Royal Spotlight: Amelia Lisowe, Little Miss of the Natural State 2020

The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. This month I have the pleasure of featuring Amelia Lisowe, Little Miss of the Natural State 2020.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Amelia Lisowe and I’m 9 years old. I live in Arkansas and I am in the 4th grade. I LOVE to dance, and I am starting my 6th year as a competitive dancer with the Arkansas Dance Center Company. Last summer (2019) I won a national championship for my solo. Musical theater is my favorite style of dance because it mixes my first love with another. I love acting and have been in 5 shows at my local community theatre, including playing Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street this past Christmas. I love volunteering, but I have often been told that I am too young to volunteer so when I was 7, I began figuring out ways that I could give back on my own.

I began collecting nightlights for foster children and through a wonderful series of events and support from organizations and companies across the US, I have founded my non-profit, Lisowe’s Lights. Through Lisowe’s Lights, I have donated almost 5,000 nightlights to foster children in every state in the US. I’m also currently Little Miss of the Natural State (American Pageants).

When did you start competing in pageants?

I competed in my first pageant when I was 7. I had an appointed state title, and my first time on a pageant stage was at nationals.

Why do you compete in pageants?

So many reasons!!! I love being on stage! Plus, with American Pageants I get to focus on things I love to do, like volunteering. I get to show other kids that volunteering can be a lot of fun and even though we are little kids, we can make a difference. I have made so many new friends doing pageants.

How many titles have you won?

2 titles; I was runner up to Little Miss of America last year =)

Tell us about the American Pageants system.

American Pageants focuses on girls for who they are and not how they look. They put an accent on achievement in young ladies and women. We fill out a resume in three categories, have a judge’s interview, and do on-stage poise and personality. We have lots of fun optionals and I cannot wait to compete in some at nationals. We also do a fun state introduction where we get to dress up like someone or something famous from our state. I cannot wait to show mine off this year!

What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?

I’ve learned how to talk to all kinds of people. When I started pageants at 7 I talked to adults but not really a lot outside of family and teachers. Now I’ve been interviewed by reporters, been on TV, did interviews with judges, given talks in front of hundreds of people. Even though I still get nervous, it feels a lot more natural now.

What are your future plans for your pageant career?

I’ll compete at American Pageants’ Nationals this fall in Atlanta, and I can’t wait. Then I’ll crown my Arkansas successor early next year. After that who knows?!?!

What words of advice do you live by?

Practice like you’ve never won and perform like you’ve never lost. Whether it is on stage in a play, dancing, or in a pageant, practicing hard is important. I love the feeling of leaving it all on the stage after a performance.

Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?

Email: littlemissofarkansas18@gmail.com

Facebook: Little Miss of the Natural State

Instagram: LittleMissoftheNaturalState

Facebook & Instagram: Lisowe’s Lights