Lateishah Shultz Shares Tips on Pageant Life
Competing for Miss Wisconsin Teen USA isn’t for the casual fan. As Lateishah Schultz has found out, it takes time and dedication to climb up the pageant ranks.
After seeing a post for the pageant on Facebook, Schultz applied and was chosen as one of 50 out of 500 applicants. It took one show for her to be hooked.
“After competing in the pageant, I realized it was something I really liked to do,” said Schultz.
For others wanting to travel the same path, practice and preparation play a huge role. On what pageant life is like for her, Schultz said it’s present in her life every day.
“Pageants are an extremely time consuming activity. I also model, so I work out twice a day, try to make healthy foods, and practice my walk. I also spend time practicing for the interview portion of the competition,” she said.
Internet access helps with the preparation process as interview questions can be found to practice on. Finding sponsors is also important to help cover some of the cost of expenses.
“In order to make it to the state pageant, I have to find sponsors to make monetary donations in order to cover the costs of the pageant which include but are not limited to: food, transportation, clothing, and lodging,” said Schultz.
Meeting others with the same interests is part of the appeal for Schultz.
“Pageant contestants really keep in touch and support each other,” she said. “We’re like a family…covered in rhinestones.”
For those needing extra support, pageant coaches as well as personal trainers are also available. Schulz encourages girls interested in participating in pageants to apply often, start earl, and dig in. The Internet offers a whole world dedicated to pageants.
“Local girls should start by finding a pageant system they like, that has a message they can relate to. After this, apply to the pageant (and maybe a few others that are similar) and wait to find out if they are accepted. During this time frame of waiting on a response, start getting sponsors right away because if you wait, you’ll regret it,” she said.
And the number one rule to remember? Believe in yourself. Schultz continually conveys a positive message of self-love.
“A huge piece of advice that I wish someone had told me when going into pageants is to
not let the judges determine how you view yourself. YOU are an amazing person and no one can define that,” she said. “You have to go in there, be confident, and if you aren’t chosen as a winner, accept it graciously and keep trying because eventually hard work and determination earn you a crown.”
Schultz is representing Marshfield in the Miss Teen Wisconsin USA Pageant on April 22nd in Appleton.
