Preparing for Miss Culver City was probably the best part of the process. So much goes into the job of "pageant girl" before you even step out on stage. Starting a couple months back, I did my best to get in shape. I have always felt like a very healthy and physically active person, but since my last time at Miss California, I had very little time to keep up my healthy lifestyle. From October through the end of December, I worked two jobs (totaling more than 40 hours per week!) while also attending school, and performing in a musical, AND holding the title of Miss San Diego. Some days were crazy... but somehow I managed. But what took the biggest toll of this hectic schedule was not being able to workout. Eating healthy was extremely difficult too since I was always on the road! ***Subway is the best fast food!***
So Finally in January, I was able to start a new semester with less classes, one less job, and more time to focus! I then began working out with Personal Trainer Jake Welton with Answered Fitness. (http://www.answeredfitness.com/) Attending his bootcamps was the best idea I had had. Working out with other motivated people is the best form of peer pressure! Just three days a week focusing on legs, arms, and abs I achieved a swimsuit ready body that I was excited to show off! But working out isn't the only answer... eating healthy is too. Chicken and salad became my new best friend! It may have been tough some days, but it all paid off when I tied for Top Swimsuit with Lauren Smolka!
With Monet Bagneris, Miss Los Angeles County 2012!
Swimsuit wasn't the only thing I had to prepare for however... Although this is a scholarship pageant that emphasizes the importance of talent and academic success, beauty is still a huge factor when a judge is looking for the girl they want to crown. So I sought out help in the hair and make up department from Be Beauty and Lisa Loeb with Salon Marchessa!
Be Beauty is a revolutionary new "beauty boutique" where you can go and get all of your female needs done at once! Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Facials, Make Up Application, AND Clothing/Accessories!! With help from Juju Rodriques, I learned how to apply makeup that gave a very natural and unique look. "It is important to stand out from the other girls" says Juju. As a judge for the Miss San Diego pageant in 2011, she knows from experience! By using their makeup line La Bella Donna, I was able to create a flawless look with just four items. Mineral Foundation in Sophia, Brunette Brow Pallette, Mineral Blush in Tangerine, and Baci Baci Lip Color. Not only did I look beautiful, but I felt beautiful! This line of makeup is as natural as it comes. La Bella Donna is a natural alternative to chemical makeup that does not contain any FD&C dyes, oils, alcohol or fragrance. And it has SPF20!! Talk about a win-win!
Before interview with Chrisy Alcaraz... Wearing La Bella Donna Mineral Makeup!
The next step was hair!! So I paid a visit to Lisa Loeb at Salon Marchessa in San Diego! She is the best thing since sliced bread! She was able to transform my fine hair into voluminous "Miss Texas" hair! After a fabulous cut and color, she also helped me learn how to style my hair. The day of the pageant, we are expected to do our own hair and makeup backstage. So Lisa's help was much appreciated. Using hot rollers and a good teasing comb, I was able to achieve two different looks. A softer natural look for interview and more of the "Miss Texas" look for stage. I couldn't have done it without her help!!
Thank you Salon Marchessa!!
Finally, after much preparation... which included physical fitness, beauty, talent and interview, I was ready to make the road trip to LA!!! In a packed car with my mom, grandma, sister, boyfriend, and dear friend Joey, we put in our "Queen" album and hit the road! After lots of interview questions, and traffic, we made it to Santa Monica for the dress rehearsal. Competing is always the most stressful part of this business, but it doesn't have to be when you're surrounded by such wonderful people! The Miss Los Angeles Committee is hardworking and dedicated to make sure their girls shine on stage. And the girls themselves are what make this so special. I had fun reuniting with Chrisy Alacaraz, Courtney Trouten, Millie Grgas, Laura Jean Burger, Lauren Smolka, Sarah Salazar, Monet Bagneris, Lauren Brady and many other incredible girls!! These special women are why I enjoy this organization so much!!
Competition time!! Interivew, On-Stage Question, Swimsuit, Talent, and Evening Gown... bring it! Lol Lots the prepare for... so you're bound to forget something right... but interview shoes?!!? How does someone do that!! Yes, I forgot to pack my interview pumps... SMH. ("Slap my head" for those who don't speak MTV). I was near freak out when Chrisy Alcaraz and Courtney Trouten BOTH offered their 7.5 tan pumps to me! They saved my life!!! That is true friendship right there!
After forgetting my shoes, things seemed to go smoothly from there. I enjoyed interview just as much as I enjoyed competing on stage. So after all the stress and preparation, it was all over... then we waited while the judges tabulated their scores... the most stressful part!
I was honored to tie for top swimsuit for Lauren Smolka! She is a gorgeous girl on the inside and out! Then the court was called...
Lauren Smolka - Second Runner-Up
Angela Zautcke - First Runner-Up
Laura Jean Burger - Miss City of Los Angeles
MEEEEEE!!! (Marina Inserra) - Miss Culver City!!
Monet Bagneris - Miss Los Angeles County
AND - congrats to my old teenie queenie, Dana Marie McNicholl-Carter for winning the title of Miss Los Angeles County's Outstanding Teen! And to my new teenie queenie, Olivia Sichmeller, Miss Culver City's Outstanding Teen! :)
The Miss Los Angeles County Titleholders with Miss California, Noelle Freeman!
I was so excited to win the title of Miss Culver City!! I can't wait to compete at Miss California again! The many memories of the past two years at Miss California rushed through my mind and I grew exceedingly excited for the year ahead! After hugs from the other girls and a few quick pictures, my family rushed on stage. They were just as excited as I was! Then my dad came up to hug me... the first thing he asked was... "Where the heck is Culver City?!" LOL... Thnaks dad!
Now, a week later, I am still just as excited as I was the night I was crowned! It has been a week of celebration... a few days off from bootcamp, and a celebratory Chipotle dinner.... but now it is back to pageant mode... Four months until Miss California!!
I can't wait to meet the other girls and make new memories that will last a lifetime! Here's to another year of service, style, scholarship and success!!
Love always,
Marina Inserra
Miss Culver City 2012
:)
