Mrs. Colorado 2021 Biography on Blog

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Then I had a vision of me and 30 other women on stage, all dressed in gorgeous gowns. When I looked around, I didn’t see me as the ‘scarred lady’ in the middle.  When I looked around, I saw their life scars too.  I saw their insecurities. I saw their life battles. I saw their pain. I saw their triumphs. I saw their scars too and I felt included.  I was just like them! So, I bravely followed that God push and competed.

2021 was my 3rd year competing for the title and each time has been filled with personal growth and connection with incredible women.  Learning so much about myself, and that broken little girl healed a bit more each time I did the pageant prep and experienced the magic of pageant week. Putting the pieces of that shattered childhood dream firmly together as I gradually improved my skills in this sport of pageantry.

At 50 years old, this once very broken little girl, won the title of Mrs. Colorado 2021! I am deeply blessed and honored to be the title winner.  Carrying this prestigious title and wearing this incredible crown validates all that I share in my message as an inspirational speaker.  Our true beauty really does radiate past any scar of life, if we let it.  Inspiring others to not let any insecurity, doubt, fear or pain of life stop us from doing great things.  And sending the powerful message that when you deeply love and believe in yourself then anything can happen.  God truly does bring Beauty from ALL Ashes of life. 

“Be bold in faith, lead with love and never be afraid to shine your True Beauty.”

 Danette Haag

 Mrs. Colorado 2021

January Birthday Queens

What is Miss Colorado Springs for America up to?

Watch what Miss Colorado Springs for America - Laurel Barrett. Thanks Laurel for the video.

Pageant Tip

Pageant Tip: When you plan your stage competition hair style - choose a style that matches your evening gown. Often times people look at the previous winners hair and mimic their style. That is not always the best idea - finding a style that makes you feel beautiful, matches your evening gown and looks good on stage with stage lights is important. You do not want a hairstyle that looks too casual for the gown. So once your gown, play dress up. Put on a full face of make up and try different styles and take a picture of each style. Then print them. Hang them on your wall. Look at them and determine what each look conveys - using adjectives only. So does it look elegant? Casual? Sophisticated? Messy? Then determine what look you are going for. This is why pageantry is so subjective as the adjective used to describe the look varies. Find and own your look.

Why participate in the pageant?

This beaituful post is from our current Mrs. Colorado - Rachael Preselar.

My TOP 10 LIFE TIPS I’ve learned this year 👇🏼

One year ago I was crowned Mrs. Colorado, one of the most memorable moments of my life❤️ and within this year, I have learned so many nuggets about life, pageantry and myself.

1. Always schedule your self-care as a priority during the week, and never feel guilty about it🧘🏻‍♀️🛁 🏃🏿‍♀️ You can’t pour from an empty cup and you can’t be the best you can be, if you don’t put your self-care first . For the longest time, I would feel guilty about it but I learned that I get burnt-out & exhausted if I don’t schedule it in my calendar at least once a week.

2. AUTHENTICITY always wins, you can’t wear a mask 24/7 and sustain it 🦸🏻‍♀️ Just like trying to keep up a lie, trying to be someone else is exhausting. The right people will love you for you ❤️

3. Don’t allow toxic relationships in your life, if you have them cut that cord! ✂️ Give yourself full permission to only allow people in your life who ignite a spark in you & help you shine even brighter 🕯 toxic people just rob energy out of you.

4. The crown to me is like a “thinking cap” 👑 what can I do to help make an impact with this platform? Same thing like a new job title or a promotion, you should always ask yourself “how can I make this world a little better?”

5. Everyone is always watching you even when you’re not looking. Always have integrity wherever you go, even when you’re not wearing the banner, the crown, your make-up, the heels...

6. You are always doing the best you can. You can’t fix everything so be flexible.

7. Your body goes through different sizes & THATS OK. Our bodies evolve over time, and yes it’s not where you want it to be or you try to force it to look like it used to when you were younger. Just embrace the change & love your body for what is has done for you instead of what it looks like.

8. Be kind ❤️ no matter who are talking to, every human being deserves respect & kindness even if they’re throwing hate your way. Only hurt people hurt people. Kindness always goes a long way & might be a teaching lesson to someone who needs it.

9. Don’t spend your time comparing your Chapter 1 to someone’s Chapter 20...we all have different timelines with its own challenges, but all happen in perfect timing for YOU. Trust your journey is happening in perfect timing.

10. Be unapologetically you & do it your way ❤️
#mrscolorado2019

Active Duty Military Mrs. Colorado

Kick of Dinner for 2018 Contestants

We know one of the most treasured gifts from participating in the pageant is the support system and friendships developed.  We are ready to kick off these relationships early this year by hosting a Limited Seating Dinner - Tacos Tequila Whiskey.  For the currently signed up 2018 contestants, please RSVP to us - admin@mrscoloradoamerica.com and we will send you information about the dinner.   You must be signed up to attend this event.  

We will be hosting other events that are open to the public but this one is exclusively for contestants. 

Dress for your body shape

All the former Mrs. CO America queens have different body types - just like when you are choosing the wedding dress of your dreams, you want a dress that looks beautiful on your body.  Sometimes we fall in love with a dress that is in a picture but the reality comes crashing down when we try on the dress because we have a different body type than the model wearing the dress in the photo.  Here are a few tips when choosing an evening gown:

1. Try the dress on your body.  Do not buy a dress online because the model looks incredible in the dress.  Unless you have the exact same body type and skin tone, the dress will look different. Get in the dress.

2. Follow the basic dress rules.  Some body styles look better in certain dress cuts.  Follow the rules 80% of the time and you will not go wrong. 

3. Keep the focus on you and not the dress.  Sometimes a dress over powers the gal in the dress.  You want to eyes of the judges to stay on you not the dress.  We call that the dress wore the girl vs. the other way around.  

4. You must feel beautiful.  You can ask everyone's opinion but if you do not feel like a million dollars in the dress, you never will.  Once you are onstage, you are the only person who can 'sell' the look so you must love it.  That is how ladies win a dress that sometimes people do not like - it's because they 'sold' the dress/look/themselves to the judges. 

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble to dance at Pageant

ANNOUNCEMENT: Dream come true moment. We are honored to announce - Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble will be dancing at the 2017 Mrs. Colorado America Pageant. #mrspageant #mrsdream#cleoparkerdance 
To buy tickets find link on - www.mrscoloradoamerica.com

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is internationally esteemed as one of America’s foremost modern dance companies.   Under the direction of Cleo Parker Robinson, the Ensemble performs a dynamic body of works inspired by the African American experience and rooted in ethnic and modern dance traditions worldwide. Legendary and emerging artists alike are drawn by the spirit of the company to create works that transcend the boundaries of culture, class and age while unequivocally communicating the complexity of the human condition.  Seen by an estimated 2,000,000 fans throughout the United States and more than 20 countries on five continents, CPRDE continues to be a leader in dance innovation and the promotion of American dance heritage.

Could you be crowned on April 8, 2017?

Mrs. America!

My Mrs. America experience began with a farewell dinner for my husband and love of my life.  After all, I wouldn't be a Mrs and a mom without him. Heartfelt thanks to Robert Gitre of Epicurean catering and Mario Reid from Mangia Bevi for helping me to pull off a very special evening.

Next, I was treated to a fun evening and send-off party by my Mrs. Colorado America queen sisters. I was seriously not expecting to be showered with so many wonderful gifts, especially the Poopouri :).  Above all, their words of advice and support meant the world to me and prepared me well for the days ahead.

The Mrs. Colorado America Legacy.

This stuff is a MUST have in EVERY bathroom!

Then I was off! The Mrs. America pageant was hosted at the beautiful Westgate Hotel. When I arrived, I could hardly contain myself as I was SO anxious to meet my AMAZING and GORGEOUS roommate Heather Fronk, Mrs. Ohio America!! Can I just say that she is even more beautiful on the inside? I absolute adore her. 

Next, it was time to meet all the other state delegates at the orientation dinner. It was so fun to finally meet the amazing ladies I had been talking to on our private FB page for weeks. 

Our official picture.

Our orientation table.

I came to really love each and every one of these ladies. Each one of the delegates were incredibly inspirational to me as wives, mothers, business owners, and in all that they did in their communities. I have to say, I was intimidated by all of them!

LOVE my Delaware and Alaska!

Mormon girls unite! The only person missing is our very own Mrs. America, Natalie Luttmer.

I am proud to say I named Mrs. Kentucky, Derby. Now, she will always be our Derby girl.

The most beautiful woman I have EVER met. My Mrs. Minnesota Melissa Brenny.

It was quite the honor to meet the reigning Mrs. America Madeline Gwen and Mrs. World, Candace Abrams. These women are STUNNING!

The week continued as we presented our state gifts to David and Jackie Siegel, owners of the Westgate Hotel and to America's TV mom, Florence Henderson. 

The head wrap I am wearing is a traditional South African head piece given to each of us by Candace, Mrs. World.

One of my favorite parts of the week was the gift exchange where we each gave one another a gift that represented our state. My gift included SOCKS of course, Copper Mountain Ski Resort beanies and a Starling pin representing the motto of 'Together We Are More' from Kempe Foundation . 

After several days of bonding and fun, things got real when it became time for the interview!

The interview went surprisingly fast and was very enjoyable. Each of the judges were friendly and extremely comfortable to talk to, and I came out feeling very happy and confident that I had done well.  Before I knew it, it was SHOW TIME! Eek!

For my state costume, I chose to represent the Denver Mint as Walking Liberty on the Silver Eagle Coin. My coin didn't turn out like I was hoping, but it worked well enough. The costumes from all the state delegates were AMAZING and VERY creative. 

Next was the swimsuit and evening gown competition. I was originally going to wear my white MacDugall but opted for my champagne Walter Mendez instead. 

In the end, I did not place but that's ok because each of the women who DID deserved to be standing right where they were. I walked away with a heart filled with gratitude just to be able to represent my state of Colorado on a national stage and meet new friends for a life time.

I am so grateful to my coach, Lisa Dean for guiding me and building me up in preparation for my interview, and to my sister queen Nicki Myers for her constant support.

Having the love and support of these amazing friends, who are my family, touched me deeply. Thanks you guys for being there for me always.

Although I didn't leave Vegas with a new crown, I did leave with a publication award, 51 new friends, cherished memories, and a suitcase of full of brand new baby socks (which I was able to donate to Children's Hospital in Denver in their behalf). Yes, each delegate brought me infant socks in their suitcases, FOR ME. I mean, who does that?

My cherished friends from the Sock It To Em Sock Campaign foundation. Look at all the baby socks we got Phillis and Sue!

I was very surprised and happy that my ad page received the 1st place publication award.

I really truly loved my experience at Mrs. America. Even though I was completely exhausted every day and literally got maybe 3 hours of sleep each nite, I wouldn't have traded my time at nationals for anything. I came home a tired but better person because of it. 

There are SO many people to thank, and I am quite certain I will be spending several months if not years thanking each person who helped me along the way.  At the top of this list are: 

*Melyn Campbell and Limitless Worldwide,LLC for being my biggest supporters for many years and for being my official product and AD sponsor.

*Diane Lessnau of Soignee for my gorgeous evening gowns.

*Rooted Boutique and Yera Brand for my fashion wear for the week.

*Courtney Graham for letting me borrow your closet of dresses and suitcases.

*Erica Kumar for your inspiration, friendship, and jewelry!

*Daniel McDermott and Kari Kisch for my hair and makeup and for being there for me at any hour I needed.

*Lonnie Somers and Fetal Health Foundation for your generous donation, support, and friendship always.

*Scott Farish and Bravura Health for your generous donation, support, and friendship and for being the best neighbors ever.

*Phillis Shimamoto and Susan Lee for the darling delegate socks from the Sock It To Em Sock Campaign and for your friendship and support.

*Copper Mountain Ski Resort for donating 51 winter beanies.

*Victoria Gartelos and John Faught from the Kempe Foundation for the Starling pins. #togetherwearemore

*My daughter Alexa Nofsinger for being an incredibly supportive and wonderful daughter who took care of her siblings all week long so that I could be gone for a week.

Lastly to finish where I started, I thank my best friend, my soul mate, and my belayer for life, for being by my side always and for supporting me 100% in everything I have EVER done.

Your personal invitation

Mrs. Colorado America Pageant Open House This Friday

So many fun people are set to attend our Pageant Open House this Friday. Come check us out. 

Friday September 30, 2016

Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: 11020 S. Pikes Peaks Dr. Second Floor Parker CO 80138

Dress: We will be in business dress attire - come as you are.

We will be giving an evening gown away to one lucky attendee! Come and see how you can walk away with an evening gown.

Our Fun Peeps that will be joining us:

The Original Sewing Room - Pageant Shoes 

All Things Crowned - Interview Dresses

Rooted Boutique - Fun Casual Clothing

Soignée - Evening Gowns

Graphique Fine Art Photography 

Watch this Friday Colorado & Co.

Mrs. Colorado America, Erica Shields, will be live on Colorado & Co. on Channel 9 at 10:00 AM with Denise Plante.  Erica will share more information about the upcoming Purple Stride Pancreatic Cancer walk scheduled for June 26 and how you make a difference. 

Original Gourmet Lollipops

Thank you to the Original Gourmet Company for sponsoring the Mrs. Colorado Pageant State Finalists with lollipops!

 

 

 

Thank you to Kim Bass for your generous sponsorship. 

I sure my son does not eat them all before the pageant!

Tickets, Tickets, Tickets, and Cancun

Tickets for the 2013 Mrs. Colorado Pageant go on sale March 1, 2013.  The Mrs. Colorado Pageant will be held at the prestigious Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. 
The Ellie Caulkins Opera House, colloquially known as “the Ellie,” is the premier venue inside of the historic Quigg Newton Denver Municipal Auditorium. The Ellie, a world-class acoustical hall designed in the lyric style, encompasses four levels. This magnificent space is humidified and provides state-of-the-art technical support as well as acoustical excellence and clean sight lines. The Ellie is one of only three opera houses in the United States, one of nine world-wide, with seatback titling at every seat in the house. The Ellie designed to attract top artists to the Mile High City and to make their performances unforgettable including the 2013 Mrs. Colorado Pageant.   You can be part of Mrs. Colorado history and attend both the preliminary and final event.  Tickets go on sale through state finalists on March 1, 2013 and March 3, 2013 via the website.

One state finalist will earn a trip Cancun for five days and four nights.  Support your state finalist to purchase your tickets and help them earn a trip to Cancun.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/Mrs.Colorado?bookmark_t=page

Thank you to Peter Guccione with http://firestarter.rovia.com/ for the sponsored adventure!

Merry Christmas

The phrase Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas has a magical outcome. Christmas wishes and messages endow us an eternal joy, everlasting happiness and never ending cheerfulness. A warm, bright and beautiful Christmas wish to your friends, family, loved and dear ones can make the Christmas occasion special. Our wish for your Christmas day is a prayer, which extends love, peace and harmony.

 

The best Christmas wish and message comes from the heart. From our heart to yours, Merry Christmas wishes with the blessings that you touch your dreams and attain your aspirations.  We wish you a merry and blessed Christmas.

5280 & Womens Edition

Grab your copy of the the recent editions of 5280 and Womens Edition to see Courtney Graham, Mrs. Colorado 2012 in Dr. Raj TerKonda's Advertisment.

Bhumi Brush

Thank you to Bhumi Brushes for providing a beautiful set of brushes to Mrs. Colorado 2012, Courtney Graham.

Visit their website at http://bhumimakeupbrushes.com/

 

Thank you Kari Kisch.