Beauty pageant market
Children beauty pageants have been in existence for a number of years since it was started in Canada. The contest entails children whose age is less than 18 years participating in beauty contest. For example, the contest entails children of various ages showcasing their talents. In addition, the contestants also showcase various types of wears such as cultural wears, theme wear, decade wear and sports wear. In addition, the children also present their own outfit of choice in addition to elaborate hairstyles and makeup.
Over the past years, a number of countries have adopted the concept of children beauty contest. United States of America is one of the countries which have experienced an astonishing growth in children beauty pageants (Cadence, 2010, para.1). This is evident in that children beauty pageants are being organized at state level. Schultz and Murphy (2010, para. 2) are of the opinion that children beauty pageants are considered to be the fastest growing beauty segment in relation to the pageant market.
Children beauty contests in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana states
Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana are some of the states which organize beauty pageants for children aged between 3-5 years. All the beauty pageants are well organized by the individual state through formation of Pageants Association. For example, The Kentucky Festival Pageant Association coordinates all beauty contests in Kentucky. Little Mr. and Miss Glitz Pageant is one of the most famous children beauty pageants held in Louisville, Kentucky.
This contest is focused at celebrating everything which is glitzy, fabulous and glamorous regarding children. The contest is organized into a number of levels which include online pageants, preliminaries, regional pageants, state pageants and national pageants. The beauty contest entails an interstate contest between Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee. In addition, South Kentucky Fair Pageants is another children beauty pageant held in Kentucky.
In Indiana and Ohio, Dream Girl USA is one of the major children beauty pageants conducted in these states. The children beauty contest is conducted under the Young American Miss International Pageant (YAMI) (Dream Girl USA, 2010, para. 4).
Requirements for children beauty pageants
In order for a child to participate in the beauty pageant, the parents are required to apply online by filling an entry form stating their personal information such as their name, goals, the age group and how he or she intends to become the best representative (Habee, 2011, para. 3). It is the judges determine the appropriateness of the application. The applicant is also required to submit one photograph which is used for the photogenic competition.
To increase the chances of winning, it is paramount for the participants to be competitive. One of the ways through which this can be achieved is by ensuring that the child is well prepared.
Cost of beauty contest
In order to successfully participate in children beauty pageant, a considerable amount of investment with regard to time and financial capital is vital (Habee, 2011, para. 2). Just as it is important to for a firm to set a substantial amount of money to cater for its marketing expenses, a considerable amount of money is also required for one to participate in a beauty pageant successfully.
Effective budgeting is a core consideration in the process of preparing one’s child to participate in children beauty contest. The parents are required to pay an entry fee which varies depending on the category of contest applied for.
In addition, the pageants are required to pay for various accessories, outfits and clothing’s. To increase the chances of winning the competition, some parents consider contracting pageant coaches to direct their children on the most vital requirements. For example, to ensure effective preparation, the parent can contract a professional makeup artist.
On average, makeup lessons from a professional artist cost $ approximately $ 100 per hour (Habee, 2011, para. 2). It is estimated that the cost incurred in the contest can range from $300 to $ 5,000. For example, the cost of a competitive dress for a child beauty pageant can cost from $ 500 to above $ 1,000. Alternatively, a parent can rent a dress at the cost of $ 75(Habee, 2011, para. 2).
Prizes for the pageants
In order to motivate the contestants, a variety of prizes are issued to children beauty pageants. Example of the prizes issued in includes gift baskets, flowers, balloons, toys or stuffed animals. In addition, the awards may also include a cash prize. In Indiana, a crown and trophy is issued to the top models. In addition, the prizes are also in terms of cash prizes.
For example, in Indiana and Ohio Dream Girl USA children beauty pageant contest, a cash award of $ 3, 000,000 is issued. In the Glitz Pageant, the top models are given an opportunity to participate in high level contests such as international beauty competitions.
Requirements for one to do a pageant
To effectively prepare for the pageant, it is paramount for one to prepare effectively. One of the ways through which this can be achieved is by conducting a research to determine whether the contest is genuine. In addition, the pageant should research on other issues such as the cost involved, the prize, and age division.
It is also important for the parent to research on the most appropriate outfit. In addition, it is important for the parent to prepare the child by conducting practice. This will make the child to be comfortable for the competition (Hubpages Incorporation, 2011, para. 10).
Conclusion
Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana are some of the US states which have incorporated children beauty contest. Examples of these contests include Glitz Pageant and Dream Girl USA. The contests are well organized to ensure that a large number of participants. Registering one’s child to participate in beauty pageant is one of the ways through which a parent can improve his or her self-esteem.
Participating in children beauty pageant requires the child to satisfy certain requirements. In addition, a substantial expenditure is incurred. As a result, it is paramount for the paramount to undertake a comprehensive budgeting.
Despite the fact that a considerable cost is incurred, there are also numerous rewards associated with the beauty pageant. In addition, the contests are very competitive. This underscores the importance of developing a high competitive edge. To increase the chances of winning children’s beauty contest pageant, it is important for the parent to ensure that a high degree of competitiveness is attained. This can be achieved through effective preparation.
Reference List
Cadence, C. (2010). Child beauty pageants: the fascination with Glitz kids in America and beyond. Web.
Dream Girl USA. (2010). Dream girl USA pageant. Web.
Habee. (2011). Kids beauty pageant: what you will need to be competitive. Web.
Hubpages Incorporation. (2011). Children beauty pageant. Web.
Schultz, K. & Murphy, P. (2010). Beauty pageants draw children and criticism. New York: ABC News. Web.