1. Tell us about how you got started in pageantry and your pageant history.
I got started in pageantry around the age of 20.  I started competing in Miss America local pageants in my home state of Maine to earn scholarship money for college and law school.  My first pageant was terrifying, and I nearly ran off stage because I was so shy.  Needless to say, I thought pageants were not for me and I waited about a year before I decided to compete again, since I was still in need of scholarship money.  After a few pageants at the local level, I started to like it more and more and won a local title that enabled me to compete at the Miss Maine America Scholarship Pageant and from that point, I was hooked and have now been competing for over 20 years.

Since my start in pageantry I have competed in the Miss America system at the state level, Miss USA program at state level, Miss Hawaiian Tropic, Mrs. America system, Miss US of America, World's Miss Tourism, Mrs. International and now I am the reigning International Ms. USA in the International Ms. Pageant system.

2. What is the most important thing that you've learned competing?
I have learned so much, but the most important thing I have learned is to have complete confidence in yourself. I have also learned that most stereotypes associated with pageants and women who compete in them are not true.

3. What has continued to motivate you to compete as an adult? 
As a wife and mother sometimes, I think you can begin to focus all of your energy on other people even though the need for time for yourself is of course always important.  For me pageantry provides an opportunity to focus on me, my accomplishments, my passion for volunteering and of course the ever-fun glamour of pageantry helps me to feel sexy and glamorous in a life where I otherwise don't feel very beautiful or glamorous in my day-to-day life as a mom.  In addition to that, since giving birth to two children, it also helps to motivate me to stay fit and healthy.

4. What is your charitable platform? 
My platform is the Prevention of Heart Disease in Women.  My family has a long history of heart disease, having taken the lives of my great-grandmother, grandmother and grandfather and my own mother having suffered two heart attacks.  In addition to my work in preventing heart disease, I have also done extensive work to help refugees and recently won a gold Presidents' Volunteer Service Award and am also a recipient of the 2020 Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA).

5. Tell us more about your life in Europe. 
I have lived in Europe for over three years now.  I lived in Zagreb, Croatia for three years and just a few months ago moved to nearby Belgrade, Serbia.  Along with my huband and two children, we live here for our work with the US Department of State.

We love Europe, and in particular the Western Balkans.  It is a very interesting part of the world and breathtakingly beautiful!  There is also great food, friendly people and amazing wines and beautiful scenery!  Living here also gives us the opportunity to travel by car to many neighboring countries. Once the pandemic is over we hope to resume visiting our neighbors and getting to travel again.

6. You are a lawyer and an event planner. Tell us more about both and how you do it all! 
I worked as a non-profit attorney for over 5 years, working mostly with victims of crime. I also started a hobby business making candy buffets and planning small events, which lets me explore my more creative side. I love both and currently my job with the State Department actually involves a lot of events planning, which I really enjoy!  I love planning theme events and making sure every little detail is perfect!

Sometimes I am not sure how I do it all, but I am lucky that my current job at the Embassy is part-time, which leaves me plenty of time for my family, volunteering and still doing the things I enjoy.  However, sometimes I overextend myself and that is something I am working on.

7. What was your preparation process like for a pageant? 
I always make sure to be getting my fitness on point starting at least 12 weeks before a pageant. I use that time to improve my nutrition and diet and also make extra time for exercise to make sure I am competition ready.  Of course, the most important part of competition is always interview, so in preparation for International Ms. I worked with Commit to the Crown to help get me ready for my interview and hone my presentation skills.  No matter how much experience you have in pageantry, it's always important to hone and improve your skills, I feel a coach for this, especially at an international level is very important and makes the difference between winning and losing.

I also thoroughly research the system I am competing in to see exactly what they are looking for and what I need to be prepared for, this is key and in fact you should do this well before signing up for a syatem, otherwise you could find yourself surprised with certain expectations or areas of competition you were not expecting or prepared for.

8. What advice would you give to other women considering competing in International Ms? 
International Ms. is an amazing system, probably the best I have ever competed in. My advice would be to make sure you are preparing in advance and know your reasons for competing as well as making sure your interview skills are on point, as interview is 40% of the overall score.  You will also want to make sure you are prepared for the more unique aspects of the competition which differentiate International Ms. from other systems, specifically the social media and Introduction video portions, which are both scored at 10% each as part of the total score.

9. What has been your favorite part as International Ms USA? 
I have had a lot of wonderful opportunities as a result of my International Ms. USA title and probably the things that stand out as the most fun and exciting were my official photo shoot in Leeds, UK, along with my sister queen Dr. Corinne Devin, the reigning International Ms.  This was a fun-filled girls weekend and we bonded so much during this time as well as meeting many amazing ladies in the UK that ultimately decided to join our system.

One of the other exciting opportunities I had was modeling in both NYFW and Milan fashion week.  I can't express to you how floored I was to have the opportunity to model in these prestigious events as a 42-year-old mom! Wow, sometimes I still have to pinch myself!  Though this would not have been possible without my Director, Laura Clark,  Hitechmoda or the designer MMMilano!  I will remember these moments for the rest of my life.

10. What are you most looking forward to in your second year as International Ms USA? 
As a result of the pandemic our pageant was postponed until June 2021 and will take place at the fabulous South Point Resort in Las Vegas.  Though disappointing, it gives me and the contestants the opportunity to do even more!  I hope of course that the pandemic will end and allow me the opportunity to travel again to make more of an impact, but even if it does not I plan to volunteer here in Serbia and make an impact in any way I can.  I want to leave a legacy of service and kindness.

11. Tell us about a non-pageant goal you're hoping to achieve this year 
I hope to be able to volunteer in-person again at the Refugee Aid Sebia Workshop, a place I have been involved with for more than three years now.

***
​Mikell Reed Carroll is the reigning International Ms. USA and is a 43 year old mother of two, currently residing in Belgrade, Serbia for her job with the US Department of State.

Originally from Maine, Mikell and her husband Dan have been married for over ten years and have traveled to over 40 countries together as well as living in Nicaragua, Vietnam and Croatia prior to their recent move to Serbia.

Mikell is a graduate of St. Joseph’s College and the University of Maine School of Law.

1. Tell us about how you got started in pageantry and your pageant history.
Growing up, I watched my cousin compete in South Carolina. It was always on my bucket list, and I took a shot at Miss New York USA. I did a pageant in college to raise money, and was 2nd Runner Up, so I thought I would give Miss New York USA a shot. Since then I’ve competed In Miss Georgia USA, in America’s Perfect Pageant, Miss Northeast Galaxy (I was 1stRunner Up, Won Interview and Miss Congeniality), Ms. New York United States and World’s Perfect Pageant (I was top 10 and World’s Perfect Supermodel).
2. What is the most important thing that you've learned competing?
I would say that I have perfected my interviewing and speaking skills. I am naturally an introvert and competing has made me push myself to hone these skills. I have also learned that I am enough. I do not need to fit a mold; I need to just be the best version of myself.
3. What has continued to motivate you to compete as an adult? 
I would say that I am retried until I am a Mrs., but I love what competing does to me. It forces me to look at myself and creates a deadline to get myself in better shape (mentally, physically, and goals wise).
4. Do you have a charitable platform? 
My passion has always been children. Previously, my platforms have been No Child Left Behind and Mattie’s Heart. These both focused on being a role model in the community, providing services to children in the community, and providing etiquette classes to young girls.
5. Tell us more about your pageantry involvement behind the scenes. 
Since getting the pageant bug I became a part of the Miss America family behind the scenes. I worked as the media trainer for the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Organization and worked my way up to being the Secretary and Board Member for Miss New York Scholarship Organization (preliminary for Miss America).
6. You are also an entrepreneur. Tell us about your business.
Through pageantry, I also found my love of public relations. I have always loved to help people make their dreams come true, and I do just that with Perfect Vision PR. I founded my organization after working on a public relations team with the Miss Brooklyn Organization, and now I help people perfect their visions. You can learn more about what I do here: www.perfectvisionpr.com.
7. What was your preparation process like for a pageant?
My very first pageant, I thought I was doing everything right. I was working out, eating right, I found a beautiful gown, and got a long weave lol!! I had no idea that everything I did was great, but was not best to showcase me, and highlight my assets. Now, I just spend constant time, having "me time." During this time, I reflect and think about what I like, what my passions are, and what makes me shine. This goes on even when I am not in pageant mode, so that I am ready, so I never have to get ready. One thing that I always must work on is my fitness. I am always running around, and this is something I need to take more time aside for. 
8. What advice would you give to other women considering competing? 
If I could give a woman one piece of advice it would be know your why. Why are you competing, what you hope to achieve and what happens of you do not win? This will also guide you to know if this system is what you want, and how will you serve during your reign.
9. Do you have any branding advice for pageant girls that are self-promoting? 
Regarding branding advice, I would say that people meet you online before they do in person. It is 2020, people will google you, so make sure that who they meet is who you want them to.
10. What is your next pageant goal?
Right now, my goals are mostly off behind the scenes. I would love to get back into directing one day. In the meantime, I will continue to be a good friend, sister, and ally. But, when the time is right, I will make my debut on that Mrs. stage. Until then, I will continue to work on the overall package of Shekinah.
11. Tell us about a non-pageant goal you're hoping to achieve this year. 
One non pageant goal is to get at least 3 clients on a cover of a magazine. And, for myself…to fit back into that size 6 Sherri Hill gown.

***
Shekinah Monee is a Brand Strategist, Blogger, and Influencer. This international MBA recipient is a former Executive Director of two preliminaries for Miss America, and is now serving on the Miss NY Board of the Directors and the Booking Director for Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen. Shekinah has a vast amount of knowledge in what is required for a Beauty Queen to build a brand.While Shekinah loves working behind the scenes she started off as a Beauty Queen competing in Miss NY USA, Miss GA USA, and America's Perfect pageants. She held the titles of Miss Metro Atlanta USA, NYC's Perfect Miss, NY's Perfect Woman, World's Perfect Woman Supermodel, and was last Brooklyn’s Perfect Woman. Shekinah is also signed to MMG and EFM Model Management. 
Currently, Shekinah is guest speaking at colleges, pageants, and workshops sharing her journey to building her own brand. Shekinah has taught Perfectly You at America's Elite Miss pageant, Crown Con and Albright College, and will continue to share how to be perfectly you throughout the country.
To learn more about Shekinah check out: www.perfectvisionpr.com and www.diaryofaprsocialite.com.

1. Tell us about how you got started in pageantry and your pageant history.
I started pageantry almost four years ago. I actually signed up for my first pageant without telling my mom! 

2. What is the most important thing that you've learned competing?
The best advice I 've learned from competing is "If the opportunity is meant for you, it won't pass you by" this is something that took awhile for me to understand. I would always think why not me? why am I not good enough for me to be the title holder? But it was simply not meant to be and it is okay! I'm so happy where I am now because I believe I am where I am supposed to be. 

3. As World's Perfect Miss, what would you say makes this system unique?
This system was completely new to me. Competing this last summer for my first time I was going into the competition to do my best, but also have fun. This system is so unique because it truly gives the contestants the opportunity to express their own version of perfect. What also makes it different is also the sense of community and family. From the very beginning, the staff and families were very welcoming and supportive to team Kentucky. 

4. What is your platform?
My platform is called Passport to Green. It combines my passion for travel and the environment. I love to explore new places and culture and learn about their environmental policies and impact 

5. What impact do you hope to leave as the reigning World's Perfect Miss?
One of my hopes as World's Perfect Miss is to help others discover that being their authentic selves is the best gift they can give others. 

6. As a champion of Earth friendly causes, what is your eco-tip for our readers?
Keep it simple and conscious! Today's society loves everything to be as easy and quick as possible. Unfortunately, our planet is looked passed with this mindset. I suggest just to take time and evaluate your daily routine, and see how you can make simple changes to overall help our earth's status. 

7. What was your preparation process like for World's Perfect Miss?
My preparation was quite serious for World's Perfect Miss. I made sure I felt confident on and off stage with a wardrobe that made me feel beautiful, and a coach (Jackie) that made me feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience. 

8. What advice would you give to other women considering competing in World's Perfect?
DO IT!!! It is the most fun I have ever had at a pageant. Everyone is so nice and fun. If anyone has any questions, I am more than happy to answer them. 

9. What is your next pageant goal?
For right now, it is to just enjoy my reign as World's Perfect Miss. I am excited for all the activities we have in store for this year and I just want to soak them all in as they last. 

10. Tell us about a non-pageant goal you're hoping to achieve this year.
I am graduating from my university this spring and one of my goals is to graduate on the Dean's List. 

11. You won the World's Perfect Miss title alongside your mother, the reigning World's Perfect Classic Woman. What was that experience like?
This was one of the best memories I have ever made with my mom. She has been my constant cheerleader for my whole life, and now it was my time to be that for her. This was her first serious pageant, and I was so happy to be an extra hand on her support team. 

12. Is there a photographer you're hoping to work with?
As World's Perfect Miss I get to have a photoshoot with Baron DaParre so I am really looking forward to work with him!

13. Who is your favorite pageant designer?
Fernando Wong!!! He has made me two evening gowns that represent exactly who I am as a person. I'm so blessed to say I was wearing one of his creations when I was crowned World's Perfect Miss. 

14. What appearance are you most looking forward to as World's Perfect Miss?
The Citrus Look International Pageant! My sister queens and brother will be there so it will be amazing to see them again! 

1.    Tell us about how you got started in pageantry and your pageant history: 
I started getting into pageantry in 2017 because I wanted to represent something bigger than myself. The first title I won was Miss Sun City Pre-teen 2019. Then, I went on to win Gingerbread Divisional Grand Supreme in Dallas, Texas. Most recently, I have joined the Earth system and I competed for the state title and won Teen Miss Southwest Earth! 
 
2.     What is the most important thing that you've learned competing?
The most important thing about pageantry I’ve learned is helping the community. It has given me a platform to make my voice be heard and help others along the way.
 
3.   As Teen Miss Southwest Earth, what would you say makes Teen Miss Earth USA unique?What makes Teen Miss Earth unique is that the pageant itself focuses on saving the Earth rather than just walking down a runway. It let me represent a cause much bigger than myself and also give me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person.
 
4.    What is your platform?  My platform is “Cheer for the Earth” and it is directed at helping kids learn about the Earth at a young age so they can grow up becoming leaders and advocates for the Earth themselves. You can learn about my platform on my website cheerfortheearth.com and also on my Facebook page Teen Miss Southwest Earth.
 
5.     What impact do you hope to leave as the reigning Teen Miss Southwest? 
I really hope that I have made an impact on how people view the Earth. I want to make sure that I made a difference by helping people become aware of what’s happening to our Earth right now and the ways that they can help too.
 
6.    As a champion of Earth friendly causes, what is your eco-tip for our readers? 
Being eco- conscious can start out very simple. Take a plastic bag with you when you are out walking or hiking and pick up that trash you see out there. Don’t use plastic straws when you go out to eat, take your own reusable one with you. Start recycling at your home. The little changes you make in your life can make a big change for our Earth.
 
7.     What was your preparation process like for Teen Miss Earth USA?
I have to say that preparing for this pageant was challenging and fun. I worked with my Coach Jackie weekly. I began studying about things that impacted our Earth. I participated in the Climate Reality Change Summit to learn as much as I could about making an impact on our Earth. I began working with a personal trainer to get fit for the bathing suit portion of the competition. I also practiced walking on stage and interviewing as well.
 
8.    What advice would you give to other women considering competing in Teen Miss Earth USA? My best advice that I could give is to be yourself always. The judges want to see your true personality so let that sparkle.
 
9.     What is your next pageant goal? My next pageant goal is to win Teen Miss Earth at the pageant coming up in Orlando in January.
 
10.  Tell us about a non-pageant goal you're hoping to achieve this year.
A non-pageant goal I am hoping to achieve this year is to bring my grade point average up so I can be in the top 10% of my class for graduation next year.

1. Tell us about how you developed some of the key brands in your life. 
Sweet T Salon is a brand to help reinvent my mom’s hair salon. After moving back from Chicago to Raleigh, I wanted to create a brand that celebrated my time in Chicago and Southern upbringing. Something like a little bit of Yankee and a Lil’ bit of Y’all. 

Through the rebranding process, I overcame the challenges of bringing to reality an idea placed in my heart. While most clients were open to the rebranding of the salon, others wrote mean notes and posted bad reviews. After 10 years since the business rebranding, I learned that the hardest thing about being an entrepreneur is seeing an idea so clearly in your mind takes a lot of grit and strategy to implement.

2. How did pageantry assist you in developing your brand as an entrepreneur? 
Pageantry has helped tremendously in speaking with the public. I believe that pageantry has given me skills  interviewing potential stylists, sending emails to clients, answering the phone, or leading a staff meeting.

3. Can you speak about the connection between brand and “finding your why”? 
My parents and I arrived to the United States as refugees when I was a baby. I helped them achieve their American Dream of running a business and find so much joy in developing personal and business brands for others. Your brand can be a result of your “why”. I have helped many pageant women connect their personal brand to their “why.” In my life, the Sweet T brand celebrates my mission to “Share God’s Love Through Service & Beauty.” 

4. Why is developing your brand so important as a pageant competitor?
Your styling, wardrobe, and social media presence will reflect your brand. Additionally, developing your brand will help you communicate your personal “why” when competing.
 
5. Where should a pageant contestant get started in developing a brand? 
On paper! A pageant contestant needs to start by writing out what he or she values. A brand is not a logo but rather how you present yourself and what you are communicating to others.

6. What are some of the most common branding mistakes you see? 
The most common branding mistake I see in pageantry is contestants thinking that their personal branding is their organization of choice. 

7. What are some tips you have to creating a stand out brand? 
Digging deep into your vision, why, and values. Really study those three things and build on them visually and verbally.

8. How does developing a brand benefit a contestant even after the pageant is over?
When you clearly develop your brand, it will grow with you. A pageant title is one year and a contest is one weekend. If you can clearly build your personal brand- that lasts a lifetime. Your personal brand is brought into job interviews, wardrobe selection, and networks.

9. What resources can you recommend to those wanting to learn more? 
Working with Commit to the Crown is a great start in developing your personal brand. My book, The Networking Diary offers applicable networking principals to help women connect with confidence. Finally, I invite you to my podcast, “Business + Beauty with Nancy Nguyen Liles” to learn from pageant queens who have successfully developed their personal brands.

10. Any final thoughts? 
Developing your personal, pageant, and professional brand takes time and strategy. I have worked with dozens of coaches over the years in different phases of my life to develop brands. As a mom of two toddler girls and a wife to a firefighter, I value family, work life balance and community. These values are part of my business and personal brand. If you need help with your pageant branding, work with Jackie Schiffer with Commit to the Crown!

***
Nancy Nguyen Liles serves as a mom of two toddler girls and trilingual entrepreneur. She has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc.com. After earning a degree in Spanish at NC State University, Nancy established her career in Chicago while earning her MBA from DePaul University.
​
After returning to Raleigh, she married a Raleigh firefighter. They rode the same school buses from elementary to high school but didn’t know each other then. She owns Sweet T Salon in Raleigh, NC and currently serves as Mrs. North Carolina Petite 2020. Nancy published The Networking Diary because she is passionate about helping entrepreneurs to brand and network with purpose.

Rejection is redirection! Say it with me: Rejection is REDIRECTION. 

Rejection has been on my mind on a lot lately as I have spoken to clients who are grappling with rediscovering their confidence after recent pageant losses.

As a former pageant competitor for nearly a decade, I experienced firsthand just how painful it can be to not achieve your dream of winning the crown. You can readall about my journey to the crown here. T

he long and short of it is that I was a "how-to in reverse." Winning the pageant didn't come easily at first, and while I had a few stints as a runner-up, the closer I got... the more the it stung! 

Yet, with each no, each rejection came redirection.  The key is allowing and empowering ourselves to learn from each experience. 

The intention or the "why" behind competing is essential. Why are you the next titleholder? It's safe to say that every one of the women standing on the stage wants to win, so there has to be more.

What impact are you currently having on your community? How do you demonstrate leadership? And perhaps more importantly, what skills and experiences are you working to cultivate in your life regardless of the outcome of the pageant?

Our focus should be presenting the best and most authentic version of ourselves.

During my competition years, I was told to change my talent to pop music (I'm a classically trained operatic soprano)... and guess what? I didn't win. I was told that I had to be "sexy" on stage and while my transformation was so intense my own mother didn't recognize me (I'm a classic All-American girl who brandished hair extensions and bandage dress)... I STILL DIDN'T WIN! 

The times that I did win were when I delved in who I was and tapped into my purpose. I may not have been the tallest girl/the girl with the most expensive dress/the girl with the greatest level of fitness, but I WAS A WOMAN WITH VISION. 

As a coach, I represent an opinion (it doesn't mean I am always right). I urge each of you to consider feedback from your last pageant, your coaches, friends/family, and spectators. What feedback is helpful/constructive? 

"I wish you had brown eyes"- NOT HELPFUL! (I have green eyes.) Move on and keep pushing forward. I have experienced difficult feedback sessions, so I know that it is not always easy. One judge in particular told me that "I needed to work on my body" after winning Miss NYC. 

What did I do? I worked my hardest to prepare for nationals as a confident and healthy woman on my own terms (not aligned with that judge's vision). And I will admit, while I initially felt embarrassed... it was a pretty amazing feeling to see that same judge's face when I placed Top 5 at nationals and won multiple high point awards :) 

What about those times when we've been true to ourselves and it still isn't our turn?

I feel you on this too. That's why setting and working towards goals are so important!

INTENTION IS EVERYTHING. 

​Recently, I competed in a voice competition and sang my heart out. I was so incredibly proud of my performance and wouldn't change a thing. While I was disappointed not to advance, I DID come out of the experience a stronger performer, a more confident individual, and an inspired artist with new friendships because of the intention that I set. In addition to working towards the grand prize, I set goals to meet my fellow contestants and to challenge myself as a vocalist. 

When your name isn't called into Top 15, Top 5, Winner, I challenge you to be excited for all that lies ahead. Rejection is redirection- whether it is strengthening how you prepare for your next pageant or equipping you to succeed in a new endeavor with confidence, public speaking skills, image, etc., I know there's opportunity around the corner. 

So smile and applaud for the winner: she's earned her time, and I promise there's a spotlight waiting for you if you're willing to go find it! 


​

How are those 2020 resolutions coming along? Have you already decided to throw in towel? Don’t despair, C2CGirl has you covered with Jackie's full goal-setting process. 
 
1.       Inventory the past year

• What went well?
• What accomplishments are you most proud of?
• Did anything unexpected happen? 
• What do you wish you had achieved?
• What prevented you from achieving the goals you desired?

2.       Complete a life status report
On a scale of 1-10 rate your life in the following categories: Family/Friends, Relationship, Finances, Career, Health/Fitness, Personal Development, Spirituality… customize with other areas as needed. For example: I also have artistic and entrepreneur goals.
Once your status report is complete, what are the areas of your life you’re most content with? What are the areas where you’d like to see growth? 

3.       Look ahead to 2021.
Where do you want your life to be in one year? What changes would you like to see in your career, your relationships, your lifestyle, etc? Now is the time to be visionary… we will navigate how to get there in a minute. 

For this step, I recommend vision boarding or journaling. Pay attention to how you feel when you’re imagining new possibilities.

4.       Break down your annual goals into quarterly and monthly goals. 
 If you want to save $5,000, there are quarterly and monthly benchmarks that you'll need to hit along the way. I find this provides meaningful insight if you fall short of your goal. Let's think through this: To save $5,000, I'd need to save $416.67/month or $1,250/quarter. I know that twice a year I have a double pay-check but let's say in June, I have a vacation planned. I probably won't be saving $416 the same month I'm going on vacation, so I'll need to adjust my goals and plan to save more in other months if I plan to still hit my $5,000 goal.

This also works for non-numeric goals. Let's say you plan to get an agent. You're going to need to prepare your audition package, get headshots taken, commit to meeting casting directors or attending go-sees, and complete mailers. How can you quantify your success? Perhaps you decide to meet 2 casting directors per month and mail a minimum of one agency per week. 

5.       Write out metric-based quarterly goals. 
Less than 3% of adults write their goals, yet those that do are 42% more likely to achieve their goals if they do. Even for non-numeric goals as discussed above, how can you quantify success? 

Instead of “get fit” or “lose weight” try “commit to strength training a minimum of three days per week.”

6.       Design accountability systems.
I have various trackers that use to hold myself accountable. Some ideas include: create a chart, use a checklist, find an accountability partner, enroll in a regular class/coaching, and my weekly check-in date. 
 
7.       REVIEW YOUR GOALS! 
According to Brian Tracy, less than 1% of people review their goals on a daily basis. EVERY weekend, I make a point of reviewing my goals. I physically write out what my weekly wins  were and what my actions steps are for the following week. 

8.       Daily Action Steps
EVERY DAY, I write out my goals on a post-it note. I take inventory to remind myself if there is anything I can do today to be even one step closer to achieving my goal. When I launched Commit to the Crown's product line, there were tons of steps- everything from writing the questions, authoring the study materials, licensing the music, etc. Breaking down a huge task into bite size pieces, helped me achieve my March 1st launch goal. 

9.       Celebrate your Success! 
​Be sure to celebrate your successes. Along with tracking my goals, I set rewards and write out my "why." For example, when I was paying off a credit card my "why's" included mantras such as "debt free by 30" and "your credit score will be great!" I also promised (and delivered) to myself a spa day. 

What's your goal setting process? Tell me your tips/tricks in the comments below. 

Hi there! Welcome to #C2CGirl, the official blog of Commit to the Crown. #C2CGirl will feature relevant discussions, inspirational interviews, lifestyle and more.

When I founded Commit to the Crown back in 2015, I wanted to be not only a coach but a mentor for women looking to find their voice. Yet somewhere along the way, the brand has defined mine. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the "method" I used to win my first pageant in Central Illinois would turn into a coaching brand that has served women in 45 of 50 US States and 6 countries to date. Come to think of it, I also never imagined as a Voice major and Italian minor living in Illinois, I would be running my own business less than a decade later in NYC.

But you see, that's the thing about pageantry-- it prepares us to take on the things we never planned or never thought we'd be ready for. In every win and every loss, there is a lesson to be learned. And speaking of learning,  through the ups and downs of this crazy journey, I have learned a LOT.  Some of this blog will be sharing what I have learned alongside and from all of you. 

One of the greatest surprises of my coaching career was that despite the level of accomplishment, many women still struggle to have their voice heard in an impactful way. I have been honored to coach lawyers, investment bankers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists, teachers... every career you can imagine. Yet the challenges women face remain whether from board rooms to big screens, and  from classrooms to court rooms.

Commit to the Crown believes that women deserve a place to be the best version of themselves. #C2Cgirl is inspiration,  aspiration, lifestyle, and community all in one.  Be sure to check back soon for our blog post soon! 

Have an idea for a future blog post? Be sure to leave a comment!