The following is an interview with Brittany Bell, Miss Arizona USA 2010. Brittany was kind enough to answer some of my questions in the mist of her crazy schedule as all of you other title holders can testify. Her questions are very detailed and you will find some GREAT insights into the mind of a woman whom has found HUGE success in the world of pageantry.

Thank you again Brittany for taking the time.

Q. How did you prepare for the Evening Gown Competition?

A. For the Evening Gown competition my first thought was…”Hmm, what color?”  But then I thought, let’s be realistic and decide where the dress is coming from and how I plan on getting it!  Knowing that competitions can be pricey, I decided to find sponsors.  For evening gown, I had an offer from a local designer, Natalia Acosta Couture, who wanted to help design my gown. I offered a trade sponsorship– she provided the gown and I promoted/advertised her design in the pageant program book and in my list of sponsors. Then I immediately started thinking, “What style do I want?” etc. I decided to go out to fabric shops and find the fabric that would make me feel and look my best.

I also Googled dress boutiques that carried evening gowns, then went out and tried on many dresses- whether they looked like something I would wear or never dare to wear, I tried different evening gowns on because you never know until you try.  Once I had a good idea of what looked best, my designer and I started to put our heads together to make the dress I wanted. I also bought rhinestones wholesale and we actually sat and rhinestoned my whole dress! I shopped for shoes that did not have a huge platform since I had a slit in my dress and I found a great pair of earrings at a local salon boutique.  My hair sponsor and I thought of what we would do for evening gown hair… but it turned out that we loved it down. I also practiced walking for evening gown because that style of walking is different from the others. I looked up videos of past pageants of USA organization titles and had a chance to see what the tempo and feel was like. Beyond that I was just wanting to make the best of what I had and feel like a million bucks!

Q. How did you prepare for the Swimsuit Competition?

A. For Swimsuit competition, I looked up some styles of different swimsuits online. I looked on Google and Youtube for some pageant swimsuit competitions. I chose a style that was going to accent my body while also not pulling too much attention from my face. I went with a solid orange because I liked the way the color looked against my skin tone.  I found a sponsor for my swimsuit, Bikini Vixen, who designed swimsuits and we went to work looking through catalogs of what she could do and thought looked good on my body type.  Speaking of body type… My big motivation on fitness was the swimsuit competition. My goal was to feel like I did my best to look healthy and in shape!

I would run two miles about five times a week in order to slim down and I made sure I only drank water and ate as healthy as I could. My nutrition consisted of many vegetables, protein (Chicken and fish), and if carbs- then brown rice or wheat. There were times I ate what I wanted but I just made sure that I controlled the portion so that I was not indulging in a huge unhealthy meal everyday! I also had OneBode as my sponsor- they provided me with all natural vitamins and natural supplements that made sure I was staying healthy and provided my body with the nutrients some foods lack. For my shoes, I searched online for nude simple strapped heels- that way my legs were not cut off or distracted by fancy color or glitz.

Q. How did you prepare for the Onstage Interview?

A. I was not sure which questions I would be asked on stage but I did make sure to read my local newspaper so that I would be caught up on the current events of the state. I knew the questions could also be about me, so I had to know who I was and be honest with who I am. I wanted to treat the onstage interview as though no one were in the audience and I was answering a question as if a friend had asked.

Q. How did you prepare for the pageant interview?

A. I shopped for something stylish that I could wear to meet anyone, anywhere, and at any time. I wanted to choose something that was ME! That’s all you can be in the interview- you have to be you.  Again, my focus was to show them who I am and answer honestly.  I wanted to know my current events in case something came up in that area… but beyond that I was just sticking to being myself.

Q. What is the most valuable advice that you would give to an aspiring
state titleholder?

A. Do your best to go into the pageant knowing that you have done all you can to prepare. That way, no matter what happens you will walk off that stage with no regrets. It is a huge accomplishment to even have the courage to challenge yourself by competing in to a pageant. Whether you make new friends or learn something new about yourself during the process…. Just know that everything happens for a reason and during the pageant weekend you just have to enjoy yourself.

Remember that this is your time to have fun and shine. My thought is… God knows what he wants for you and if this is it, then amazing!! Do it!!… If this isn’t it then that means there is something else amazing in store! (whether it be another pageant or another opportunity). You have to go in with complete trust that this is what you want and remember… you are a beautiful person inside and out no matter what the judges say!!

Be sure to leave a comment with any further questions or insights for Miss Arizona USA, Brittany Bell!