"What if you don't win?"

The most popular question I have been presented with as my days wind down is "What if you don't win?"  This is actually a favorite of mine and a chance to educate others.  So what does happens if I don't "win"?  Well, I can tell you that each and every contestant is a winner, we all have qualified through state or at large requirements.  Being said, the moment we all step foot in Jacksonville we all already Queens!

The moment you start thinking about the negative and that only one person will win you are putting yourself into the wrong mindset.  Do I think that I am going to win, of course I do!  I believe in myself, my story, my why.  I have worked as hard as I can and my destiny has been set.  Do the other 66 contestants think that they are also going to win? Of course they do, as they should.

We are all focusing on taking home the title but more importantly we are focusing on all the other things that will happen at the international pageant.  When else will I find myself surrounded by women who are just as passionate, educated, and driven as myself.  We will have the chance to share our stories and educate others on our charity and platform work.  The best part about this is that each contestant will then take our stories with them back to their corner of the world.  In a matter of days, we will all have new audiences and new interest!

Life long friends are also on the agenda for many of us.  We are going to be meeting women from many different states, regions, and countries and I could not be more excited.  My roommate for this pageant will be Mrs. South Africa International 2015, Fransisca Liebenberg!

Being a pageant contestant is akin to being surrounded by sisters.  While we are technically competing against each other, we are competing with ourselves.  Never in my life have I seen a more professional and dedicated group of women than I have in pageantry.  We will all be rooting for each other as the finalists are named.  We will be hooking dresses and assisting with zippers.  We will be sharing backstage spaces and holding each others hands.

One amazing woman will be crowned and her life will change forever.  So what happens if it's not me? Not much....I will continue to be me, I will continue to dedicate my life to serving those with special needs, I will continue to be Mrs. New Jersey International 2015!

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

It Takes A Village!

I am sitting here writing this and am in complete disbelief that I am less than 1 week away from continuing my journey to Jacksonville.  I am beyond excited to meet my pageant sisters and to share my passion for my platform.  I am so excited that I have been packed for nearly 6 weeks now! Each and every last detail has been planned and accounted for and I can hardly wait.

Before I go I must take the time to thank my "village".  My family has been my rock and the reason why I can do so many appearances, nearly 80 already!  I am thankful for their unending love and support.  My husband has chosen to do everything he can do to accommodate my appearance schedule and ensure that our children still thrive.  My parents are making the journey to Jacksonville to support me in person and I am over the moon!  My sisters are always calling and following my activities on social media.  My in laws are caring for my children for the competition week and are in great hands.

I am lucky to feel so loved and hope that the judges see in me what my family does.  I am prepared, I am confident, and I am ready.  Let's go and bring the title back to New Jersey!!!!

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

The letter "S"

The letter "S" is such an important part of my pageantry journey.  With out all of my "s"'s I would not be where I am today.

Sponsors-  Without the generous financial support from my sponsors my journey to the crown would not be possible.  In total I have gained sponsors from 9 different states.  Whenever possible I promote my sponsors to show my appreciation.  My sponsors this year include but are not limited too- Bob and Dee Baker; Don, Lisa, and Alex Mount; Charles and Susie Mack; Dan and Bonnie Jensen; Tyler Mack; Katie Bulmann; Scott Richter; Christina and Angie Dunnington; Darlene Michelle Designs; Central NJ Ballet Theatre; Sports World; A+ Athletes; Bordentown Home for Funerals; Randy Now's Man Cave; Stony Brook Sew N Vac; UPS Store of Bordentown; Drone Prosthodontics; John Tucker; Arena Dance and Bodywear; Formals XO; Lillian Benevento; Klee Lightner; Salon DSK; Hamilton Area YMCA; The Cakebox by Neelma; and the Miller Family.

Support- My family and friends have been by my side and are the reason I have accomplished so much.  From supporting me as my local title, Mrs. Bordentown to my state title, Mrs. New Jersey International 2015, and all the way to the Mrs. International stage, I have had the best group of people behind me.  Without all the mental, emotional, and physical help I could not be as successful as I am.  I have already accomplished my appearance goal for the year even before setting off for the International competition.  I have completed 75 appearances to date with many more to come!  I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have been a part of my fairytale dream come true.

Sisters- I am so lucky to live in a geographically small state.  My Miss Teen and Miss New Jersey International 2015 are within reach whenever I need them.  Given the fact that we all live within one and a half hours of each other we are able to support each others platforms as much as possible.  I know that I am fortunate to interact with my pageant sisters on a regular basis.  We were all very excited to be the first group of "Cessna Girls" to do the annual Altoona trip all together.  We have had amble opportunity to bond and still have many more months to work together.  Thank you to Teya Cartegena-Walsh and Abbey O'Connor for sharing my journey with me!

 

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015