Hey guys, I think over a week ago I told you that I would be covering the Miss Universe Pageant that’s taking place here in Atlanta live on December 8th at Tyler Perry Studios at 7/6c on Fox. I had the pleasure of hanging out with the ladies over dinner last night at Buca di Beppo in Alpharetta, Ga. I have never been in a room with so many beauties in my life and they were all so friendly! The ladies arrived wearing sparkly outfits and dressed to the nines! I was in heaven and I got the opportunity to interview Miss USA and Miss Dominican Republic about what did they think about being in this years pageant, being here in Atlanta, fashion and more.
I have a bit of a back story too! I actually met Miss USA/Cheslie Kryst in Chicago two months ago at a NBC event. We were on the red carpet together and I complimented her on her fabulous outfit and we had small talk and took a photo together. Me totally not realizing that she was freaking Miss USA lol. Well, we got a chance to catch up last night and she actually remembered me lol! I told Cheslie she was in my top 3 too lol.
The contestants celebrated Best Buddies with a fun dinner. It’s a non profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. We had such a great time and the food was really good. Don’t forget to vote on your favorite contestant and tune in on December 8th! More pictures and interviews inside…
Miss Philippines/Gazini Ganados
Miss Haiti/Gabriela Clesca Vallejo
Miss Chile/Geraldine Gonzalez
Miss USA/Cheslie Kryst
How do you feel about competing in Miss Universe?
I’m so excited, thrilled it’s here. I have been anticipating it since I was crowned Miss USA. I’m glad I got my wardrobe together, glad that I feel prepared. I’m also glad to meet the other delegates.
Tell us about your blog White Collar Glam?
When I was in law school, I was at a trial team tournament for my law school and I ran out of suits. I bought three suits with me for a four day contest. The first one I sweated all the way through because the court rooms had no air conditioning. The second one, I literally hopped up on to a curb and my pencil skirt ripped up the back. The last one, I was so anxious that I loss weight and it was already falling off of me. So I was left there in desperation. I didn’t want anyone else to feel like that. So when I graduated from law school and started practicing as an attorney, I started a blog to answer many questions for other people.
What color will you be wearing for the pageant?
Ooh, well I think I will be wearing gold, I am going to feel like a golden goddess!
Any advice for women that want to enter the pageant system?
Don’t think about what other people or judges may expect from you. Go in thinking that you just want to be your true and authentic self. Whether you win or lose, you want to be proud of your performance and that you brought your most authentic self.
I would also get a coach. A lot people will think that if you get a coach for pageantry that you are not being authentic or fake. But if I was going into a track and field tournament I would get a coach, If i was a basketball player I would get a coach. When I was a lawyer I had a mentor. Get a coach that has been there before and that can give you hands on advice.
Miss Dominican Republic/Clauvid Daly
What made you want to enter the pageant world?
My first pageant was when I was seven years old. I wanted the reward of being in a pageant, I’m just going to be honest. My mom was in pageants too and I wanted to keep up with the legacy.
How do you like being here in Atlanta with the Miss Universe Pageant?
It’s like a dream. I thought it would be harder, it’s so much fun! It’s like a sisterhood here and way more than I imagined.
What are you going to wear the day of the pageant?
I can tell you that there will be gold, yellow, and a lil bit of black and red.
