Have you always wanted the inside scoop on winning a pageant from experts who are behind the scenes? Meet Nency! Nency Escamilla is the designer at Kids Dream, and she's also a pageant mentor and former Ms. New York. We sat down with Nency to learn expert tricks and tips on how to prep and what to focus on when competing in any beauty pageant. Whether your focus is glitz or natural, Nency's expert advice will help any princess win a crown and ultimately improve her presentation and confidence to win that crowd!
What to wear to a pageant interview
Q: Can you tell me the basics of what a pageant interview is?
A: The pageant interview is similar to a job interview. It is the segment of the pageant where the judges interview the contestant to get to know who she is, what her platform is, what her passions are, and also see her communication skills. Every pageant is different, but usually, interviews can be from 3 to 10 minutes. Some are round-robin, and some are panel style interview. Round robin is when the contestant is behind a podium, or she can also be seated in front of the judges.
Q: Is the interview process the same for younger pageant girls as it is for the older ones?
A: There is an interview process, but it is age-appropriate. Depending on how the pageant is set up, usually, each contestant will have a bio page, which is similar to a resume that they fill out before the interview. For example, at American Junior Miss, the judges will still ask questions, but they are geared towards how the contestant feels. Is she happy? Does she have a personality that wants to do the pageant? As the girls get a little older, say 8, 9, 10, there is a different interview process, but the questions are constructed for girls of that age. The judges receive the contestant's bio before the interview, and during the interview, the judges will ask age-appropriate questions from their bio.
Q: Can you tell me what you would take to wear to an interview?
A: For the interview, you will want to wear something appropriate for a job interview. If the pageant is a natural pageant, they prefer to see the contestant is a more natural state, no make up, and wearing something that would be her “Sunday Best.” For a glitz pageant, something more fashion-forward and trendy would work.
Miss Pre-Teen New York United States 2018, Alana Smith wearing Kid's Dream Peek-A-Boo Tulle High Low Metallic Dress for her pageant interview at Little Miss United States Pageant.
(Click photo for product detail)
What to wear to appearances
Q: What would be the differences between what a girl wears to an interview versus an appearance?
A: For appearances, the contestant would need to take into consideration what the event is about, as well as what she will be doing at the appearance. For example, if she is going to sing the National Anthem at a baseball game, something casual and patriotic would be ideal. However, if she will be presenting an award at a dinner banquet, something formal is more appropriate. It’s always better to be a little bit more dressed up than underdressed because that’s what people expect of a titleholder.
How to organize your wardrobe for a pageant
Q: What is the best way for a girl to organize her wardrobe for a pageant?
A: The best way to organize your pageant wardrobe is to separate your wardrobe into the different completion segments. For example, for the interview portion, I would have my suit on a hanger and attached to the hanger have a clear plastic zip-lock bag that includes any jewelry, hair accessories, and shoes that I will need for the interview. This helps you move quickly so you can grab the hanger and go. Being prepared helps to avoid worry about those little things that can throw you off a bit, and you can focus on doing well in the interview.
How to practice your pageant competition
Q: Is there a way to prepare for the different categories in a pageant?
A: As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! For the interview portion, doing mock interviews is super helpful. For talent, perfecting your performance is key, but also practicing in your costume is crucial.
Before committing time, energy, and resources, research the pageant systems and find one that is comfortable. Some pageants have a swimsuit category, some don’t but may be more focused on fashion. Once you know which pageant you want to do, study what the judges are looking for in each category. The director usually sends an informational packet that includes guidelines and specifications. Take those guidelines and do mock interviews with friends, practice your talent, and practice in your complete costume. For the evening gown category, practice in the gown walking in the shoes you are going to wear so you are as comfortable as possible in the pageant.
Little Miss New York United State 2018, Alana Smith wearing Kid's Dream Rose Brocade 10 Layer Illusion Dress for her pageant interview at Little Miss United States Pageant.
(Click photo for product detail)
Fashion Wear
Q: What is fashion wear?
A: Pageants that don’t have a Swimsuit Category generally have a Fashion Wear Category. Fashion wear is like a fun fashion show that can be anything from edgy or fashion-forward to more costume-style attire. Fashion wear is attire similar to what you would see in a fashion show. Clothes are more fun, trendy, fashion-forward, and sometimes can be a little costume-like.
What to wear for a talent competition
Q: Are there specific outfits to wear for the talent category in pageants?
A: For the talent portion, the contestant attire should match her talent and the mood of the talent. For example, if she is dancing to a jazz piece, her attire could be reminiscent of that era. If her talent is a lovely romantic opera piece, a ball gown would be a good option.
How to prepare for the pageant interview
Q: You’ve mentioned what to wear for the pageant interview, can you tell us how to mentally prepare?
A: Think of the interview as your elevator pitch. A questionnaire will usually be provided in an application style form before the interview. While in the interview, judges ask questions based on the information you provide, so be prepared to answer any questions related to your bio. The interview is your time to shine and let the judges get to know who you are. With that mentioned, the best advice on how to mentally prepare for the interview would be to know who you are and be your authentic self. Practicing with mock interviews and knowing your bio will help calm any nerves prior to the interview.
Little Miss New York United State 2018, Alana Smith wearing Kid's Dream Rose Brocade 10 Layer Illusion Dress for her pageant interview at Little Miss United States Pageant.
(Click photo for product detail)
How to prepare your wardrobe emergency kit
Q: What should be included in an emergency wardrobe kit?
A: A wardrobe emergency kit is similar to a first aid kit, except it includes items that are useful in case of a wardrobe malfunction. It would include the following: a sewing sit, thread in various colors (and the colors of your dresses), needles, safety pins, seam ripper, extra buttons, clear super glue, small/large scissors, hook & eye, double-sided tape, Butt glue, E600 glue, Dritz fray sealant, bleach pen, and iron-0n hemming tape. Be prepared for anything and everything that might happen.
How to pack for your pageant
Q: Is there a “best way” to pack for a pageant?
A: Pack for any pageant in the most organized way possible, with each outfit in order of the competition categories packed in a garment bag. Depending on the stage line-up, there may be very little time to change in between categories, so having everything together in order is key. Pack a steamer to keep each outfit looking crisp and fresh.
What to know before you enter a pageant
Q: Do you have any tips for people entering a pageant?
A: I think the best tip for entering pageant is to make sure you take the time to research the different pageant systems and pick a system that is right for the contestant. Even though this may take some time to do, in the long run, it will save you time, money, and the overall experience will be more enjoyable.
Align the pageant options with your goals and dreams— know yourself and why you are doing the pageant.
“Glitz” and a “Natural” Pageants
Q: What is the difference between a “Glitz” and a “Natural” Pageant.
A: Parents and the younger girls have an option to choose a pageant system depending on their preferences when it comes to “Glitz” or “Natural.” For some parents and girls, makeup isn’t appropriate, and for other parents, it’s no big deal, it just depends on what is comfortable for the girl and her parents. Glitzy pageants have more sparkly gowns, lots of makeup, and big hair, while a Natural pageant will knock off points if the younger girls wear makeup. Officially speaking, “Natural” pageants are pageant where the contestant is seen in a more natural state. Her wardrobe is tasteful without being flashy, and she doesn’t wear much if any makeup.
“Glitz” pageants are really glamorous. The dresses are sparkly with lots of rhinestones, and the contestant is in full makeup, has a fancy hairstyle, in full tan, can use flippers, and is just overall highly made up.
How to care for your pageant dress/ Interview attire/ Talent costume
Q: What steps do you take to keep your pageant wardrobe in good shape?
A: The best way to care for your pageant wardrobe is to keep it in a garment bag until it is used. If you have a beaded dress, keep it in its own garment bag as this will eliminate any snags from the beads/rhinestones. Keeping the clothing hanging will preserve the shape of the garment and eliminate any wrinkles. Note: There are different garment bag sizes, so try to pick one that is the appropriate size for the outfit. Often pageants are multiple days, so to care for a wardrobe during a pageant, it is important to keep the clothing protected but also include checking the next day’s schedule and steaming any outfit needed the night before.
Working with a dress designer
Q: How can working with a dress designer make your competition more powerful?
A: Customization is a great way to stand out from the rest of the competition. Working with a trained dress designer who seeks out new trends and that fresh, unique look sets a girl apart, especially when the designer provides a custom dress not found in stores. A designer can also see attributes in a person that she might not see herself, and with that trained eye, create a look that is more daring and interesting than the girl thought possible. That’s part of what I do here at Kid’s Dream for Pageant contestants, create customized pageant dresses
As a designer at Kid’s Dream, our job is to seek out the new trends, colors, silhouettes, and fabrics that create beautiful dresses that girls, parents, and judges fall in love with.
Why Kid’s Dream makes pageant dreams come true
Q: How does your excitement about pageants translate as Kid’s Dream enters into the world of pageantry?
A: First, Kid's Dream is a company that believes in empowering girls, that they can become whatever they want to be, and that's a vision that I really believe in. Pageantry is really about personal growth, regardless of whether or not you win. I've seen the right dress light up a girl's face, and when I can give them that extra little piece of encouragement, it helps them be the best version of themselves. It's an honor to be part of a once in a lifetime moment of helping girls achieve their goals and dreams through pageantry.
Q: What helpful tips do you not see out there on the internet that you think would be incredibly helpful for pageant parents to know?
A: Pageants can overwhelm a budget, so knowing that the most expensive dress isn’t always the one that is going to win. How a girl feels in her dress makes all the difference.
Thank you so much, Nency for sitting down to answer some of the most asked questions about how to win beauty pageants.
If you want an award-winning pageant dress designed especially for your little pageant winner, contact us. We offer customized dresses that are specifically tailored to your girl's event. Our dresses are sold and worn around the world. We can't wait to help you look your best come game day!
About Nency Escamilla’s
Nency attended the San Francisco Academy of Art University, where she earned a BFA in Fashion Design. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, she worked in New York City and San Francisco, where she worked for Jessica McClintock and Kahn Lucas. She assisted the Miss. California Organization (both at local and state) helping wardrobe contestants in evening wear, talent, and sportswear. She has participated in different pageant systems, and some of her titles include, Ms. All World Beauties 2013, Ms. New York, United States 2011, Ms. East Coast Latina Belleza 2010, and 1st Runner up to Ms. American Beauty 2014. In 2015, she was recognized with the outstanding community service award from the All World Beauties pageant system.
Having been inspired by her sister and brother-in-law for the years of service they have given to our country and understanding that much awareness is needed to support soldiers and their family members, Nency's official charity platform is "Uplifting Heroes: Honoring and Celebrating Veterans." (An outreach program whose mission is to honor service and show appreciation to the often forgotten heroes of our country) She has worked with various Veteran organizations such as The Wounded Warrior Project, Combat Wounded Veterans of America, and Soldiers Angeles. In 2013, she was recognized with a city council citation award by New York City council member Fernando Cabera for her volunteer work.
What are the Major Beauty Pageants?
Miss California
Miss America
Universal Royalty
Sunburst Beauty Pageant
Cinderella Scholarship Pageant
International United Miss
www.internationalunitedmiss.com
Miss America Coed
USA National Miss Pageants
Miss Elementary Pageant
www.americahighschoolpageant.com
Princess of America Pageants
World Imperial Beauties Pageants
Miss U.S. of America Pageant
America’s National Miss
United America Pageant
Royal International Miss Pageant
www.royalinternationalmiss.com
Little Miss United States
Miscellaneous information