We recently connected with Kristi Wischnack and have shared our conversation below.

Kristi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

As a prom and pageant dress shop, my job everyday is to make women and girls feel special, scene and beautiful. Taking that extra time one on one to help them see how beautiful they are is what I do. Sometimes ladies come in with an idea of what they want or like, getting them to open up, try new styles or colors and then seeing their full potential is exciting. Watching them light up when they see what I see, is worth the steps it takes to get there. It is not always easy, but in the end it is worth pushing them outside of their normal comfort zone to create a new and more exciting look for them. Usually the excitement and smile says it all before the words ever come!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am happily married to my husband of 18 years. A mom of 6 (4 boys and 2 girls). Both of my daughters competed in pageants for years, long before I stepped on the stage at the age of 41. I own a small business Glamour Girl Boutique Prom and Pageant in Omaha Nebraska. My husband retired from the military after 23 years and we transferred to Omaha with the Rail road. Here we have settled in for our two youngest children to finish school.

I have been fortunate enough to hold 2 national and 5 international pageant titles myself. Through the process I have learned that dressing women for prom and competition is something I truly love! I have helped many clients go on to design and create custom winning designs with some of the industry’s top designers. I believe every woman deserves to feel beautiful and have that their moment. Watching creations come to life on and off the stage is really what it is about for me.

I have been very fortunate to have many people support my pageant career and I know how much it meant to me, I want to be that for others. That is why I created Nation of States Pageant and have successfully celebrated 5 years. Creating a stage for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Where everyone matters and it’s “not just a crown”. It is a true sisterhood of support, friendship and the opportunity to give back to charities across the United States.

Through my passion I have been honored to receive many awards and nominations, my favorite was Director of the year. Knowing how much I pour into every contestant and that they feel my love and devotion, means I am doing my job right!
I have won individual awards in the pageant world such as fitness awards, photogenic awards and more. All humbling, but giving back to others is where my heart really feels impactful.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My first independent national pageant was scheduled to take place summer 2020. But, on December 13, 2019 I lost my oldest son to fentanyl. I was lost, broken and to be honest devastated. Everything in me was shattered, but I knew I have 60+ contestants depending on me for a great event. I reminded myself daily that I was strong, I was resilient and that I could do this and put on a spectacular event through my own pain and grief. I took the worst days of my life and put all that sadness into my work and produced an amazing event in which we also raised charity money in memory of my son Zack.

The contestants, parents, friends and family all came together to empower each other, myself and really gave it all they had. Not only did I put on an amazing event, the queens gave me the strength to carry on and focus on all I had to offer to them. It really was a win-win for all.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I am not sure I would say this is an unlearning experience but definitely an experience I learned from. Years ago I had a small clothing boutique in Kansas and I knew exactly what great customer service was and is all about. I would do personal shopping for many of my clients. I had built and earned their respect, trust and loyalty. Honesty goes a long ways when you are asking people to spend money with you and trust your opinion. Some of those same customers are still my current clients today! Later I went to work for another store in the industry and honesty was less than valued. Being asked to lie, cheat and overcharge people on a daily basis, was just not my cup of tea. While I loved my job of helping dress people and creating special designs, the other part that was asked of me was less than professional and ethical. I knew when I opened my current location that morals, ethics and honesty with great customer service was and would always be at the forefront of my brand and motto. Offering a service while always making sure I can fulfill that order, design, dress and meet the customers expectations.
Now does that mean I am perfect, absolutely not. I learn everyday, but my heart is in the right place and I do my very best to offer a service I would personally want as a competitor and owner.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.glamourgirlpromandpageant.com
• Instagram: glamourgirlprom
• Facebook: kristiwischnack
• instagram: kristiwischnack
• Facebook: Glamourgirlboutique
• Facebook: nationofstates

Image Credits
Fels photo Devine studio Jamie H Stacy