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.
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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. |
Jackie SchifferNYC pageant coach Jackie Schiffer is passionate about helping women find their voices. Her international client roster includes women competing at the local, national and international level. Currently, she serves on the national coaching team for Miss Earth USA, USA National Miss, Miss Global United States, Mrs. Universal, and more. Archives
November 2020
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