Pageant contestant hopes to share experience with students

Small-town girl from Campbell, Mo., Chelsea Bledsoe isn't what most would think of as a typical pageant girl, skipping the part about ribbons and curls while growing up. As a young girl she was nothing but a tomboy.

She admits to not wanting to wear girls' clothes because they were too girly. At a young age she was forced to grow up and learned quickly from her parents' divorce that she had to take responsibility for her life. Being driven in her sports and school was how she was going to succeed.

Bledsoe was a multi-sport all-conference in high school. She started school at Southeast Missouri State University and will graduate with her bachelor's degree in general studies with a minor in management. Her future plans include getting her master's of business administration and a doctorate in teaching so she can teach marketing at the collegiate level.

Education is Bledsoe's passion, and she hopes that one day she can share all her experiences to her students. Pageants were the last thing on this busy girl's mind. After a family death gave her the final push, Bledsoe took a leap of faith and started her pageant career.

A quote by Henry Ellis that says, "All the art of living lies a fine line of letting go and holding on," is what drives Bledsoe each day.

"It is with this quote that I encourage you to not let your past determine your future and go after every dream you can possibly imagine," Bledsoe said.

This year Bledsoe competed in the Miss Missouri USA Pageant November 8-10, held at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. Bledsoe competed against 41 other girls for the Miss Missouri USA title. Bledsoe unfortunately did not place in this years Miss Missouri USA pageant.

Q: Where did your pageant career begin?

A: I did a few pageants when I was in junior high, but I didn't really get into pageants until my senior year of high school/freshman year of college. They became a new hobby for me very quickly. I'm learning and gaining experience each year.

Q: How did you know you wanted to do pageants?

A: I did a local pageant my junior year of high school and placed. [I] went back the summer after my senior year to the same pageant and won. My mom and six sisters were going crazy. But in particular my aunt Becky thought that since I won this small local pageant I should do Miss Missouri USA. She was always my biggest fan, but I always said no. It wasn't until she was involved in a terrible car accident and became my guardian angel that I decided to compete for Miss Missouri USA. She will always be a big inspiration of why I love doing pageants.

Q: Where was your first title?

A: My first local title was Miss Missouri Peach Fair 2009. My first actual state and national title was Miss Missouri Motor Speedway 2013 and Miss Motor Speedway 2013.

Q: What is your favorite title?

A: That's a tough question. I've had a lot of great experiences with all my titles but Miss Missouri Peach Fair is dear to my heart. Hometown girl with a hometown title. And it's my first title. It holds a lot of value.

Q: What is involved in the Miss USA pageants?

A: The USA system consists of three phases of competition: swimsuit, even gown and interview.

Q: What is the biggest pageant you've participated in?

A: Definitely Miss Missouri USA. Girls from all over the state ages 18-26 come to compete. This year I competed with a flight attendant who is finishing up her chemistry degree and pursuing her own makeup line, Rams cheerleaders and a Mizzou soccer player. The girls I compete with are all so unique and fun. I hate saying I am competing with them because I am actually making friendships that will last a lifetime.

Q: How often do you do a pageant?

A: Since I've been competing at the state level I spend most of my year prepping for a preliminary and then compete at state, so I would say one to two pageants.

Q: What is the hardest thing for you to do in a pageant?

A: Applying fake eyelashes. I am terrible at it. I usually end up having someone help me or glue my lashes together, option one turns out much better.

Q: What is your favorite part of a pageant?

A: Meeting everyone. I have met so many people through pageants. I was fortunate enough to work with Tony Bowls and design my own dress. Also every time I step on a competition stage I feel myself growing as a confident, determined and strong young lady.

Q: What do you do outside of pageants that help with your pageants?

A: Being involved is one of the biggest things. I am constantly in the community raising awareness -- whether it's about adopting animals, helping underprivileged children or promoting benefits of education. I think a part of doing pageants is making a difference, and if I'm able to share those experiences with others and make a difference then I've accomplished my goal.

Q: What is your typical routine to get ready?

A: A lot of gym work. I stay in the gym all year, but 12 weeks out from competition I will start training pretty heavy. I think it's so important for people to understand that it's not about being skinny it's about being fit and healthy. Prepping for the interview is important, you have to be up to knowledge on what's going on locally and globally. One stage question recently was about funding foreign countries, civil rights and doing away with chemical weapons. Prepping mentally is also another important aspect of my routine. You have to tell yourself going into the pageant that you are the absolute best one for the title.

Q: What is something you find that people misunderstand regarding pageants?

A: The number one thing people misunderstand is what really goes into pageants. It's not about being a pretty face whether you compete in the America system or the USA system. When it's interview time or on a stage question, you have to be well informed.

Q: What was the most memorable moment during a pageant?

A: I got cut from the opening dance number. Let's face it, I can dribble a basketball, walk in heels, but I cannot dance. I thought I would be nice and volunteer for the opening number piece, but thankfully they ended up "needing" me elsewhere.

Q: What advice do you have for those interested in doing pageants?

A: Do not ever underestimate what you are capable of. With hard work and determination you can get anywhere you want to be. Pageants are an experience of a lifetime, and the people you meet you will carry with you for a long time. I would have never thought this is what I would be doing at 22 years old. I always dreamed of being a basketball coach, and now I can only dream of making a difference and becoming Miss USA. If you don't dream big you're not dreaming.