Friday Reflection: I made the life changing decision to enter my very first pageant back in 2021.
There are so many misconceptions about pageants and I thought Iād share the most common that have been said to me across the years:
āWaste of moneyā
āHave you seen the onstage question fails..these women arenāt smart?!ā
āYouāre beautiful. Why do you need a group of strangers to tell you that?ā
I couldnāt disagree more with comments like these. Although, Iāll admit, I was very skeptical in the beginning but going through the process myself, Iāve learned the following:
Pageants arenāt just about physical beauty theyāre about the person as a whole. This process really makes you dig deep. Are you at a stage in your life where you are prepared to bring the full version of yourself to light? Are you confident in the person that you are and the commitments/beliefs you stand by?
The losses can feel brutal because everyone puts so much time, energy, and money into the preparation. But what we often lose sight of is that we are growing and progressing. The losses are wins because theyāre still huge moments of progress.
As I reflect on my journey across the last 3 consecutive years, all I can feel is gratitude and stability in myself. Iāve gained confidence in myself as a person, I know what I want and who I am, I support my beliefs and the organizations I partner with, and Iāve gained invaluable skills that have truly impacted my professional lifeāpublic speaking, interview skills, and how to handle media/controversial issues while being true to yourself. Most importantly, Iāve gained a village of people who continue to be in my life year after year, pageant or no pageant. To feel this love, support, and closeness with the people Iāve grown to respect, care for, and hand over my trust to has been the biggest impact of my life. Thank YOU so much. Iām excited for this year of rest and reflection. But let these clips serve as the proof my confidence & growth:
Clip 1: Miss Maryland USA 2021 , placed top 10.
Clip 2: Miss Maryland USA 2022, placed top 10 and received most photogenic award šø
Clip 3: Miss Grand USA 2023, placed top 15
Walking out of my Miss Maryland USA 2021 interview likeā¦šāØ
Special shout out to @taylorsimpsonartistry for always make me feel beautiful and snatched with this amazing glam š I love early mornings but only with you sis ā„ļø
Thank you to @christopherschafer and @casey.rowe for tailoring my interview suit to perfection!!šŖ”š§µ
Thank you to my brother @garrybertholf for supporting me in every thing I strive to do and pushing me to be my bestāhe is my best friend, my mentor, and my number one fan. I love you! ā„ļø
Thank you @andreiagibau and @erikaxporras for being so much more than what a girl could ask for in a sister. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. I love you guys š„ŗā„ļø
Special thanks to my love for helping me get ready at 5 am this morning and helping me change my interview location 3 times š„“
Thank you to all of my amazing family and friends who have supported me throughout this journeyācanāt wait to see you all next weekend ā„ļø
#missmdusa #interviewoutfit #missmarylandusa #ontheroadtomissmd
#ontheroadtomissusa #darkhorse #waterme #missuniverse #missusa
This is by far one of the most special and cherished memories for me.
Whenever I feel a little lost or lack motivation, I always return to this video to see how proud my brothers are of me. Iāve always looked up to them both in different ways and will continue to look up to them always. But this moment truly says it all. No words necessary.
Proud to be their sister, honored to have them as my brothers, excited to see them as fathers š„ŗā„ļø
One year šš
Today Iām filled with so much emotion and pride. A year ago today I took a bet on myself and gave it my all. Iām so glad that I didnāt let imposter syndrome, the unkind words of others or doubt creep in. I wouldāve missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Not to mention these inspirational human beings I now get to call part of my story.
This moment not only shifted the trajectory of my life and career but it also shifted the way I see and believe in myself and what Iām capable of.
That said, may this post inspire you to bet on yourself and give it your all because this next year, Iām stepping into the power of āyesā and achieving the things that donāt feel possible... yet. ššš½š«¶š½
Headshot photo by: Khalid Eid
I canāt begin to put into words how special THIS particular trip was to me this past weekend. My mom and I decided to celebrate my birthday this year by signing up for our first (official) 10k race together at Disney. Iām happy to share that my mom placed in the top 31% of her age division and I placed in the top 38% in my age division ( I beat 1,015/1,651 in my age division)! Iām super proud of us and have a feeling we will be back again soon! š
Walt Disney World has always held a special place in my heart. My parents took me when I was really young (swipe right) and later my mom took me again as a teenager. Truly, how lucky was I?
Being able to take my parents to Disney World is one of the most cherished memories I will have. It felt like we were walking back in time seeing the places and rides that remained the same while seeing all that was new together. My heart is so grateful after experiencing this full-circle moment with them.
Thank you, mom & dad.
I love you ā„ļø
#rundisney #princesshalfmarathonweekend #princesshalfmarathon #princesshalf #disneyprincesshalfmarathon dis
I love it I love it I love it ā„ļøš«¶š½ the good, the bad, the ugly, and the other āš½
Iād choose you in every lifetime.
Weāve shared so many beautiful moments, exciting experiences (6 fake wedding shoots - not married yet š), and weathered every storm together. This is only the beginning as we enter some life-changing chapters.
Hopefully, the lyrics arenāt interpreted too out of context, especially when we all know youāre the one in our relationship that is gentle, kind-hearted, slow to anger, and grounded (and Iām the little hangry gremlin). Youāve always been the safe place I can get lost in.
I love you endlessly š«¶š½
ANNOUNCEMENT
Please join me in officially welcoming Amanda to the PageantSmart family !
As an accomplished competitor with a commitment to the mentorship of women and young girls across the nation, Amanda Leigh Bertholf joins PageantSmart as their newest interview consultant. Her foundation in interview preparation began early, earning a Congressional Nomination from (then) Senator Maurice Hinchey to the United States Military Academy at West Point while she was still in high school. Soon after, she was trained at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she earned her B.A. in International and Global Studies with a disciplinary specialization in Film and Media Culture and a regional specialization in European Studies. In addition to her training at Middlebury, Amanda also studied Film and Media Education at the University of Florence in Italy.
Later, Amanda entered her very first pageant in 2021, competing for the title of Miss Maryland USA, where she placed in the Top 10 out of 103 contestants. She then returned to Miss Maryland USA in 2022, where she once again placed in the Top 10 and was the recipient of the Miss Photogenic award. Shortly after, Amanda was appointed Miss Grand Maryland 2023, where she competed at Miss Grand USA and placed in the Top 15.
Presently, Amanda is a Social Media Manager for National Geographic and The Walt Disney Company; an achievement that reflects her patience, determination, and pursuit of a lifelong dream. In her free time, she can often be found with her nieces, Emma and Nya, playing with her puppies, Aria and Theodore, or enjoying the Walt Disney World parks!
Welcome to PageantSmart Team !
For bookings, please contact her at
[email protected]
Congratulations to Caitlyn and Noah, one of the coolest couples we know! So grateful to have spent the day celebrating your next chapter of life and love together! Everything was so beautiful, creative, and thoughtfulā¦all the way down to the brideās shoes š Love you guys š«¶š½ā„ļø
