Why I Wanted to Participate
Never would I have thought I’d ever be in a pageant. Then last year on social media somehow I found out about the Miss Locs Pageant. Me being confident, I said to myself, “I’m going to do that in 2019.” Like I said I was confident. I’ve had my hair loc’d for 8 years now. Everywhere I go people compliment me on my hair whether it’s men or women. Again men and women approach me on my hairstyle and ask me about hair maintenance. And that’s even when I don’t think my hair looks cute. In addition to that, a co-worker and a Facebook friend hit me up within the past three weeks asking about my loc journey. Plus, I know I started a hair revolution within my own family. I was the first of the young generation on both sides of my family to start locs.
Read more on my hair journey here.
Miss Locs Pageant Application
The application was easy to complete. On the application there were questions related to education, profession, community involvement, and most importantly questions about your hair. There’s an application fee that has to be paid. I submitted both application and $50 check and that lead me to become Contestant #1. Those who know me know that tardiness is not my style.
Team Support
I do not like asking people for money. And I don’t like to beg for anything either. I asked for family and friends to come out to the Miss Locs Pageant. As a reminder, I created my own save the dates so people would know in advance. Those were distributed during the summer months. Later on I invited them and other loc’d friends on Facebook via the event page. I have a hand full of friends who are able to attend. As for family not so much, but my husband will be there for sure. I got financial support from my in-laws since they wouldn’t be able to attend.
Q&A for Blogs
I completed 3 sets of questions for 3 selected bloggers. Our responses were loaded on the bloggers websites. I must admit, I haven’t made time to go look on the their sites. However, I will do so after the event.
Social Media
People need to know who you are and where are most people? Social media. On my Instagram page for my blog Succeeding Naturally, I began putting up a several posts of myself. It’s been requested to use hashtags: #roadtomisslocs, #misslocspageant, #misslocspageant2019, & #locqueensrock. Using hashtags on social media helps get the word out about the pageant.
I must admit I’m slow to post pics. I still have pics from my various trips and activities like Italy, Ossabaw Island, and Greenville that I have yet to post. I’m trying to write a blog post first and then share pictures. To my subscribers hold tight. LOL.
Video
I received my comfy black stretchy black tee with Miss Locs Pageant on the chest via mail. I had to wear this in my recorded video that was going to tell the people who I was, inform about the event, acknowledge sponsors, and request additional sponsors.
Submitting a video was something I was not eager to do. I prolonged this for sure. Semi-perfection was my goal with recording. My locs were freshly retwisted and I headed to the park to get a nice scenery and good lighting. Lo and behold I was outside for over an hour!!! Sweating to death!! And getting frustrated too. After several videos, I narrowed it down and picked the best one. It’s on my Instagram page if you want to view it. I believe I posted it as a story on Facebook too.
Live IG Interview
Technology is so cool. I was invited to join in on the interviewers live. We experienced multiple technical difficulties. And here it was I was the first live interview. I was hoping another contestant went before me since I had to reschedule my original date. It was laid back. I felt comfortable talking. Felt like I was talking to a friend. He had a few questions that he selected and sent to us candidates in advance. The interview lasted for about 1 hour. Being the kind person that I am, I waved at those who sent greetings in the comments. One guy in the comments responded to me sharing all the things I’m involved in and he said, “Man she got her hands in everything”. I couldn’t help but laugh.
People’s Choice Contest
I’ve promoted myself on my Instagram and Facebook pages and within groups I’m in on Facebook. It’s up to the people to decide who the winner will be. Whoever receives the most votes wins. Wish me luck.
Soliciting Sponsors
It’s not required, but helps take the load off of your pockets. I reached out to big name corporations like Shea Moisture, but they declined sponsorship. My friend, who has a friend who’s in the hair marketing industry didn’t reply back to me either. I like to support Black businesses. I knew there was a Black owned nail salon in Charleston because I go when I get my nails done. This has been my routine for a few years. Well after contacting the owner (so I thought), she informed me that she sold the salon. I have a Facebook friend who I went to high school with who does nails. I reached out to her too. No response yet.
My Sponsors
All the no responses and declines didn’t stop me. I got some yeses. My makeup artist agreed without hesitation, Tierra Nichole of Tierra Nichole Artistry. I wanted her because she’s done my makeup for my wedding. Next, I reached out to the owner of the tool (Wrap-A-Loc) that I use to do my hair and she graciously agreed. When I called her she was even willing to come to the event for my behalf. I also have a photographer Brand On Graphics. I tried to get him for my girls event last year, but now he’s available for this one.
Pageant Sponsors
Not only did I solicit sponsors for myself, but for the Miss Locs Pageant too. The pageant was looking for natural hair bloggers. I’m in a Facebook group- Black Women Who Blog, so I inquired in the group for potential bloggers. I reached out to another popular SC blogger via Instagram direct message, but she didn’t respond. I reached out to former Miss USA, Kenya Moore, but I didn’t get a response from her either. That would have been great to have her come to the event!
Glam Squad
- Evening Gown- online order after deciding not to have dress made
- Accessories- online order and supplied by me
- Shoes- supplied by me
- Casual Wear- supplied by me
- Hair- styling myself with Wrap-A-Loc
- Nails- pending
- Makeup- Tierra Nichole Artistry
- Photographer- Brand On Graphix
Talent
I’m an artsy chic. I like making things by hand. My talent is going to be wreath making. See what I did.
Practice
- Practiced walking
- Interview techniques
- Practiced posture
- Practiced talent
- Assembled my outfits
- Fit test for outfits
Only thing left now is to bring home the crown
I’m on my way. See you soon Florence, SC
Miss Locs Pageant 2019
More Info
https://www.instagram.com/misslocspageant/
https://misslocspageant.wixsite.com/organization