Taylor’s pageantry journey began in 2018 with the organization National American Miss. Taylor shared “I was a freshman in college and going through a lot of changes, mentally, emotionally, etc. and my second semester I received a letter from NAM to attend an open call. I had only competed in one local pageant before in 2015, so I thought I’ll go check out what NAM had to offer. Once I walked into that open call – I just knew – NAM was something so special and extraordinary.
I went on to attend my state pageant and got third runner up to the South Texas Teen title. At the time, I did my own hair and makeup, wrote my own intro, and didn’t have a coach. After that state pageant, I was hooked. I went on to compete for the All-American teen title and placed in the Top 11. In 2020, I was crowned the NAM Texas (South) Miss and at NAM Nationals, I placed 4th runner up.
When it came to iam Internationals in 2021, I had a choice of competing in All-American or IJM and while both are amazing – I knew. I knew I wanted to compete in All-American because of the impact that NAM has had on my life. Next thing you know, I was crowned the 2021-2022 National All-American Miss!! I worked harder than I ever did before for a title and practiced almost everyday – and now it is time to give my all throughout my reign and give back to the organization that gave me everything.”
Taylor said NAM is special for her because “It feels like home – it is so empowering and truly brings out the confidence in every young lady that walks on the iconic white stage. Every person this organization brings is just so inspiring and incredible. I have never felt out of place at NAM and can’t help but smile to think about my time throughout this organization.”
NAM Required Competitions
Formal Wear (25%)
Personal Introduction (25%)
Interview (25%)
Resume (15%)
Community Service (10%)
Taylor’s Required Competition Tips
Formal Wear:
- Make sure you lock eyes with each judge
- GO SLOW! It’s your time to shine on stage
- When you pose, it is okay to keep it simple!
- Make sure you put your gown on and walk in it before you get on stage because sometimes gowns have restrictions or don’t move like you thought,and that can cause problems on stage if you haven’t practiced in it.
Personal Introduction:
- It’s okay to use your hands!
- Keep you speech shorter rather than longer because it’s better to go slow during your presentation instead of feeling like you need to speed up to get everything in
- Make sure it’s natural – that always draws the attention of the judges!
Interview:
- I know everyone always says be yourself, but it’s so important to let your personality shine through – that’s exactly what I did this year when I haven’t really in the past
- View it as a conversation
- Sometimes we feel the need to fill up the entire minute, but if your answer finds a natural end and there is still time left, the judge may ask another question and that is completely normal!
- If your time is up, don’t completely cut off your sentence – just bring it to a natural end, it’s okay!
How to Prepare
“Practice, practice and more practice. I always loved recording myself to see what areas I needed to improve in. For interview, I would treat normal conversations with adults in my everyday life as if I was in a pageant interview and that made everything more natural instead of rehearsed when it came to the real thing. For personal introduction, I would practice just having fun with it and time myself. Sometimes I would hit the time limit while practicing, but I knew when I got on the stage I would shave off a few seconds due to nerves. For gown, I would record everytime I practiced – that helped me see my progress.”
Overall Tips for Competing at NAM
“Take in every moment, whether you’re 4 or 24, NAM will hold such a special place in your heart and it flies by so fast. Take a step back and appreciate every moment. Also don’t think it is ever too late to start! I only started competing in 2018 as a teen and I knew nothing about pageants. While I worked extremely hard in that time to get to where I am, it goes to show how hard work pays off and you are never too old.”
BONUS Sample Interview Questions:
- Tell me about a time you faced adversity.
- What would you sacrifice for success?
- What is the difference between a leader and a mentor?
- What do you see when you look in the mirror?
- How to focus on bettering yourself?
- If you were a billboard, what would you say?
- Tell me what makes you unique.
- How would you promote National American Miss if you were crowned?
- What does being a part of the I AM Pageant Powerhouse mean to you?
- What have you learned from competing in pageants?
- Tell me about a time that you showed kindness to others
- What does the crown represent to you?
- Tell me about your favorite pageant experience
- If you were to be a Disney princess, which princess would you choose?
- How do you decide right from wrong?
- What do you want your legacy to be?
- If you were not to be crowned this weekend, how would you continue to make a difference with others?
- What does being a NAM girl mean to you?
- If you could travel anywhere, where would you want to go?
- Tell me about any organization you volunteer with.