AT Marketing/Pageant Prep by Amy

06/20/2026

I see a lot of lazy grammar and it is annoying.

Examples:

U instead of you
K instead of ok (or okay)

You get the point

06/17/2026

I’m looking for a size 4 or 6 in this dress for someone

06/14/2026

I get a lot of pageant inquiries including wardrobe questions.

Of course there are many options (and opinions) when it comes to what each contestant should wear.

But here’s some free advice when it comes to shoes, accessories and evening gowns. And this is just the beginning of what I see where some contestants can go wrong.

White shoes with an interview outfit are never a good idea. When you look at a young lady wearing a dark suit and then they have on white shoes, the eyes immediately go to the feet. Not good! Even if a white interview dress or suit is being worn, a white shoe is not a good look. Instead - invest in a nice pair of taupe colored heels.

Accessories - think “less is more.”
Judges do not want to be distracted by bulky or bling jewelry in an interview.
THINK job interview because that’s exactly what it is.

When it comes to the evening gown and accessories - large earrings, yes - necklaces…no!
You want the focus to be on your evening gown (fit, style, color) and how you carry yourself.

Length of gown - if it’s supposed to be floor length then that’s what it needs to be. It needs to cover your shoes when you’re standing in place. A “too short” dress can completely ruin the entire look.

I always say “you don’t know what you don’t know” so hopefully this helps

I do a lot of coaching, mentoring, directing and judging so I’ve seen it all through the years. I’ve helped many contestants win local, state and national titles through my own experiences, staying educated and learning from my own mentors.

Take advice from seasoned directors and coaches. 💜

06/08/2026

Congratulations to the newly crowned 2026 Miss Vermillion County Fair (Indiana) Royalty:

👑Queen Darby DeMotte and
👑Princess Dannica Berry

AT Marketing/Pageant Prep by Amy was proud to be the sponsor of the crowns

Also congratulations to Tia Hardin- Heid on directing her first pageant. Great job!

Have a great year, ladies!

06/04/2026

👑Applications are now open!

✨ Applications are officially OPEN! ✨

Ready to take the stage? We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Illinois Festival Pageant!

All forms, requirements, deadlines, and important information can be found on our website. Be sure to review the contestant handbook for complete details and answers to frequently asked questions.

The crown could be yours - apply today! 👑

05/26/2026

Nothing empties a workplace of great employees faster than putting the wrong people in charge.

05/26/2026

Please don’t say the phrase
”Happy Memorial Day”

First of all that makes zero sense and secondly it’s disrespectful

05/25/2026

Interesting history regarding Memorial Day ❤️🇺🇸💙

05/23/2026

BEFORE YOU BLAME YOUR MOM, READ THIS FIRST❤️

1. As children, it’s easy to notice what our mothers did wrong… but much harder to see everything they silently carried alone.

2. Your mother was human too. She got tired. She felt overwhelmed. She had moments where she was emotionally exhausted and still kept showing up for you.

3. Maybe your childhood wasn’t perfect. But many mothers were raising children while trying to survive their own pain at the same time.

4. Some of the women we judge today were once young mothers doing the best they could with very little support.

5. Before you hold onto resentment forever…pause and look at her with understanding too.

6. One day, you may realize she was fighting battles she never spoke about out loud.

7. And one day, you may miss the voice you once ignored too easily.

So if your mom is still here… talk to her gently. Love her while you still can.

Because regret often arrives quietly… when there’s no longer time to fix what was left unsaid. 🤍

05/22/2026

Just for clarification in case anyone needs to understand the difference ❤️🇺🇸💙