Official Photo Shoot!

During orientation at Mrs. International, we were all given a date for the official Mrs. International photo shoot with Clay Spann in Dothan, Alabama. I wrote it down along with everything else we learned that night. Now, I was on my way to Dothan for that very shoot! It is an amazing gift to be given!

It was an entertaining evening at Bella’s!

I arrived Friday and was greeted by Mary Richardson and our Miss Teen International, Haley Pontius. After checking in to the hotel, we had time to catch up a bit.  Haley is kind to her core and such a standout.  Of course I adore Mary.  She is smart and powerful.  And she is also very funny and so interesting. We met up with Joey Rutherford and Clay Spann for dinner at Bella’s.  I am hungry just thinking about it! They took great care of us there.

I had a hard time sleeping because I was so excited for Saturday!  Joey and Terri had lined up some of the most beautiful and edgy wardrobe I have ever seen! Given Bella’s, I was thrilled I was able to fit in the extravagant clothing they selected.

Miss Terri making sure everything is in place.

And for the day, Clay worked his fingers to the bone with the help of Terri.  It was a great make over every time.  And I say, “every time,” because we shot several looks; each one very different from the other.  It is still a mystery to me how my hair does not cooperate for me the way it does when it is in hands of professionals.  Clay, Joey and Terri are a tremendous trio of talent.  I have no idea which pictures they have selected and I am glad I don’t have to make the final choices.  You will get to see some of them shortly when the brand new International website is launched.  I can barely contain my excitement for the big reveal! And then throughout the year more of their hard work will appear.

This look was shot for the Go Red for Women campaign and the American Heart Association.

Clay, “the magician,” at work!  This breathtaking gown was selected by Joey and accessorized by Terri. Loved it!

These are just a couple of pictures taken at the start of the shoot. You will have to check out the new International website for the final cuts!

Post-shoot with Joey and Clay.

Thank you to Mel and Mary for this opportunity and thank you to Joey, Clay and Terri for a magical experience!

Be the change!

Amy Gregorio 
Your Mrs. International

Cinderella's Big Day

Some of my pageant family refers to me as a “Pageant Almanac”  - I am both proud and a little embarrassed to admit my real level of pageant enthusiasm.  I grew up in a neighborhood with very few children my age and none of my schoolmates within walking distance.  Because of this, lots of summer days were spent trying to find ways to keep myself occupied.  When I started to fall in love with pageants around the late 90s, I made it my mission to become an “expert”.  I had taped countless pageant telecasts and would actually analyze the winners, the runners-up, the finalists and what they had done to stand out.  As my pageant interest continued to grow, this “research” stemmed out to looking up wardrobe designers, gown collections, photographers (ahem, CLAY SPANN) that I could only dream I would someday work with.

I am a packrat – especially since I am still the same size I was in junior high (that’s not an exaggeration).  My pageant wardrobe has stood the test of time and I have without a doubt squeezed every dollar out of each purchase made over the years.  I have a red mermaid dress I bought on the sale rack in 2003 for $15… yes, one-five… that I wore for talent two separate years, a walk-on gown, my junior prom, borrowed by two separate people, and worn again recently for an appearance.  Would I have loved to buy a new dress for every occasion? ABSOLUTELY.  However, it just isn’t always possible.

For Miss International I increased my typical budget because I knew it would be my last “go round” and I was in a place financially to handle that responsibility.  That said, my budget was still incredibly modest and I did stick to it (thanks to the New York International sponsors and some thorough bargain shopping).  For the most part I refuse to even try on anything I know I can’t leave with…

Fast Forward… I am landing in Dothan, Alabama to work with Clay Spann -the very photographer and make-up artist I had dreamt of shooting with over a decade ago - and shop at The Competitive Image where, thanks to their incredibly generous sponsorship, I get to live that Cinderella experience of really being able to dress like that princess I always wanted to – without limiting myself or feeling like I was settling (Thank you, Joey Rutherford!).

Each day I am so humbled that this really is my life and that I truly do have a “team” of people that want me to have all of the tools I could possibly need to look and feel my absolute best.  It is a testament that dreams come true with a clear focus, hard work, and living by your own rules.  The experience was everything I could have imagined it would be and so much more.

Clay, Joey, and Ms. Terri made me feel like an absolute bombshell!  Looking around the studio walls, nerdy me was beyond starstruck to see all the faces of former queens and contestants that I had admired for so long – am I really a Clay Spann girl like all of them?!  The looks that Joey and Clay picked and accessorized for me were beyond my wildest imagination.  They are the gold standard!

Jesse Ladoue

My First Photo Shoot

Just recently I had the honor of visiting Dothan, Alabama to have my official photographs taken for the International Pageant and I had the privilege of working with Clay Spann, Joey with Competitive Image, and of course, they’re right hand woman, Terri! It amazes me still when I think about how talented they are and how they have perfected what it is they do. So, I really must brag on them!

I really don’t know how Clay Spann does it, but somehow he captures the most breathtaking photos I have ever seen. With the supermodel hair and makeup he gave to me combined with the gowns and jewelry that the Competitive Image provided, I felt more beautiful than you can imagine!

And I must say The Competitive Image is full of stunning gowns and adorable dresses that not only catch your eye, but showcase the beauty of the girl in the gown. I am beyond excited that they are my sponsor!

 So, I can’t wait for you all to see the Clay Spann photographs or to wear my next gown from Competitive Image! It can’t come soon enough!

All my love,

Haley Rose Pontius

A Meeting with Mac Duggal

With gown designer, Mac Duggal. His showroom is a piece of heaven!

With many events on the horizon, I need help with my wardrobe! My usual running pants and athletic tops just won't cut it;) Yes, I do already have many clothes for all types of events, but I want to represent Mrs. International to the best of my abilities and in all ways.  Luckily, the Competitive Image was able to step in and save me. They have impeccable taste and organized a meeting with the fabulous Mac Duggal. Mac is an Illinois-based, but universally known gown designer.

Chances are very good; you’ve seen many of his cocktail dresses and gowns even if you've never been to a pageant! Mac and his staff were in the midst of packing up their showroom and heading to Atlanta for a big showcase for buyers including Competitive Image. Yet, Antoinette gathered a few gowns which had yet to be packed for the trip. They are beautiful and not out until next spring!

Thank you to Joey Rutherford at the Competitive Image and to Mac Duggal and his staff for fitting me in to their hectic week. And I was so surprised when Mac himself asked if we could have a picture taken together. Of Course! Next time, I will bring my crown. I can’t wait to show off the wardrobe!

Amy Gregorio

Meeting Sherri Hill!

Traveling to Dothan, Alabama, for The Competitive Image Trunk Show was once again a memorable experience! Reflecting back on the night I was crowned Mrs. Minnesota International in March of 2012, my director gave me the announcement for the trunk show and asked me if I might be interested in participating. For me it was an easy answer, “absolutely!” I had made a very personal commitment to enjoy all aspects this journey and to seize every opportunity within my reach.

The idea of working with Joey to find the perfect Meet & Greet Sherri Hill gown, watching Clay and Terri work their magic, meeting Mary, and sitting down with Suzy seemed like a wonderful opportunity. After all, learning is part of the adventure and who knows the International pageant system better than this group of individuals. Some may believe attending the trunk show has some political gain, however, that is not my belief…as a competitor, I simply wanted to be as prepared for the judges in Chicago as possible.

That said, the one opportunity that eluded me due to timing during my first trip was an introduction to the talented Sherri Hill. Fortunately, my second trunk show afforded me the unforgettable introduction to this amazing designer. It was so much fun to see Sherri consider my ideas and put pencil to paper, creating sketches that captured my dream gowns. Together with Joey, Mary, and Sherri we created three different custom designs for which I am dying to wear!

Again, I want to thank everyone at The Competitive Image for making me feel so welcome! Thank you to Mary for sharing your fashion sense and words of wisdom. It is always a wonderful treat to see members of our International family (thank you again ladies) at the trunk show. Suzy, you are as gorgeous as ever. Caroline and Denise, I adore you both! And, last but not least, I want to thank Sherri Hill for her time, talent, and lovely conversation!

With Sherri Hill!

Two fabulous ladies Suzy and Mary

The soon to be a graduate, Miss Caroline!

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Sherri Hill Trunk Show at The Competitive Image

I am sure that you all have noticed the advertisement for the Sherri Hill trunk show at The Competitive Image. For those of you that are considering attending, it is definitely something that I encourage for several reasons. Your competition wardrobe is very important! Although the judges are most concerned about your heart and your passion, it is also important that you present yourself as the “complete package”.

The Miss Teen International pageant is not only a very prestigious competition, but it is a highly competitive event. This is the time when you need to look and perform to your very highest potential, which of course includes a fabulous wardrobe! The Competitive Image is truly a one stop pageant boutique.

Sherri Hill is my absolute favorite designer. She has an innate ability to capture every client’s personality and showcase all of her best features. Although it is definitely not necessary, having a custom gown ensures that your gown captures who you are because it is made just for you! Not only does Sherri Hill design evening gowns, she also designs fun fashion outfits and fabulous cocktail dresses!

While you are at the Competitive Image, Joey Retherford, the official wardrobe sponsor, and Mrs. Mary Richardson are on hand to assist you with choosing your entire wardrobe…from interview to stage! The Competitive Image carries a variety of interview suits and dresses, sun dresses, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns. It is definitely helpful to make sure that everything you wear is appropriate for this caliber competition. My mom and I felt much more at ease knowing that the wardrobe we chose would be appropriate for each day.

Also, photographer Clay Spann’s studio is adjoined to The Competitive Image. The trunk show is the perfect opportunity to have your competition photos taken and purchase your competition make-up. Trust me…once you try Clay Spann’s line of makeup, FACE, you will be hooked forever!

Again, it is absolutely NOT mandatory that you purchase your wardrobe from The Competitive Image. However, I can tell you first hand that the staff at The Competitive Image will make you feel as beautiful as you look. I have been fortunate enough to have been a client of theirs for many years. I completely trust their opinion, and I know that when I am wearing clothing that Joey chose, I look competition ready!

Caroline Crowley

My Visit to the Competitive Image

Two weeks after winning the Miss International 2012 title, I was flown to Dothan, Alabama for my first official photo shoot with Clay Spann!I was excited, but nervous. I knew Clay was a phenomenal photographer from what I had seen on his website and from friends of mine, but would I be pretty enough? Mary Richardson and I headed over to the Competitive Image studio first thing in the morning.

It was pageant heaven! Racks of beautiful gowns and jewelry! Then, further into the store was Clay's studio area. There were pictures of beautiful women Clay had photographed plastered all over the walls.This was going to be a challenge keeping up with all the stunning, elegant and beautiful women.

Joey had picked out a few options for me to try on, but I’m keeping the details of each outfit a secret! Needless to say, each dress they had picked for me was more gorgeous than the next. Somehow, they had chosen pieces that reflected my style even though this was our first time meeting.  After the wardrobe was chosen, Clay and Terri started beautifying me!

Clay just looked at my face for a second and then poof! It seemed like magic. He picked colors and shades that looked great and he did my make up in a way that reflected my own personal make up style, but better! Now, I must tell you, I am pretty particular when it comes to my make up. I don’t use a lot of eyeliner - especially on the bottom. I must pencil in my brows, I need big lashes and big lips, and lots of contouring because I have a very round face and big cheeks! He did all those things without even having to ask! Every time I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I got more and more giddy.

Terri followed along as Clay chose colors, wrote them all down for me, made notes of products I still need to buy, and put together my make-up kit. She’s a doll! They both helped explain where and how each product and color is applied. They also introduced me to rollers. I have never used them before because in the past, they never hold the curl or they are falling out constantly. So frustrating! They showed me how to put the rollers in, what product and size to buy, and wala! After a half hour in the rollers, my hair was soft, wavy, and touchable. No hair spray helmet here! Clay lightly spritzed some flyways and gave the crown a tiny bit of backcombing and we were ready to go!

Clay's work area is awesome! You can tell that this is his calling. It just seems to come so naturally for him. He has different levels of props to sit or stand on, and big reflectors. Every once and awhile he would turn the camera around so I could get a look and the shot we just took and WOW! It was like looking at a glamorized movie star – but it was me!! I cannot wait to see the final photos. The shot for the website should be up soon so make sure you check it every few days.

Oh, I forgot to mention how awful my skin is. I have lots of break outs and nothing seems to help, I have red rosy cheeks,and I am oily and dry at the same time so I am of course, very picky about the type of make up I wear. But, I have been using Clay's make up almost every day since I got it and I love it! It lasts all day and keeps a dewy fresh look. It matches my skin perfectly, and I always get compliments about it. Sending a huge hug and big THANK YOU to Clay, Joey, Terri and Mary! I had a wonderful couple of days working with you and getting to know you. They really are the nicest people ever! I am so excited to see the final photos!

Krista Wanous