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2/16/2021 0 Comments

Top 10 Best Gowns at Miss USA 2020

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10. Montana

Merissa Underwood, Miss Montana USA 2020.
Unplaced at Miss USA 2020.

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9. California

Allyshia Gupta, Miss California USA 2020.
​Top 10 at Miss USA 2020.

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8. South Carolina

Hannah Curry, Miss South Carolina USA 2020.
​Unplaced at Miss USA 2020.

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7. Massachusetts

Sabrina Victor, Miss Massachusetts USA 2020.
Unplaced at Miss USA 2020.

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6. New York

Andreia Gibau, Miss New York USA 2020.
​Top 10 at Miss USA 2020.

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5. Florida

Monique Evans, Miss Florida USA 2020.
​Unplaced at Miss USA 2020.

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4. Texas

Taylor Kessler, Miss Texas USA 2020.
​Unplaced at Miss USA 2020.

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3. Ohio

Sthephanie Miranda, Miss Ohio USA 2020.
​Top 16 at Miss USA.

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2. Arkansas

Haley Pontius, Miss Arkansas USA 2020.
Unplaced at Miss USA 2020.

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1. connecticut

Chelsea Demby, Miss Connecticut USA 2020.
​Unplaced at Miss USA 2020.
0 Comments

6/14/2020 0 Comments

top 1o gowns at miss teen usa 2019

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Number 10: Ohio

     The silhouette of this gown pairs perfectly with her and flatters her tall figure. The chiffon cape drapes flawlessly giving the flow and movement needed to accentuate the angelic vibe of the overall gown, while also adding that hint of drama and wow factor.
    The cape is also perfectly paired with colorful straps that add the "teen" feel to this more mature seeming gown. The gown would be just as stunning with only the "off the shoulder" straps, though the two straps do draw the eye more than only one would. Overall, very angelic and just mature enough for a teen gown.

Ohio was unplaced at Miss Teen USA 2019.


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7/25/2018 3 Comments

Trusting in his plans, believing in my dreams

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That picture is one of my ad pages from Miss Kemah Teen. The quote that's highlighted is one of many reasons I couldn't just quit. I can not stop thinking about everything I have worked so hard to have. I thought about Miss Kemah Teen for MONTHS. Every single day since the year before and leaving that high school after the competition I have never felt so crushed, so numb. The moment the Top 5 was called, my body just shut down. To this day, I still don't know what I did wrong. I've watched my evening gown and active wear performances and looked at my judges form, backwards, forwards, and in slow motion. Just looking for what split moment did I mess up. I remember the day before the final competition, I was reading Psalms in my Bible and balling my eyes out because every word I read felt like God telling me this was finally the time I would rejoice and I couldn't sleep. I was up until 3am. I just felt so excited and could just feel Gods presence around me. I woke up two and a half hours later for hair and makeup and I couldn't even eat. I was so excited and full of hope I wanted to actually throw up. I was just so ready, more than ever before. As the day and competition went on, I felt great! The time to call the finalists finally came and I was ready for that final question. The first girl was called, then second, third, fourth and at this point, I was still fine. I have a thing for being the last girl called. This time it wasn't me. I looked behind the stage for reassurance that I wasn't crazy, that I was awake and this was actually happening. Bryn blew a kiss to me and I looked out to my mom. I have never wanted to leave and go home that badly.

The rest of the pageant seemed to drag out for what felt like hours. They finally called the winners and I walked back stage just ready to get dressed, pack my things into the car and leave. At the same time I was about to walk out the door, my favorite miss Anna Cantu was leaving as well. She hugged me and I just cried. Mascara smearing, heavy breathing, heart pounding  ugly tears. Sweet Logan and Brenna approached me in that moment giving me reassurance that these things happen and that God works in mysterious ways and they know that because they've been there. Between Anna, Logan, and Brenna, I really don't think i said anything back. I truly have a hard time even remembering that moment. Other girls approached them because it's not everyday you meet Miss Texas and Texas Teen USA. I didn't want to ruin that moment for those girls so I left. I went around the corner to fix my face before I saw my mom. I never wanted her or my entire family to know or see how badly this hurt me. I don't remember much else after that. The next day, I was ready to quit pageants, this website, the instagram, sell my whole wardrobe and act like none of it ever happened. My mom mentioned to me in the car, and this I remember word for word.

"I don't want this to hurt your heart, I don't want you to think this is anything you did because it's not. I don't understand it either, and I'm not saying that because I'm your mom. If this is really your dream and what makes you happy, I will keep doing this as long as you want to do this." 

She said that through tears and it was so hard to hold back my own and act like this was nothing. 

In all of these moments, I though I was done. I thought my days as a teen was over. I promised myself after Miss Texas Teen USA 2017, that I would not go back without a title, and since then I competed for Houston twice and Kemah twice and lots of other different systems inbetween. I am not going to break that promise because If i cant win a local, I'm not going to bother trying to win at Texas. That's just me. Scrolling through instagram, I saw Miss South Texas post on her story asking who would want to compete in Miss Tropics of Texas. I thought I might as well see what its about. It is a long 6 hour drive and a lot more money for me to spend. I bought a Jeep just before Kemah Teen so between Houston and Kemah fees AND my new vehicle. I'm pretty low on money now. In case you don't know, I pay for a lot of my pageant fees.. and now my Jeep. Its MY dream so i'm making the investment. I reread every comment on the posts I made after Houston and Kemah.. It was the personal messages I was sent that made me compete for this crown again. I read about how I encouraged so many of you, how you thought of me when you felt like you weren't worthy of your dream. You told me the advice I gave you helped you to be better. You told me that crown or not that I was still your sister. You told me you came to the pageants to support me even though you never met me. You told me you felt like you didn't belong anywhere else but here. You told me that showing my passion gave you some. One of you said nothing to me, you looked at me as you walked out of the hotel and we both held back tears and in that moment we said everything we needed to. 

So, Im competing for Miss Tropics of Texas Teen. Im ready. Im hopeful. I have faith in whatever God planned for this. Im ready for the opportunity to represent Tropics at Texas Teen, and if I do win Tropics, I will be the greatest, most determined and hard working title holder. I will fill the shoes of my predecessor and continue to raise the standard. This is not something I am taking lightly. I am doing everything I can to win this, not just for me, but for those of you who support and are inspired by me. 

If you're reading this. This is for you. I'm not giving up, and neither should you. 
3 Comments

3/16/2018 2 Comments

rhinestones for some, a voice for another

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It does sound silly when I say it out loud.

"I do pageants!"

It just sounds silly for this to be my dream. I understand why people see this world of pageants as shallow and demeaning. I see how other people look at it as "dumb and pretty women."  Pageantry is hard to understand and some girls in pageants still don't understand them. I know how silly it sounds to say this is my dream and to admit that over 10 pageants later I haven't won once. I haven't ever been first runner up even. It sounds silly, because it is.. but this is what I long for and dream of more than anything. I don't want just the rhinestone crown, the embroidered sash, or the prize package. Those are just bonuses. If you just want to collect some crowns, the Miss USA system is the wrong place to look. It's hard and it's work and if you get your hands on a crown, use your voice and year wisely because dozens of girls are waiting for that opportunity. I am one of them.
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In case you don't know me, Hi I'm Carly. I do pageants, which is silly. I will admit, I started doing this years ago because I just wanted a crown. Now that I'm 18, and have done more pageants than I can count on my hands.. I want far more than that. I want to be a voice. I will admit the crown is a pretty cool thing to have, and some crowns are cooler than others. The Miss Teen USA crown that our Texas girls Karlie Hay and Danielle Doty got to wear had a good message and story behind it. The interlocking circles were a symbol of friendship because a Miss Teen USA is committed to being a voice for anti-bullying. Miss USA and Teen USA state and local crowns may not have a meaning behind them, but thats the beauty of it. The girl who wears it makes her own legacy for it. Thats apart of my dream, to leave a legacy. What better way to leave one than by being a title holder? If only it were that easy. I envy girls who win on their first try because I have to accept that I will never be that girl, I am far past first tries. Thats kinda sad, but also relieving because our Texas state queens typically win on the 3rd, 4th or even more years of attempts. Or at least thats how the legacy has always led. I am not going to lie, chasing this titleholder dream is exhausting. I am still trying to get back to normal life after competing at Miss Kemah Teen 2018 and that was two weeks ago. I had a realization after that pageant. I wanted to leave a legacy, one that had more than one soul purpose or platform.. because why should a titleholder only support one cause? I wanted to tell people about Creating Your Own Success (which is my main platform). After Miss Houston Teen 2018 I made a post where I said,  "Success is not about reaching the top, but how far you ran to get there." That sentence became the main message of Creating Your Own Success. I wanted to encourage others to chase their own dream and discover their passions despite who is against them or how often they may have faced failure. No one can chase your dream for you. I also encourage people to minimize their use of plastic, but if you're going to use it? At least reuse it! I even donate a lot of old gowns to a non-profit called Angel Gowns to have my dresses made into smaller ones to donate to hospitals for babies who don't live past infantry. (Check out the contact page on my website if you ever want to donate or minimize plastic in your life!)

So anyway, I know a lot about pageants. I know once you give a girl a crown that people start listening to her. I wanted a crown because I wanted a voice to talk about all these things I do and more!  It wasn't until after Miss Kemah Teen 2018 that I actually realized how many of you are inspired by me. I cannot thank all of you enough for the support and prayers you all give me. I am so happy to have so many people follow my page, my blog and my journey. As well as support ALL the girls we have in Texas. I personally have officially aged out of being a teen in pageantry, but I'll be back one day. I couldn't give up on this dream, because that is not the legacy I want to leave for you all. I want to create my own success and one day share my success with you. The Road to Miss Texas USA is long, but not impossible. The word itself says I'm possible.

2 Chronicles 15:7

Lots of Love, Carly.
2 Comments

2/19/2018 1 Comment

Miss Houston Teen Countdown

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Dream Team! Left to Right: Steven Grant (GrantFoto), Anna Cantu, Carly Moran (me!), Sheila Ybarra (Makeup by Sheila), Nancy Gonzalez Miss Texas USA 2017
There is only around 3 weeks until I compete for this dream title! There isn't much left to do to prepare. I'm ready now more than ever. This will hopefully be my lucky number 7 pageant. I have been the girl who hasn't placed. I have been the girl who makes the semi finals. I've been a runner up more times than I want to admit. Every pageant girl dreams of her crowning moment and one of my favorite crowning moments was from Miss Houston Teen 2016. Mary Frances Nance was probably one of the most dedicated contestants ever, She's one of the girls I look up too. I think a girls crowning moment says a lot. To me, Marys said "Finally". She worked really hard. I really mean it when I say that I have never cared more about a pageant. Miss Houston Teen 2018 is the hardest I have worked. As I think about the amazing team I have worked with and all the awesome people I have in my life and following my page. I can only describe this feeling as Grateful. I appreciate all the wonderful people in my life who have supported me in all my years of pageants, now more than ever. I cannot wait to promote my platform, rock the stage, and make all of you proud! Team Houston Forever.
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Mary France Nance, Miss Houston Teen 2016 Crowning Moment
1 Comment

2/4/2018 2 Comments

50 DAYS: MISS HOUSTON TEEN COUNTDOWN

PictureLeft to Right: Nancy Gonzalez Miss Texas USA 2017, Hannah Johannes Miss Houston USA 2017, Karlie Hay Miss Teen USA 2016, Beth Muecke, Kirby Lindley Miss Texas Teen USA 2017, Yasmine Moussa Miss Houston Teen USA 2017 (Photo from @Bethielife on instagram)
   Miss Houston USA 2018 is around the corner and in 50 days I will be arriving to compete once again for the teen crown! I am over the moon excited and feeling 100% ready for this. After being in the Top 10 last year for my first time in a MUO local pageant and then being 2nd Runner Up at Miss Kemah Teen USA a few weeks later, I truly believe it can only get better. Preparation for this began the day after last years pageant. While pageant prep does require a lot of sacrifices, I know it will pay off. All of the workouts, all the healthy food instead of sweets, and definitely cutting out soda was a difficult one. Things like this is a perfect example of how pageantry makes you into a better person and can help you live a healthier life style. I am so excited to get to experience the pageant under Crystle Stewarts first year as a director. I know having a former Miss USA (and the last woman from Texas to win the national title) as a director will definitely bring this competition into a new era and be a breath of fresh air for the new title holders. I am so excited to see the new changes and new design of Miss Houston. I have already gathered my opening number, interview, active wear and evening gown. Only thing left to do is keep practicing and keep up the work outs. I am so thrilled to be able to bring my own personal experiences to the Road To Miss Texas USA blog and instagram. Be sure to keep following me, and contact me if you'd like to share your pageant story of creating your own success!   All my love, Carly Moran

2 Comments

1/17/2018 8 Comments

MISS TEXAS TEEN USA 2018

"The Hardest Part
about pageants
is there is no
​formula to win."

                    -Jan Flynn


"With that being said, your first runner up is San Marcos, Skylar Bantz! That means your new Miss Texas Teen USA is Fort Worth, Brenna Flynn!"
The only thing that could make this crowning moment more intense is if I was standing up there with them! I could not be happier with the results this year. All the contestants were amazing and I couldn't agree more with the judges decisions. From Top 18 all the way up to the crowning moment I think they pretty much nailed it. Brenna was my favorite from the very beginning, she is so deserving and the most dedicated contestant I've known. Other than the crowning moment I felt like Midland County Teen Gina Campagna, very well earned her spot! I have watched her put in so much work for pageant weekend and I'll never forgot her reaction to making the final 5! As well as Capital City Teen Angelique Devine, her excitement was unforgettable and I look forward to seeing them compete in the future! There is so many others I would mention but I could go on for days! If we're being honest though there is a few girls I would have added to the Top 18 and Final 5. Although it is all apart of a greater plan right? Which reminds me of something Brennas mom had told me,

"The hardest part about pageants is that there is no formula to win. It's not like deciding you want to be great at math. You get a tutor and work work work ... the reward is a 100. There is a formula. You don't get that with pageants."

As much as I wish otherwise, she's right. I like to think pageants are like gambling. You win, or go broke trying. You can spend money to learn the tricks of the trade but it is all about timing. I am so happy that Brenna found the right timing. The thing that I saw in her performance this year that I didn't see before is hard to explain. She always had confidence, but this year she had the winning look. Watch any pageant and look at the winners eyes, you can see something there that the other girls don't have. Between active wear, evening gown and final question.. Brenna earned this title without a doubt. She can only get better from here and I strongly believe we have another Miss Teen USA on our hands.

8 Comments

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