Clearing the Mechanism: Life Lessons from Kristen White
DescriptionIn this episode of The Pageant Master Class: How to Win a Pageant, Ashley Williams Allen dive deeps into the lessons that pageants teach beyond the crown. Guest Kristen White, a pageant winner turned business powerhouse, shares how the skills you learn in pageantry can drive career success, help you handle stress, and fuel professional growth. Kristen shares powerful insights on how to overcome self-doubt, use pageant training to excel in high-pressure environments, and how to clear the mechanism for ultimate focus and clarity when life gets overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, launching a new venture, or just looking to build confidence, this episode is packed with actionable advice that will empower you to succeed under pressure and thrive in life’s biggest challenges.Key takeaways and timestamps:[01:45] The Importance of Discipline & Goal Setting: Kristen explains how pageant training is like career preparation, and why discipline and clear goals are essential for success.[06:30] Handling Pressure and Different Personalities: Kristen discusses how pageants teach you to stay focused and work with diverse personalities under pressure, which is invaluable in any career.[12:10] Clearing the Mechanism: The concept of "clearing the mechanism" in both pageants and professional life—staying focused and blocking out distractions to perform at your best.[17:00] Avoiding Gossip and Negative Energy: How negative energy and gossip can derail progress, and Kristen's tips on staying positive and focused on your goals.[22:00] Using Pageant Skills in Professional Life: Kristen talks about how pageant skills translate to real-world professional success, including managing stress, public speaking, and presenting yourself with confidence.[27:45] The Power of Professionalism and Positivity: How maintaining a professional demeanor and a positive mindset can help you succeed in any field, just as it does on the pageant stage.Follow and Connect: Find Kristen on Instagram @OneKristenWhite to stay updated on her career journey and upcoming projects, including her role in the new film How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You.
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24:47
Winning Pageant Tips from Miss Black USA and Judge Kristen White
In this exclusive episode of The Pageant Masterclass, host Ashley Williams Allen sits down with Kristen White, a highly respected hair and makeup artist, pageant judge, and the former Miss Black USA. Known for her expertise across pageantry and the entertainment industry, Kristen shares invaluable, no-nonsense advice for pageant contestants looking to stand out. From crafting the perfect headshot to nailing the interview, Kristen’s tips offer a winning edge.Tune in to hear what judges are really looking for and how you can best present yourself across every phase of competition.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Kristen White and her pageant/entertainment background04:20 - Essential advice on creating a natural and authentic pageant headshot12:00 - How to make your application bio resonate with judges20:15 - Strategies for calming nerves and connecting with judges in interviews30:45 - Fitness and discipline insights for the swimsuit/fitness competition45:00 - Selecting the perfect evening gown to showcase yourself, not just the dress1:00:00 - Handling on-stage questions like a pro1:15:40 - Why preparation and real-world feedback are key to a winning talent performanceKey Takeaways:Headshot Tips: Kristen emphasizes the importance of a natural look that genuinely reflects who you are. Overly retouched photos can be a disconnect when you meet the judges in person.Application Bio: Make it personal! Use real-life stories that align with your answers, allowing your authentic self to shine through on paper and in person.Swimsuit/Fitness Prep: Judges aren’t just looking for body type; they’re assessing dedication and discipline. Show a lifestyle commitment that’s reflected in your confidence and fitness.Evening Gown Selection: Choose a dress that complements you entirely. Kristen advises selecting gowns that enhance your natural beauty rather than overshadowing it.On-Stage Questions: Treat on-stage questions like conversations. Blocking out the audience and focusing on the questioner helps you deliver calm, genuine answers.Talent Performance: Kristen advises rehearsing in front of different audiences to receive honest feedback, which can help refine your performance for a judging panel.Follow and Connect: Find Kristen on Instagram @OneKristenWhite to stay updated on her career journey and upcoming projects, including her role in the new film How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You. Don’t miss the second part of this interview next week, where Kristen dives deeper into pageant wisdom and life insights.
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30:55
Talking Talent and All Things Pageants with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Shelly Bramhall
Episode Overview:In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, host Ashley Williams Allen interviews Shelly Bramhall, a veteran pageant judge, former pageant director, and choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Shelly shares her unique journey from dance to pageantry, offering actionable advice for contestants at every level. From selecting the right talent to perfecting your interview technique, Shelly provides essential tips that will help contestants stand out while staying true to themselves. Whether you’re preparing for your first pageant or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to present the most authentic version of yourself.Episode Highlights with Timestamps:[01:00] – Introduction to Shelly Bramhall and her career with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.[01:53] – Shelly’s early start in dance and transition into choreography.[02:37] – How Shelly entered the pageant world and became a judge.[07:09] – Shelly’s talent advice: Stay within your expertise for a competitive edge.[10:24] – Why natural, minimally retouched headshots make a strong impact.[12:04] – Shelly’s tips for crafting a concise and authentic pageant bio.[13:20] – How to excel in the interview portion: Being yourself is key.[15:02] – Shelly’s approach to swimsuit and fitness: Confidence is everything.[16:23] – Evening gown advice: Staying age-appropriate and mindful of how your gown looks from all angles.[19:18] – Getting real, honest feedback on your talent before competition.[21:44] – How to handle the on-stage question: Listen carefully and be concise.Notable Quotes:"Be the best version of yourself. Judges don’t want to see a painted version of who you think they want—you just need to be you." – Shelly Bramhall"In the talent portion, it’s not just about being good. It’s about being entertaining and competitive on a national level." – Shelly Bramhall"A well-crafted bio is real, concise, and sets the tone for your interview." – Ashley Williams AllenConnect with Shelly Bramhall:Follow Shelly Bramhall on Instagram: @shellybramhallLearn more about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at: @dccheerleadersResources & Links:Stay connected with The Pageant Masterclass: @thepageantmasterclassFor personalized pageant coaching and guidance, visit pageantmasterclass.com
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26:12
Winning Strategies with Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton
In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, Ashley Williams Allen sits down with Kristen Dalton Wolfe, Miss USA 2009, board-certified mental health coach, author, and host of The Kristen Dalton Wolfe Show. Kristen shares her personal pageant journey, the importance of self-discovery, and her insights into winning the crown. If you're a pageant contestant, whether you're competing in the Miss USA or Miss America system, this episode is packed with valuable tips on maintaining confidence, preparing for interviews, and presenting your best self on stage.Key Takeaways:Kristen's journey from small-town pageants to winning Miss USAHow to handle pageant disappointments and stay motivatedThe significance of personal branding and clarity in interviewsTips for standing out in headshots, evening gowns, and on-stage questionsThe importance of choosing the right support team and coachShow Notes with Timestamps:02:04 - 05:03: Advice for pageant contestants feeling discouraged—focusing on personal growth over results.07:12 - 11:03: The importance of confidence and taking judges off a pedestal; how to flip the narrative to impress judges.15:04 - 20:00: Tips for each pageant area—headshots, bios, interviews, and staying anchored before walking into an interview.24:19 - 27:02: Choosing the right evening gown color and style that reflects your essence; Kristen’s personal gown choice story.27:03 - 31:00: Navigating the on-stage question with a calm and prepared mindset—how Kristen handled a tricky question at Miss USA.31:01 - 34:52: Building the right support team and finding a coach who empowers rather than diminishes you.Connect with Kristen Dalton Wolfe: http://kristendaltonwolfe.com/Instagram: @kristenjdalton Kristen's book: The Sparkle EffectConnect with Ashley Williams Allen pageantmasterclass.comInstagram: @thepageantmasterclass
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28:44
What’s Keeping You from Winning a Pageant? Is Your Platform the Problem?
Are you a seasoned pageant contestant who isn’t seeing the results you want? Wondering if your platform might be holding you back from the crown? In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, Ashley Williams Allen, a former Miss South Carolina USA, experienced pageant judge, and TV producer, dives deep into the reasons why your pageant platform might be the problem. Learn how to evaluate and revamp your platform strategy to make a lasting impact on judges and audiences alike!Episode Highlights:The Power of a Pageant Platform: Why It Matters Time Code: 00:02:34:04 - 00:03:04:09 Discover how a strong platform showcases your passion and aligns with your personal brand, making it a major factor in pageant competitions.Building Your Truth Squad: The Key to Honest Feedback Time Code: 00:00:40:06 - 00:02:06:29 Learn why having a “Truth Squad” of objective, discerning people is crucial for receiving honest feedback and avoiding bias from close friends and family.Selecting a Winning Platform: Finding What Resonates Time Code: 00:04:16:23 - 00:05:24:11 Explore how to choose a platform that genuinely connects with you and engages a broader audience, ensuring it reflects your true passion.Measuring Platform Success: Beyond Social Media Metrics Time Code: 00:06:33:22 - 00:07:56:26 Understand how to set clear, measurable goals for your platform that go beyond likes and shares, including funds raised and tangible community impact.The Role of Authenticity in Pageant Success Time Code: 00:09:14:19 - 00:09:35:11 Discover how being true to yourself and embracing authenticity can help you stand out and connect with judges on a deeper level.Elevating the Pageant System: The Impact of a Strong Platform Time Code: 00:08:27:21 - 00:09:04:04 Learn how a well-defined platform not only benefits you but also positively influences the pageant system, attracting sponsors, media attention, and future contestants.If you need personalized coaching, visit pageantmasterclass.com to book a one-on-one session with Ashley Williams Allen. Follow us on Instagram @thepageantmasterclass for daily tips and inspiration.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Pageant Masterclass for more insider tips on how to win your next pageant!
About The Pageant Master Class: How to Win a Pageant
Welcome to The Pageant Master Class: How to Win a Pageant with Ashley Williams Allen! As Miss South Carolina USA 2002 and a seasoned pageant judge, I know firsthand what it takes to captivate judges and make a memorable impression on stage. With over 20 years of experience as a film and television producer, I’m here to help you unlock the secrets to capturing that elusive ‘it factor.’In each episode, we dive deep into essential strategies and insider tips for pageant success. From crafting a standout pageant application and choosing the perfect headshot to acing your interview and perfecting your stage presence for evening gown and fitness competitions, this podcast covers it all. We also feature exclusive insights from industry insiders—judges, winners, photographers, and coaches—who will share their expertise and advice.Whether you're searching for “how to win a pageant” or seeking guidance from a top “pageant coach,” The Pageant Master Class is your ultimate resource for transforming your pageant journey. Subscribe now and get ready to shine!
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