 |
| Pageant Expert Author Cherie Wimberly |
A four-star winning Star Search spokesmodel, Cherie Wimberly is a pageant expert author, celebrity judge, and top model appearing in TV shows, commercials, films, and hundreds of magazines and catalogs worldwide.
How did you get started in pageants?
While working full-time as a print and runway model, my interest in pageants increased after winning with a perfect four-star score on the television show Star Search in the spokesmodel category. Since I came from an average, middle class family there was no way for me to compete in pageants without the generosity of sponsors in our local community. I hit the pavement and approached business owners, asking for sponsorship money for wardrobe, entry fees, and other expenses, offering promotional or print modeling work in exchange for their financial support.
Through this means I was able to compete and win local titles in several Miss and Mrs. pageants, a state finalist spot in Miss Florida USA, Model of the Year at Miss Empire International, and the photogenic award in the Miss California USA pageant system.
Soon I became a mentor for models and other pageant contestants, and began teaching and writing professionally for top modeling schools in South Florida, teaching children’s acting classes, working privately as a pageant consultant in my community, while accepting positions as a celebrity judge for state and national level pageants with contestants of all ages.
Many of my students went on to walk the runways of Milan and Paris, performed in off-Broadway shows in New York City, appeared in national commercials, films and television shows, and won state and local titles in the Miss, Mrs. and Teen circuits.
How did you become an expert author?
My transition from consultant into professional author began when I was judging a national pageant in Orlando, Florida. Although I had seen negative behavior on TV shows related to pageants, it was the first time I had personally witnessed the devastating effects a demanding mother could have on her child’s self esteem. I was in total shock over what I was witnessing. I didn't personally know the family; however, I did realize there would be long lasting consequences not only to that little girl's self image, but to their relationship as well.
Soon I began exploring how I could use my years of expertise in the modeling and beauty industries to help contestants experience the fullness of pageantry while strengthening their personal and professional relationships. At that time, I created the first pages of what would ultimately become the Ultimate Pageant Notebook.
Later, while holding the title of Mrs. Orlando Scholarship 2008, my next level competition was canceled by the director, and I decided it was the perfect time to compile my notes and develop a pageant preparation guide in the form of a combination pageant planner, pageant coaching binder, and pageant preparation book, designed to help contestants with all the struggles I had faced as a contestant, while guiding aspiring titleholders from all walks of life who may not be able to afford professional coaching through each and every phase of pageantry from start to finish.
By writing the Ultimate Pageant Notebook, I have incorporated my unique teaching style, combining organization with attention to detail and thorough understanding of the project at hand, which is prepping you both mentally and physically to win the crown by being completely prepared, relaxed and ready to compete, and how to perform your best once you are at the competition.
What makes you different from other experts?
Being a professional author isn't just a hobby or something I do on the side. A full-time author, model and actress, I am also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and have been involved in the entertainment industry for over twenty years. I've written seminars and modeling curricula used by several national modeling schools and well-known workshops today, including Barbizon. When you combine my professional experience and involvement in all areas of modeling and pageantry, you have a winning combination that's different from other experts. And as an experienced professional author, I know how to convey pertinent information in written form that is well written and easy to understand.
I absolutely love pageants and have a passion for helping others through teaching and writing. I won my first national writing award at age 16, and have continued this profession throughout my life.
Finally, what sets me apart from others is how I view pageants. Pageants are a great way to develop your inner strengths and outward relationships. My definition of winning doesn't refer to just capturing the crown; it refers to all aspects of your life and your future. If you're looking to achieve winning results in pageant competitions, and throughout your life, then you've come to the right place.
