There was a guy named Ernie Whiten, who was a hair and makeup artist, and he volunteered to become my mentor. Ernie saw something in me. He was good, and he was free, and I didn't have much money. He did it just because he was interested. I think he is a coach now, but then it was just informal.
Pageants are a training ground for the entertainment industry.
Pageants can help you make a start, but I don't necessarily think pageant experience teaches you how to succeed in show business. It certainly doesn't guarantee it. But there is one big similarity. When you're a beauty queen, you are out and about, interacting with all kinds of people. Some of them like pageant people and some don't, but you have to try to make them all like you.