Hey Pageant Gals,
Boo, Queens Happy Halloween! 👑 In this special episode I’m spilling three true pageant-coaching horror stories and the lessons that keep your crown on straight. Requested by our gal Emma from The Queen Collective.
These are not just spooky tales. They are coach tested takeaways on boundaries, clear communication, and taking radical ownership.
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Hey Pageant Gals,
If you’ve ever wondered how a pageant coach can build a half-million-dollar business, this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my journey, and how I went from charging $500 per client to generating nearly $500K in under seven years.
This isn’t luck; it’s brand, strategy, consistency, and a client path that actually scales.
Shoutout to Mava (whose question inspired this ep!) and Maya Karen, Miss Competence Canada, your support means the world. 💗
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Hey Pageant Gals,
Own your next pageant week with elite, real-world strategies: smart packing (hello, wedges!), pro-level social media upgrades (portable photo light + compact camera), batching captions so you’re never scrambling, and the hotel low-floor hack that saves your feet, time, and sanity.
You’ll learn how to stay polished all week without killing your feet, make every photo look HD with simple, affordable tools, keep your socials consistent even when your schedule is packed, and save 20–30 minutes a day with one smart room request.
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Hey Pageant Gals,
The biggest shift in my pageant journey happened when I realized my legacy had to be bigger than just the crown. Winning titles is incredible, but what happens when the crown comes off? In this episode, I share the story of how I went from chasing wins to building a lasting brand, business, and empire that continues far beyond the stage.
You’ll learn why the crown is just the beginning and not the end goal, the mindset shift that led me to four pageant wins in a row, how investing in myself changed everything, and why it’s time to think bigger than the stage so you can start building your legacy now.
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Ready to rise beyond the crown and build your empire? Book a free discovery call with me here: https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Hey Pageant Gals,
This episode is all about giving you the confidence and clarity to reflect on your pageant journey and learn from every experience. I’m sharing the exact five things I would go back and change about my Miss Universe Canada 2025 experience including lessons I learned from preparation, interviews, and stage performance.
Inside the episode you’ll hear how starting your prep earlier can give you a competitive edge how to choose the right interview outfit to stand out from the crowd when to trust your instincts versus last-minute advice on stage routines strategic gown choices for prelims and finals and hair and styling tips that make every detail count.
Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or preparing for another crown this episode will give you reflection, insight, and inspiration to grow from every pageant moment.
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://thepageantgal.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Hey Pageant Gals,
I’m spilling the five big things you didn’t see that went down during Miss Universe Canada week. From losing my voice on day one to navigating unexpected drama, physical pain, and even the behind-the-scenes tea.
This episode has it all: the fun, the lessons, and the downright unbelievable moments.If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at pageant week beyond the stage and spotlight, this is the episode for you. And of course, I’ll share the lessons I learned so you can take them into your own journey 💕
Tune in for laughs, some spice, and a reminder that pageantry is as much about resilience as it is about rhinestones ✨
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?
Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
Hey Pageant Gals,
This is a special one! 👑 In this episode of the Pageant Gal Spotlight, I sit down with my good friend and our brand-new Miss Universe Canada 2025, Jamie Vandenberg, just days after she was crowned.
Jamie and I go way back, from being pageant sisters online since 2020, to finally competing together this year at Miss Universe Canada. Now, with her crown freshly won, Jamie opens up about her incredible journey: the highs and pressures of competing, the mindset shifts that got her to the top, and how she’s preparing to step onto the Miss Universe stage in Thailand. 🌏✨
We’re diving into everything — from last-minute prep and bold styling choices, to the behind-the-scenes sisterhood moments and what it really feels like to achieve a 10-year dream. Tune in for laughs, candid reflections, and insider pageant wisdom that will leave you motivated to chase your own crown-worthy dreams. 💎
Originally aired live via instagram in August 2025
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?
Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
Hey Pageant Gals,
It’s time to spill the tea, queens! ☕👑
This episode is all about the four most important questions you need to master if you want to walk into your pageant interview radiating confidence and poise. I’m sharing the same strategies that helped me win multiple Best Interview awards, along with real, behind-the-scenes tips I used while competing at Miss Universe Canada 2025. Whether you’re preparing for your very first pageant or chasing another crown, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and sparkle to shine in front of any judging panel.
✨DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Tell me about you - Why you? https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/checkout/Elite-interview
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
Hey Pageant Gals,Whether you’re 6, 9, or 12 months away from your competition, this episode is your golden hour to start preparing like the Queen you know you are. Maria shares the real behind-the-scenes of her last-minute prep for Miss Universe Canada, and the three things she wishes she started way earlier: personal branding, social media presence, and platform impact.
No fluff, no panic, just real talk, real strategy, and real reflection on how to show up as the next-level version of yourself before the spotlight hits. Whether you're headed to the national stage or just stepping into your first competition, this one’s your official reminder: start now, and don’t just plan it...do it. 👑
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?
Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
Hey Pageant Gals,
Originally aired live via instagram in June 2025, this high-energy episode is your firestarter if you're entering a pageant and craving the mindset shift that changes everything.
Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned queen, I dive deep into the biggest secret behind my 6 (yes, SIX!) pageant wins and it's not waiting for permission, clarity, or perfect timing.
Tune in for the bold truth, real talk, and that’ll get you off the sidelines and onto the stage (and into the winner’s circle 👑). If you’re ready to go from doubting to doing, this is your moment.
💃 And don’t forget to check out the Move for the Win masterclass for the full breakdown of next-level pageant strategy and soul-aligned action.
Queens don’t wait—they MOVE. ✨
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reignReady to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
Hey Pageant Gals!
This episode is a deep, raw, and real dive into one of the most vulnerable moments I’ve ever had in my pageant journey. Picture this: it’s the middle of an intense international pageant in Orlando, Florida, and there I am, alone in my hotel room, full breakdown mode, tears streaming, false lashes falling off — basically, the total emotional meltdown. But what came out of that breakdown was one of the biggest breakthroughs of my entire career, leading me to win the crown just days later.
I’m sharing every gritty detail of that week, from the insane competition schedule to the mindset work I was juggling as I was prepping both my pageant and my coaching business. This story isn’t just about me; it’s about those moments when we feel like giving up, those moments when the pressure feels too real, and how we can use them as fuel to level up.I’m also opening up about the power of coaching and community — how reaching out for support literally saved me that day. You’ll hear how mindset shifts, somatic work, and reframing the story we tell ourselves can flip the script on anxiety and self-doubt. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in your own thoughts before a big moment, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that the crown isn’t just won on stage — it’s won in your mind and heart first. So grab your favourite drink, get comfy, and let’s talk about breaking down so you can breakthrough.
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?
Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
Hey Pageant Gals! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my approach to choosing the right pageant system for YOU. We dive into the real talk about setting your goals whether you’re in it to win, to grow, or just for the experience and why picking a system that matches your vibe, your strengths, and your dreams will make your journey way easier (and way more fun). I get into how I pick my pageants, why I never settle, and how aligning with the right system changed the game for me and my clients. Spoiler: it’s not about fitting into a mold, it’s about owning what you’re great at and playing to your strengths.I also unpack what to expect during your competition experience, how to be realistic about your prep and commitments, and why your “competitive joy” — the parts of pageants you love to slay — matters more than you think. Plus, I share why knowing your “why” is the secret sauce that fuels everything from motivation to winning. Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start competing with intention? Let’s get you set up for your best year yet. DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reignReady to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
Hey Pageant Gals!
In this episode, I'm breaking down the million dollar question - what are judges REALLY looking for when they choose a winner? After nine years in this industry and judging countless competitions, I'm sharing the three things on every judge's unspoken checklist. We're talking Polish (yes, you need to look the part, but it's not always make-or-break), Personality & Presence (your authentic energy that makes judges remember YOU, not just what you wore), and Leadership in Action (not your hopes and dreams, but what you're actually DOING right now in your community). Listen gals, anyone can buy a crown online - you're competing for the chance to REIGN and amplify the impact you're already making.
Here's the real tea: judges can sniff out someone who isn't ready from a mile away. They want the girl who says "this is my plan and here's exactly how I'll execute it" versus "I hope to maybe do something someday." Your pageant prep should be about elevating who you already are, not trying to be perfect for them. So put your chin up, put your crown on, and remember - your next crown could be just one decision away when you show up as the queen you're meant to be, not just someone hoping to win a title.
DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!
Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/
In today’s episode, we’re getting real about what it means to grow beyond the crown. I’ll be sharing takeaways from my recent experience at the 2025 Regional Canada pageants, and why it's so important to focus on your personal development, build a strong personal brand, and create lasting impact, whether or not you take home a title.
We’ll talk about setting goals that go deeper than the competition and how to measure your success by the growth you experience and the lives you touch. This is a must-listen for every pageant girl who wants to train like a queen and walk away winning in life no matter the outcome.
Please link the Make It Reign Membership for pageant preparation but life preparation beyond the crown with the Make It Reign Method: https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast 00:35 – What "Winning" Really Means 03:34 – Your Power Beyond the Crown: Personal Goals 06:39 – Building Your Brand + Lifting Your Community 09:40 – Creating Impact That Lasts 13:50 – Handling Loss & Choosing Growth 15:06 – Final Thoughts & Your Queenly Reminder
Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast! I'm Maria, your host and international elite pageant and business coach. In this powerful episode, I tackle a common struggle among pageant women: overcoming competition comparison.
Inspired by a recent coaching session with my clients, I'm sharing tangible strategies to help you shift your mindset and energy so you can stop comparing yourself to other competitors. You'll learn how to mute your competition on social media, change your internal narrative, celebrate and elevate both yourself and others, and, most importantly, face and heal your insecurities. These methods will help you stay confident and focused, allowing your unique qualities to shine on the pageant stage.
Stay tuned for some incredible tips and mindset shifts that can completely transform how you approach competition!
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to the Pageant G Podcast 00:35 – Overcoming Competition Comparison 02:24 – Tangible Shifts to Change Your Mindset 03:15 – Muting Your Competitors 05:07 – Shifting the Narrative 09:01 – Celebrate and Elevate 11:44 – Facing Insecurities Head-On 17:41 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Link for booking a discovery call: https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call
👑 In today’s episode, we’re crowning a new chapter - one where pageant queens trade in their sashes for CEO titles.
Whether you're a current competitor or a former titleholder, it’s time to turn that sparkle into strategy. I’m diving into exactly how you can go from center stage to center of your own thriving empire. 💼✨
Discover the three royal revenue streams that can transform your passion and pageant experience into profit: 👑 Hosting high-impact events and workshops 👑 Selling irresistible physical and digital products 👑 And the crown jewel - service-based income through coaching, consulting, and speaking.
Your queendom doesn’t end when the crown comes off - it evolves. 💫 Don’t let your hard-earned skills and confidence go untapped. Let’s channel that charisma, polish, and poise into a profitable business you love.
Join me as we break it all down step-by-step - and discover how the Empire program is your royal roadmap to financial freedom, purpose, and power.
Book your call to learn about Empire → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call
Today’s Episode:
00:00 Introduction: Turning Pageant Experience into Profit
01:49 My Journey: From Pageant Winner to Business Owner
04:17 Who This Episode is For
05:52 Why Pageant Competitors Make Great CEOs
07:47 Three Ways to Monetize Your Pageant Experience
07:52 Event-Based Monetization
10:03 Product-Based Monetization
15:09 Service-Based Monetization
18:39 Conclusion: Building Your Empire
In this episode, I share my extraordinary journey of winning an international pageant—despite having just five years of experience in the industry. I open up about the frustration of back-to-back losses, the burnout of returning to an unfulfilling career in nursing and personal training, and the pivotal moment that changed everything. You'll hear about the unexpected epiphany I had during a confidence bootcamp, the significant investment I made in myself, and how shifting my mindset led me to win the Royal International Miss Title in 2021—right in the middle of a global pandemic. But beyond the crown, I dive into why it’s essential to build a life and legacy that align with your passions and long-term growth. If you're looking for inspiration, motivation, and a reminder that self-investment can lead to incredible success, this episode is for you!
👑 Book a call if you’re ready to monetize in pageantry and turn your passion & expertise into an Empire
In this episode:
00:00 How I Won an International Pageant
00:41 Early Pageant Journey and Initial Success
01:35 Facing Setbacks and Career Realizations
04:12 Turning Point: Investing in Myself
09:44 Winning the National Title and Preparing for Internationals
12:24 Achieving the International Title and Beyond
13:38 Building a Legacy Beyond the Crown
14:31 Join the Empire Program
It’s time to declare your intentions ladies! I'm Maria, and today, we’re diving into a game-changing mindset that can transform your pageant journey: the power of declaring your intention to win.
For eight years, I held onto one simple yet powerful phrase—“I want to win.” That mindset helped me secure five titles and stay laser-focused on my goals. In this episode, I’ll break down why boldly claiming your goals, saying them out loud, and backing them up with unwavering action can make all the difference.
If you're ready to step into your confidence, own your journey, and embrace your inner queen, this episode is for you. Tune in as we discuss:
✨ The power of declaring your intentions ✨ Lessons from my personal pageant journey ✨ How to embody the winning mindset ✨ The science behind stating your goals ✨ Why action is the key to making your claims a reality
👑 Join the Make It Reign Membership for exclusive coaching and community support: Make It Reign Membership
🎧 Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast 00:56 – The Power of Declaring Your Intentions 01:19 – My Pageant Journey & Key Lessons Learned 02:54 – Embracing Your Inner Queen 04:55 – The Science Behind Stating Your Goals 08:58 – Backing Up Your Claims with Action 11:57 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement
Chin up, Crown on—this is The Pageant Gal Podcast! 💖
We’re back with another episode! I'm Maria, and I’m thrilled to share my journey from my first pageant win to becoming an experienced titleholder.
In this episode, we’ll explore why building resilience before your reign is essential for holding a title and managing the energy it brings. I’ll open up about my personal experiences with loss and the weight of public responsibilities, showing how embracing hardship and prioritizing self-care can make all the difference.
If you're an aspiring queen looking for guidance on navigating life’s challenges with grace, this episode is for you. Tune in as we discuss:
✨ The importance of resilience in pageantry
✨ Lessons from my first pageant win
✨ The challenges I faced during my reign
✨ How to develop emotional and mental strength for success
👑 Join the Make It Reign Membership for exclusive coaching and community support: Make It Reign Membership
Get access to Leave Your Legacy your personal 12 month legacy plan:
🎧 Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast00:29 – Why Resilience Matters in Pageantry01:50 – My First Pageant Win03:44 – Challenges Faced During My Reign06:15 – Lessons Learned & Building Resilience13:50 – Practical Tips for Strengthening Resilience15:32 – Conclusion and Next Steps
Chin up, Crown on—this is The Pageant Gal Podcast! 💖
If this is your first time here… I'm Maria, and today, we’re unlocking one of the most crucial skills for any aspiring queen: Mastering the Pageant Interview!
Your interview can make or break your competition results, but with the right strategy, you can walk in with confidence, poise, and authenticity. In this episode, I’ll share the proven techniques I’ve used to succeed, including a structured formula, staying calm under pressure, practicing out loud, and showing up as your most authentic self. Plus, I’ll reveal how mastering interview skills doesn’t just help in pageantry—it elevates your entire life and career!
If you want to feel prepared, poised, and powerful in your next interview, tune in as we discuss:
✨ The key elements of a winning pageant interview
✨ How to use a three-step formula for success
✨ Staying calm and composed under pressure
✨ Why authenticity is your superpower
👑 Join the Make It Reign Membership for exclusive coaching and community support: Make It Reign Membership
🎧 Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast
00:23 – The Importance of Interview Skills
00:52 – Maria’s Pageant Journey
01:48 – The Power of a Winning Interview
02:18 – Preparing for Your Pageant Interview
03:47 – The Three-Step Formula
05:55 – Staying Calm & Composed
08:27 – Practicing Out Loud
09:57 – Authenticity in Interviews
11:49 – Final Tips & Encouragement
Chin up, Crown on—this is The Pageant Gal Podcast! 💖
