We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Almanza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Florida Petite is dedicated to serving a community that is often overlooked in the world of pageantry. Most pageants typically set a height requirement of 5’7″ or taller, which can leave petite women feeling excluded and undervalued. Our pageant, however, is designed specifically for women who are 5’6″ or shorter.

Imagine a young woman who has always dreamed of participating in a pageant. Growing up, she admired the grace and poise of pageant queens but felt disheartened by the height requirements that seemed to stand in her way. She often wondered if there was a place where her height could be seen as an asset rather than a limitation.

That’s where Florida Petite steps in. By creating a platform that celebrates petite women, we provide a stage where they can shine, share their stories, and make a meaningful impact. Emma finally found her place with us, where she could showcase her talents, advocate for issues she cares about, and connect with others who share her experiences.

Florida Petite isn’t just about beauty; it’s about empowerment. We give petite women the opportunity to use their voices and their platform to influence others positively. It matters because representation is crucial, and by embracing women of all heights, we challenge traditional norms and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our pageant is a beacon of inclusivity, ensuring that every woman, regardless of her stature, has a chance to be seen and heard.

Rachel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born in Cuba and moved to the United States with my parents at a young age. From an early age, I was captivated by the world of beauty and pageantry. I began competing in pageants at just 15, and my passion for this field only grew stronger as I got older.

Over the years, as I participated in numerous pageants, I realized that my true calling was to help other women discover the self-confidence and empowerment that pageantry had given me. This realization led me to pursue a new path as a pageant director, and I’ve been proudly directing the Florida Petite Pageant for almost five years now.

Florida Petite is more than just a pageant; it’s a celebration of women who are 5’6″ or shorter, providing a platform where they can shine and make a difference. We offer petite women an opportunity to gain confidence, develop their personal skills, and engage in meaningful community activities. Our pageant stands out because it specifically caters to those who are often overlooked in traditional pageants, embracing every height and celebrating the unique qualities of each participant.

In addition to Florida Petite, I am immensely proud of founding the C.R.O.W.N. Network, a women’s community that extends beyond the pageant world. C.R.O.W.N. stands for Creating Real Opportunities for Women Now, and it is dedicated to fostering self-confidence, personal growth, and sisterhood among women. Through this network, women build lasting friendships and support each other in their journeys towards becoming their best selves.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that our work at Florida Petite and C.R.O.W.N. Network is about much more than pageants. It’s about empowering women to embrace their true selves, enhance their personal and professional lives, and become part of a supportive community. Whether it’s through the pageant stage or our network, we are committed to helping women grow in confidence, elegance, and camaraderie.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been a transformative journey for us, and consistency and innovation have been key to our success. When we first started sharing content, it was important to establish a clear and engaging presence that resonated with our target audience. We made sure to stay active and consistent with our postings, regularly sharing updates about the Florida Petite Pageant and the C.R.O.W.N. Network.

One of the most effective strategies was to leverage trending features and formats, like Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. These platforms allow us to reach a wider audience and capture their attention with engaging and dynamic content. By keeping up with trends and creating content that aligns with what’s popular, we’ve been able to increase our visibility and attract more followers.

Another crucial aspect was documenting and posting about events. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, highlights from pageant activities, or inspirational stories from our community, sharing these moments helps people connect with our brand and understand what we stand for. This real-time sharing creates a sense of involvement and excitement around our events, making it easier for new followers to discover and engage with us.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay consistent and innovative. Regularly posting and engaging with your audience is essential to maintaining visibility and building a loyal following. Experiment with different types of content and formats to see what resonates most with your audience, and always be ready to adapt to new trends and technologies.

Remember, social media is a powerful tool for connecting with people and sharing your story. By staying active, embracing creativity, and engaging with your audience, you’ll be well on your way to growing a vibrant and supportive community around your brand.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

First and foremost, reading the Bible has been a cornerstone in guiding my approach to business. It keeps me grounded in God’s word and helps me navigate the challenges of running a kingdom business with integrity and purpose. The principles and values found in the Bible influence how I operate and interact with others, ensuring that my work aligns with a higher calling.

Another significant resource is Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker. This book has been instrumental in helping me think big and cultivate a mindset geared toward success and abundance. It challenges limiting beliefs and encourages a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to achieving one’s goals.

Additionally, Living Beyond Your Feelings by Joyce Meyer has been incredibly valuable in managing the emotional aspects of running a business. Working with women and dealing with a variety of personalities can sometimes be emotionally challenging, and this book has taught me how to control my emotions and not take things personally. It’s a vital skill in maintaining a positive and effective leadership style.

These resources have collectively contributed to a well-rounded approach to entrepreneurship, blending spiritual guidance with practical strategies for success and emotional resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.petiteusa.com/florida
• Instagram: @rachelalmanza
• Facebook: Rachel Almanza
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-almanza-957209284/
• Twitter: @rachelalmanza
• Youtube: Rachel Almanza
• Yelp: Rachel Almanza