Q: Do I have to be African American to Enter the Pageant?
A: Absolutely not! All backgrounds are welcomed. We are a not for profit pageant for all women!
Q: When did the Essence Pageant Competition begin?
A: We are excited that 2012 will be our 4th year producing the Essence Pageant competition. Sue Drakeford created the Essence Pageant System in Kansas City,Missouri October of 2008 with the purpose of providing all women an opportunity to showcase their talents and live out their dreams. Our first Essence Pageant was held on Aug 28, 2009 under the business name Drakeford Productions LLC and was awarded the Essence Pageant trademark in October 27, 2009(Reg. No. 3,701,520). In July 2011, the organization moved toMaryland and was reorganized as a Maryland non for Profit Company under the legal name Essence Pageant Women’s Advancement Connection Corporation. As the pageant has progressed through the year the leadership saw Essence Pageant not as just a beauty pageant but as a personal development weekend for all contestants. “Pageant weekend is meant to inspire people to live out their dreams and we are all here to support each other as sisters. Changing the pageant to a non profit show the public that we are motivated by mission rather than by money.” said Sue Drakeford.
Our staff has combined over 40 years of pageantry experience in the way of being a contestant, judge, emcee, stage hands, and directing. The entire staff comprises of professionals in various career fields such as Financial Services, Healthcare, Higher Education, Retail, Government, Law and etc and participates on a volunteer basis; no one staff member earns a salary. All pageant revenue is used for prizes and pageant weekend and goes directly back to our contestants.
Q: Do I need a Platform?
A: We recommend each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our country. Once chosen, as an Essence Queen and the state titleholders use their stature to address community service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and others about their platform issues.
Q: What does an Essence Pageant Winner do after she is selected?
A: After she is selected she will represent the pageant through speaking engagements and special events based on her individual availability.
Q: How old do I have to be to compete in the Essence Pageant System?
A:
- TEEN (13-17 YRS)
- Miss (18-30 YRS)
- Mrs. (18 and UP)
- Ms. (30 and up YRS)
- CLASSIC MS (41-UP YRS)
Q: What is the deadline for the Pageant?
A: All entries and fee must be received by July 15, 2012.
Q: Is there an entry fee to compete in the Essence Pageant system?
A: Yes. The entry fee is $899.00 which includes a $100 application fee to process your application. This entry fee includes the following for each delegate:
*Entry into the national pageant
*Official Essence state crown
*Official Essence embroidered state sash
*Entrance to Essence Pageant Party & Some meals
The entry fee does not include:
*Travel Expenses
*All Meals
*Opening Number and Competition Wardrobe
*Program Book Advertisement
*Program Book
*Opening number cocktail dress
*Hotel Accommodations
Q: Who pays my fee?
A: A contestant may pay her own entry fee, or she make seek sponsor to assist her. All contestant can list up to 10 sponsors in the official national program book at no additional charge.
Q: If I do not compete in the pageant after entering and paying fees, can I receive a refund?
A: Because of the high production cost we cannot refund nor transfer any fees paid to participate in the national pageant. This includes, but is not limited to, entry fees, ad page fees, or tickets purchased.
Q: How do I enter the Essence Pageant and what is the process?
Step 1- Fill out the application and submit the form Here
Step 2- Make your application fee payment Here
Step 3- Email one 300 DPI Head Shot Photo to info@essencepageant.com Photos must be clear and high quality.
Step 4- The pageant office will email you a Contestant Handbook and Pageant Weekend Schedule.
Step 5- Participate in the Contestant Conference Calls to stay connected to the pageant family and to get info and updates
Q: Do I have to sell program book advertisements?
A: No. Contestants are not required to sell program book advertisements. However, Essence Pageant offers a special award “Essence Business Award” to one Contestant in the entire pageant and this is one of our highest honors. Contestants are not required to participate in this award to qualify for the national titles, and it has no bearing on the outcome of the final pageant. The best way to sell Ad Pages is by using the prior year’s program book to show to your prospects.
Q: What are the main competition categories?
A: Preliminary competition includes; Interview 30%, Evening Wear 30% and Swimsuit or Fitness 30%, On Stage Question 10%. Talent is optional and is judged by a separate panel of judges and as no bearing on the overall winner.
Q: What happens after I submit my $100 application fee?
A: When we process your application, you will receive an emailed contestant handbook and pageant weekend schedule. Then your Sash will be ordered and should arrive in 15 business days. Then you are required to pay your balance no later than July 15, 2012.
Q: Can I represent my state at the national Essence Pageant Competition more than once?
A: You can represent your state multiple times if you wish. If your state has a new prelim pageant you must enter that pageant or you can choose a regional title thereafter.
Q: How can I book an Essence Queen for an appearance?
A: Contact the Sue Drakeford Phone 443-875-1191 email sdrakeford@essencepageant.com . Our queen’s normal hourly rate is $75 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours per event. If traveling is involved please be prepared to cover traveling expenses for our Queen. Our Queens are booked for various events throughout the year and bookings are done on a first come first serve basis. Sponsors have priority in bookings. Please Email or Fax the complete booking request including date(s)/time(s)/wardrobe/on-site contact person/event program detail to sdrakeford@essencepageant.com or call 443-875-1191. Our typical events include: Business and Social Conferences, Concerts, Fashion Shows, Schools-Secondary and Post Secondary Education Events, Birthday Parties, Charity Fundraiser’s, Open Houses, Comedy Shows, Autograph Signing in Malls/Stores, Judging Other Beauty Pageants, Modeling & Modeling Workshops, and Award Galas.
Q: How can I become a sponsor?
A: Contact the Sue Drakeford by phone 443-875-1191 national office or email sdrakeford@essencepageant.com
Q: What if my question is not listed?
A: Contact us by email at info@essencepageant.com or call 443-875-1191. You can even join our conference call to learn more about our pageant system and get your question answered. View the conference call schedule.