up and hair done and strut our stuff.

So what! I think if people knew how much work goes into being a beauty queen they would look up to those girls who persevere! Pageantry is a sport and we treat it as such. We have equipment, practices and even coaches! Some you win and some you lose.

I believe the world in general would not have the volunteer force that it has if pageant women/girls were not out there supporting their causes. Our differences make us unique, isn't that what we are trying to teach and instill in our kids? Just be happy with who you are and let your own light SHINE! I hope that people understand that pageantry has brought to us many great leaders, politicians, actors, teachers, and yes EVEN great MOMMIES! ]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.20692 2009-02-26T18:45:27Z 2009-02-26T19:26:07Z

Parent's Names: Leslie Ann Campbell Child's Name: Hadlie Templin My name is Leslie Ann and I'm the mother of 8 year-old Hadlie Sage, 12 year-old Kennedy Hope, and 16 year-old Leighton River. I have lived in Orlando for 40 years....

MMcGowan Parent's Names: Leslie Ann Campbell
Child's Name: Hadlie Templin

My name is Leslie Ann and I'm the mother of 8 year-old Hadlie Sage, 12 year-old Kennedy Hope, and 16 year-old Leighton River. I have lived in Orlando for 40 years. And I've been a freelance make up artist for over 20 years. I love anything to do with fashion and pageantry!

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Hadlie was so excited when we got the call to come to the audition for Little Miss Perfect. I was a little worried about the schedule. I had a feeling that taping would be at the same time as another pageant and I would have to choose between the two. Instead our taping ended up being the same weekend as Miss Perfect teen in Orlando. The week was crazy to say the least! Getting Hadlie ready for the pageant and doing hair and make up for over 40 contestants was CRAZY.

I think Hadlie's favorite part was the WOW wear. Miss Mona and Hadlie came up with a great routine. Hadlie learned her routine in less than a week, and I got the perfect outfit together. At the end of the whole experience I would say that I had many mixed feelings, but Hadlie would say, "Let's do this again!" She had so much fun. Hadlie has decided with 100% certainty that her path in life is to be a "big TV star."]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.20691 2009-02-26T18:35:40Z 2009-02-26T18:44:56Z

Parent's Names: Walter and Tracy Cocking Child's Name: Shelby, Age 6 Shelby only began doing pageants about a year ago. We saw a pageant flyer at our local mall and she asked if she could enter. After talking it over...

MMcGowan Parent's Names: Walter and Tracy Cocking
Child's Name: Shelby, Age 6

Shelby only began doing pageants about a year ago. We saw a pageant flyer at our local mall and she asked if she could enter. After talking it over with my husband we agreed that it might be fun to let her try it.

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Shelby loves being onstage in front of people. She hopes that her pageantry will lead to some modeling and even some acting jobs.

But whatever she does I just want her to know we are proud of her and even if she doesn't get the crown she is still a winner in our book.]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.18351 2009-01-16T21:30:30Z 2009-02-20T19:03:59Z

In my very first year producing Little Miss Citrus, one of the first contestants to sign up was a young girl named Priscilla Behne. Priscilla was your classic blue-eyed blonde beauty who had won at least two cars by the...

MMcGowan In my very first year producing Little Miss Citrus, one of the first contestants to sign up was a young girl named Priscilla Behne. Priscilla was your classic blue-eyed blonde beauty who had won at least two cars by the time she was two years old through her pageant pursuits! Priscilla had won Star Search and appeared on Broadway in the musical Ruthless. Guess who her understudy was... Britney Spears!
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Needless to say, Priscilla won Little Miss Citrus and I had made two of the best friends of my life! Through the years, Priscilla and Trish would call me for pageant advice and training; I was always honored just to be on TEAM BEHNE! My fondest pageant memories are with the Behne's, no doubt!

Priscilla recently graduated from college and is pursuing a music career in Nashville, Tennessee. When she sings at the Grand Ol' Opery, I am certain Trish will call me, just like she did when Priscilla was a child! I will be there with my cowboy hat and jeans (I always dress for the occasion) and support yet another pageant alumni!

Trish recently attended one of my pageants and started to cry in the audience. I saw her and ran over to Miss Trish.

"Michael, Priscilla is where she is today because she met you. These girls will feel the same way in 10 years."

Trisha Behne made my day! She really did! She always did tell the truth though and always brought her 'A Game,' Priscilla Ashley Behne (her daughter) is living proof! ]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.18037 2009-01-14T16:06:22Z 2009-02-20T19:04:33Z

By Michael Galanes, Pageant Director In 1996, I met Pennie Mays, a true beauty. Pennie was a little girl yet I instantly saw "star quality." You did not have to know anything about pageants, beauty, or even the world of...

MMcGowan By Michael Galanes, Pageant Director

In 1996, I met Pennie Mays, a true beauty. Pennie was a little girl yet I instantly saw "star quality." You did not have to know anything about pageants, beauty, or even the world of fashion to see that Pennie Mays was special. First of all, she was 2 feet taller than all of the other girls, her smile lit up the room, and she spoke in this soft yet articulate manner that made you listen to her. I LOVED PENNIE MAYS FROM DAY 1....and still do!
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Years past, but we always stayed in touch! She was my first Little Miss Citrus. Today, she is an attorney at law! She practices Environmental Law in Gainsville, FL. The phone rang one day and it was Pennie. "Mr. Michael," as she has always called me, "they are putting my name on my door at the law firm and I want you to be here, you have given me the skills and confidence for me to pursue and ultimately realize my dreams." At that point, I knew I had chosen the right career for me: pageant coach, director and mentor to the stars. Pennie is living proof that these pageants do make a difference and create positive outlets for the contestants.

henever Pennie Mays enters the room, we all take off our crowns and bow! After all, she is royalty and she's all that!]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.17705 2009-01-07T16:34:44Z 2009-02-20T19:05:05Z

Parent's Names: Irina Gonikberg Dolinskiy and Zhan Dolinskiy Child's Name: Jayne Dolinskiy Jayne was born in New York City, fell in love with Broadway shortly thereafter, and has been performing ever since. She loves singing (everything from show tunes to...

MMcGowan Parent's Names: Irina Gonikberg Dolinskiy and Zhan Dolinskiy
Child's Name: Jayne Dolinskiy

Jayne was born in New York City, fell in love with Broadway shortly thereafter, and has been performing ever since. She loves singing (everything from show tunes to Cheetah Girls), dancing (everything from tap to hip-hop), and has been figure skating for over two years. She often asks what events I have planned for her participation in the near future. So for us, pageants provide one more answer to that question, and one more stage for Jayne to perform on. The participation in "Little Miss Perfect" was especially great because Jayne's dream was to be on TV. She also got to meet the wonderful and talented people who worked on and/or participated in the show and provided all the girls with an example of hard work and accomplishment.]]>
Every little girl who is given opportunities to explore her talents and to pursue her aspirations--be they academic, athletic and/or creative--grows up to be successful, confident and empowered. And as she realizes that she should persevere for those dreams she still believes in, and that she can let go of those dreams that are no longer hers, she learns to think and make decisions for herself.

My hope for Jayne is that her pageant experience will become part of this important process by affording another venue for her creativity. I also know that the pageant will help Jayne develop a spirit of good sportsmanship, and will teach her that, whether or not she wins, as long as she finds the courage to try, she will always be a winner. It is important to note that Jayne's participation in pageants does not interfere with her many other activities and her schoolwork. As an example, Jayne loves math, reads her favorite books by herself, and enjoys playing on the computer. And, most importantly, pageant preparation and participation counts as additional quality time Jayne and her mom get to spend together!

Once a decision to participate in a pageant has been made, regrets can only result from forgetting the very reason why we (and not anyone else!) entered it. Just like a beautiful fairy tale with a lesson that's personal to each reader, a pageant is there to be experienced and interpreted in a unique way by each participant, which will make sense only to her. In other words, a pageant is only what we make of it, and if we make it a positive experience serving the right purpose, there will be no regrets.

Jayne's grandmother gave her support and encouragement, just like she had encouraged Jayne's mom (me) to pursue various interests such as piano, gymnastics, writing and theater, ultimately allowing her to choose those activities she could excel at. As for Jayne's extended family, it consists of some extraordinary and open-minded people of all ages with a wide range of interests of their own, so all of them were thrilled for Jayne and very supportive of her venture into the world of pageants! ]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2009:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.17704 2009-01-07T16:24:38Z 2009-02-20T19:05:38Z

Parent's Names: Rob and CristinaChild's Name: Katelyn Torres We became involved with pageants shortly after moving to Florida from NYC. As her parents; we've always been a part of the NYC fashion week circle. We became involved with pageants after...

MMcGowan Parent's Names: Rob and Cristina
Child's Name: Katelyn Torres

We became involved with pageants shortly after moving to Florida from NYC. As her parents; we've always been a part of the NYC fashion week circle. We became involved with pageants after learning that there isn't much of a fashion week in Central Florida. It's a southern thing...so we decided to give it a try.]]> We hope to gain recognition and appreciation for Katelyn's hard work and dedication. Katelyn seems to enjoy her participation at these pageants and we're very much excited to see her learn and grow within the pageant industry. We believe that Katelyn has become a more confident, charismatic and poised young girl. These skills will definitely pay off in her career path.

We have no regrets. We trust that all is a learning experience and Katelyn has definitely gained some experience that will contribute to her growth as a leader within her generation.

Everyone's been very supportive. Family and friends trust that although the Pageant Industry may have a negative image; they have learned that Katelyn's hard work has definitely shaped a bright young girl in her own sport!

Katelyn's pageant participation has been a fun and exciting one. Katelyn has made many new friends and her participation at pageants has definitely shaped her personality as an outgoing and confident young girl. We trust that as long as she's having fun and learning; we will continue to support and encourage her growth within the pageant industry. She has defined the essence of true sportsmanship and we are thrilled to have her as a member of the pageant world! ]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2008:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.15894 2008-12-08T16:37:31Z 2009-02-20T19:06:03Z

Parent's Names: Thom and Jean PipkinChild's Name: Brandijean PipkinFirst of all we the Pipkins would like to say thank you to the wonderful people at North/South Productions. You made our taping so much fun. You made us comfortable and we...

MMcGowan Parent's Names: Thom and Jean Pipkin
Child's Name: Brandijean Pipkin

First of all we the Pipkins would like to say thank you to the wonderful people at North/South Productions. You made our taping so much fun. You made us comfortable and we will always remember your friendship and this experience as a positive part of our life. Thank you for such kindness.]]>
When we first started we were going to an audition for a shampoo commercial for my son. The director of little Miss and Mr. Citrus was holding the audition and recruiting kids for the pageant world. My daughter was standing behind him and Michael said what a cutie, you need to put her in too. So with Michael's help we entered our first pageant, both kids. It was a lot of fun, and really exciting. The kids had a good time so we have stayed with pageants since then. My son only did it for about a year but my daughter has been doing them ever since.

Brandi has learned confidence and poise and she gets to show off her personality and talent in her routines on stage. She can talk confidently to a room full of people and has made many friends. Like any sport or activity that involves competition it can get mean and nasty at times, but we try to stay on the positive side and we know you can't win them all.

Brandi enjoys being on stage and making new friends. We know there are good and bad days and there is always room for improvement. As long as Brandi is having fun and enjoying herself we will continue to do pageants. If it isn't fun anymore then we will stop. Brandi also does acting and commercials. She shot her first national commercial this summer and had a blast.

We have no regrets when we do pageants; we know what we are getting into. We will choose more wisely and learn more as we go along, but we take our lickins and keep on tickin as we try to teach our children to be strong and keep on trying!!

We are very thankful for our supportive husband/father and Nana. They have brought things to us at pageants that we have forgotten, they have cheered us on when they can be there and if they cannot be there then they give encouragement over the phone. We are thankful and proud for our son and daughter for all the challenges they have accomplished. Thank you WE tv for this opportunity and also North/South Productions.]]> tag:www.wetv.com,2008:/blogs/little-miss-perfect//159.15737 2008-12-01T19:33:06Z 2008-12-08T19:40:09Z

By Deedy Melanson, Judge I started in the pageant industry as a contestant, and multiple title holder. From then on I was hooked on the glitz, glamour and competition. After becoming the mother of two beautiful daughters, it was my...

MMcGowan By Deedy Melanson, Judge

I started in the pageant industry as a contestant, and multiple title holder. From then on I was hooked on the glitz, glamour and competition. After becoming the mother of two beautiful daughters, it was my desire to expose them to the pageant world. Both of my daughters competed for several years and between the two of them, they hold over 300 state and national titles. I also successfully owned and directed a children's pageant called 'Personality Plus' for seven years. Pageants are my passion; they always have been and always will be.
]]> I feel that there are many misconceptions about the child beauty pageant industry. I hear a lot of criticism about parents forcing their children to compete. From my experience, I have seen a very minute percentage of that occurring. Most children love the attention of being on stage and the confidence they build from competing. My daughters always enjoyed traveling to pageants, and thought of it as a weekend vacation. They also loved reconnecting with old friends and making new friends and so did I. The other misconception is about the big hair and make-up. As a parent I always believed in keeping it as natural as possible and maintaining my children's natural beauty. But when your child is on stage the harsh lights can wash a bare face out, therefore make-up is a necessary component in competing. It is no different than if a child is in a Broadway play and wears make-up to perform. There is more to pageants than these misconceptions. It takes a lot of hard work, preparation and motivation for both the parent and child. I encourage anyone who has these misconceptions to attend a local pageant and experience the fun and joy it brings to children and families.

I always find each contestant uniquely beautiful and seem to fall in love with each and every one of them. I stay true to the criteria of the pageant I am judging which is usually based on facial beauty, personality and overall appearance. Sometimes a talent portion is involved and in that case I judge on technical ability, entertainment value and overall appearance.

Through the pageant process children gain confidence, self esteem and new friends to keep for a lifetime. They also learn how to take direction from an early age. Many pageants include an interview portion which helps children to become comfortable with public speaking. This benefits them throughout their entire life. They also make so many memories and have so much fun just being themselves.

My life has been enriched through pageants in many ways. I have made lifelong friends, gained self confidence, traveled throughout the country and abroad, and it has created many opportunities for me in the entertainment industry. I have been a print and promotional model and have appeared on many television commercials. I have been in the pageant industry as a former contestant and title holder, pageant director, pageant mom, pageant emcee and judge for 31 years. I also have served as a pageant consultant and have designed children's pageant gowns and costumes.]]>