Anji Naturals

After moving this past October you realize how much stuff and products you actually own. As my small clear acrylic containers that house my makeup and face creams serve a small purpose, I realized I had no where to keep any of my essential oils. The hunt on amazon led me to Anji Naturals. Where this beautiful wooden box now houses my growing collection. I did receive this as a gift, but cannot wait to purchase more and gift them for this holiday season.

My tips for confidence on and off stage!

I am a strong believer in maximizing your schedule and taking every opportunity that may come to you. I have learned so much from trial and error, and knowing what is right for me or not. 

One of the biggest challenges of competing in pageantry is becoming what you see is perfect or ideal and learning to accept what you can't change.  

There have been many parts of me that I have wanted to change, like my ears for example. I even at one point met and was about to schedule plastic surgery to have them pulled back! I ended up chickening out and now realize that those certain people in my past who always felt the need to make a negative comment were only trying to bring me down because they may have felt bad about something in their own life. 

My mantra is: 

-Accept most opportunities (unless your instinct is screaming NO) 

-No one is perfect but put yourself out there and trust that God has put you in the right place at the right time 

-Positive affirmations (I am beautiful, I am worthy, I am healthy, I am wealthy, I have a fabulous closet full of designer shoes - hehe) 

-show gratitude and thanks to those who help you and God

By realizing that you are who you are meant to be and that is perfect, you can then begin to make choices and live your life towards that. I don't believe things happen by accident and I repeatedly see my life and patterns that do not seem correlated at the time until I look back. 

Miss Los Angeles at United Miss

Amour Luxury Swimwear Fashion Show

Behind the Scenes Levitating Photoshoot

Inspiration: 

Hair by Taylor: 

Prepping: 

The photographer Reese A. came up with the concept after driving past the red and white stripped garage door in Burbank, Ca. The edge of the garage door was slanted at an angle so it was a bit difficult to place the ladders at a safe angle. 

The levitation concept will be achieved in editing, however it was important to rest and angle my body in positions that made it seem natural- as if I were floating versus leaning against something. 

 

My dress was held up with thread at both sides, and we ended up having to cut the lining all the way up so it would drape open. 

Can't wait to see the finished project! 

United Miss Is collecting donations for The Downtown Women's Center

From now until May 25th you can contact me for drop of locations or visit Sun Studio La! Thanks so much for everyone's help! 

United Miss in Dallas Texas!

Photo By: Shana Lemos 

I'm so excited to announce that I will be representing Los Angeles County in the upcoming United Miss pageant in Dallas, TX! The pageant will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel on June 6-7th. 

As a part of this pageant, I will be hosting a donation drive benefiting the Downtown Women's Center. One of the main reasons I chose to work with this organization is that the center is aimed to end homelessness for women in the Southern California area. They not only provide alternative housing, healthcare and resources for women, they aim to teach useful skills like sewing, candle making and arts and crafts! My donation drive will start April 25th and last until May 25th. My goal is to create 20 hygiene kits as well as collect 4 boxes of hygiene products! 

How to Properly Tailor Your Pageant Gown!

 

 

            One of the most important aspects of pageantry is being able to comfortably walk in your evening gown. While many designers offer sizing that is made to measure, I have seen that many gowns still need a bit of tweaking before being able to be worn comfortably.

 

When to start alterations?

 

            I typically begin altering a gown 6 weeks prior to the event, in this time you can get an idea of hem length- depending on shoes, make any major adjustments like lowering the neckline, or take in the seams. After the initial fitting I would recommend 2 more within 2 weeks after, at this time you can have your tailor adjust to any changes your body undergoes.

 

 

 

What to bring during your fitting?

 

            Bring all of the proper under garments, as well as options that you will need for your gown. This includes: Shoes, jewelry and all undergarments. Bring bust cups just in case your tailor does not have them.

 

            I order these gel push up bust cups online, which I have used in all of my evening gowns, swimsuits, etc. http://www.wawak.com/products/product.cfm/pid/10134/Push-Up-Gel-Bra-Cup-Size-D-Black/

 

            My favorite shapewear I recommend to every single woman in the world is the Tulle Forming Body from Woolford. (http://www.wolfordshop.com/Shapewear/Tulle-Forming-String-Body/cp56537/si5906812/cl2/vt01/) While this does cost a pretty penny- I have seen it literally trim 2 inches off a client’s waist, and can really hold in your shape depending on the style of gown you pick.

 

Also, have someone that you trust with you during your alterations as a second eye.

 

Where to find a tailor?

 

            Tailoring can be an expensive service for my pageant budgets. While most dry-cleaners offer alterations, I would choose to use resources like www.theknot.com to find someone who is comfortable and specializes in bridal alterations.

 

 

Hemming 101

 

            A proper technique of hemming a traditional evening gown is to pin it to where it kisses the floor.  Your shoes should not show when you walk. (Unless your gown has a slit or high-low style). If your dress is made of tulle, a good tailor will also use a thread -ess overlock machine to trim the hem after cutting it to make sure it is perfect.

 

            Also, do not look down when your hem is being pinned, look straightforward with good posture, otherwise it will be marked too short. Always save any extra pieces cut from your gown just in case you run into any issues in the future and need the fabric.