INSIGHT Magazine May 2016 | Page 19

the “total package” — dress, style, makeup, hair, poise — but also how to compete graciously and project innate positivity. Most of her clients are young girls starting out in pageants, and Owens says a key trait she teaches is simply to stay engaged throughout the whole pageant, even while sitting down. “If they’re sitting down with their arms crossed, that’s a problem,” said Owens, talking about younger girls who sometimes get frustrated and assume they’ve lost before final judging has been announced. “Even if you’re unaware of it, you could still win it. The winner’s the last thing they announce, and you can’t have a bad attitude because everyone’s watching you, and if they can see you deserve it, that projects.” INSIGHT May 2016 19