Empowering the Next Generation of Young Women

Empowering the Next Generation of Young Girls & Women

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, host Jill Lagan is joined by Michaela Taylor, the current Mrs. Las Vegas America and a contestant for the upcoming Mrs. Nevada America title. Michaela pulls back the curtain on the modern pageant world, dispelling myths of "cattiness" and explaining how the competition serves as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and community leadership.

Michaela shares her journey of building resilience and her own marketing business. She discusses her platform, "Confidently You," which focuses on empowering young girls and women to step out of their comfort zones. Whether she is speaking to high school dance teams or preparing for the state stage, Michaela’s story is a testament to the power of daily, small acts of courage.

DISCUSSION

1. Pageantry Unmasked: Michaela clarifies the structure of the Mrs. America system, noting that the competition is judged on interview (50%), swimsuit (25%), and evening gown (25%), with no talent portion required for the Mrs. division.
   
2. Confidently You: Michaela explains the heart of her platform, which encourages women to rewire negative mindsets and perform daily "courage acts" to build authentic self-esteem and reach their full potential.
   
3. The Power of First Runner-Up: Reflecting on her first-ever pageant, Michaela discusses the mental shift required to turn a second-place finish into a motivating lesson in pride and persistence.
   
4. Business and Grit: As the owner of Michaela Starr Marketing, Michaela draws parallels between the discipline of pageantry and the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that both require the courage to be "seen" and the grit to never quit.
   
5. Lessons from Kansas: Michaela credits her upbringing in a family of five for her strong work ethic, specifically her parents' rule of finishing every "season" or commitment before being allowed to move on to the next thing.
   
6. A Moment in the Spotlight: Michaela shares a touching story of her 11-year-old son being moved to tears while watching her on stage, highlighting her goal of being a living example of bravery for her children.
   
7. Jailhouse Reality Check: In a humorous exchange, Michaela and Jill bond over their shared history of working in detention centers—Michaela's stint lasted less than a full shift before she realized her path lay elsewhere.
   
8. The Path to State: With the Mrs. Nevada America pageant approaching in May at the Aliante Casino, Michaela outlines her goals for the upcoming year, specifically focusing on mastering public speaking to better serve her community.

LEARN MORE

To follow Michaela’s journey to the crown and learn more about her "Confidently You" platform, follow her on social media at @michaela_s_taylor. For information on the pageant system or how to compete, visit the Mrs. Nevada America website at https://www.mrsnevadaamericapageant.com/.

KEYWORDS

Michaela Taylor, Mrs. Las Vegas America, Mrs. Nevada America, Confidently You, Pageant Life, Women's Empowerment, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

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