Meet Kayanie Terrazas

Kayanie in her evening gown at Miss Royalty International.

Meet Kayanie Terrazas - the 2014 Miss Royalty International Spirit queen!  Kayanie is a joy to be around and is very actively involved in her community.  She is a true testiment to what it means to be beautiful inside and out.  Find out more about Kayanie in this exclusive interview below.

MRI - Kayanie, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Kayanie - I love to do many things. First of all, I love music. Music makes the world go round. I always carry my headphones everywhere I go, so I am never without my music. I like to play the piano, violin and I am trying to learn how to play my guitar. I also love to dance and won a dance contest at my homecoming dance this year. I like to sing, even though I probably can't carry a tune to save my life. I love to work out and this includes boxing. Boxing is a great way to stay in shape. After all, a girl's gotta be able to defend herself, right? I especially enjoy family time and spending time hanging out with my crazy friends. Whether we go to amusement parks, concerts, movies, dinner or just chillin' at the mall, lake or someone's house, we always manage to have fun and enjoy each other's company.

MRI - What did you do to prepare for the pageant?

Kayanie - I shopped for the best outfits that looked good on me. I tried on my dresses and heels and practiced walking, posture and turns. I chose what make up and hairstyle to wear. I chose accessories and last but not least I practiced interview. Most judges use the bio sheet to ask questions. So everyone should feel comfortable with the questions and should easily be able to answer any of them. Practicing is of the utmost importance. Like the old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect!"

Fun fashion wear at the 2014 Miss Royalty International pageant.

Kayanie in her interview attire.  The red really pops!

MRI - What is one piece of advice you have for next year's contestants?

Kayanie - Relax! You are in for an amazing surprise. You will make new and lasting friendships. Everything is organized and everyone is easy-going. Be confident and do your best. You will walk away from this experience a better person. The director spares no expense on every contestant. I am grateful for her generosity and was surprised to receive so many gifts. Believe me, whether you leave with or without an International crown and sash, you will be treated like the princess/queen that you were meant to be. Pray, keep your faith and stay positive. Be yourself and everything will be okay!

MRI - What is your favorite vacation spot?

Kayanie - Decisions, decisions. I think taking time to vacation is very important. Everyone works hard and should allocate at least a week or two per year to spend some time with family or close friends. It is not necessary to spend a fortune or go to some exotic island. Anywhere can be a paradise, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I had a blast last summer in Hawaii with my family and one of my best friends. But I especially enjoyed the cruise I took a few years ago and would love to cruise again in the near future, hint, hint, mom and dad.

Beauty, brains, and...surfing!?  Wow!

MRI - What is your favorite organization to volunteer for?

Kayanie - Wow, that is a tough one. I volunteer for several outstanding organizations. I believe anyone who is healthy and able to contribute in some fashion should volunteer and do their part to make this world a better place. Currently, I would say working with the Simon Foundation. They are a no kill, animal rescue and adoption center. I will be volunteering for them this coming up weekend and I am extremely excited as I love working with animals. I also have volunteered with our local animal shelter and I am a Guardian with the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I am also the proud owner of a mini zoo. I have four birds, two bunny rabbits, two dogs, two turtles, a cat, a school of fish and I am trying to convince my parents to purchase a horse for me.

 

MRI - What is your fondest memory?

Kayanie - I have been very blessed to have a lifetime of fond memories. Other than the amazing Miss Royalty International pageant I attended a week ago, I would say my fondest memory was when I went to Discovery Cove in Florida. I got to swim with the dolphins. Since I love animals so much, I cannot explain the utter joy and excitement I felt being in the water with these amazing creatures. They are so intelligent and friendly. Our guide let us spend time petting them and I rode solo across the water on their back. Then came the special time when we got to kiss the dolphin. Oh sweet heaven, I thought I was going to die. It was definitely a memorable moment. This was an amazing and unforgettable experience.

MRI - What makes Miss Royalty International different from other pageants you've been in?

Kayanie - First and foremost, Miss Royalty International is a pageant with a heart. It seeks to bring out the best in every young girl and woman. When one leaves this pageant they will be a better person and will have experienced a professional, fair and honest system. All pageants are not created equal. I highly recommend Miss Royalty International pageant to anyone who is a novice or anyone who is experienced in the industry. I commend our Director, Miss Cheryl Smukowski and her staff, for their kind, caring and generous support. Miss Cheryl is simply amazing and I applaud her for her integrity and affording everyone the opportunity to participate in this pageant system. When you enter this pageant, you will be making one of the best decisions and I promise you will not regret it.

Hustle to Health run

Wow...what an amazing person Kayanie is.  As you can see, she lights up a room with her bubbly personality.  We are so proud to have her join the MRI family!  Way to go, Kayanie!

Michelle Becker

www.missroyaltyinternational.com

Pageant Interview Tips

As a contestant, an interview can be a scary thing.  In fact, it is people's most nerve racking category during pageant competition.  You walk in to a room with "judges," aka people who are going to judge you on your eye contact, material, vocabulary, outfit, posture, um's, uh's, and wells, vocal tone, confidence, and application.  Let's not forget to include EVERYONE in on the conversation by remembering to look at every judge in the eye when you are answering a question about world peace. <enter sarcasm here>

These were all critiques that I received when competing in pageants.  If you notice above, I said conversation.  If we would just replace the competition category with the word "conversation" instead of "interview," maybe people will feel more comfortable and be themselves.  The judges are looking to get to know you and your interests.  They are not looking to see who the next president is.   While some judges comment on your eye contact and vocabulary, in the end, they are looking for the most "likeable" contestant.  Someone who connects with the judges and seems like a great friend and role model.  Yeah, the technical critiques are helpful and will put you over the edge of some of the other contestants, but it is only natural to like the person who seems the most sincere, honest and confident.

So, do me a favor and next time you are competing in a pageant with interview, think this;  "This weekend, I am competing in evening wear, fashion wear, and conversation wear." Maybe that will make things easier! =)

Cheers!

Michelle Becker

www.missroyaltyinternational.com

Meet Tori Cavey

We are excited to introduce to you Victoria Cavey, the 2014 Miss Royalty International Pre-Teen! 

Tori has been competing in pageants for just over a year.  In that short period of time, she's taken the pageant world by storm!  Learn more about Tori in this exclusive interview below:

MRI - Tori, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Tori -  I am a U.S. National qualifying gymnast, I play the French horn in the school band, I'm a straight A student so I study a lot too. I also love to do pageants, read books, do crafts, shop at Abercrombie, and have sleepovers with my friends.

MRI - What is your favorite hobby?

Tori - My favorite hobby is gymnastics. I love beam most and floor is a close second. I am really a good vaulter though :). Bars are tough for me - so I practice them most! Gymnastics is something I have to work very hard at. I love practice, going to meets and this Summer I'm headed to Tampa, Florida for my third U.S. National event.

MRI - What did you do to prepare for the pageant?

Tori - I practiced! A lot!! I went through my routines, helped pick out my outfits, I practiced interview with my mom and I practiced by myself. I worked very hard - I always work very hard before any event. I really wanted to win the Preteen Division and represent Miss Royalty International and I knew if I wanted that, I would have to work very hard for it.

MRI - What is one piece of advice you have for next year's contestants?

Tori -  Be yourself. It's ok to be 12 - don't be in a hurry to grow up. Be you, act your age and enjoy the weekend. Our family had so much fun, and we made lots of new friends because we were there and we were happy to be there! Remember to enjoy the weekend so you can make great memories and lots of new friends. But most importantly, you will want to practice. Practice won't make you perfect but it will make you more confident and give you courage. Try your best - and wow the judges by being yourself.

MRI - What is your favorite vacation spot?

Tori - My favorite vacation spot is Florida because I like to shop at all the stores, go to the beach and watch people do the bungee jump - which is awesome!!! I also like to go on our annual Christmas cruise with our family.

MRI - What is your favorite organization to volunteer for?

Tori - Feed My Starving Children. It's so important to help others in need and I did this as a Girl Scout and am doing it again this year. I'm also planning on volunteering this year by writing letters and sending items to our troops. When I grow up I want to be a Marine, and this gives me an opportunity to give back to the troops who defend the U.S. 

MRI - What is your fondest memory?

Tori - My best ever memory was taking 5th place in the country, on beam at the U.S. Gymnastics Nationals in 2013. I was so shocked and cried on the podium. Winning Miss Royalty International was also my fondest memory. I worked so hard and look forward to an entire year of representing my title. I was in shock when my name was called, and that was the first time I ever did a wave on stage. I won't forget that day! I also won't forget my dad winning the "Most Handsome Man" and that's going to be something I remember forever. He's always so quiet but he went on stage with me and break danced. He "wowed" the judges and he won!

MRI - What makes this pageant different than any other pageant you've done?

Tori - My mom says it's not a pageant, it's a production. I felt like I was on tv the entire time. I felt like a princess. There were so many gifts and the people are so nice. The crown and sash are beautiful, the awards are amazing and I can't wait to get started on my appearances and events. I plan to share Miss Royalty International with lots of pre-teens so they can have the same experience I did. It's an amazing pageant where everyone feels like a princess

The Miss Royalty International organization is excited to have Tori on board. We cannot wait to see what she does with the rest of her reign! Congratulations, Tori. You are such an inspiration to all the young ladies throughout the world!

Michelle Becker

www.missroyaltyinternational.com

In the News....

We've seen a lot of Miss Royalty International in the news lately.  One of the most exciting news stories is that Mac Duggal, one of the most well-known pageant and prom dress designers in the world, featured Miss Royalty International on his Instagram, Twitter, AND Facebook accounts.  From beaded glamour to chic simplicity, Mac Duggal has it all.  Thank you for your shout out to the MRI family, Mac Duggal. Your designs are royal in every way!

Visit www.macduggal.com to see his latest fashions for this season!

Michelle Becker

www.missroyaltyinternational.com

Only A Week

It's only been a week, and the Miss Royalty International queens are already hard at work!  It's amazing how much of an impact you can make in your community by simply having a crown and banner.  This past weekend, the MRI queens made some "sweet" appearances, one of which includes being a judge for the Cupcake Showdown, which was featured on ABC News in Toledo.  We are so proud of our MRI family and the positive things they do for their communities.  Take a look at the beautiful titleholders below.

Katie Maskey, Mrs. Royalty International, at the Cupcake Showdown in Toledo:

Amanda Torchia, Miss Royalty International Teen, at the Cobblestone Creek Country Club fundraiser:

Saryna Ritter, Miss Royalty International, shows off her crown and sash at the Mac Duggal showroom in Atlanta:

Miss Royalty International Spirit, Kayanie Terrazas, at the Relay for Life fundraiser:

These ladies have the biggest hearts, and we look forward to sharing their journeys.  Stay tuned for more updates throughout the year!  We will also have some exclusive interviews with our titleholders so you can get to know them better.  Thanks everyone, and have a fabulous week!

With lots of love and sparkles,

Michelle Becker

New Titleholders for 2014

The Miss Royalty International pageant for 2014 has now come to a close.  How very exciting that we have some amazing new titleholders to represent MRI for the next year!  We couldn't be more thrilled.  Stay tuned to find out about what our featured titleholders are up to for the year. But for now, enjoy these sneak-peak pictures from the weekend.

With lots of love and sparkles,

Michelle Becker