Today we’d like to introduce you to Fanchon Page.
Hi Fanchon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I began my journey through the Miss Black Ohio Pageant system in 1994 when I competed in my very first pageant. Prior to that, I modeled in fashion and hair shows starting at the age of 10. I was approached by the late Verna Wood Adams, Director who approached me one day while I was working as a bank teller. She gave me her business card and asked if I’d be interested in participating in her Pageant. And that is how I started in this lifelong journey of miss black Ohio. When I competed for the first time, I did not win and placed in the bottom tier. I had no concept of pageants and for me, I just wanted to sing and showcase my voice. However, seeing the other young ladies perform and the seriousness, they showed it only made me realize how much of an opportunity this would be if I win. So, the following year I prepared to compete and won the title in 1996-97. This journey has been the light of my path for me over these past decades.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This was not a smooth journey for me After I took over the pageant system in 2001. I had no concept of running a business let alone a Pageant system. So, I learned through trial-and-error modeling other Pageant systems and of course the one that I had gained. In the beginning, I struggled to learn how all of the concepts worked because in pageants it’s various different levels to get to the final goal. This involves finances, recruiting, programming, and outreach. All of which I had no clue about in the beginning. However, over the years I’ve learned to use a simple model Pageant system that allows me to do all the tasks assigned and then bring in volunteers to execute the plan. Each year I strive to make it better, and more appealing and create an opportunity for these young ladies to compete in a Pageant system.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work consists of planning year after year to host an event that allows young ladies from central Ohio to compete in a pageant. I am known for my work with the Miss Black Ohio Pageant from being a contestant to my days when I held fundraising events to now being the State Pageant Director. I am most proud of developing a sustainable program that has afforded me an opportunity as a young adult to be molded and shaped by the work I’ve created. What sets me apart from others is my unique ability to multitask while planning an event to showcase to others. I found that the more consistent in hosting the pageant events the better the outcome, participation, recognition, and support received from the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The role of luck for me has been a positive influence on both my personal and business life experiences. I have spent my entire adult life in the pageant world. I’ve raised two beautiful children and have solicited family members who volunteer on a yearly basis to help with all of the pageant events. I often wonder had I not expressed my interest back in 2001 of my desires to own this Pageant, what my life would have been like for me and my family. You see, I came to be the new owner of this pageant after speaking with a friend of mine about his business when I expressed my desire to own the pageant since it had been dormant for years. Immediately, he got online, looked up the name, and saw it had expired, and before our call ended, I was the new owner. As my luck would have it, at the young age of 28, I become the CEO.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.missblackohio.com
- Instagram: Missblackohioamerica
- Facebook: Missblackohio
- Twitter: Missblackohio
