Episode 197: Pageants with Purpose: Mrs. West Virginia on Confidence, Courage & Showing Up for Yourself with Lacy Ferguson

A Special Wish OV

American Heart Association

Lacy Instagram

Keywords

pageantry, confidence, community, advocacy, mindset, Mrs. West Virginia, personal growth, coaching, public speaking, empowerment

Summary

In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Jayla and Shaye welcome Lacy Ferguson, Mrs. West Virginia, to discuss her journey in pageantry, the importance of community and advocacy, and the mindset required for success. Lacy shares her experiences in preparing for competitions, the misconceptions surrounding pageantry, and the significance of supporting one another as women. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, confidence, and the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone.takeaways

• Lacy's journey into pageantry began in 2015 after a chance encounter at a gas station.
• Pageantry is not just about looks; it's about advocacy and making a difference.
• Preparation is key to success in pageantry and life.
• Women in pageantry are often intelligent and passionate individuals.
• Mindset techniques like box breathing can help calm nerves during competitions.
• Community support is crucial in the pageant world.
• Lacy emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and passion.
• Coaching young women in pageantry is a rewarding experience for Lacy.
• The competition is about personal growth, not just winning.
• Taking risks and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to amazing opportunities.

• Unveiling the Pageant World with Lacy Ferguson
• Empowerment Through Pageantry: A Conversation with Mrs. West Virginia

• "Take a step out of your comfort zone."
• "It's about what your body can do."
• "Why not try something new?"

00:00Introduction to the Ask Yourself Why Not Podcast

02:40Meet Lacey Ferguson: Mrs. West Virginia05:20The Journey into Pageantry

08:16Preparing for Competition: The Reality of Pageantry

10:51Advocacy and Community Engagement

13:54The Day of the Pageant: Behind the Scenes

16:36Mindset and Confidence in Competition19:28Lessons Learned from Pageantry

19:48The Importance of Confidence in Pageantry

20:34Rehearsals and Stage Preparation

21:50On-Stage Questions and Personal Insights

23:33Breathing Techniques for Stage Performance

24:54Reflecting on Past Pageant Experiences

26:14The Role of Preparation in Success

26:55Future Aspirations Beyond Pageantry

28:26Coaching and Mentoring Young Women

29:37The Pageant Experience in Las Vegas

31:10Advice for Building Confidence

32:49The Shift Towards Stronger Body Types in Pageantry

34:43Encouragement to Step Out of Comfort Zones