Dawn Reese Industry Interview

w/ Patsy McCutcheon, publisher & owner, Patsy's Magazine, a truly Superb National Pageant Coverage!! * . * . * . * . *

DR: Hi Patsy. Thanks for your time. How long's your magazine been in business & what's it really about?

PM: I started publishing a two page newsletter for the state of Florida only in January of 1992. It quickly caught on all over the United States and became the magazine it is today. The most important thing to know about Patsy's Magazine is the wealth of information it provides that you will never see in another publication. We have the most expensive list of pageants to enter in the USA. We also have a classified section for contestants to sell their outfits they have out grown, lots of pictures, articles, and advertisers for the industry. We truly have it all for all ages!!

DR: What is your background and how did you start out to have your own magazine?

PM: I had no journalism experience at all but had entered my granddaughter in several pageants in Florida. I soon realized that there was such a need for information on pageants that no one else was offering... such as dates & locations.

DR: How many people work for you to help get your magazine out around the United States?

PM: I basically layout the magazine myself each month. I do have a young man who helps me with those adorable Kandid Kamera Kuties pages, my printer and a local business that mails your bulk rate magazines across the US each month.

DR: Who have you met since you started your magazine that really impressed you?

PM: Now that is a truly hard question. I have met so many wonderful people over the years. There are so many I admire for different reasons. I think that I probably have been impressed the most by the love, support and encouragement I have received from everyone.

DR: Have you ever been in pageants yourself & if so, what one?

PM: Not at all. Just love to watch and cheer everyone else on to success!

DR: What is it that makes Patsy's Magazine different from others?

PM: I have been told by others that my magazine is different because they can tell that it is a very personal thing for me. It is not something I do for an income (although we have to have that too), but it truly comes from my Heart. I keep the magazine very positive and uplifting. We all need to feel positive energy to keep working on our goals in life. I try to provide that for anyone who may pick up a copy of the magazine... no matter what they are trying to accomplish in their life.

DR: What is your website for all to take a closer look at this Awesome Connection of mine?

PM: The website, found at PatsysMagazine.com, provides a real glimpse of what you will find in the publication each month. It also has information on advertising and subscribing.

DR: How can they buy your magazine? I assume your address & phone are listed online.

PM: You can subscribe online through our secure website with a credit card or print the subscription form and fax it to us OR mail it in with your check or money order, or you can just give me a call and we can take a subscription over the phone using credit card info. The address is: Patsy's Magazine, 4215 SE 11th Place, Ocala, FL  34471. Phone us at 352-694-5619. Fax us at 352-694-7942.

DR: You had the chance to meet with one of our favorites, Mr. Ron Rice, the owner of Hawaiian Tropic. Tell us about your get-together at his house. Had you ever met Ron before or judged a Hawaiian Tropic Pageant?

PM: Actually I had already met Ron Rice in Las Vegas in April of 98 while covering the International Hawaiian Tropic Finals. A very cordial man, indeed. I also then met him again with our friend Mark at Ron's beach house in Daytona Beach. We had the opportunity to meet Sterling and get to know her a little better while Mark shot some promotional material for PAPRO. What a delight Sterling is and, I must say, I am fascinated by her. She's an interesting young lady, very adaptable to any situation.

DR: How many Beauty Pageants and Talent Events have you judged through the years?

PM: Sorry.... this is one area I avoid. I do not enjoy judging and it would limit my contact with the people I enjoy meeting the most.... my subscribers!!

DR: I have been talking to you through out the years with my seminars, Pageants, Trade Shows. It IS really a small World. You had received an Awesome Award two years ago at The World Championships in Los Angeles. Do tell us about it, Patsy.

PM: I am so thrilled and honored to receive the Achievement Award for the Best National Pageant Publication from the International Pageant Association. In fact, I was just informed that Patsy's Magazine has received the award again for the 3rd consecutive year!! We are now the recipients for 1998, 1999, & 2000. We have flown to Los Angeles the last 2 years to accept the award from the President of the association, Griff O'Neil. What an honor!!

DR: I have heard & seen something over & over that I must bring up here. I've had many major Talent Agents and Casting Directors say to me, "If only the parents had a better attitude, I would sign the child for TV and Commercial assignment project offers". I'm talking not just a little, but a whole lot, and I have done the same when I was managing talents myself. Can you say something about Parents Attitude, as I have to note this myself? What are your thoughts on this, as we all have to help Parents know how Important they have to act, because they could lose a Quality Connection for their child to get directly to Top Agents, Casting Personnel, Film Producers, Record Deal Makers, etc.?

PM: You know Dawn, whether it is model, talent, pageants, sports, or everyday life, parents should always set the example for their children, and of course in my case now.... their grandchildren or anyone they happen to come in contact with. You have no idea sometimes if someone (even another adult) may be watching your reaction because they happen to admire or look up to you. I understand disappointment. I think we have all experienced that. But hold your head up high & hold your tongue. Let others see that you can accept the results of any situation with dignity.

DR: Do you think Pageants are changing for Talent to be seen by Agents, Casting & Production people?

PM: I love the model, talent and pageant industries, and yes, things are always changing. But I think for the most part... change is sometimes a very good thing. If people & pageant directors are not growing & changing... they're wasting time.

DR: Any Success Stories from talent you've seen in your magazine that went on to Film, TV or Print?

PM: I think everyone in my magazine would have success stories on some level. I don't really know of any particular case though, regarding TV or Film.

DR: If you could give Talent something really from the Heart, what would your words be to keep them going towards their Goals or Dreams in Life?

PM: Years ago, when I was first introduced to the pageant scene, I was entering my 6 month old granddaughter. Over the years, as she became aware of winning & losing, I always made her understand that ALL of the little girls were up there to win. They were all adorable, but they all wanted to win. Sometimes it WAS someone else's turn to win. Keep a positive attitude with your contestant. Try to remember that everyone came to WIN the big prize, or get the part, or win that one dance spot still open. The world is full of competition... you have to learn how to compete with grace & dignity in life every single day on some level.

DR: Thank you sooooooo much, Patsy. Your words are from experience & a very caring heart.

DR: Until next time, this is Dawn Reese. Reporting from Dawn 'til Dusk, simply because that's me! That is why I call myself The Winning Edge. Pageant Gals really need to bring Headshots and Demos to Pageants. Not leave them at home. This is so Important. If anyone is interested in the Demo Tape of the World Championships of Performing Arts, send $5 for postage. I can send it to you, and you will see this Awesome Event In Hollywood, California. Send $5 to: Winning Edge, P.O. Box 33722, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 33420

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