Its About Feeling Beautiful!

Every pageant girls knows that youve got to love your competition wardrobe in order to feel beautiful on stage! Join Valerie as she talks with Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000 , about her fabulous new design line of pageant gowns and cocktail dresses. A talented designer, Heather is able to approach the design process from the unique perspective of a successful contestant. You wont want to miss her views on how pageant design fits into the fashion design industry and shell also share her tips for feeling beautiful at your next pageant!

Episode Segments:

Heather French Henry Part One Heather talks about the process of finding the perfect gown. She found hers on her way to becoming Miss America, and has advice on how to find yours. She also tells Valerie about her early pageant background, where she draws inspiration from as a designer and gives her thoughts on the gowns at this years Miss America Pageant.
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Heather French Henry Part Two Heather talks about what led her back into the field of gown design after her reign as Miss America, and what she can offer as a designer, using her own pageant background. She also talks about some of the new trends in gowns, how the economy may impact gown selection, and her work with veterans.
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Ask Valerie! Valerie shares advice on hiding those pesky skin flaws during the swimsuit competition, getting sponsorships during a down economy, calming your nerves during the pageant interview, and whether or not panty hose should be part of your interview wardrobe.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Heather French Henry Born in the homeland of Rosemary Clooney, Heather was raised seeing stars. Before winning the title of Miss America 2000, Heather attended the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati dreaming of becoming the next Vera Wang. There she gained a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and a Masters of Design in Fashion while teaching Fashion Illustration. During her years as an undergrad and graduate student Heather competed for the title of Miss KY with the hopes of one day also becoming Kentucky’s first Miss America. One dream has already come true. After a fifth and final attempt at Miss Kentucky, Heather walked away with the coveted title, and then went on to Atlantic City to become Miss America 2000. Taking a year from her studies Heather traveled the nation championing veteran’s issues. From VA Hospitals, homeless veterans facilities, to the halls of Congress Heather traveled to help spread awareness about the plight of our national heroes. While on her tour Heather helped to lobby Congress for an imperative piece of Legislation, the Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act. After many sessions of dedicated lobbying the bill finally passed and has been put into action by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Still today Heather continues to work on behalf of veterans through her foundation, the Heather French Foundation for Veterans, Inc. Along side her passion for veterans Heather still harbors a love for fashion. Today Heather creates one-of-a-kind Couture Gowns for young women that dream of the same title she won in 2000, the title of Miss America. Click here to visit her website