I did not start competing in pageants until the age of 17. Why did I start so late? Honestly, I thought pageants projected females in a negative light, and there was no way you would find me parading around on stage in an evening gown or better yet a two piece swimsuit. For years my mother tried to encourage me to participate in pageants, but I adamantly refused. She wanted me to expand my horizons and try new things. Now, 14 years later, I now understand my real reason for not competing.
I did not possess self-confidence nor did I think I was pretty enough to successfully compete. I struggled with self-image issues because I could not truly embrace my brown skinned features, glasses or braces (I eventually started liking them). Before I embarked upon this pageantry journey, I was a shy, reserved, nerdy girl. I cared more about books than looks. Sure there was nothing wrong with making straight A’s, serving on the academic and math teams, and burying my head in dozens of books, but there was much more to Krystle than just intellectual abilities.
I needed to find balance.
I needed to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, poise, and public speaking skills. I discovered this and much more through my pageant experiences.
Several pageant titles later, a pageant coaching business known as The Glamour Effect, and a pageant blog, KrystleBell.com. I can say pageantry has positively influenced my life. I have excelled beyond my wildest dreams, and I am empowering women and girls to do the same. Pageantry is not just about the crown; it is about celebrating the God given talents that are within. My mother’s encouragement enabled me to begin my journey to develop my royal confidence.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14 NIV)
How do you define royal confidence?
Born and raised in Roanoke, Alabama, Krystle Bell is a 2007 magna cum laude graduate of Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a double minor in Spanish/Business and Technical Writing. She is a 2011 graduate of Auburn University Montgomery with a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. She is employed by the Alabama League of Municipalities as the Training and Professional Development Administrator.
Currently residing in Montgomery, Alabama, Krystle has been competing in pageants since age 17. She has experience in the areas of competition, judging, coaching, directing, and emceeing. She was recently recognized by ThePageantPlanet.com as one of the “Top Four Pageant Hairstyles for Natural Hair”. She has a passion for endometriosis awareness, and she spends time educating others about this debilitating disease. She is a member of Faith Church, JSU Alumni Association, AUM Alumni Association, Black Girls RUN! Montgomery, Natural Girls Rock Global Brand Ambassador, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In her spare time, Krystle enjoys singing, reading, writing, public speaking, running, and modeling.