The Pageant Project

How much say should a director have in what a titleholder wears, does, says, or who she works with? 🤔

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Humphrey on being crowned the new Miss Arizona USA 👑

Quick story - I only connected with Kaitlyn a few short weeks ago after sharing one of her reels that popped up in my feed. In it, she was describing how she was leaving what many would consider a 'dream job' in Nashville to move back to Arizona, and how she needed to reframe that as a positive step forward rather than a 'failure', as someone who had always identified herself as an over-achiever and someone who made things happen.

Kaitlyn sent me a DM thanking me for sharing her reel, we exchanged a couple of short messages, and less than 24 hours later we were booked in for an interview, all whilst she was in the midst of an actual flight and her life was in boxes (I know, I saw them myself).

My point is this.

As someone who has worked with and interviewed hundreds of pageant contestants from around the world, what drew my attention wasn't a crown and sash photo, nor was it a swimsuit photo with a cliched and irrelevant motivational quote underneath. It was Kaitlyn sharing her story and real-life struggles in an honest and unfiltered way.

Let's be honest. That's exceedingly rare, even in this age where everyone espouses on the importance of 'authenticity'.

On top of that, when I offered her a chance to interview, Kaitlyn jumped on the opportunity and acted on it within 24 hours despite being in the middle of literally moving her entire life. I've had people with much less going on in their lives still not having booked in weeks or months later despite multiple reminders to do so.

That level of professionalism is also exceedingly rare (ask me how I know).

Moral of the story - it may not be your walk, your smile, or your body that actually makes you stand out.

In the end, it might be sharing your story and struggles authentically, and being professional enough to do what you said you were going to do, even when you have a lot going on.

Congratulations Kaitlyn - see you in Miami!

Full interview with Kaitlyn Humphrey:
👉 https://www.thepageantproject.com/p/ep-345-kaitlyn-humphrey-interview

Different pageant judges are looking for different things.

That's why memorizing a script will never work (except through dumb luck).

Learn to read the room. Learn to influence. Learn to persuade.

👉 https://www.thepageantproject.com/

Miss Boston USA Hannah Kelsey: the modern day multi-faceted pageant woman

👉 https://www.thepageantproject.com/p/ep-350-hannah-kelsey-interview-miss

Miss Charleston Teen USA Mykala Donlon
👉 https://www.thepageantproject.com/p/mykala-donlon

Should you sit or stand in pageant interview?