Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

Video and photography by Noel Calubaquib

The meticulously orchestrated event was broadcast on The CW, featuring accomplished hosts from E! News—Keltie Knight and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton for Miss USA and Justin Sylvester for Miss Teen USA.  The Miss USA judges’ chairs were filled with celebrities who were admired by the large audience and the beauty queens alike; including, designer and businesswoman Nicole Miller, actress, director, producer, and entrepreneur Vivica A. Fox, Countess Luann De Lesseps, model, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian, as well as beauty entrepreneur and founder of One/Size Beauty, Patrick Starrr.  The judges for the Miss Teen USA pageant were actress, producer and entrepreneur Emily Shah; founder of Kopu Water Mindy Mahy; the first Miss Teen USA Ruth Zakarian; entrepreneur and television personality, and Stand Up Comedian Kae Cazorla; and model and content creator Tabitha Swatosh with Chris Persky and current Miss Teen USA Faron Medhi served as commentators.  Jordan Kimball and the reigning Miss USA, Morgan  Romano, served as commentators for the event.

Dash Talents conducted exclusive interviews with the judges on the red carpet, seeking advice for the competing ladies. The judges emphasized that they were in search of a winner who embodies the complete package, placing utmost importance on authenticity and confidence.  We sought guidance from the renowned beauty guru, Patrick Starrr, for makeup artists working behind the scenes. His straightforward advice? Just go for it!  

This year, The Miss USA Organization proudly welcomed Laylah Rose as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing a wealth of experience and dynamic leadership to the pageant world.  Laylah Rose comes from a lineage of five generations of resilient female leaders, each an example of success and determination in their respective fields as entrepreneurs, CEOs, and businesswomen. Prior to assuming her role at Miss USA, Laylah Rose was the CEO of the VIP Pageantry Network and the owner/designer of the esteemed clothing brand, Laylah Rose Couture. With a myriad of accolades to her name, Laylah Rose emerges as the essential leader for the Miss USA organization. Her passions extend beyond the realm of fashion, encompassing philanthropy and education. Laylah Rose’s unwavering commitment lies in maintaining the elevated status and community impact of the Miss USA organization. As we look ahead, we eagerly anticipate the lasting influence she will undoubtedly imprint on this organization in the years to come.

72nd Miss USA and Miss Teen USA events. This time, delegates were given the freedom to bring their chosen glam teams during the week leading up to the finale. Instead of being tied to a specific beauty brand or team, artists from across the United States had the chance to showcase their creative talents. Yelena Scheidler from Dash Talents was part of a team of hair and makeup artists (Hernan Rivera, Mike and Maricruz Martinez), focusing on glamming Miss Maryland USA Savena Mushinge, Miss New York USA Rachelle Di Stasio, and Miss Teen Maryland USA Madelyn Posey. The delegates enjoyed personalized glam sessions followed by photos, capturing the essence of their beautiful experience.

Visit https://themissusa.com/

Video by Noel Calubaquib, interview and article by Yelena Scheidler 

Dash Talents was honored to step into the beautiful home of Dahlia Mahmood of Dahlia Design LLC, who is one of the top influential interior designers and builders in the WORLD.  Creating dream homes, palaces, and even museums for celebrities, pro athletes, royalty, and more, Dahlia has accumulated a number of national and international awards for her unmatched work and ethic.  While adding a touch of glam to everything around her, she brings a lot of heart too.  And it is Dahlia’s heart that sets her far apart.

Yelena Scheidler sat down with Dahlia for a heart to heart interview.  To witness such success  unfold, we couldn’t help but wish to learn where this talent began, and what continues to be the driving force behind each masterpiece Dahlia and her team create.  This is an exceptional inspirational story that every adult and child should hear.

Born in sunny California, Dahlia was inspired by her regular trips to Disney World, paying attention to all the beautiful details and the magical environments that Walt Disney created. At the age 5, Dahlia recognized her passion for interior design, and her world changed.  “Mom, be prepared, I’m going to be a famous interior designer” she said.  Being the first generation born in the United States to a family of royal ancestry, who came from Iraq to pursue higher education, childhood was not a walk in the park.  She had to learn early on in life to be independent and work hard for her dreams.  Strong women were her driving force.

With determination to succeed, Dahlia launched Dahlia Design at age 17. Her first celebrity client was Chris Tucker, who then introduced her to many other celebrity friends, such as Michael Jackson. Soon Dahlia began working with royalty and other powerful clients.

Portrait by Noel Calubaquib, makeup by Yelena Scheidler 

Dahlia posed next to Domenico Camniti, president of iDOGI as she won the prestigious international iDOGI award among thousands of interior designer applicants, making her the most influential designer in the world.

Caron Butler, NBA champion and assistant coach of Miami Heat, is Dahlia’s long time client of 6 home masterpiece projects.

Dahlia has worked on some of the most visible projects under the greatest of pressure, such as designing Saudi King Abdullah’s Cultural Hall and Museum in Northern Virginia.  What an accomplishment to be chosen out of so many designers, an American-born Iraqi woman, to capture the king’s legacy before his death.  At the same time, her passion are God’s children, and she has created some of the most magical bedrooms and nurseries in the world.

After speaking with Dahlia Mahmood, we are certain that she will make history, already has.  There is no doubt.  All her life, she was told that her dreams were not valid, based on her last name.  But with hard work, determination, and respect, Dahlia far surpassed all expectations, and now she wants to empower other Arab-American women like her to follow their vision, to believe in themselves, and to not give up.  She was faced with the deepest of challenges, and yet here she is.  Please visit dahliadesign.net and @dahliadesignllc on Instagram for further inspiration.

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

Video and photography by Noel Calubaquib

The castings are a long process, and the models must be at their best in terms of physical appearance, poise, and confidence. The casting panel was looking for models with unique looks, strong walking skills, and the ability to showcase the clothing in the best possible light. The RVAFW Casting panel included agencies and scouts including Noel Calubaquib, RoRo Yone, and Yelena Scheidler of Dash Talents,   Misty James of James Talent Group, Kim Alley, Chelsea and Kenny Cushing of AF Talent Management.  The key decision makers included Executive Directors Ryan Azia and Chanel Nelson, Model Coach Brickell French, and Logistics Director Kristin Dukes.

For new models, the castings are a chance to make a first impression and secure a spot in one of the most sought-after fashion events in the country. It is a nerve-wracking experience, but it is also a chance for them to showcase their talent and prove themselves to the industry.

Existing models, on the other hand, have the advantage of experience, but they also face the pressure of maintaining their reputation and securing future work. They know that their performance at the castings will directly impact their careers, and they are determined to put their best foot forward.

In conclusion, the RVAFW castings are a crucial event for both new and established models in Richmond, Virginia. They represent a unique opportunity to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves in the industry. The models are eager and determined to give their best performance and leave a lasting impression on the casting panel.

Visit www.rvafw.com

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

During the show, it was an honor to interview the famous shoe designer and Miss Universe sponsor Jojo Bragais and the International Pageant Coach Jan Quijano.  Jojo created the shoes that all queens wore on stage while Jan taught many queens how to properly walk in them.  What a combo!

The highlight of our trip was, of course, the Miss Universe pageant. As we walked into the New Orleans Convention Center on January 15, we were immediately struck by the energy and excitement in the air.  There were fans and supporters from all over the world.  The stage was set up with all its glitz and glam, and the contestants were all dressed in sparkly dresses, ready to compete. 

To match the ambiance, Dash Talents Team: Noel Calubaquib, Yelena Scheidler, and RoRo Yone arrived looking sharp in custom suits by Aurelius Suits and ethereal gown by raMona Designs.  

Jojo Bragais display of the official Miss Universe shoes caught our attention as soon as we walked in.  The variety of the hand-made shoe styles were elegantly arranged on top of decorative columns.  Luckily Yelena Scheidler already had a gold pair on to match her gold gown.

As the pageant began, we were blown away by the level of talent and beauty on display. The contestants from all around the world had brought their A-game, showcasing their stunning evening gowns, intricate national costumes, and impressive personalities. Hosts Jeanie Mai Jenkins and Olivia Culpo shortly announced the top 16.  These beauties were:

Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino; Miss Haiti Madeline Phelizor; Miss Australia Monique Riley; Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez; Miss Laos Payengxa Lor; Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri; Miss Portugal Telma Madeira; Miss Canada Amelia Tu; Miss Peru Alesia Rovegno Cay; Miss Trinidad Tya Jane Ramney; Miss India Divita Rai; Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel Newmen; Miss Spain Alicia Faubel; Miss Curaçao Gabriela Dos Santos; Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel; Miss Colombia Maria Fernanda Aristzabal

The swimsuit and evening gown rounds were our personal favorites, where the ladies showcased their physiques and poise gracefully.

But what impressed us the most was how the contestants carried themselves off-stage. They were all intelligent, articulate and well-informed, they answered questions on various subjects with poise and confidence.

Following swimsuit and gown rounds, the number of queens in the running went down to 5; including: Venezuela, USA, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic.  Based on their answers to judges’ questions, the list became even smaller including Venezuela, USA, and Dominican Republic.

At the end of 2022, Miss Universe, once owned by Donald Trump, followed by IMG, was bought by Jakapong Jakrajutatip.  She addressed the audience during the pageant making a strong message about giving women the real power. She is a big proponent of social equality and humanity.

We thoroughly enjoyed the performances by Tank and the Bangas – a Grammy-nominated music group from New Orleans; and Amanda Shaw – a fiddler, singer, songwriter, producer, and actress also native to Louisiana.

The show was taken to the ultimate next level when the legendary Yolanda Adams graced the stage singing “I’m Every Woman”. Her voice, and presence were her greatest gifts.

Even within the greatest of beauty, there can be significant pain.  Pain does not discriminate.  We were reminded of this as Cheslie Kryst‘s mother April Simpkins’ bravely stood on stage to talk about Miss USA 2019’s battle with depression which lead to the saddest of moments in the pageant history – her death.  Since that day Cheslie Kryst Women’s Advancement Fund has been established, continuing her legacy of empowering, advancing and supporting women through their employment journey.

Fans, supporters, and family traveled from all over the world to take part in the historic day.

In the end, it was Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel, who was crowned Miss Universe 2022. R’Bonney Gabriel a 28-year-old fashion designer, was a definite standout from the start of the competition and her victory was met with cheers and applause from the crowd.  She lives by ‘If not now then when’ and we feel that.

As the pageant came to a close and the contestants took their final walk, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. The Miss Universe pageant is not just about beauty, it’s about empowering women to be confident, ambitious, and to strive for their goals.

Attending Miss Universe 2023 in New Orleans was a dream come true, and we look forward to taking part in the next year’s event in El Salvador.