"Many girls prepare their whole lives for this one moment. For me, I see Miss USA as an opportunity to reach new and greater heights in the future."
Katherine Webb was born in Montgomery, Alabama. She attended middle school and high school in Columbus, Georgia and graduated from Northside High School in 2007. She then attended Auburn University. She graduated from Auburn in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Administration. She participated in events held by the Women's Philanthropy Board at Auburn and in various community service projects around the area.
She currently works at Chick-fil-A in Columbus, Georgia as a training director. She also models professionally for clients in New York, Miami and Atlanta. In November 2007, she competed for the title of Miss Georgia USA, ranking in the Top 15 and won Miss Photogenic Georgia USA. She decided that she would not compete in another pageant until she received her degree and gained more experience. In January 2012, Katherine was crowned Miss Alabama USA 2012.
Katherine wants to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her. She hopes that competing for the title of Miss USA 2012 will allow her to explore many opportunities in the entertainment industry. She also looks forward to encouraging young women to pursue their dreams and to not let fear stop them from achieving their heart's greatest desires (bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization).
"I’m determined, fun loving, and an optimist; I never let anything get in the way of a goal I have set. I accomplish my ambitions by staying positive and enjoying the ride getting there. I’m determined to become the next Miss USA and am loving this journey! "
Sydney Marie Perry is a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and majors in marine biology and psychology. Since she was a young girl, she has always had affection for animals and a passion for the wonders of the sea. Her career plans include working directly with the safety, conservation and protection of marine mammals. Sydney also says a goal of hers in marine science is to explore and possibly discover new underwater species. She has studied abroad at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and recently conducted a coral reef ecology study off the island of Curacao.
Sydney has been active in volunteerism, with interests specific to working one-on-one with Special Olympic athletes, raising awareness and participating in fundraising events for ALS, as well as advocating for home health care and hospice services for families. When she is not studying or working part time, she enjoys modeling, meeting new people, and spending time with family and friends. She lives by her “love life” mantra and believes that being approachable is one of her greatest gifts.
Sydney enjoys spending time in the outdoors, snowboarding, mountain biking, snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as photography, painting, drawing, traveling, and playing with her cat, Ollie. She also dreams to one day pursue a career in which she can be a performer, either in the entertainment industry or as a marine mammal trainer.
"And then a hero comes along, with the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside, and you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you"
One of Miss South Carolina USA 2012 - Erika Powell's passion in life is singing, and after you watch her interview you'll find out about her other passions in interior design, pageantry and her love for animals!
Be sure to watch Erika grace the Miss USA 2012 stage, live on NBC at the Planet Hollywood on June 3rd in Las Vegas.
"I'm going to give it 110%. I'm so excited, I actually went to Miss USA this past summer just to watch. That's really when I envisioned myself being on that stage and I'm about to make it a reality!"
I had the great pleasure to interview Erin, just moments after she was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2012.
It's no surprise to anyone that Erin was walking on Cloud Nine during our first interview, but even months after her win you can still see her genuine excitement about representing Louisiana at the Miss USA 2012 pageant this June. See the latest interview with Erin below.
"...one of the best colors for a redhead to wear is surprisingly green! Although many would associate red and green as Christmas colors, the two actually work well together. Any shade of green tends to work well except for neon green. Green is not a popular evening gown color; however, for redheads it would be a very good choice."
Alyssa Campanella in 2008: "Green is not a popular evening gown color; however, for redheads it would be a very good choice.
I first met Alyssa Campanella back in 2008, several months after her 1st runner-up placement at Miss Teen USA 2007, where she contributed as a feature writer for one my pageant projects, PageantMaterial.com.
Looking back at the first article she wrote -- more specifically the quote listed above -- its no surprise to see how correct she was in recommending "The Perfect Colors for the Redhead". Even more accurate would be the fact she would follow her own advice......in capturing the title of Miss USA 2011.
Over the past few years, I've been lucky to have Alyssa's support on all of my pageant projects, and when I launched my newest project, thePageantGuy.com, it was only fitting that she would be my first interview to launch the site.
Since then, I've been able to interview Alyssa several more times, raising the standard for journalistic silliness -- complete with refrigerator tours and bloopers -- each and every time 🙂
So here we are once again: thePageantGuy.com interview with Miss USA 2011 - Alyssa Campanella (or AC: Episode IV for you Star Wars fans) haha.
Special thanks to the Miss Universe Organization for the exclusive interview. Best viewed in 1080p HD. Video by thePageantGuy.com in association with PixelBroom.
P.S. In case you missed our first three interviews here they are:
Each year, pageant contestants and titleholders reach the point of competition retirement. Whether one ages out or simply moves forward, a common question arises: "How can I sell my old gown?" Take a quick look on Facebook and you'll easily find in a former contestant's Photo Album or Wall Post...gowns and dresses for sale.
On the other hand, contestants each year attempt to balance their budget while purchasing a competitive gown for their pageant. Many will goto established boutiques and others may turn to online sources to find a previously worn gown.
Think Twice Fashions has captured the concept of both, introducing a retail storefront solely dedicated to the resale and consignment of designer gowns and dresses for pageant and prom -- that will also cater to contestants throughout the country!
I visited with the owners of Think Twice Fashions -- Tracy Kirkland and Beth Graves -- and they gave me a tour of their location in Houston, TX. My interview with them is shown below.
If you would also like to visit their location, their Open House is on Sunday, March 4th at 2pm or you can contact them by appointment at 713-253-5818. I have also included Frequently Asked Questions below.
-Will the Pageant Guy
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Think Twice Fashions?
Think Twice Fashions is a resale and consignment business of designer evening gowns and designer cocktail dresses. Our business was started to give young ladies an opportunity to purchase beautiful gowns and dresses at very affordable prices and to sell their dresses. We specialize in dress selection for those competing in pageants of all systems.
- How is your business different from others?
Our business allows buyers to view dresses on our website and Facebook page as well as by appointment in the Houston area. Whereas most online resale sites sell by pictures only, we provide an opportunity to see the dresses in person and try them on for a personal shopping experience.
- What is your experience with pageants?
Beth Graves and Tracy Kirkland both have daughters that have successfully competed in pageants. Beth and Tracy have listened in on many coaching, training, interview, and informational meetings with their daughters and learned a great deal about the pageant industry. Both ladies have also served as judges for pageants. Beth has served behind the scenes on staff for a large local pageant system.
- What types of products do you carry?
Currently we carry evening gowns for those competing in teen and miss pageants, gowns for prom and special events, and cocktail dresses. We carry designer dresses by Stephen Yearick, Jovani, Sherri Hill, Carlos Alberto, Claire’s Collection, Tony Bowls, and many more! We do not carry regular department store brands.
- Can you accept gowns from out of Houston, TX?
YES! We accept gowns from anywhere. If someone wants to consign from outside the Houston area, we encourage shipping the gowns to us. Please contact us for tips on proper shipping.
- Explain the consignment process.
Please email or call us if you would like to consign a dress and we will email you our contract and a seller form. The seller form is to be filled out for each dress being consigned. This form gives us important information about your dress. The price must be agreed upon by the seller and Think Twice Fashions. All dresses must be professionally cleaned or spot cleaned and all fasteners secure and beading in place.
- How can I purchase a gown or dress?
Gowns and dresses may be purchased by making an appointment to come to our shop in the Houston area near the Galleria. We do not have regular store hours, but will be available most any time to meet with prospective buyers. Dresses may also be purchased by viewing them online and calling in and placing an order. We accept Mastercard, VISA, and Discover. We do not accept checks for purchases.
- What if I am unsure about the size of a dress?
Please call us to discuss the size and measurements of a dress you are interested in purchasing. Many of the gowns have been altered, but we can give you measurements of the dress and answer any questions you may have about a dress. Keep in mind sometimes exact sizing is different from one designer to the next.
