PageantCast Interview

I am serious when I say it was a dream come true when I was interviewed on the  PageantCast podcast show with Tim Kretschmann. Ever since I was 17 (yes 5 years ago!) it was my dream to be interviewed on the show. I would listen to the countless interviews of Miss Illinois MAO, other recognized state titleholders, and even national titleholders. I knew I wanted to be on the show one day, and I knew it would take hard work if I wanted to win a title.... but I never knew I would be on the show representing Live Out Loud Charity, our 2nd annual Fashion Show, Tiara Magazine, and my national title of American Image National Miss 2010. I am so glad I took that leap of faith and went for my dreams..... more importantly I am so glad to be helping women across the globe.

This road has been one filled with hurdles, bumps, triumphs, joys, and sadness. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I truly believe in pageantry and what it has to offer women. I started competing when I was 17 and started training younger girls right away. I saw much success with that. I took a year off of college and became a full time pageant coach and I was searching for my life mission (I felt it didn't end there). I was happy with pageant coaching because it allowed me to instill self esteem in young girls (to give them what pageantry was giving me).... It still saddens me that so many of our young girls have such low self esteem. I allow this sadness to fuel me, to work even harder as the editor of Tiara Magazine, and founder of Live Out Loud Charity. I want women to know they are beautiful regardless of size, looks, and stature. Every single woman possesses a unique beauty which she owns. That is why I have all sizes, heights, ages, and ethnicities in our fashion shows. This is about promoting love for oneself and truly owning who you are. This is about breaking the stereotypical image of beauty which is engrained in us by billboards, TV shows, and almost all media outlet. This is about that self love I expressed earlier. Although much more of my work is now heavily involved in suicide awareness and prevention (I established Live Out Loud Charity in 2010) I am still very much involved with our young girls and women through our fashion show, self esteem courses, and pageant coaching. I want all of the women and girls out there to know that YOU CAN do more than follow your dreams... you CAN achieve them. I did it without a support system in the beginning (no one would support my pageant dreams), without much of a financial backing if at all, and with low self esteem. I am here to say, if I did it, so can you. There is never an age where it is too late to start and there are never enough excuses in the world to keep you from your dreams. Take that leap of faith and watch how you take off and fly to new, unconquered heights that will bring you so much happiness you never thought possible.... It starts now, not tomorrow. Believe in yourself, own your unique beauty, and make your dreams come true because no one else will, but you. And remember to enjoy the journey! ---- My PageantCast interview is posted under public appearances at www.sherriegearheart.com