Miss Teen Kentucky World 2009, Shannen Reil
Once again, the organization that claims no "winner take all" begins a new season. As Miss Teen Kentucky-World (MTKW) and Miss Kentucky US International (MKUSI) close the 2009 season, all parties involved reflect on an amazing year in fashion and photography. "We have seen huge opportunity and long successful strides taken by those local title holders that remain in-touch with the organization. It is a choice the contestant must make to remain in touch and be proactive about the opportunities MTKW / MKUSI offer", says Lisa Clark, Executive Director.
This year MTKW and MKUSI have new and exciting partnerships, the first of which is with Lexington, Kentucky fashion designer Soreyda Benedit-Begley. Soreyda was featured on August www.fashionberry.com also the feature model (Shay)is wearing her designs. She is now featured on Skirt Magazine, and in Atlanta magazine, www.urbanmainstream.com Sept. issue. She is the only local designer featured on the Zeugma Fashion Book by Andrew Kung and will be showing her collection at Virginia Beach Fashion Week along with Jonathan Kayne. Soreyda was recently asked, by the Kentucky Proud Store to sell her designs in their store and to do a fashion show during the visit of Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay in October for The Incredible Food Show the first week of October. Finally, for now, Soreyda has been invited to 11 other shows for the fall. We are blessed to be promoting Soreyda, who is an amazing designer. She will be designing the opening number costume for all contestants. If you have seen her designs, you understand, that is a VERY exciting thing!
As fate would have it, Andrew Kung, the previously mentioned photographer, is now also the official Artistic Photographer for MTKW and MKUSI. Andrew Kung graduated from the University of Kentucky with two degrees and pursues his art of photography adamantly. Having a Chinese heritage, and having spent much time living across the United States, Andrew has been surrounded by many different cultures. This heavy immersion in culture can often be seen reflected in his work today. Also as the principal photographer for the Pinnacle 10 agency, he is passionate about developing and growing both himself and the agency as he focuses on fashion and editorial portraiture. As an avid fan of lighting techniques, his work has also drawn the interest of both a variety of modeling/talent agencies and advertising agencies in the region who continue to work with him on multiple commercial assignments. Fueled by sushi and bottled water, his passion for photography can only be rivaled by is passion for music. His work has been deemed surreal and dramatic.
"It is our goal to help young women try to find the fastest, most successful path into modeling, acting and/or whatever your goals are.", says Clark, "This coming year, each contestant will get a collective recommendation from this organization, on exactly what path the contestant should take in order to be successful (a runway model, a print model, a face model, a dancer, an actor, etc...) and the best resources we have found for giving (the contestant) a fighting chance. We will give all the resources and information need to start building a resume/portfolio and quickly moving forward with a career without being subjected to those who's goals are to benefit themselves and leave others to fend for themselves. It is our goal to protect from those who solicit investment with no return. This organization works hard all year from the very moment a contestant is accepted as a local title, to find great opportunities for all who are involved. It is not a promise nor is it an obligation. It is simply the nature of this organization. Many very exciting opportunities are coming out of this event now and many more will come. I say, If you think dreams are not reachable, you are very wrong. You will find opportunity in this program. "
Miss Kentucky US International Miss Junior Teen Kentucky-World and the Miss Teen Kentucky-World organizations are both currently seeking young women, (ages 9-25) to compete for the 2010 state titles. This year's pageant will be held at the beautiful Center for Rural Development in Somerset Kentucky. To apply for a local title you may contact apply@misskentucky.net.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
