This year, Pepperdine’s own Kayla Brown competed in her second Miss Malibu pageant. Recently, the Graphic caught up with Kayla to learn more about her experiences competing in the pageant world.
Q: When and how did you get started with pageants?
A: About a year ago, a pageant scout dropped off some Miss Malibu flyers by my job. [With] the combination of peer pressure from my co-workers, family and friends, I decided I would look into the whole ‘pageant world.’ I found out that so many girls were Broadcast News majors like me, and I figured they must have been doing pageants for a reason! Little did I know, the Miss USA pageant system provides endless networking opportunities, from entertainment professionals to top-tier talent agencies; pageants are truly what you make of them. Plus, I am such a competitive person, so the opportunity to network career-wise as well as be involved in a competition was the best of both worlds for me.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your first time competing in Miss Malibu?
A: I have never been so nervous in my life … Miss Malibu is such an extravagant pageant, and for it to have been my first, it was a little bit overwhelming. I think what scared me most was the thought of losing, considering I had never lost in any competition before this pageant. I was elected class president every year in high school, homecoming queen, miss debutante, etc., so the idea of ‘losing’ was pretty foreign to me. Needless to say, Miss Malibu ended up being one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I didn’t win, I placed third runner up, but I walked away feeling empowered as ever. Ultimately realizing that there’s so much more to pageants aside from ‘winning’ or ‘losing,’ but growing as an individual and being courageous in all that you do.
Q: How did this year go?
A: I had the time of my life! This was my fourth pageant, so I’ve definitely gotten into the swing of things. I am way more comfortable on stage and being in the spotlight to answer impromptu questions. This year at Miss Malibu was easily my best pageant thus far. I placed first runner up. The overwhelming support from the audience and judges following the pageant was incredible, and although I didn’t walk away with the crown I still felt like a winner.
Q: What’s your favorite part of competing in pageants?
A: I talk, people listen, and I own the stage [laughter]. It seems rather narcissistic but as a Broadcast News major, it’s the ultimate high point.
I also love the additional community service aspect. Any way I can give back, I’m all for it.
Q: Any favorite memories or experiences from your time doing pageants?
A: The list is endless. Meeting E! Correspondent Kristina Guerrero at last year’s pageant as well as her agent was awesome. Her agent actually requested I send her my reel once I graduate, which is just one example of the amazing networking opportunities.
At Miss Malibu this year, I was standing on stage after they had just announced the winners, and I looked into the audience and Neil Patrick Harris points at me and says, “You’re my winner.” That was priceless.
My most favorite memory though is coming off stage and being greeted with the overwhelming love and support by my family and friends. No matter where I place, or how good or bad I do, they are forever there for me and are a constant reminder of why I can never give up.
Q: How has being a Pepperdine student affected you as far as competing for Miss Malibu?
A: I chose to attend Pepperdine because of the Christian mission. When I compete, my faith holds precedence in all I say and do. Even though contestants are directed to always remain impartial when asked controversial questions, when it comes to my faith I never stray away from standing firm on my Christian morals and values. I think Pepperdine has aided in my growth as a Christian and that growth translates into my performance at pageants as well.
Q: What have you learned from your experiences?
A: Do today what others won’t, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t. This is a motto I have learned to live by. When I started doing pageants it wasn’t necessarily the ‘cool’ thing to do. I think the term ‘pageant girl’ carries a certain stereotype and I was afraid to be that girl. But like everything in life, there are two sides to every story, and I now see pageants in a completely different light. In this case I took a risk and got involved in something that has the potential to benefit myself and my community for the rest of my life. I decided to do what others weren’t necessarily open to doing, and now doors continue to open.
Not conforming to a predisposed ‘standard’ but being comfortable in your own skin and standing out is what makes you a true winner.
Q: Do you plan to continue?
A: I am no quitter, but I do have bigger and better goals to achieve. I will compete in Miss California USA state pageant again this year. Last year was my first state pageant and I placed in the top 10 out of 300 plus girls, so it only makes sense to give it a try once more. But, that will be my last pageant. Unless, God willing, I win.
