The competition would have a small venue change as the Chrysler Museum Theater was not available on this particular weekend as the pageant.  We would use the ODU Theater for the very first time. We further found changing the weekend of the competition would be better as well and I'll explain next Monday as to why. 

 

The opening production would be (WHO WAS THE BOSS BY THE BRAXTONS). Tarena would stand on a riser as in the QUEEN of the throne! The formers would collectively come in and out during this production in costumes of their own choice. THIS WOULD ALSO BE THE FIRST YEAR THE CONTESTANTS WERE ABLE TO USE ANY COLOR FOR PRESENTATION. We found getting the color fuchsia was extremely CHALLENGING for the contestants because of how it varies in it's particular color.

 

The official judges for the first 10 years of MMI  were Julian Jackson, Fred Asbell, Thomas Parkins and (Arthtavia Zentelle-Monroe Devon-Majarome) prior to him being part owner. We would leave room for a special guest judge. Now surprisingly to all of them, the decision to retire each of them would happen this year.  I remember distinctively calling them to the stage and thanking them for their services.  I further invited them to return anytime as complimentary guest for the duration of MMI'S existence. IT WAS TIME TO BRING ON NEW JUDGES.

 

Now as explained last Monday, Natasha would not be fresh to MMI as this would be her RETURN with us.  When she came the previous year it was by persuasion of her son and really did not know much about MMI as per the detailing of the categories.  It was no question as to her winning at some point as this type of competition was up her alley (NATASHA KNEW HOW TO BRING DRAG WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES).  She competed based upon what she was told to bring the first year but when she RETURNED, it was a TOTALLY different ball game. She would also leave her trophy in the dressing room the very first year of which I was disappointed but we had a conversation and moved on in a positive direction.

 

She would wear a couture sportswear for runway. She would wear a teal green chiffon gown with a basket weave bodice with branches running through her hair arms/hair.  She would do a modern dance talent with her son, Aaron Braxton all of which was MESMERIZING to see on stage (ALL IN THE NATASHA BRAXTON STYLE).  She would become Miss Models National 2008.  Again the out of state competitors were in full force and she would take title out of state along with many others for years to come as she was Tarena Deshay Williams alternate while hers would be none other than, Jasmine Bonet Jasmine Bonet. 

 

The Take Home Crown: Custom Crown with the signature MMI logo along with Miss models Inc and her year.  This would be the new crown design as the original Crown which was done by the same company (ALLEN'S CROWNS IN HATTIESBURG MISSISSIPPI) stated the mold for the previous crown was too old and they were no longer able to make the crown.  I was VERY comfortable with the change as It was time for a new Crown anyway.

 

The National Crown: Clear and black stones with the logo embedded in a dimensional format along with MMI National.  This again would only be worn for National appearances or special occasions that warrant it's appearance.

 

The MMI Pendant: We also would create a MMI custom pendant in black and clear Stones as well with the signature logo and the representatives year.  I personally NEVER cared much for the sashes.

 

What great chemistry we both built with one another.  I enjoyed both traveling with Natasha and also conversating with her.  I really love to have intellectual conversations with people of intelligence (SUCH AN INTELLIGENT WOMAN). Natasha worked many places (DC, RICHMOND, NORFOLK, ATLANTA, FLORIDA and NORTH CAROLINA) consistently on multiple tours with National appearances with sister systems.

 

Five of my fondest memories: She was doing the National Walk in Atlanta.  She wore a t-strap gown fitted with a flowing bottom with a split all the way up her thigh WITH HER HAIR KICKED OVER TO ONE SIDE (VERY UNTRADITIONAL BUT THE CROWD LOVED IT).

 

 Charlotte North Carolina: Performance at LEGENDARY, Scorpios and Chasers.

 

Washington: Performance at LEGENDARY, Zigfelds.

 

Norfolk Va: Performance at LEGENDARY, Rainbow Cactus.

 

Richmond Va: Performance at LEGENDARY, Godfreys Virginia.

 

I enjoyed building new opportunities with Show Directors, Club Owners and Promoters. WHAT I WOULD NEVER DO IS BEG SOMEONE FOR A BOOKING (I DON'T OFFER UNPROFESSIONAL ENCOUNTERS) SO I DON'T EVER PLAY THE POLITICS IN THOSE AREAS! 

 

She would also later spark an interest in being a part of MMI as a promoter (MMI NEWBY). I will further discuss this when it unfolded. Thank you my dear for always pushing the envelope and for RETURNING. It's no secret she stepped back from pageantry for some time and we're happy to see her back.  Thank you from 'LADY O" as you so gracefully call me for all your contributions to the art form and CONGRATULATIONS on your successful career.