Hello all, I have been working very hard since my last blog update and it paid off so I have some really great news to share with you. The weekend of November 29th, I competed for the title Miss Connecticut USA and won!!! I am the new Miss Connecticut USA 2010 and will travel to Las Vegas and compete for Miss USA live on NBC from Planet Hollywood April 18, 2010! I am thrilled beyond belief and have not stopped moving despite never ending client deadlines amongst other things since that night! For those of you who may not know, I was Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2002 and placed in the top ten for only the second time in the history of the state of Connecticut at Miss Teen USA and ultimately placed 6th nationally. As I stood on that stage I made it a goal for myself that I would one day again stand on that stage at Miss USA. I never gave up, and the journey has not always been easy, but I am very proud to stay I did make it happen. This week I have a bunch of photo shoots lined up&the first shoot with Diallo Ferguson was awesome and once I get the pictures back will post a few in the gallery soon. I also made my way to NYC to shoot with famed Miss Universe photographer Fadil Berisha at his 5th Avenue studio. I have had the pleasure of shooting with Fadil twice before and have done my fair share of print modelling and can say without a question he is a master at his craft for a reason. The hair, makeup and studio were just incredible as is working with Fadil. I feel so fortunate to have had this amazing opportunity once again and can't wait to share the truly exceptional shots we took. On Saturday I had my official crown and sash photo shoot with the lovely Catherine Fiehn and my sister queen Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2010 Alyssa Taglia! Catherine is a wonderful person and photographer and I so thankful to have her as my sponsor this year. We got some stunning shots together and I look forward to sharing those soon as well. I have some other really great things in the works as well as philanthropic events and can't wait to get out there and live each day of this year to the fullest! More Miss Connecticut USA travels coming soon!
~Ashley