Is it worth it to join National American Miss?

Hey Nessa,

Is it worth it to join National American Miss? Absolutely! I have been involved with National American Miss since 2004 and when I look back at pictures from then to now its amazing to see how much I have truly grown since then. Not just physically but overall. The skills I have gained through the system have helped me tremendously now as a college student as well as for the future. These are skills I've learned throughout the years through being involved with this organization that will last me a LIFETIME.

Some skills I truly value in gaining through this system are my interview skills and speaking in front of others (which is the number one fear in America). As a college student going through the school interviews the admissions counselor have complimented my interview skills and how impressed they were to hear a young lady with such great interview skills, all which I credit to National American Miss. I carried over what I learned through the interview competition to real life settings such as college interviews and job interviews. Public Speaking is not an easy thing to do for a lot of people. As a communications student the personal intro competition has helped me become more confident in doing so- for college presentations or at events through my community. In the beginning I was a bit shy to do my personal intro and now I love it and I can assure you that you will too :) I am much more confident in speaking in front of people. I am also learning and constantly improving through the process which I truly do enjoy.

My family has instilled me the importance of giving back to your community, which National American Miss prides their contestants on being actively involved with. 10% of your score is community service which was one of the main reasons my family support National American Miss and have supported me throughout my entire experience. At National American Miss it really is a family event. During the formal wear competition you have an escort which my brother has always looked forward to escorting me for. You also meet families of all different cultures,ethnicities, and backgrounds. I am always ready to brag about having a huge network of friends throughout my state and country thanks to NAM. My family has always been very supportive of whatever adventure I choose to take on and they love that they can be very involved through this system as well.

At National American Miss it does not matter what color skin you have, or the color of your hair. I am 100% Puerto Rican and that was never an issue, in fact I am very actively involved in my hispanic community and use that to talk about in my interview competition and community service work. I embrace my ethnicity and am very proud of who I am. I love having the opportunity to share that with others and since you are proud to be Mexican others are going to love to hear about it as well and will accept you no matter what, especially at National American Miss.

As far as sponsorship, you can host a fundraiser, host a bake sale in your neighborhood, or even host a tag sale to raise some money for your sponsorship fee. I love baking and it has helped me raise money for something I really want to do through something I love doing-baking!You can actually raise a lot of money through a bake sale. There are so many options and you can never be to creative when it comes to raising sponsorship fees friends and family love to be a part of a new adventure so asking some friends and family usually works as well.

As the reigning National American Miss National Queen I plan on visiting a lot of state pageants and I hope I get the chance to meet you at your state pageant Nessa! If you have any questions you can send me a message on twitter and follow me throughout my reign at www.twitter.com/namissqueen. Good luck!

Love always,

Amaryllis Rodriguez

2010-2011 National American Miss National Queen

Great question Nessa - it looks like you got some great answers already but here are a few more thoughts. YES! Your experience at NAM will be something you take with you for the rest of your life. The required costs for the pageant are:

$440 Sponsor Fee

$40 Production # outfit

$15 per ticket to the final show (only for guests, you don't need one)

The pageant office will provide you with a complete pack of sponsor information that will help you raise as much of that money as possible. I saw an interview on youtube today (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz1GaZQNNa0) of a girl that said the only thing she paid for when she did the pageant was $15 for her mom's ticket.

NAM does NOT discriminate against any one, in any way! Take a look at the video's on the website www.namiss.com or on the blog, www.namissblog.com. There are all shapes, sizes, and colors. :-)

Good luck!

Nessa,

I was much like yourself when I was your age. I received a letter in the mail and I wasn't sure about them. But, I can honestly say, there is no other organization that will help you grow and feel more amazing than NAM. They are the only organization that truly encourage the contestant to be themselves and show others the amazing person you were created to be. They do not have a swimsuit competition, and instead they have you go out and help your community by bringing in a book or a stuffed animal for a child less fortunate. It isn't about body shape and type, it's about life long skills of poise and presentation you have. You will have choreographers there to help you through the competition. They will show you how to walk on stage, where to stand, and help answer any questions you have while you are in competition.

Do not be afraid to ask for sponsors! A lot of times a local restaurant would love to give more marketing for themselves, and give you that bump in finances that you don't have to come up with on your own. I know it is as expensive as you want to make it. The only items you must have are the opening number outfit, your evening gown (you may have a friend who has a homecoming dress or prom dress that you can borrow), your interview suit (the look is in right now, so they have them just about everywhere), a book or stuffed animal to donate and you can be as creative as you want for the welcome night.

I can promise you they do not discriminate against any race! I was blessed to compete through NAM in the teen and the miss division in CA, and through hard work I was given the great honor to take home the crown both times. I am hispanic, japanese, and native american. Embrace your heritage, and show them what you are made of!

Keep your head high and stand proud!

Angelique

Miss California Teen 2003

Miss California -South 2005

Hey I'm 15 too! I've been competing in nam since I was 12 and it is the greatest thing I have ever done and if you can do it at least go to the open call if you still can make up your mind. And yes I know the money is a lot! But you can get sponsors they give you a list of some of them in your magazine packets you can also use family members or friends and hey mabye get creative and have a lemonade stand and have someone match the money you make! Overall I usually spend 1,000 or so dollars on the pageant which includes my suit,dress,entry fee ect. But the total cost really depends on the type of dress you get and optional contest you do. And national american miss DOSE NOT discriminate against anyone! People of all races have won queen or did really well at the pageant! I wish you the best in your nam experiences feel free to message me or email me if you have more questions xoxo peace love pageants!

Hi Nessa,

I'm 17 years old and have been competing in NAM since I was 11. National American Miss is a totally legit program. For me, it feels more like a glamorous, confidence-building conference than a "Beauty competition". It's what I look forward to every year. :)

It is a bit expensive, but once you get to the pageant, you'll know why. The staff is super professional, everything is organized, and the shows are super exciting.

The required fees for the pageant are $440 sponsorship, $40 for production number outfit, $15 for each ticket to the final show. Other than that, the amount of spending is really up to you.

The cost of dresses range everywhere from free (borrowed) to inexpensive (clearance rack at a department store) to a bit expensive (from a prom store) to mind-blowing expensive (custom-made pageant couture). When I first started competing, my mom would actually make dresses for me. But now, I usually check eBay or wear something I already had for another event (like prom).

Each optional competition (actress, talent, casual wear modeling, etc.) costs $50 to compete in. Like their name, these are all optional and have nothing to do with the main title. You can have no optional entries or you can have over 12. I competed in three this past year. (One in actress, two in casual wear modeling.)

Hotel is usually around $100 per month. My family has been able to skip this cost because we live less than half an hour away from the pageant. The only downside is that I had to get ready in the hotel lobby restroom.

Some other optional expenses include the pre-pageant workshop (a fun and close-up walk-through of the competitions - $25), bouquets of flowers (about $25), professional photos/video (up to $150), professional hair/makeup, etc... All of these are fun add-ons, but by no means are these required.

Once you've been accepted into the pageant, you will receive a series of magazines that cover just about everything about pageant weekend. There are several pages dedicated to helping you find sponsors, and yes, it does include a long list of potential sponsors. Once your sponsors know that NAM is not a typical beauty pageant, most sponsors will be willing to help you out. If you'd rather earn money, there are countless things you can do like car washes, bake sales, babysitting, etc.

National American Miss does NOT discriminate against certain groups. I have seen a huge variety of girls win, even bring home the national title! Short, tall, tiny, larger, disabled, Black, White, Mexican, Asian.. Even girls with strong ethnic accents. They're looking for realistic American girls, not Barbie dolls.

I hope that covers most of your questions!

If you can dream it, you can do it! :)

Hi Nessa,

National American Miss is such an amazing program. It would definitely be worth doing. Not only is it a fun, amazing experience, but you will make memories that will last a lifetime. In 2008 I did my first pageant, which was National American Miss CT Jr. Teen. I was just like you, 15 years old, and so nervous that it was a waste of my parents money, a scam, but after getting there and making new friends right off the bat, I realized that even though it is a pageant, it is SO much more than that. NAM is all about embracing life, and being a strong willed, beautiful girl. It has taught me that no matter what, when you set your mind to something, you can make it happen. It gave me confidence, poise and the right attitude that will help me with everyday life. You can get sponsors to help you out, just go around to Local businesses and explain to them what you're doing. If you sign up you will receive a packet to help you out with this, many if not all of the girls competing get sponsors, it seriously helps out a lot with the cost. Also, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as far as your Ethnicity. NAM would never discriminate against certain groups or race. NAM is made to inspire girls to dream big and have goals in life, and to follow their heart. It isn't about skin color, or who is the skinniest. It is all about you, being the best and brightest you can be. If I could recommend one thing for you to do while in your teenage years it would be to do something you want to do, if NAM is that thing you want to try, go for it! You never know when it is you're time to shine, to glow. You definitely will not regret doing NAM, you will seriously make so many friends. This year after winning National American Miss CT Teen 2010, I went to Nationals and ended up winning National American Miss Teen 2011, but do you know what I remember the most? Sure, I remember the amazing feeling of competing and getting all dolled up, but what I remember most is the girls I met, the friends I will have forever and the memories I have made that I will cherish in my heart for the rest of my life and my wonderful family support system. Nessa, you are beautiful, no matter what anyone tells you, and that is because you are you. I say go for it. You will not regret one second of it. Trust me.

Love always, and remember to smile bright no matter what happens,

Elise Nicole Vertefeuille, National American Miss Teen 2010-2011 <3

Nessa,

I was the exact same way when I started with NAM in 2005. I received a brochure in the mail and asked my dad who said no. I then got one again the next year and begged and he said yes. Since I have been involved, I have learned so much about myself. I met lifelong friends and my confidence and communication skills improved.

With the money situation: Sponsors could be anyone! When I raised money to compete for state for three years I first went from business to business explaining the program and asking for sponsor fees of any amount. You would be surprised how many people are willing to help young girls out who want to pursue their dreams and goals. Even with the recession, it is simple to get these types of donations. I suggest asking for more information about the state competition and possibly printing out these posts from all these amazing girls and parents to show the businesses how people feel about the NAM pageant system. Explain what you will gain from being in this system - poise, self confidence, business skills, and new friends! Make sure you dress nice (either a dress or something churchlike). Another opportunity that I learned from a friend from your state of Texas was to make send outs. These are letters with your picture and text explaining what this program is all about and asking for donations. Give your address and phone number and write it in business format. I'd suggest using Google to find an example of proper business format. I received almost $600 for a pageant once doing these simple hand outs and sending them to businesses. Other fees include hotel stay which I am sure somebody mentioned. You also need a suit for interview I suggest bright colors for a suit and something that makes you feel special. Same goes for a dress.

Regarding race- NAM doesn't discriminate against anyone. If you go to the website and look through videos you will notice there are a variety of ethnic groups. This goes the same for our national royalty.

I hope that you decide to raise the money and compete for your state. It is amazing opportunity and you will gain so much from entering the NAM pageant.

Sincerely,

Katie Cole - National All American Miss 2010-2011!!

Dear Nessa

National American Miss is definitely worth it

The money to register can be sponsored by your local community businesses

Dress up, bring your paperwork and ask for support

Even small donations add up

Think of a creative way to earn the money too

People love to see a teenager with a dream

Watch the videos online and get yourself a great introduction

It has helped both of my daughters to be confident in presenting themselves in school and they have made lasting friendships - there is a possibility that my older daughter may be rooming in college with a girl she met at NAM!!!!

There are no discrimination issues at NAM We have met girls from all nationalities - and we have seen them become very successful in the pageant

It does take some investment of money in a suit, a gown, and a production outfit that is purchased when you check in if you don't live close to the pageant there will also be hotel fees

Get your sponsors, do your homework on how it works and enjoy yourself - it is well worth it

Mom of two National American Miss contestants

Hello, My name Is Imani and I am currently the Miss Washington Jr.teen queen 2011. I have been participating in the NAM organization for 7 years and it has basically raised me into the young lady I am today. NAM teaches you skills such as being poised, having great communication skills, being involved in your community,and many more. This program is the best to be apart of for many reasons and it will shape you to become a successful citizen. I am 100% sure that all of the children, teens and young women who are involved with NAM will become successful women in the future and will be the future business owners, in the White House, Celebrities and anything else our dreams are.

Sponsors are for sure recommended, they will help you out so much. I know that times are hard right now but I would hate for that to be the reason you couldn't be a part of an amazing program. So, try your best to get out there and get sponsors. Just remember to smile, be friendly, and be confident you will for sure get them.

NAM is a program that looks at inner beauty. That is why there is a rule that there is no make-up for ages 12 and under. NAM would NEVER discriminate against someone because of there race. I have seen sooo many different races be state queens and National Queens. NAM is a fair program that you will never have to wonder those questions with.

I hope you will be able to join this AMAZING program that will shape you into an amazing young women. I wish you the best of luck:)

GOO NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS.!!!!!

Imani Blackmon

-Miss Washington Jr.preteen 2005

-Miss Washington Jr.Teen 2011

I am a mother of a 5 year old we competed in Nam last year in Indiana. It was a great experience. The directors are very nice and they are there at all times to help with questions. It does seem to cost a lot and I wondered the same thing last year is it really worth it. Yes it is you learn a lot of things like How to speak in public and build yourself with confidence. My daughter was shy going to Nam last year and now she speaks to people in public and tells everyone about her experience at NAM. She didnt win a big tittle and she still came home with 5 trophies 2 ribbions and a crown it made her day. You can ask local places to sponser you or even big places. Some other good ideas to do to help with the money cost is haveing a garage sale or doing a bake sale. All in the end you will love NAM and want to keep doing it. If you could do it you will have a good time and you get to keep the memories of NAM and meeting the new people. It is a very fun experience.

It is an AMAZING experience. This was my first year and I made friends and had alot of fun. even though I didn't win the crown, I met girls that had and everyone is so nice . I did my very best ad i ame home with 5 trophies and ribbons, we stayed in the hotel and went swimming it was so much fun. The california directors Briam and Megan are very nice and so supportive of what you do not how you do. As long as you do your best you are a winner in thei eyes. =), To be in the pageant yes it is $440 and then you will have to buy the opening number t-shirt earring, bw package for $40.00 and if thats alll you want to do thats it . Then threre optionals that you can enter for talent,commrcial,speech,photogenic,casual wear modeling for $50 each.but you dont have to enter them if you dont want to. I think thats all..I had n amzing tme and im going back this year in august to try aagin and have fun