Explore every episode of the podcast The Pageant Gal Podcast

Where is the pageant industry headed over the next 5–10 years, and how can you position yourself to grow with it instead of getting left behind?After a decade in pageantry, I have some strong predictions about where this industry is going and why embracing change, innovation, and a business mindset is going to matter more than ever. Whether you're a pageant director, coach, titleholder, contestant, or business owner, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the opportunities ahead and how we can all help elevate the future of pageantry.In this episode, we cover:- Pageantry as a Business: Why pageant directors, coaches, and business owners need to embrace profitability, marketing, sales, and business education to build sustainable businesses.- The Rise of Bigger, Better Productions: Why pageants need to become more entertaining, engaging, and exciting to watch if we want to attract audiences beyond the contestants themselves.- Branding and Social Media as Scoring Categories: Why personal branding, content creation, on-camera confidence, and marketing skills may become an even bigger part of how pageant contestants are judged.- The Growth of Niche Pageants: Why we're likely to see more pageant systems built around specific interests, skill sets, industries, and communitiesand why individuality and unique experiences will matter more than ever.- My biggest message? If we want pageantry to keep growing, we can't keep doing things the same way just because that's how they've always been done. We need to be willing to evolve, innovate, and take an active role in building the future we want to see.I'm sharing my personal predictions based on my experience in this industry, and I'm curious to hear yours, too!✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together:Apply for The Queen Collective: https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collectiveDM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

What happens when you stop letting fear, rejection, and the opinions of others dictate how big you can dream? For pageant coaches who know they’re meant for more but feel stuck trying to figure out the next step in their business, this conversation is your reminder that you don’t have to build it all alone.In this episode, I’m sitting down with Coreene, a fellow pageant coach, serial entrepreneur, and client inside the Empire Mastermind to talk about what it really looks like to bet on yourself, invest in mentorship, and build a business that reflects the level of excellence you want to bring to your clients.✨ In this episode, we cover:💕 From “why not?” to building a business: How Coreene turned a challenging season of life into the beginning of her pageant coaching business.💕 Knowing when you’ve outgrown a room: Why sometimes the next level requires you to walk away from environments that no longer support your growth.💕 Building confidence as a business owner: How mentorship helped Coreene shift her mindset around content creation, clarify her brand, and show up with more confidence.💕 Creating offers that transform your clients: Why moving beyond one-off sessions into coaching packages and payment plans can create a more supportive client experience.💕 The power of a positive community in the Empire Mastermind: How surrounding yourself with women who celebrate your wins, understand your challenges, and want to see you succeed can change the way you build your business.Meet CoreeneCoreene is a pageant coach, serial entrepreneur, and beauty industry professional who brings years of experience in pageantry, coaching, hair, and bridal services to her work. After years of coaching and mentoring women in different areas of life, she officially turned pageant coaching into a business in 2024.Today, she helps pageant contestants and titleholders prepare with confidence, polish, and attention to detail, supporting everything from interview and evening gown to personal style, stage presentation, mindset, and social media.Connect with / Follow Coreene:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreenecollinspageantcoach/✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together:Apply for The Queen Collective for Pageant competitors & platform builders:https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collectiveApply for the Empire Mastermind for women monetizing brand and building businesses:https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermindDM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

If you’re trying to win a pageant, grow your brand, or build a business, but you keep finding yourself pulled toward other opportunities, other people’s businesses, or “safe” jobs, this episode is for you.Maria gets real about the five things she did before fully committing to building her own business empire, and how each one became a distraction from the thing she actually wanted. You’ll learn why focus, ownership, and disciplined action matter so much, and how to recognize when an opportunity is actually pulling you away from your North Star.

In this episode, we cover:

✨ The five jobs and opportunities Maria took on before fully committing to The Pageant Gal

✨ Why being a model, brand ambassador, podcast editor, assistant, and personal trainer ultimately distracted her from building her own brand

✨ The difference between being busy and actually doing the right things

✨ The rejection that became one of the biggest turning points in Maria’s business

✨ How to identify where you’re giving your time and energy to something that isn’t part of the future you actually want

Maria shares the moment she finally realized: “I don’t need anybody else to help me build what’s mine.

”That shift, from looking for someone else’s opportunity to fully owning her own, changed everything. And now, her question for you is simple: Where are you allowing yourself to be distracted?What would happen if you stopped looking for the next opportunity and poured that same energy into building your own?"

✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together:

Apply for The Queen Collective for Pageant competitors & platform builders: https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collectiveApply for the Empire

Mastermind for women monetizing brand and building businesses: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

What happens when you stop waiting until you feel ready and decide to bet on yourself?

In this episode, Maria sits down with Ann, a former nurse, real estate investor, house flipper, pageant woman, and now real estate coach, to talk about turning lived experience into a business, finding the courage to be seen, and taking the first step before you have the whole path figured out.

If you’ve ever thought, “Who am I to do this?”.. this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

✨ How Ann went from nursing to flipping houses and building a real estate portfolio

✨ Why your story can become one of your biggest assets when building a personal brand

✨ Overcoming the fear of being seen, judged, or misunderstood online

✨ Why you don’t need to know every step before you take the first one

✨ How mentorship, community, and accountability can help you stop waiting and start building

Meet Ann Ficociello

Anne is a real estate investor, house flipper, and real estate coach from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. After years of building her own experience through flipping, rentals, and property investing, she now helps others navigate real estate with personalized coaching and support.

Ann and Maria first connected while competing at Miss Universe Canada and later began working together inside Maria’s Empire Mastermind.

Follow Ann and learn more about her real estate journey:

Instagram @annficociello444

✨ Apply for The Empire Mastermind where pageant women are monetizing their brand and business:

https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode:

https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

 The 3 Ts the Top 1% of Pageant Women Do Differently

If you want to stop simply competing and start training to win, this episode is for you. Maria breaks down the three things the top 1% of pageant women understand about preparation, performance, and becoming the woman who can handle the crown.

In this episode, we cover:

• Type: Choosing a pageant system that aligns with your personal brand and strengths
• Timeline: Why the top competitors prepare 6–12 months out
• Transformation: Why winning requires more than checking off pageant-prep tasks
• How to train your mind, body, identity, and energy to handle pressure
• Why the goal isn't just to win one crown, but to become a woman who can win again and again

✨ Resources + Ways to Work

Apply for The Queen Collective where pageant women come to win, grow their platform, and become leaders creating global impact:

https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collective

Shop on demand courses for pageant prep & brand growth: https://www.thepageantgal.com/programs

DM me on Instagram your biggest takeaway from this episode:

https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

What if the biggest transformation of your pageant journey has nothing to do with the crown?

In this episode, Maria sits down with Marie-Zoé, a microbiologist, scientist, podcast host, nonprofit leader, and Miss Canada 2026 First Runner-Up and People’s Choice winner, to talk about what happens when you stop preparing to become a titleholder and start showing up as one now.

If you’re coming back to pageantry after a break, building a platform, or wondering how to handle the unexpected without losing yourself, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

💛 Why pageant girls never really retire: and what brought Marie-Zoé back to the stage after several years away

💛 Building your brand and platform **before** worrying about how you’ll present it on a pageant stage

💛 How showing up as the woman you want to become can create opportunities you never expected

💛 What to do when things go sideways: including having your pageant gown break just weeks before competition

💛 Why your crown, your wardrobe, or your placement cannot determine your identity or your impact

Meet Marie-ZoéMarie-Zoé is a French Canadian microbiologist, graduate student, podcast host, public speaker, and nonprofit leader from Quebec.After competing in Miss Canada in 2021, she returned to the pageant world in 2026 with a new platform: Balado Hors Labo (Outside the Lab Podcast).

She went on to finish First Runner-Up and People’s Choice, while building a podcast that has opened doors to scientific conferences, media opportunities, nonprofit leadership, and so much more.

✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together

✨ Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario

💛 Let’s Connect! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know your biggest takeaway from today’s conversation. I love hearing what speaks to you and cheering you on in your own journey.

If you know deep down that you are meant for more than just winning a crown, this episode is for you. Maria breaks down what separates the top 1% of pageant women, the women who do not let the pageant be the peak, but use it as a launchpad for a bigger life, bigger brand, and bigger opportunities.Because the crown is never the destination. It is about who you become while earning it and what you choose to create once you have it.In this episode, we cover:• Why the top 1% of pageant women have a bigger vision and bigger goals after the competition• How creating a strong daily routine helps you move through the post-pageant transition without losing your momentum• Why your personal brand is one of the most powerful assets you can build and how it gets you known, remembered, and paid• Why continuing to invest in yourself through mentorship, masterminds, retreats, and expansive rooms is essential for continued growth• How to stop treating the pageant as the goal and start using it as the vehicle to become the queen of your life✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together:Life After the Crown TrainingJoin Maria for Life After the Crown, where she teaches the three biggest components of building a personal brand that gets you known, remembered, and paid.https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/life-after-the-pageant)Apply for The Queen Collective:https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collectiveDM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode:https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal✨ Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario💛 Let’s ConnectIf this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it!Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know your biggest takeaway from today’s conversation. I love hearing what speaks to you and cheering you on in your own journey.And remember your greatest transformation doesn’t happen after you win the crown. It happens in the woman you become while you’re earning it.Keep your chin up, crown on, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

If you've ever questioned whether you're "confident enough" to compete or felt like you have so much potential but don't know how to bring it all together this episode is for you.Today, I'm sitting down with one of my incredible Queen Collective clients, Alexandra (Aly) Sanchez Ruiz, fresh off her win as Miss Elko County.

We talk about the inner transformation that led to her crowning moment, how she found her voice, and why the biggest victory wasn't the title it was becoming the woman capable of earning it.

in this episode, we cover:

How Aly transformed from a shy competitor into a confident titleholder

The interview breakthrough that earned her the Best Interview Award

Why building a platform rooted in your own story changes everything

The power of mentorship, accountability, and community throughout your pageant journey

Why your growth doesn't stop after you win the crown

Meet Today's Guest

Alexandra (Aly) Sanchez Ruiz is the newly crowned Miss Elko County, a social work graduate student, ballet dancer, and founder of Steps of Strength a platform that uses ballet to help build mental resilience and support mental health through movement. Her passion for service, storytelling, and personal growth is helping her make an impact far beyond the pageant stage.

✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together:

Apply for The Queen Collective:

https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collective

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode:https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

✨ Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario

Follow Aly: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrasanchezruiz.05/💛

Let's Connect If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it!

Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know your biggest takeaway from today's conversation.

I love hearing what speaks to you and cheering you on in your own journey.

And remember your greatest transformation doesn't happen after you win the crown. It happens in the woman you become while you're earning it.Keep your chin up, crown on, and I'll see you in the next episode.

What if winning the crown isn't actually the finish line?

In this episode, Maria takes you behind the scenes of the Monumental Queen Retreat and shares the biggest lessons, breakthroughs, and mindset shifts that emerged from an unforgettable weekend with ambitious women from across North America.

JOIN OUR NEXT RETREAT: Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario

From dreaming bigger to overcoming fear, you'll learn what separates women who stay stuck from women who create extraordinary results on and off the pageant stage.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why pageants are the vehicle—not the destination
• How to stop playing small and start dreaming bigger
• The power of being witnessed as you pursue your goals
• How to move through fear and insecurity with confidence
• Why consistency and commitment always outperform motivation

Resources:

✨ Nail Your Pageant Interview Program

Leave Your Legacy Program

Apply for The Queen Collective

Instagram: thepageantgal

If this episode resonated with you, send Maria a DM and share your biggest takeaway.

Remember: your title is only one chapter of your story. Dream bigger, lead boldly, and keep becoming the queen you're here to be.

Chin up. Crown on.

The biggest mistake I made during my very first reign and what I would do differently today

Why every contestant should start planning their reign before they win

How building relationships and community opened incredible opportunities during my Miss Canada journey

The power of creativity, adaptability, and innovation when life doesn't go according to plan

Three practical lessons you can apply immediately in your own pageant journey

Featured Titles Discussed and The Key Lesson from Each Reign Shared:

👑 Miss Tecumseh 2016

👑 Miss Canada 2018

👑 Royal International Miss Canada 2021

✨ Ways to Work Together:

Apply for The Queen Collective:

https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collective

Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario (send me a DM to apply)

On Demand Courses: https://www.thepageantgal.com/programs

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode:

https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

And when you're ready, head over to Part 2 where I'll share the next three titles in my journey and the powerful lessons they taught me.

Winning a pageant starts long before competition day, and it has everything to do with the woman you're becoming.

In this episode, Maria sits down with Queen Collective member Emily Mast to talk about what really happens when you stop chasing perfection and start building unshakable confidence, leadership, and purpose. If you've been wondering whether coaching is worth the investment, struggling with comparison, or feeling like you're capable of more, this conversation will show you what's possible.

• How to overcome comparison and build unshakable confidence
• Why mindset work matters just as much as interview and runway prep
• The power of accountability and community during pageant season
• How Emily transformed her platform into a bigger mission and legacy
• Why investing in yourself creates results that last far beyond the pageant stage

Emily Mast is the current International United Miss Michigan and will be competing at the International United Miss 10th Anniversary Pageant. After taking time away from pageantry to recover from surgery and build a new chapter of life, Emily returned with a renewed purpose and shares how her mindset transformation has completely changed the way she approaches competition, leadership, and life.

✨ Resources + Ways to Work Together:

Apply for The Queen Collective:

https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collective

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode:

https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

✨ Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it!

Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know your biggest takeaway from today's conversation. I love hearing what speaks to you and cheering you on in your own journey.

And remember—your greatest transformation doesn't happen after you win the crown. It happens in the woman you become while you're earning it.

Keep your chin up, crown on, and I'll see you in the next episode.

Building your personal brand isn't something you wait to do after you win a title—it's the very thing that helps you stand out, create opportunities, and build a legacy that lasts long after the crown.

In this episode, I'm sharing the #1 thing I wish I had done much sooner in my pageant journey, along with the five pillars of a powerful personal brand that will help you become unforgettable on stage, online, and beyond pageantry.

• The #1 thing I wish I had started sooner in my pageant journey
• Why building your personal brand is more important than ever in the age of AI
• The five foundational elements every standout personal brand needs
• How your story, message, unique edge, tone, and visual identity help you become unforgettable
• Why building your brand now creates opportunities that extend far beyond your reign

✨ Ways to Work Together:

Apply for The Queen Collective:
https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collective

Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario (send me a DM to apply)

On Demand Courses:
https://www.thepageantgal.com/programs

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode:
https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

And remember, pageantry is just the beginning. The most successful queens don't just build a title—they build a brand. I can't wait to see what you create, and I'll see you in the next episode. 👑

In this episode:

Part 2 is here! After recently passing on my sixth pageant title, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the final three reigns that shaped who I am—not just as a queen, but as a coach, entrepreneur, and leader.

From learning to say yes to bigger opportunities, to realizing you never have to be "done" competing, to finding gratitude when life doesn't go according to plan, these are the lessons that changed my pageant journey forever.

• Why your pageant title should be a catalyst for bigger opportunities—not the finish line
• The lesson my international title taught me about saying "yes" before you feel ready
• Why you never have to be done competing, growing, or chasing your next dream
• How gratitude transformed one of the most challenging reigns of my life
• The powerful lessons from my final three pageant reigns and how you can apply them to your own journey

👑 Featured Titles Discussed and the Key Lesson from Each Reign:

👑 Royal International Miss International Role Model 2021

• Say yes to the opportunities your title opens and make your pageant journey bigger than the crown itself.

👑 Miss Regional Canada 2024

• You never have to be done. Keep learning, growing, and saying yes to becoming the next version of yourself.

👑 Miss Via Italia 2025

• Gratitude will always create a more meaningful reign than perfection ever will.

✨ Ways to Work Together:

Apply for The Queen Collective:
https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collective

Ascension Retreat | September 25–27, 2026 | Windsor, Ontario (send me a DM to apply)

On Demand Courses:
https://www.thepageantgal.com/programs

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode:
https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

And if these six lessons reminded you that pageantry is about so much more than winning a crown, I'd love to hear which reign or lesson resonated with you the most. Send me a DM, and I'll see you in the next episode.

SPOTIFY DESCRIPTION

Winning the crown is only the beginning.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to create a title reign that actually feels fulfilling, impactful, and aligned — instead of spending your year overwhelmed, burnt out, or wondering where the time went.

I’m sharing the mindset shifts and strategies that helped me through six title reigns, including how to create opportunities, build your legacy, and lead with confidence beyond the stage.

In this episode, we cover:
👑 Why your reign is your responsibility
👑 How to avoid burnout and comparison as a titleholder
👑 The importance of planning your reign before you win
👑 How to balance your personal life with pageant responsibilities
👑 Creating signature events and meaningful impact
👑 Why leadership and confidence don’t stop after crowning

If you’re competing, currently reigning, or preparing for your next level as a leader, this episode will help you create a reign that people remember long after the crown comes off.

✨ Resources:

Leave Your Legacy Program:https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/leave-your-legacyApply for The Queen Collective:https://www.thepageantgal.com/the-queen-collective

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

What if pageantry wasn’t just about the crown… but about building an empire?

In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons behind making $20,000 in one month while building my coaching business in the pageant industry. We’re talking about passion, consistency, self-trust, client connection, and what it really takes to create long-term success doing work you love.

In this episode, we cover:
👑 The mindset shifts behind building a profitable business
👑 Why passion and consistency matter more than perfection
👑 The truth about money and scarcity in the pageant industry
👑 How to create offers people want to stay invested in
👑 Why commitment is the foundation of growth and abundance
👑 How pageant women can turn their influence into opportunity and income

If you’ve been thinking about building your brand, monetizing your gifts, or stepping into more freedom and leadership, this episode will expand what feels possible for you.

✨ Resources:
Apply for the Empire Mastermind:
https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, preparing for nationals, or questioning why you haven’t broken into the top placements yet… this episode is going to hit deep. Maria breaks down the real reason so many women stay stuck in fear, comparison, and self-doubt during pageant prep — and why knowing exactly what you bring to the title changes everything. 

This is for the woman who already knows how to prep… but still feels unsure when it comes to answering the biggest question in pageantry: Why you? Maria shares the mindset shift and strategy that transformed her own pageant career — and the exact framework she now teaches her clients inside The Queen Collective. 

• Why “just be yourself” is terrible pageant advice
• The 3 things every winning “why” must include
• How your personal story creates your standout factor
• Why having a platform makes you irreplaceable
• The mindset shift from needing the crown to becoming the queen of your own life first 

✨ Resources:
CrownChat App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crownchat/id6738110935
Use code PAGEANTGALS for your first month at $4.99

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/crownchatapp
https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

Coaching + Offers:
https://www.thepageantgal.com/

Hey Pageant Gals,

If you’ve ever wished you had a way to practice anytime, anywhere… or felt like you needed more support between coaching sessions to truly build your confidence, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Maggie, founder of the CrownChat App, to talk about how she went from a pageant competitor to creating one of the most innovative tools in the industry. We dive into her journey, the reality of building something from scratch, and how this app is changing the way pageant women prepare, practice, and show up with confidence.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 Maggie’s pageant journey and how it shaped her confidence, purpose, and leadership

👑 How pageantry supported her through personal challenges and gave her a deeper sense of direction

👑 The inspiration behind creating the CrownChat App and turning an idea into reality

👑 What CrownChat Version 2 includes and how it supports your full pageant prep experience

👑 How to use AI as a tool to enhance your preparation without losing your individuality

👑 The importance of practicing consistently and how to build confidence in your interview skills

👑 Why challenges, setbacks, and learning curves are part of both pageantry and entrepreneurship

👑 The real reason your “why” matters and how it will carry you through your journey

If you’re preparing for your next pageant, building your confidence, or looking for tools to help you show up as your best self, this episode will remind you that the right support and consistency can completely change your results.

✨ Episode Resources:

CrownChat Pageant Prep App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crownchat/id6738110935

Use code PAGEANTGALS to get your first month for only $4.99

Follow CrownChat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownchatapp?igsh=MXM1YTByazZ6eW5lag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

DM me QUEEN on Instagram with your #1 insight or takeaway from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

For all coaching and offers, visit the website: https://www.thepageantgal.com/

Hey Pageant Gals,

If you’ve ever felt like you started “too late,” didn’t know enough about pageantry, or worried that your first experience wasn’t good enough… this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Miss Queen of the Screen 2026, Maddie Marcoux, to talk about what it really looks like to enter the pageant world as a beginner, build confidence quickly, and grow into your voice, your platform, and your purpose. Maddie shares her story of discovering pageantry, navigating the nerves of her first interview, learning how to prepare in a way that actually works, and stepping into the industry with a heart to make an impact.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 How Maddie first discovered pageantry and why her journey did not begin in the traditional way

👑 What her first interview experience taught her and how she grew from feeling unsure to feeling confident

👑 Why knowing yourself is one of the most powerful pageant strategies you can have

👑 The sisterhood and sense of community she found in pageantry that surprised her most

👑 Her platform as a girls in sports advocate and why keeping girls in the game matters so deeply to her

👑 What it looks like to use early pageant experiences as preparation for bigger opportunities ahead

👑 What’s next for Maddie as she prepares for virtual provincials and continues growing in the industry

If you’re new to pageantry, building your confidence, or figuring out how to turn your passion into purpose, this episode will remind you that you do not have to have it all figured out to begin. You just have to be willing to start.

DM me QUEEN on Instagram with your #1 insight or takeaway from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/thepageantgal

For all coaching and offers, visit the website: https://www.thepageantgal.com/

Hey Pageant Gals,

In this final episode of the 200K Year Series, I’m sharing the standards behind the success.

This episode is about what building this business has truly given me, what it has required of me, and the standards I had to raise in order to hold more income, freedom, leadership, and responsibility.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 What this business gave me beyond income

👑 Why raising your prices changes more than revenue

👑 The standards I had to raise in myself and my clients

👑 What it really means to grow yourself as you grow your empire

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

Apply for Empire Mastermind: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway

Hey Pageant Gals,

In this episode of the 200K Year Series, I’m talking about one of the most powerful tools behind my business growth: content that converts.

This is not about posting for likes. It is about creating content that builds trust, attracts aligned clients, and turns visibility into sales.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 The 3 types of content that bring in paying clients

👑 Why messaging matters so much

👑 My thoughts on AI and content creation

👑 How I track and repeat what is actually working

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

Apply for Empire Mastermind: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway

Hey Pageant Gals,

In this episode of the 200K Year Series, I’m sharing one of the biggest skills behind my business growth: brand.Brand is what helps you stand out, attract aligned clients, charge more, and stop blending in.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the brand shifts that helped me position myself as an authority and scale to 200K.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 Why blending in is more dangerous than taking a risk

👑 How brand helped me scale to 200K

👑 The power of visuals, story, and unique edge

👑 Why bold opinions help attract the right clients

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

Apply for Empire Mastermind: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway

Hey Pageant Gals,

In episode two of the 200K Year Series, I’m breaking down how I scaled my business to over $200,000 without filling my calendar with endless one-on-one calls.

This episode is all about building a business model that creates more income, more spaciousness, and more freedom.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 Why scaling does not have to mean working more hours

👑 How group programs helped me grow

👑 Why client journey and retention matter

👑 The simplified strategy that supported my 200K year

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

Apply for Empire Mastermind: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway

Hey Pageant Gals,

Welcome to the first episode of the 200K Year Series, where I’m breaking down the mindset shifts that helped me go from making $1,000 in my first year of business to $200,000 per year while building a life of freedom.

In this episode, I’m sharing the identity shifts that changed everything and why your next level starts with a decision.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 The mindset shifts behind my 200K year

👑 Why your next income level starts with a decision

👑 The power of treating your goals seriously

👑 Self-trust, belief, and scaling with freedom

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

Apply for Empire Mastermind:

https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/empire-mastermind

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway

Hey Pageant Gals,

Everyone in the pageant industry wants to talk strategy. What to say in interview, how to stand out, how to be polished, how to feel confident, how to win. And yes, those things matter.

But what actually separates the women who win in interview and win in life is the foundation behind the words. It is self belief. It is presence. It is walking into the room and owning who you are without shrinking, spiralling, or second guessing yourself.

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Michayla Del Guidice of Align Her Careers. She is a pageant competitor, a new mama, and someone who has built a best interview reputation over the years. Michayla opens up about how she went from struggling with confidence and communication growing up to becoming the woman who can walk into any interview room and leave a lasting impression.

And what I love most, she breaks it down in a way that is real, practical, and replicable. Confidence is not something you are born with. It is something you build.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 How Michayla developed interview skills early and how that shaped her confidence today

👑 Her pre interview “tune out” method to lock in and deliver with presence

👑 The biggest mistake women make in interviews, in pageants and in careers

👑 The unicorn myth and why you cannot measure yourself by a job description or by comparison

👑 Getting clear on your nonnegotiables so you stop talking yourself out of opportunities

👑 The 100 wins practice that strengthens your identity and helps you speak from truth

👑 Motherhood, ambition, and evolving into a new season without abandoning your goals

If you have been doubting yourself, feeling like you are not qualified enough, or you want to become the kind of woman who walks into interview with presence and leaves unforgettable, this episode is for you.

Connect with Michayla, Align Her Careers

@alignher.careers

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway

Hey Pageant Gals,

Everyone in the pageant industry wants to talk strategy, the tips and tricks to win, how to nail your interview, perfect your walk, level up your wardrobe. And yes… those things matter.

But heading into pageant prep season, the biggest thing I’m realizing is this: what actually changes the game is how unshakeable you are as a woman on the journey to the crown and beyond.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the two shifts you have to make if you want to be the woman who doesn’t just show up strong on stage… but becomes someone who cannot be moved by comparison, criticism, setbacks, or life challenges. Because crowns come off. But who you become after the crown is what matters most.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 The foundation: why becoming unshakable starts with building deeper roots, not just “doing more pageant prep”

👑 Your North Star: how to define your internal why (what this journey is about for you) + your external why (the impact you’re here to make) so you stop getting pulled off track

👑 The inner operating system: why your standards, values, and boundaries are what keep you steady when storms come

👑 The double yellow line theory: how to create non-negotiables that protect your queen energy, eliminate distractions, and stop the spiralling

👑 Practical implementation: journal prompts and actions you can start using today to strengthen your unshakable identity

If you’re ready to stop letting life, people, and setbacks shake you… and you want to become the kind of woman who can win in pageants and in life…

Watch the Becoming Unshakeable Bootcamp replays (Days 1–3):

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPzZwkywAfYcUuoLwsUpv5NFI3ntH_aE-

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway — was it deepening your roots, building your standards, or a little bit of everything?

Hey Pageant Gals,

Let’s be honest, pageants are expensive. Life is expensive. The cost of everything is going up. But the problem isn’t the price tag, it’s the mindset we carry about it.

In this episode, I'm giving you a perspective shift that will change how you approach your pageant journey. Because you get to decide whether rising costs make you shrink your desire… or expand your capacity and rise to meet the standard.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 The mindset shift: how to stop living in “this is unfair, I’m broke” energy and start getting clear on what you’re prioritizing in this season

👑 Cost creates commitment: why women who invest tend to show up differently, and how to use that to your advantage

👑 How to fund your journey: practical ways I made it happen (working multiple jobs, bartending, fundraisers, sponsorships, and getting intentional with gifts and savings)

👑 The standard: why crown level outcomes require crown level decisions, and why “expensive” does not mean “impossible”

If you’re ready to stop resenting what you think you can’t have and start making intentional moves toward what you want....

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Hey Pageant Gals,

It’s time to stop overcomplicating pageant prep and start committing to the moves that actually win crowns.

Whether you’re gearing up for a competition this year or you’re getting back into your rhythm after a break, this episode will help you simplify your prep and raise your daily standards without burning out. Because winners are not doing more. They’re doing the right things consistently.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 Self connection: practices that build a grounded, confident relationship with yourself (so you stop chasing validation and start commanding rooms)

👑 Movement: not punishment, embodiment. Train your body to carry confidence, increase energy, and unlock creativity

👑 One intentional pageant prep action daily: simple actions that compound fast, like content, sponsor relationships, interview prep, wardrobe, runway practice, and staying on top of deadlines

If you’re ready to know what to do each week based on where you are in your journey, check the links in the show notes to apply to work together, join The Queen Collective, or apply for Miss Queen of the Screen.

Miss queen of the screen: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/miss-qots

Apply for coaching: https://www.thepageantgal.com

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Hey Pageant Gals,

What would it look like if you stopped waiting for the perfect opportunity in pageantry

and instead created the space you wish existed.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Elizabeth Marnoch for a real end of year pageant chat. Liz has been in the industry for over 15 years, she is a professional hair and makeup artist, and she is the founder and director of Canadian National Miss.

This conversation is honest, unfiltered, and so needed as we head into 2026.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 How Liz went from fun glitz pageants to competing for national and international titles

👑 Why so many Canadians compete in United States systems and what Canada is missing

👑 The gap in Canadian pageant hair and makeup and how Liz built a business from it

👑 The moment she created Canadian National Miss out of pure frustration

👑 The lack mindset in pageantry and why there is room for everyone to win

👑 What being a director is really like the best parts and the parts nobody warns you about

If you are competing in 2026 or building something in the pageant industry, this episode will hit.

Follow Elizabeth !

@Liz.marnoch

@canadiannationalmisspageant

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Hey Pageant Gals,

How do you keep betting on yourself, in pageants, business, and life when bills are billing, responsibilities are stacking, and it feels like “this just isn’t the right time”?

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down what it really looks like to keep investing in yourself in your 20s, 30s (and yes, even 40s+)… even when life is life-ing.

We’re talking about:

👑 Why your 20s and 30s are NOT the time to shrink back into your comfort zone

👑 The difference between saving and investing – and why you can’t “save” your way into your purpose

👑 How I’ve invested in mentorship for 7–8 years (before I was making “good money”)

👑 Simple, low-cost lifestyle choices that helped me afford high-level support

👑 What it really means to have skin in the game and hold a higher standard for yourself

👑 Why waiting for the “perfect moment” keeps you stuck in the same place year after year

👑 How two women in the same situation can make completely different decisions – and get completely different results

This episode is your reminder that:

Your lifestyle should support your goals, not sabotage them.

Life will never pause… but you get to decide whether your growth does.

Investing in yourself isn’t about the dollar amount, it’s about the commitment and identity you choose.

The Winner of our Queen’s Takeover Podcast Challenge 🥁

✨ Congratulations to Miranda Rhinehart ✨

Miranda, thank you for binging the podcast on your road trip, sharing it over and over with your community, and choosing The Pageant Gal Podcast as your ride-or-die listening. I cannot wait to dive into your one-week Queen’s Takeover Intensive together!

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

DM me your review screenshot and tag me in your Stories: @thepageantgal

Hey Pageant Gals,

What would it look like if you stopped standing safely in the sand…

and let yourself be fully seen running straight into the water for your big dreams?

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story from my mentor’s retreat in California, where I found myself on a beach at 8am, headphones on, in a 90-minute movement practice… and felt an undeniable pull to sprint toward the waves while everyone else stayed planted in the sand watching me.

That moment became my leadership initiation into a new level of bigness, visibility and being seen going for what I’m here to create in pageants, business and life.

This isn’t just a feel-good retreat story. This is what it actually looks like to move first, be seen, and hold the bigger challenges that come with bigger dreams.

You will hear about:

👑 The exact “beach moment” that cracked open my next level of leadership

🌊 What it really means to be the woman who moves first while everyone else is still standing in the sand

🧠 How to move through thoughts like “Am I doing this wrong?” and “Am I too much?”

🔥 Why you can’t call in bigger titles, income and impact without being willing to hold bigger challenges

🏰 Two reflection questions to help you choose where you need to go first and what room you need to put yourself in next

If you want to be the woman who leads herself bigger—on stage, in business and in life—this episode is your invitation to stop waiting for permission and start moving.

✨ QUEENS TAKEOVER PODCAST CHALLENGE – FINAL EPISODE ✨

We’re wrapping up the Queen’s Takeover Podcast Challenge, and this is your last chance to enter to win a 1:1 intensive + a week of Telegram coaching with me.

Listen to this episode, then:

• Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram Stories

• Tag me @thepageantgal

• Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Each share and review counts as entries. One queen will be chosen next week for a full week of jamming on her pageant strategy, empire moves and leadership.

👑 READY TO PUT YOURSELF IN THE ROOM? 👑

If this episode activates you to stop standing in the sand and finally move first, this is your sign to step into a room that stretches you.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with the word QUEEN for current ways to work with me in pageant coaching, business and leadership.

DM me your review screenshot and tag me in your Stories: @thepageantgal

Hey Pageant Gals,

What would it look like if someone messaged you and said,

“Your pageant is paid for. Entry fee, flight, the whole thing. Just show up and compete”?

In this episode, I am telling you the real story of one of my Queen Collective clients who got a last–minute invitation to compete at an international pageant in China… with her entry fee and flight covered… and then walked away as one of the international titleholders.

This isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime unicorn moment. This is normal in my world. And in this episode, I am breaking down what actually creates these “all expenses paid” opportunities for pageant women.

You will hear about:

👑 How she went from “I don’t even know what to ask” to international winner in less than a year

🎯 Why having a clear vision and real goals changes the opportunities that find you

🧠 The mindset, preparedness and presence that make directors and partners want to bet on you

🌍 How building your network and showing up on social media as a leader makes you magnetic

💸 The truth about sponsors, donors, systems and why money flows to women who are ready

If you want to be the woman who gets a DM saying, “We want you, It’s covered,” this episode is your guideline.

✨ QUEENS TAKEOVER PODCAST CHALLENGE ✨

We are in the middle of the Queen’s Takeover Podcast Challenge.

Listen to this episode, then:

Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram Stories

Tag me @thepageantgal

Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

💗 PINK FRIDAY: THE PAGEANT GAL BLACK FRIDAY 💗

Pink Friday is happening live on November 24.

You will get:

• A live call to ignite your 2025 pageant vision and goals

• A behind-the-scenes Telegram broadcast as I grow my own brand and business

• Access to special Pink Friday offers to:

– Build your pageant prep plan to your win

– Start monetizing your pageant journey

DM me your review screenshot and tag me in your Stories: @thepageantgal

Hey Pageant Gals,

We have a special guest today. Meet Amber Martenson, founder of The Joy of Art (501c3) and CEO of Winning Spark Branding. Amber went from Iowa gal and art teacher to New York Fashion Week designer and brand strategist for pageant queens and women in business. In this episode we break down brand versus branding, how your visual identity creates credibility, and the exact mindset that takes you from playing small to building your empire.

In this episode you will learn -

✨ The real difference between brand and branding and why both matter on stage and online

✨ How visual identity creates recognition, trust, and momentum for your platform and your business

✨How pageantry skills transfer into entrepreneurship and client attraction

✨ Behind the scenes of launching a New York Fashion Week line

✨ What to do when you are scared and do not know how yet

Follow Amber Martenson here ...https://www.instagram.com/winning.spark.branding/

Ready to rise beyond the crown and build your empire? Book a free discovery call with me here: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call

Podcast Challenge November giveaway!

Share this episode to your stories with your top takeaway and tag @thepageantgal Leave a five star review on Spotify and DM me a screenshot so we can count your entry.

One winner will receive a Queen Takeover one on one intensive

DM me your review screenshot and tag me in your Stories: @thepageantgal

Hey Pageant Gals,

Today I am taking you behind the scenes of a $60,000 launch for The Queen Collective Track Two as a full time pageant coach. This is not about luck. It is about leadership, strategy, and building offers that create real transformation and recurring income without living on your calendar.

In this episode you will learn

✨ How to design a high value high impact offer that serves A to Z

✨ Why a community launch event builds trust and momentum

✨ How conviction and belief fuel sales and client results

✨ The difference between sales and cash and why it matters for planning

✨ How to think like an empire builder instead of a step one coach

For the gals ready to replace their income with purpose driven work and freedom based business models, this one is your pep talk and your plan.

Apply for The Queen Collective Track Two

https://www.thepageantgal.com/apply

Podcast Challenge November giveaway!

Share this episode to your stories with your top takeaway and tag @thepageantgal Leave a five star review on Spotify and DM me a screenshot so we can count your entry.

One winner will receive a Queen Takeover one on one intensive

DM me your review screenshot and tag me in your Stories: @thepageantgal

Hey Pageant Gals,

We’re kicking off our first-ever Queen’s Takeover Podcast Challenge all November long! I’m doubling episodes this month so you can binge strategy, branding, and stories of women doing big, audacious things in and out of pageantry. Get ready to move now, not “someday.”

How to Enter:

1. Leave a 5-star review on Spotify for The Pageant Gal Podcast, screenshot it, and DM me @thepageantgal. That screenshot = 5 entries. If you’ve already left a review, screenshot it, and it will still count.

2. Share any episode to your Instagram Stories, tag @thepageantgal, and include your biggest takeaway. Each story share = 10 entries. Share as many times as you like this month for more entries. This kickoff episode counts too!

What you’ll win:The Queen Takeover Intensive, a private, one-week experience with me:

• A 60-minute 1:1 to map your Queen Takeover Plan heading into 2026

• 7 days of Telegram implementation with me so you don’t just plan..you move!

Why we’re doing this:

Because queens don’t wait for January 1st. We lead now. We build now. We take up space now.

Shoutouts: Anne-Marie Turcotte and Aria Patel, thank you for sharing your takeaways. Strategic queens don’t throw spaghetti at the wall. 💗

DM me your review screenshot and tag me in your Stories: @thepageantgal

Hey Pageant Gals,

Boo, Queens Happy Halloween! 👑 In this special episode I’m spilling three true pageant-coaching horror stories and the lessons that keep your crown on straight. Requested by our gal Emma from The Queen Collective.

These are not just spooky tales. They are coach tested takeaways on boundaries, clear communication, and taking radical ownership.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Hey Pageant Gals,

If you’ve ever wondered how a pageant coach can build a half-million-dollar business, this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my journey, and how I went from charging $500 per client to generating nearly $500K in under seven years.

This isn’t luck; it’s brand, strategy, consistency, and a client path that actually scales.

Shoutout to Mava (whose question inspired this ep!) and Maya Karen, Miss Competence Canada, your support means the world. 💗

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Hey Pageant Gals,

Own your next pageant week with elite, real-world strategies: smart packing (hello, wedges!), pro-level social media upgrades (portable photo light + compact camera), batching captions so you’re never scrambling, and the hotel low-floor hack that saves your feet, time, and sanity.

You’ll learn how to stay polished all week without killing your feet, make every photo look HD with simple, affordable tools, keep your socials consistent even when your schedule is packed, and save 20–30 minutes a day with one smart room request.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Hey Pageant Gals,

The biggest shift in my pageant journey happened when I realized my legacy had to be bigger than just the crown. Winning titles is incredible, but what happens when the crown comes off? In this episode, I share the story of how I went from chasing wins to building a lasting brand, business, and empire that continues far beyond the stage.

You’ll learn why the crown is just the beginning and not the end goal, the mindset shift that led me to four pageant wins in a row, how investing in myself changed everything, and why it’s time to think bigger than the stage so you can start building your legacy now.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Ready to rise beyond the crown and build your empire? Book a free discovery call with me here: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Hey Pageant Gals,

This episode is all about giving you the confidence and clarity to reflect on your pageant journey and learn from every experience. I’m sharing the exact five things I would go back and change about my Miss Universe Canada 2025 experience including lessons I learned from preparation, interviews, and stage performance.

Inside the episode you’ll hear how starting your prep earlier can give you a competitive edge how to choose the right interview outfit to stand out from the crowd when to trust your instincts versus last-minute advice on stage routines strategic gown choices for prelims and finals and hair and styling tips that make every detail count.

Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or preparing for another crown this episode will give you reflection, insight, and inspiration to grow from every pageant moment.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Hey Pageant Gals,

I’m spilling the five big things you didn’t see that went down during Miss Universe Canada week. From losing my voice on day one to navigating unexpected drama, physical pain, and even the behind-the-scenes tea.

This episode has it all: the fun, the lessons, and the downright unbelievable moments.If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at pageant week beyond the stage and spotlight, this is the episode for you. And of course, I’ll share the lessons I learned so you can take them into your own journey 💕

Tune in for laughs, some spice, and a reminder that pageantry is as much about resilience as it is about rhinestones ✨

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?

Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals,

This is a special one! 👑 In this episode of the Pageant Gal Spotlight, I sit down with my good friend and our brand-new Miss Universe Canada 2025, Jamie Vandenberg, just days after she was crowned.

Jamie and I go way back, from being pageant sisters online since 2020, to finally competing together this year at Miss Universe Canada. Now, with her crown freshly won, Jamie opens up about her incredible journey: the highs and pressures of competing, the mindset shifts that got her to the top, and how she’s preparing to step onto the Miss Universe stage in Thailand. 🌏✨

We’re diving into everything — from last-minute prep and bold styling choices, to the behind-the-scenes sisterhood moments and what it really feels like to achieve a 10-year dream. Tune in for laughs, candid reflections, and insider pageant wisdom that will leave you motivated to chase your own crown-worthy dreams. 💎

Originally aired live via instagram in August 2025

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?

Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals,

It’s time to spill the tea, queens! ☕👑

This episode is all about the four most important questions you need to master if you want to walk into your pageant interview radiating confidence and poise. I’m sharing the same strategies that helped me win multiple Best Interview awards, along with real, behind-the-scenes tips I used while competing at Miss Universe Canada 2025. Whether you’re preparing for your very first pageant or chasing another crown, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and sparkle to shine in front of any judging panel.

✨DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Tell me about you - Why you? https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/checkout/Elite-interview

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals,Whether you’re 6, 9, or 12 months away from your competition, this episode is your golden hour to start preparing like the Queen you know you are. Maria shares the real behind-the-scenes of her last-minute prep for Miss Universe Canada, and the three things she wishes she started way earlier: personal branding, social media presence, and platform impact.

No fluff, no panic, just real talk, real strategy, and real reflection on how to show up as the next-level version of yourself before the spotlight hits. Whether you're headed to the national stage or just stepping into your first competition, this one’s your official reminder: start now, and don’t just plan it...do it. 👑

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?

Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals,

Originally aired live via instagram in June 2025, this high-energy episode is your firestarter if you're entering a pageant and craving the mindset shift that changes everything.

Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned queen, I dive deep into the biggest secret behind my 6 (yes, SIX!) pageant wins and it's not waiting for permission, clarity, or perfect timing.

Tune in for the bold truth, real talk, and that’ll get you off the sidelines and onto the stage (and into the winner’s circle 👑). If you’re ready to go from doubting to doing, this is your moment.

💃 And don’t forget to check out the Move for the Win masterclass for the full breakdown of next-level pageant strategy and soul-aligned action.

Queens don’t wait—they MOVE. ✨

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reignReady to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals!

This episode is a deep, raw, and real dive into one of the most vulnerable moments I’ve ever had in my pageant journey. Picture this: it’s the middle of an intense international pageant in Orlando, Florida, and there I am, alone in my hotel room, full breakdown mode, tears streaming, false lashes falling off — basically, the total emotional meltdown. But what came out of that breakdown was one of the biggest breakthroughs of my entire career, leading me to win the crown just days later.

I’m sharing every gritty detail of that week, from the insane competition schedule to the mindset work I was juggling as I was prepping both my pageant and my coaching business. This story isn’t just about me; it’s about those moments when we feel like giving up, those moments when the pressure feels too real, and how we can use them as fuel to level up.I’m also opening up about the power of coaching and community — how reaching out for support literally saved me that day. You’ll hear how mindset shifts, somatic work, and reframing the story we tell ourselves can flip the script on anxiety and self-doubt. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in your own thoughts before a big moment, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that the crown isn’t just won on stage — it’s won in your mind and heart first. So grab your favourite drink, get comfy, and let’s talk about breaking down so you can breakthrough.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my approach to choosing the right pageant system for YOU. We dive into the real talk about setting your goals whether you’re in it to win, to grow, or just for the experience and why picking a system that matches your vibe, your strengths, and your dreams will make your journey way easier (and way more fun). I get into how I pick my pageants, why I never settle, and how aligning with the right system changed the game for me and my clients. Spoiler: it’s not about fitting into a mold, it’s about owning what you’re great at and playing to your strengths.I also unpack what to expect during your competition experience, how to be realistic about your prep and commitments, and why your “competitive joy” — the parts of pageants you love to slay — matters more than you think. Plus, I share why knowing your “why” is the secret sauce that fuels everything from motivation to winning. Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start competing with intention? Let’s get you set up for your best year yet. DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reignReady to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals! 

In this episode, I'm breaking down the million dollar question - what are judges REALLY looking for when they choose a winner? After nine years in this industry and judging countless competitions, I'm sharing the three things on every judge's unspoken checklist. We're talking Polish (yes, you need to look the part, but it's not always make-or-break), Personality & Presence (your authentic energy that makes judges remember YOU, not just what you wore), and Leadership in Action (not your hopes and dreams, but what you're actually DOING right now in your community). Listen gals, anyone can buy a crown online - you're competing for the chance to REIGN and amplify the impact you're already making.

Here's the real tea: judges can sniff out someone who isn't ready from a mile away. They want the girl who says "this is my plan and here's exactly how I'll execute it" versus "I hope to maybe do something someday." Your pageant prep should be about elevating who you already are, not trying to be perfect for them. So put your chin up, put your crown on, and remember - your next crown could be just one decision away when you show up as the queen you're meant to be, not just someone hoping to win a title.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

In today’s episode, we’re getting real about what it means to grow beyond the crown. I’ll be sharing takeaways from my recent experience at the 2025 Regional Canada pageants, and why it's so important to focus on your personal development, build a strong personal brand, and create lasting impact, whether or not you take home a title.

We’ll talk about setting goals that go deeper than the competition and how to measure your success by the growth you experience and the lives you touch. This is a must-listen for every pageant girl who wants to train like a queen and walk away winning in life no matter the outcome.

• Please link the Make It Reign Membership for pageant preparation but life preparation beyond the crown with the Make It Reign Method: https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast 00:35 – What "Winning" Really Means 03:34 – Your Power Beyond the Crown: Personal Goals 06:39 – Building Your Brand + Lifting Your Community 09:40 – Creating Impact That Lasts 13:50 – Handling Loss & Choosing Growth 15:06 – Final Thoughts & Your Queenly Reminder

Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast! I'm Maria, your host and international elite pageant and business coach. In this powerful episode, I tackle a common struggle among pageant women: overcoming competition comparison.

Inspired by a recent coaching session with my clients, I'm sharing tangible strategies to help you shift your mindset and energy so you can stop comparing yourself to other competitors. You'll learn how to mute your competition on social media, change your internal narrative, celebrate and elevate both yourself and others, and, most importantly, face and heal your insecurities. These methods will help you stay confident and focused, allowing your unique qualities to shine on the pageant stage.

Stay tuned for some incredible tips and mindset shifts that can completely transform how you approach competition!

Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to the Pageant G Podcast 00:35 – Overcoming Competition Comparison 02:24 – Tangible Shifts to Change Your Mindset 03:15 – Muting Your Competitors 05:07 – Shifting the Narrative 09:01 – Celebrate and Elevate 11:44 – Facing Insecurities Head-On 17:41 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Link for booking a discovery call: https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call

👑 In today’s episode, we’re crowning a new chapter - one where pageant queens trade in their sashes for CEO titles.

Whether you're a current competitor or a former titleholder, it’s time to turn that sparkle into strategy. I’m diving into exactly how you can go from center stage to center of your own thriving empire. 💼✨

Discover the three royal revenue streams that can transform your passion and pageant experience into profit: 👑 Hosting high-impact events and workshops 👑 Selling irresistible physical and digital products 👑 And the crown jewel - service-based income through coaching, consulting, and speaking.

Your queendom doesn’t end when the crown comes off - it evolves. 💫 Don’t let your hard-earned skills and confidence go untapped. Let’s channel that charisma, polish, and poise into a profitable business you love.

Join me as we break it all down step-by-step - and discover how the Empire program is your royal roadmap to financial freedom, purpose, and power. 

Book your call to learn about Empire → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call

Today’s Episode:

00:00 Introduction: Turning Pageant Experience into Profit

01:49 My Journey: From Pageant Winner to Business Owner

04:17 Who This Episode is For

05:52 Why Pageant Competitors Make Great CEOs

07:47 Three Ways to Monetize Your Pageant Experience

07:52 Event-Based Monetization

10:03 Product-Based Monetization

15:09 Service-Based Monetization

18:39 Conclusion: Building Your Empire