Contestant & Sponsor Testimonials

This was my first year ever competing in a pageant. In June, I became Ms. California & in October, I became Ms. Woman United States!!! I could not be more thrilled & I'm so grateful for all the ways our Director, Tara Rice, went above & beyond to help me grow as a woman, produce a phenomenal show & mentor me to lead and serve in both my titles. While this was my first pageant, I am certain Tara goes above & beyond: - coaching & mentorship: from when I was first interested in pageantry to understanding my journey as a woman, practicing my speech and interview & preparing for the national stage, Tara really cares and devotes time to answering my questions and guiding me. - organization: everything was crystal clear from start to finish and continues to be that way. The pageant show ran on time which is a huge feat with multiple states & divisions. Tara offered posing rehearsals, individual posing sessions, interview overview calls. She hosted zoom calls on each of the categories with ample time so we could prepare. She provided headshot photo shoots with both hair & makeup included in both the state & national fees - genius - and much more cost effective & fun than on your own.- integrity: her heart is to help women grow in their purpose and give back to others!! She works A LOT but it comes from a place of generosity & integrity. - sisterhood: she promotes a healthy, positive atmosphere for women to connect, bond & uplift each other - opportunity: with Tara, I've had opportunity to go on live TV, participate in various community service / appearances and I will interview at the Oscars in March - just a few examples. Competing with her has opened up my world. - prize packages: countless sponsors & winners prize packages. She continues to look for opportunities for her titleholders throughout the year. 
Mallery Stone, Ms California United States & Ms Woman United States 2024 

For 12 years, Tara has helped me grow as a woman. Back then, I was so unconfident in high school from being bullied. Tara helped me gain all my confidence back which allowed me to be crowned Miss Nevada. Not only is Tara an amazing director, she also helps you find your true purpose, and reach within yourself. Tara is an example of a director that not only pushes you and motivates you to win, but also encourages you, and helps you become the best version of yourself. I would not be the successful woman I am today without Tara. I can't think of any other person who deserves this award more than Tara Rice! 
Shalini Quattlebaum, Miss Nevada United States 2024

Participating in the 2024 Miss West Coast Pageant was an incredible introduction to the world of pageantry. As a first-time contestant, I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming and inclusive experience, thanks to the guidance and support of Tara Rice, the exceptional pageant director. Tara's dedication to every contestant's success was evident from the start. She went above and beyond by offering additional group practice sessions, which were invaluable for building confidence and refining stage presence. She also made herself available for 1:1 coaching, ensuring each of us felt fully prepared and supported throughout the process. The pageant gift package was another standout aspect as it was thoughtfully curated and filled with meaningful items that added an extra layer of excitement and appreciation to the experience. The Miss West Coast Pageant fostered an environment of camaraderie and encouragement, and I'm grateful to have made lifelong friendships with an incredible group of women. Miss West Coast offers more than just a pageant; it provides an empowering and enriching experience. Thank you, Tara, for creating such a positive and unforgettable introduction to pageantry!
Amanda Henry, Mrs Arizona United States 2024 
I have competed in many different pageant systems and I always come back to compete for Tara! As a director, she dedicates so much time to each contestant to ensure every competitor feels comfortable and confident on stage and after competing in her system. And she does this for ALL contestants!! As for her queens, she has connections with incredible sponsors and resources to best prepare her state titleholders for top placements at Nationals! Not only is she one of the best runway and interview coaches herself; she obtains sponsorships from makeup teams, hair salons, med spas, acting and modeling schools, photographers, and many others who provide discounted or free services to ALL who participate in her system! Tara is so genuine and really works hard to give her girls the best of the best. Her productions and events are always timely, organized, and beautiful! She provides everything a girl could need to be able to confidently compete in a pageant for the first time or the 10th time - from headshot styling and photo including hair and makeup, gowns, and jewelry (just for signing up!), to runway coaching, wardrobe selection, platform development, interview prep - Tara is supportive far before and far beyond pageant day and I truly value having her as a role model and mentor! I have grown so much through competing in her system and learned so much from her. If you want to truly get the most out of a pageant experience, I will always recommend Tara and West Coast Pageant Productions to any age. 
Shelby Waldron, Miss Arizona United States 2024 

I've been competing in pageants for 5+ years and Miss West Coast is one of the best systems I have competed in! This is an excellent system for first-time pageant contestants as well as seasoned veterans. Tara is an incredible director who keeps her contestants constantly informed on everything they need to know. There are so many fun and unique opportunities including photoshoots, modeling workshops, appearance opportunities, and more! Even though I didn't win a title at Miss West Coast, I decided to take a leap of faith and compete at-large in the Miss United States national pageant. Tara helped me every step of the way and provided me with one-on-one coaching in interview, swimsuit, evening gown, and my personal platform promise. She instilled an incredible level of confidence in me, and thanks to her, I placed 3rd runner-up at the national pageant. I could not have made it this far without Tara's guidance. The skills I learned at the Miss West Coast pageant will carry me throughout the rest of my pageant journey and beyond.
Nicole Greene, 2024 Contestant 

Tara could not have made this experience any more amazing. Tara is the woman I look up to and can call in a time of need and she will give the best, most real, and supportive advice. Tara is always in my corner. She notably worked extremely hard in the West Coast Pageant and was so calm, prepared, and kind the whole time. I look up to Tara, not just as a pageant coach or director, but as a role model, friend, and biggest supporter. I want to be just like her when I grow up. Thanks to Tara for coaching and helping me prepare for Nationals, I’m proud to say I won Miss Teen United States.
Amber Duke, Miss Teen California United States & Miss Teen United States 2024 

 Working with Tara as my pageant director has been amazing! She helped me with everything, from picking the perfect outfits to getting ready for my interview and developing my stage presence. This was my very first pageant, and her encouragement made me feel so much more confident and helped me show who I really am. Tara really cares about helping new girls succeed, and her kindness and dedication make her an incredible director. I'm so grateful to have had her by my side through this whole journey!
Chloe Cochrane, Miss Preteen Arizona United States 

Tara Rice 

"The Miss West Coast Pageant is an organized and competitive pageant. The Director, Tara Rice is outstanding at developing the contestants not only to win the pageant, but also contribute to the community and platforms. The prize package does not stop at the fabulous prizes that you receive. Tara has such a great relationship with businesses, brands and event organizers that she makes opportunities available to her Queens, as well as contestants year round. I’ve become a brand ambassador and model for the companies she had introduced me to. I have made so many long term friends with people that I met at the Miss West Coast Pageant. I highly recommend this pageant especially if you want to prepare for state and national pageants."
Elise Brisco, Ms Woman California United States and former Miss West Coast Pageant Judge  

"I was People’s Choice Recipient 2022 and had the wonderful opportunity to compete at the United States Pageant with the help of Tara. I found Tara to be helpful and organized. I had a great experience at the Miss West Coast Pageant.    I met some great friends and got beautiful photos to add to my portfolio that was done at the Miss West Coast contestant photo shoot and Queens photo shoot."
Caitlin Caraballo, People’s Choice Winner 2022 

"Being new to pageantry Tara made my experience very smooth and easy to take in especially with so much to learn. She really extends herself over and beyond to ensure you have everything you need to put your best foot forward. I learned a lot from her coaching and guidance which helped me win the Ms United States Pageant in Dec. 2022. My first year competing in pageants has been a whirlwind and many doors have opened for me. Tara has helped me get a model and talent agent, she sends me out on modeling castings and I booked my first commercial with her connection to a commercial casting director that she introduced to me."
Latoya Rucker, Ms West Coast & Ms United States 

"Tara is incredible! I had not met her prior to this pageant and I’m sad that I did not know her sooner. She puts on a fair, organized and fun event and her coaching and care for her winners is so kind, thoughtful and encouraging. I’ve been competing in pageants for a long time and I truly believe that Tara’s guidance helped me take Mrs. West Coast to the next level to ultimately become Mrs. United States. I’m so grateful for this pageant and it’s fantastic director! Absolutely SIGN UP FOR THIS ONE!!"
Katie Keely, Mrs West Coast & Mrs United States 

"I competed within this organization for the first time in 2019 and have gone back every year since. Tara has truly made a huge impact on my confidence in pageantry and I will forever be grateful for all she has done to support me. Being a title holder in this organization has been an absolute dream. I've been spoiled by numerous sponsor gifts and received free coaching with Tara herself that helped me place 1st runner-up at the United States Pageant in the Jr Teen age division. This is a truly incredible pageant system that I promise you will keep wanting to come back to!"
Aricka Hickman, Miss Junior Teen West Coast 

"I have competed at the Miss West Coast Pageant in two divisions and each year that I compete and / or attend the competition, the prize package has grown. Tara has a tremendous talent for making community connections and leveraging those relationships to give all contestants a great experience and the opportunity to serve the community as brand ambassadors. This pageant is a great arena for first-time contestants and veteran pageant girls alike. Cannot recommend that you compete enough as all contestants get free coaching with Tara, whose track record of national winners is quite impressive!"
MILENA GRGAS, former Ms West Coast & Ms California United States 

"I have been competing in Tara's pageants since 2015. Her prize packages are the best, and they keep growing every year. She is very caring and puts her heart into being a director. She shows by example, making pageantry fun. Tara has helped me develop my platform, improve my interview and on stage question answers as well as on stage technique. She dedicated her time to help me prepare for the national pageant. Both in 2015 and 2022 I was able to capture the United States titles under her directorship and coaching. "
-Rachel DeAgelis, Reigning Miss Teen West Coast & Miss Teen United States and former Miss Junior Teen West Coast & Miss Junior Teen United States 

"Our first successful pageant “in person” during COVID-19. Tara managed to get a really good support system together to keep the pageant organized, safe and covid free! Her system comes highly recommended by peers, for many reasons!"
-ANA TOVAR

“Tara Rice & this spectacular event she puts on, is amazing. I’ve witnessed my daughter blossoming under her wing for 2 years now. The experience has been such a dream come true. Miss California United States Rocks!"
-MALAYA ROGERS

"Director Tara is great at developing self confidence in the girls. She works with them to feel included and the best versions of themselves. The girls gain confidence in public speaking, appearances, and help with community service. Tara works really hard to prepare the girls to be the best they can be for all areas of their lives. My daughter had a great experience participating in her pageant. The participation prizes and events were great, too."
-LINDY FLOWERS

"For the past 2 years, I have absolutely loved the Miss California United States system. The director Tara Rice is extremely professional and organized. She takes her time to work with each contestant, to make sure that they feel well prepared for the pageant. A lot of pageants are unorganized however, this production is very well organized and the quality is superior. You will definitely have a great, life changing experience running in this pageant. I would definitely recommend this pageant, and director to anyone who is looking for a fun and memorable experience. Even if you don’t have experience in pageantry, Tara will 100% spend a lot of time with you to help you with your walk, interview, etc. This pageant is definitely worth it for girls/ women, of all expertise and I would definitely give it a shot if you’re second guessing yourself."
-SHALINI QUATTLEBAUM

"TTara conducts such an amazing pageant and provides such an amazing experience for her contestants. By far the best pageant I’ve attended! She is very attentive to her contestants and ensures she gives them the time & attention needed to be successful."
 -MATT PICKWITH

"The Miss West Coast Pageant was such a life changing experience that began such a beautiful journey in LOVE and giving to all in need especially myself. Tara Rice is an exceptional director that holds in incredible amount of space for us all as we rise and step into our power. As Ms West Coast 2020 it is an honor to be a part of such an inspiring and supportive sisterhood."
-JOANNA TRAILOV

"This is the best pageant I’ve ever seen! Tara Rice is an incredible director! She is so caring and is truly the best."
-LAURA HATHAWAY

"Tara Directs one of the best pageants I have ever competed in! She puts 110% into her pageants everytime, and every girl walks out feeling like a winner! Tara takes time with every girl competing and really gets to know them. Each pageant is provided with good bags provided by sponsors she works hard to find, rehearsals, and limitless Fun! Tara is a passionate, supportive, and simply an amazing Pageant director!"
-KARL GRACE

"Tara is a very excellent coach and Director. She has taught Sylvia for 6 months and her guidance has helped her win the Little Miss West Coast title and the Little Miss United States national title. She has taught her how to walk, pose, posture, on stage facial expressions, voice and speed of speech and how to conduct a successful interview.She would take the time to record their coaching sessions and review with Sylvia. She helped Sylvia pick out the best competition wardrobe, guidance on make up and hair styling, and one hour before the national competition she was still guiding Sylvia. She helped her mentally prepare for the national competition by chatting with her by phone every night, we are so lucky to have Tara as a coach."
-Sylvia Ye, Little Miss United States Titleholder 2022

"The pageant is organized, fair, and fun for everyone no matter where they are in their pageant career. Tara goes above and beyond to ensure everyone has what they need to be successful. She works tirelessly to create this wonderful production. I recommend this pageant and Tara’s coaching to anyone!"
-Morgan Kelly, 2022 Contestant