Sometimes the most impromptu, last-minute decisions we make are the ones that serve us the best. Taylor Davis’s eleventh-hour decision to run for Miss Howard University led to outcomes that still amaze her.
Her pageant journey began in 2021 as a budding college senior in Washington DC. Gaining confidence from her win on the East Coast, she decided to compete for Miss Dallas upon her return to Allen. Taylor has lived in Allen since age seven and graduated from Allen High School in 2017.
Winning Miss Dallas in 2024 propelled her to witness her growth as an individual hand in hand with her involvement in competitions. “Beauty pageants in our society are often considered vain or outdated. But they represent an opportunity to celebrate the versatility and power of being a woman. We can be competent, worldly, intelligent AND beautiful. The pageant gives us a chance to show the world that,” she reflects.
We asked Taylor to give us insights into a world that many women may be eager to explore but don’t know where to start.
What is your platform?
“We have three scored sections of the competition. One of them is the interview, where we talk about our platform--our WHY. ‘ALL IN,’ a platform I developed as Miss Howard, is my why. This message encourages us to live life fully, even with the pain of rejection. Courage is not pretending that fear doesn’t exist. It's about choosing to move forward in spite of your fear and conquering imposter syndrome.
How has pageantry helped you as a person?
“Pageantry has pushed me in ways that I have never thought of, especially with my discipline, grit, mental health, and fitness. For example, one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the competition was when the judges asked me an impromptu question while I was on stage in front of hundreds of strangers. I'm inclined to believe that if you can do a pageant, you can do anything!"
What is your advice to younger women?
“Life is short. There's no shame in trying something new, even if you fail the first time. We all have insecurities, but we don't have to let them get in the way of living life to its full potential. If you're on the fence about pageantry, I recommend attending one. You'll find that the women and girls on stage are ambitious, successful, and kind. If you leave feeling inspired, that's your indication that a pageant might be worth giving a try!"
Where can we find you?
“Future appearances and events are scheduled with exciting brands like the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Wings, Cetaphil, and community events like the Texas State Fair and delivering Emily's Smile Boxes to Children's Hospital in Dallas during Christmas."
In addition to working as a social media analyst for the National Football League, Taylor is gearing up for the Miss Texas Pageant in Houston in May 2025. You can follow her on Instagram at #taylorlaurenn__
“Beauty pageants in our society are often considered vain or outdated. But they represent an opportunity to celebrate the versatility and power of being a woman. We can be competent, worldly, intelligent AND beautiful. The pageant gives us a chance to show the world that.”