This would be another great year for MMI. We had an opening production produced by a stage company director (RODNEY CLEMENTS) as he had watched MMI and wanted to contribute.  He would offer backdrops and all of the detailed props for the opening production (OLD HOLLYWOOD) and the categories at no cost.   We had a set change each time.  We were once again at the Chrysler Museum Theater.

 

Tarena was not new to MMI as she competed twice and was unsuccessful.  She was almost to the point of giving up and gave it another try.  She had studied the system and the categories.  She thought to herself this would be quote, (HER CONTINENTAL WIN) because she wanted to be a part of MMI REALLY bad.

 

This was VERY emotional for me because I knew how bad she wanted to be a part and I wanted to see her become victorious.  She had that eager spirit and although still a newcomer (I KNEW SHE COULD ELEVATE TO THE EXPECTATIONS).  This would also be the final year for presentation in fuchsia. Tarena would also wear a chocolate pantsuit piped in gold (SHE ATE THE RUNWAY UP). She would do Dionne Warwick for her talent with dancers (SOLID GOLD MIX).  She would also wear a mermaid gown covered in peacock feathers (VERY CREATIVE). She gave the illusion of an elegant, PEACOCK. 

 

This would also be the final year MMI would be on Father's Day weekend possibly and I'll explain next Monday.  She became Miss Models Inc National 2007_(3rd times a charm).

 

The Take Home Crown: Clear and hanging pearls of which would be the last year this particular Crown was used.

 

The National Crown: The thought of a new design was being considered and confirmed.

 

Why The MMI Change?

 

The attention of out-of-state competitors was prevalent at this point.  The thought of MMI remaining out of state was certainly the direction it appeared based on the level of contestants.  Tarena would "CHANGE" the direction of this thought process hence the name. 

 

We also decided to do an MMI Review Show the day after the competition to give the representative an opportunity to perform for her second time as she would always perform after being crowned and the former Representatives would already be in town so it was easier to produce something such as this versus trying to have them to come back in at a later date. This would also be Debbie Blanco second and final year with her prelim, (NORFOLK MMI).

 

The decision had been made to consider using a different photographer with better technology.  I was very interested in this photographer, Vizal Tio Lavoie whom I had watched and heard about in Texas.  We all know him to be one of the "Masters of Photography". I made communication with him and we set a date.

 

The necessary preparations were done for her to fly to the location and we had a makeup artist/hair stylist whom was highly recommended of which I won't mention her name.  Tarena is in Chicago the day before the shoot and as mentioned before I'm a planner and had GREAT communication with the young lady prior to Tarena arriving in Chicago.  I knew Tarena could possibly do her makeup but didn't want to put this type of responsibility on someone whom had never did their makeup for such a MAJOR photo shoot.

 

THE MAKEUP ARTIST/HAIR STYLIST WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. I was devastated. Tarena said in a very confident voice (I HAVE MY MAKEUP AND I CAN REALLY DO MY OWN MAKEUP AND HAIR). I said well dear we have no other choice because there's no one I can find at drop notice.  I told her to keep the money and do her own makeup. 

 

This was a prime example of giving a person an opportunity to show themselves approved. We would travel near and far.  I really enjoy traveling with this young lady because she puts for so much effort. YOU "CHANGED" THE DIRECTION OF HOW EVERYONE THOUGHT OR DOUBTED. YOU EARNED YOUR DEEMED NAME!

 

Look at you now my love,14 years later. You're considered one of our beauties in the Virginia area an rightfully so. You went on to win many other Local and National titles. It's no secret of the health challenges you've had but you conquered each time.  A BIG CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW RESOURCE CENTER. YOU SHOULD FEEL EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOURSELF AND AS I ALWAYS TELL YOU "CONTINUE TO CHANGE THINGS"!

 

PS: She has also returned every year to perform her duties as a former.