A Fort Myers-based pageant production company has added a new jewel to its crown and Southwest Florida will share in the treasure. Envy Pageant Productions has acquired the franchise rights for the Miss Earth Florida and Miss Earth Florida Teen pageant set for March. Envy owner Suzi Hosfeld said the event will draw contestants from across the state and their families. “When you bring a state pageant to a city, it has an impact,” Hosfeld said. “If you have 50 girls, that means you have 50 hotel rooms, plus more for parents and grandparents and people flying in from all over the state. They will be going to restaurants and sight-seeing.”
Envy also produces the Miss Florida U.S. International and Miss Florida American Beauty state pageants as well as many local pageants. Hosfeld, a former Miss Wisconsin USA, founded the company in 1990 as a sister company to Envy Models & Talent. Today, the talent agency accounts for about 80 percent of her business revenue, while pageants account for about 20 percent but are growing. Pageants operate on a thin margin, Hosfeld said. A state-level event can cost about $60,000 to stage, offset by sponsorships and support from national organizations. Hosfeld said the Miss Earth event will expand to a three-day competition in 2015, which would mean additional room nights at local hotels, restaurants and attractions.
“We are going to adjust the schedule a little earlier or later next year so that we are not right in the middle of our peak season,” Hosfeld said. “That way, we can bring some business to the hotels when they are not as busy.”
Founded in 2001, the Miss Earth pageant is focused on candidates and winners who promote and get involved in the preservation of the environment. Contestants will compete in swimwear, evening gown and a short interview with the judges. Winners will compete at the national event this summer in New Mexico and will receive a prize package valued at more than $6,000. The international event is planned for the Philippines. “We look for girls who want to get out and be part of their community and truly be involved,” Hosfeld said. “People don’t always take us seriously because they think we are just a lot of pretty people running around. It’s just not true.” Client Alexander Burgos said working with Envy has helped him personally and professionally. “You get a lot of experience and you learn to speak and interact with people comfortably,” Burgos said.
Michaela Poole, Mrs. Florida American Beauty 2014 and an Envy client, said the pageants help instill confidence in contestants so they can take leadership roles in their communities. Poole, a lifelong dancer, said she was always comfortable on stage, but less so when meeting and talking to people. Not anymore, she said. “I really like making appearances and meeting people,” said Poole, the co-owner of Rhythm in Motion dance studio in Cape Coral. “I think we have helped each other’s businesses through the exposure.”
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