As a 4x titleholder and the current reigning Miss Personality Canada, I am honoured to have been a part of the Personality pageants family since the beginning. I have participated in both virtual and in-person pageants and each time I have learned SO much. I had only ever competed in one pageant before embarking on my PPC journey and if you’re like me and have no idea what you’re doing, here are 5 things that I have learned along the way that hopefully can help YOU win the crown in 2025!
1. Your uniqueness is what will help you win.
I know it seems obvious because it's a PERSONALITY pageant, but I promise it’s true. In this system, a cookie-cutter approach is not what the judges are looking for. You need to find the thing that sets you apart from other delegates and use it to show them why you should win. For me, it was my visual impairment. No other competitor had the lived experiences with disability like I did and I used those experiences to showcase why I would be a titleholder who A) makes an impact, and B) isn’t afraid to talk about the hard stuff. This quality could be an experience, a character trait, or even a hobby.
2. Taking the pressure off will help you perform better.
When I entered into Nationals 2024, my mission was to provide disability representation and I wanted the crown with my whole heart. I felt so much pressure on day one to do everything “perfectly” so that I could put my best foot forward.
The reality of that? I was nervous and anxious and it actually prevented me from letting my bubbly and outgoing personality shine. I took a moment and asked myself, why did I enter a National pageant? The answer: I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and make memories that would last a lifetime. I knew the crown would help me achieve my mission but in that moment, it was about the experience. When I realigned myself and focused on the moment and not the outcome, I was so much more relaxed which ultimately allowed me to be myself.
3. The crown should AMPLIFY your platform, not create it
Many people think that you need a title and crown to make a change, which (I hate to tell you) is not true. A platform should be a cause that you are passionate about and are actively involved in, well before pageant day. Part of what makes a good titleholder is being someone who is already making a difference in their community. That way, judges can see that you will follow through on your commitments and continue to work to make your platform better.
4. You don’t have to have the best walk to win.
"But Emilee, it’s worth a lot of your score, shouldn't it be good?" Yes! However, what makes a good walk isn’t your strut or how “model-like” you look. It’s about how you carry yourself. The judges are looking for someone who is confident in their walk and who they are. It doesn't matter if you stumble — what matters is how you react. Do you let it fluster you, or do you keep holding your head up high?
5. What you think beauty is; throw it out!
I know you’ve heard it before; beauty is what’s on the inside not the outside. In this case, it’s both true and false. Flawless skin, the best spray tan, the most expensive gown, professional makeup, a fancy hairdo…do not make a winner. Whether you buy a dress or make an outfit yourself, do your own hair and makeup or get a professional, it doesn’t matter. My FAVORITE part of PPC is that they are not looking for the most conventionally “beautiful” delegate. I competed with scars, acne, and tan lines and I promise you it doesn’t matter. In fact, those things are part of your story! Embrace them! So, yes, it is what’s on the inside (how you treat others, the impact you want to make, your kindness and drive), but, as I said before, it’s about the way you carry yourself. Your confidence in yourself is going to be key.
Whether this is your first time competing or you’ve been here from the beginning, be proud for putting yourself out there; it’s not always easy.
Welcome to an experience that will change your life forever! I hope you’re ready.