Natural Beauty Pageants

On February 26th, 2016, I entered a pageant with the hopes and dreams of becoming Miss Naturalista USA. Being apart of an organization like no other, I expected such a high quality event with many sponsors, bloggers, and educators that represented the natural hair community. Before entering into the pageant the Lord showed me that I was crowned Miss California Naturalista USA. It was my first beauty pageant, and the first natural beauty pageant that I had came across. Many things seemed fine once I submitted everything, however the communication lacked. I still proceeded with the pageant with the hopes and dreams that everything will be okay. However, it was not. Prior to competition, challenges manifested which concluded suspicion. Practicing
the talent portion, walking as well as presentation with other contestants amplified fellowship. In addition, interview preparation introduced a deeper knowledge of each other. However, lack of time consistency was notable from the pageant director. While eagerly waiting for the pageant director, preparations continued throughout the night. For the duration of waiting groundwork such as make up was manageable. Yet, a since of inconsistency was revealed for late arrival of food. Promises concerning a well-balanced meal throughout the pageant weekend became unreliable. After 4 hours went by, we finally got our food. The contract promised well-balanced meals. The pageant director arrived with hamburgers, and french fries. Due to late arrival of the food, confusion became relevant. In addition, the contestants and I were preparing for the night, and getting ready to put on evening gowns. We contemplated on whether or not the pageant was even going to continue. Furthermore, fraudulent expectation became noticeable. As I watched the DJ set up a sense of nervousness overwhelmed the room.
It became strange, because the DJ was sloppy, lazy, and was eating the food that was purchased for us contestants. The director was not around to notice any of the obnoxious behavior. After watching the DJ prepare I was curious to understand why there was no decorations. In addition, there was no indicated sign that the Miss California Naturalista Pageant was taking place. No sponsors showed up, and the room was bare. The director finally asked if we were ready 3 hours prior to show time. The contestants and I really had nothing to say, however just look at her in confusion. The contestants and I did not know what was going on, however we didn’t think much of it. The pageant director wanted us to practice again being that the DJ was present. The contestants and I practiced to the songs that she had chose. I felt like it was inconsiderate of her to take us away from our time to continue to prepare, after she arrived and was particularly late on her director
duties.
The contestants and I practiced for about an hour. Once we finished time was really crunching down, we all went into our rooms and finished preparing and doing last minute women duties. It’s around six o’clock in the evening and many people who came and supported us began to arrive. The pageant started at 7pm. I peeked out the door then saw all my family I have not seen in years, come and support me. I was thrilled, as I knew that I was going to win the pageant, and go forth being the first Miss California Naturalista USA. Thirty minutes till show time and I am putting on my jeans, pageant t-shirt and black heels to prepare for the opening number. I then heard a knock at the door and their she was the director notifying me it was time to line up. I was so anxious, as majority of the audience was my family; immediate and extended. The music played, and the contestants and I walked, and strutted down the long runway platform to introduce ourselves, and what area we were representing. Finally, the music gradually got softer, we all contracted a standing ovation and went back to our rooms to arrange for the next portion of the pageant. The next portion consisted of fitness wear; we all were able to showcase our bodies through athletic wear in a beautiful manner. This time the contestants and I lined up, however we came out one by one. In result of me walking first I was anxious. I came out pumped myself up, strolled to the beat of the music, blew kisses, and fluffed up my natural curls.
The succeeding portion of the pageant was “My Beautiful”.
My beautiful was for us contestants to showcase our talent. I was able to showcase my talent through a beautiful spoken word titled “Why It Got to Be Me”. I wore a tattered shirt, and ripped jeans to tell a story of how overcoming unfortunate events in life managed me to become a successful individual. In addition, the evening wear finale came. This following portion of the pageant I wore an African print mermaid style dress, and walked out individually to my bio and music. I walked out elegantly, and presented my poise to all of the audience. Once I finalized my walk, a pageant titleholder finished my bio. I waited to the side for the other contestants to end their walk, and arranged for the questionnaire portion of the pageant. As we are getting settled in our position we prepare to answer the questions from the judges. I felt like I responded to my questions eloquently. My desired question that I was asked was, “If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be”? I answered a pomegranate. As the night proceeded the judges deliberated and came to a final decision. I was crowned Miss California Naturalista. I received a crown and flowers and proceeded to carry the
reign.
Entering the Miss Naturalista pageant was a personal decision which lead to unexpected circumstances. In addition, due to advertisement high quality was nothing less than expected. However, low quality was the outcome for duration of pageant. Prior to entering pageant revelation of becoming Miss Naturalista was staggering. Although, Miss Naturalista pageant was unfortunately unacceptable, and fraudulent the experience was motivating as well as interesting.