Specializing in Modeling, Speech, Interview & Appearance

HANNAH LEIB, MISS RODEO WASHINGTON 2019

1st RUNNER-UP -- MISS RODEO AMERICA

When I started my rodeo queen journey I really did not know what I was doing or what I was getting myself into. The first time I attended a Queens in Jeans Clinic I showed up in casual western wear with no idea of the path I was about to walk down. Debra Fox changed my life in more ways than one from that clinic moving forward.

 

Through Debra's clinics and coaching I earned the titles of Miss Pro-West 2018, Miss Rodeo Washington 2019, and 1st Runner Up to Miss Rodeo America 2020. My rodeo queen journey has helped me develop my professional speaking skills, networking connections, and personal confidence. I can honestly say that I would not have the expertise I possess now without the education I gained through attending Queens in Jeans clinics and the guidance from Debra Fox.

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SHELBY CHAPMAN, MISS RODEO IOWA 2016

3rd RUNNER-UP -- MISS RODEO AMERICA

I met Debra Fox with Queens in Jeans when I was Miss Rodeo Iowa in 2016.  I was amazed by her wealth of knowledge and experience with public speaking, runway modeling and pageant appearance.

 

Debra personally coached me as I prepared for the national competition of Miss Rodeo America.  We met one on one several times throughout the year, but due to my extensive traveling, a majority of the coaching was over the phone.  With the guidance of Debra, my confidence with public speaking, personal interviews and runway modeling grew.  Not only did this allow me to excel at the many events I attended as Miss Rodeo Iowa, but this also prepared me for the Miss Rodeo America pageant.

 

I placed Top Five at the 2017 Miss Rodeo America pageant, being the first Miss Rodeo Iowa to place in the top five in nearly twenty years.  Before working with Debra, I knew the areas in which I excelled and the areas where I needed assistance.  The fact that I was willing to learn from Debra’s wealth of knowledge and experience, study and practice allowed me to be successful and compete in a national pageant in front of thousands of people with ease. 

 

 

RACHAEL OSTREM, MISS RODEO IOWA, 2019
TOP TEN -- MISS RODEO AMERICA

THANK YOU NOTE:
I really can’t thank you enough for all of your help this past year.  You put your heart and soul into helping young women succeed and it paid off when I felt so confident and amazing at the Miss Rodeo America pageant.

 

I wanted to thank you for every phone call and video chat.  Thanks for working with my crazy schedule and supporting me every step of the way.

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CARA SPIRAZZA, MISS RODEO FLORIDA 2019
TOP TEN -- MISS RODEO AMERICA

The Queens In Jeans Boot Camp was an incredible experience. I loved that it was a small group of girls so we could all have some individual coaching, yet there were just enough of us to where we could learn from one another as well. We spent two and a half days together working on things that the five of us really wanted to focus on.

 

In just one weekend I felt that Ms. Debra used all of our time efficiently and I learned so much from her! She helped coach us on modeling, public speaking, impromptu questions, wardrobe and so much more. Another huge thing I took from the weekend was what I need to work on at home. It gave me a focus on what I should be doing and how to better prepare myself and gain the confidence I needed for my upcoming pageant. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to attend the Queens In Jeans Boot Camp and I'm grateful for the friendships made!

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BRITTANY GUNN, MISS RODEO IOWA, 2020

Ever since I was a little girl I've always loved horses but had no idea what it meant to be a rodeo queen. I didn't know a rodeo queen even existed! I would go to rodeos and see a girl dressed up in a sparkly shirt but I was clueless who they were. I was there just to enjoy the horses.

 

Before meeting Debra and attending the QIJ clinic I was shy, had no self-confidence or self-esteem. Horrible is an understatement to describe my modeling skills.  However I was fortunate to win a coaching scholarship drawing at the clinic.  I took the skills I learned at this clinic and during coaching and applied them to my every day life.  In return it helped me win my first every rodeo queen title at the age of 23.

 

Debra has helped me become the rodeo queen I am today and continues to shape and mold me into the person I want to be. The skills you will learn from Debra, and as a rodeo queen, are so useful and will help you even after the crown; whether that's interview skills, speaking skills or maybe even for your next upcoming pageant. You can't go wrong with the services that Queens in Jeans can offer you. Though I have many people to thank for the amount of growth I have experienced as a rodeo queen, Debra Fox with Queens in Jeans is a big piece of the puzzle. Listen, be coachable, work hard and never stop chasing those dreams until the impossible becomes a reality. Your only limit is you. 

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IVY WEIRATHER, MISS RODEO ILLINOIS, 2018
​QUEENS IN JEANS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

My journey with Debra Fox and Queens in Jeans started when I received a personal coaching scholarship in my year as Miss Rodeo Illinois 2018. I spent the year working with her preparing for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. If I could go back in time, the only thing I would change is working with Debra sooner!  In the beginning I was a shy and insecure girl, and I didn’t know what I was getting myself into competing for Miss Rodeo America. The transformation I made while working with Debra was incredible. I truly blossomed.

 

You see, Debra was more than a coach to me. She was the woman figure in my life that I never had before, someone who cared for me, and who I felt I could go to with anything. She believed in me when it was hard for me to believe in myself. We worked on modeling, public speaking, speeches, impromptu questions, wardrobe, and the list goes on. From practicing modeling to sitting at her kitchen table perfecting my makeup, she was there for me every step of the way during an overwhelming time.

 

She not only helped me prepare for the pageant but more importantly helped me be the best queen I could be throughout my year. I gained lifelong skills that I have been able to use in my professional career, and I am now working for the PRCA. The public speaking and confidence that Debra helped me perfect played a huge part in my accomplishments. Not only is Debra a great rodeo queen coach, what makes her so special is being a mentor and friend. I will forever be grateful for the time that Debra Fox devoted to me. 

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ASHLEY BAUER, MISS RODEO MISSOURI 2018
​QUEENS IN JEANS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

When I first became a state title holder, I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. I was excited for my year of travel and rodeo but did not even know where to begin when it came to styling my hair, shaping my own hats, having a fitted wardrobe, or preparing for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Luckily, Debra Fox of Queens in Jeans awarded five scholarships to women whose states had not been in the top five in fifteen years and I was chosen! This is where the real work began.

 

I spent three or four weekends with Debra…practicing hair, makeup, skin care, shaping hats, fitting wardrobe, picking out outfits, editing speeches, modeling, and doing impromptu interviews. Not to mention the bi-weekly video calls in which we practiced more speeches, impromptu questions, and modeling of my MRA wardrobe. Debra had connections in the rodeo queen wardrobe world that I did not even know existed. Without her help and guidance, I would not have made it to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant with a wardrobe!

 

For those of you who need guidance in any of the above, I recommend attending a Queens in Jeans Pageant Boot Camp. You will not regret investing your time into growing as a person and rodeo queen.

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DANIELLE THOMPSON, MISS RODEO PENNSYLVANIA 2018
QUEENS IN JEANS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

I remember the first conversation I had with Debra Fox. I was browsing through her Queens in Jeans online boutique looking at interview jackets and shirts.  I had just won the title of Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania and realized I needed to put together some kind of a wardrobe for all of the appearances and events I was expected to attend. I had no idea where to start, I remember sheepishly asking Debra for information about measurements on a jacket. She responded promptly, as always, and was congratulating me on my new title while offering advice. I was astonished by her kindness. I admitted to her that I had little prior experience as a rodeo queen and I happily took her advice. I voiced my feelings of nervousness as I headed into a big appearance and with the thought of competing for Miss Rodeo America at the end of the year.  In the back of my mind I was clueless on what I needed to be successful. Debra was easily one of the first people I confided in on my journey as a state titleholder.
 

In January Debra announced she wanted to give back to current and potential state titleholders who had not placed in the Top 10 at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in the last 15 years or more.  I was just getting off of a flag horse at the First Frontier Circuit Finals when I got the email saying I had been chosen as a scholarship recipient. I did not know it then, although I suspected that my year of coaching with Ms. Debra would change my life. 
 

My first order of business was to go to the Queens In Jeans workshop in Kentucky. I learned so much. Rodeo queens encompass a variety of skills; they are models, spokeswomen for rodeo, horsewomen, public speakers, interviewers, walking fact machines and so much more. At the workshop I was able to identify many of the areas I needed help in, with confidence being my biggest adversary.  I lacked the ability to convey that confidence in my presence.

 

Next I went for a personal coaching session. That was where the real work began. I instantly felt at home with Debra she was warm and welcoming. She was genuine and did not put on a false persona in my presence, which I liked. Debra invested her time in me to make me a better rodeo queen and I was thankful for her confidence in me even when I could not seem to find it in myself.  Debra never made me feel like I didn’t have a say, if anything she highlighted my best attributes and taught me how to do things in my own personal and refined way. 

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I was thankful for Debra’s many years of experience as a coach,  She knew when I needed pushed and when to back off, there were many times I was frustrated almost to the point of despair as we prepped closer and closer to the pageant. She never let me wallow in my worry and for every critique comment she gave me three good ones. I can honestly say that by the time I got to Vegas my confidence issues were no more. Looking back at my early pictures trying out for MRPA to my official MRA headshots it looks like a completely different person; I have Debra to thank for that entirely. 

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I stress that so many of the skills I learned with Ms. Debra and Queens In Jeans were not confined to just rodeo queening. Since my time with Debra I have stepped into more and more leadership roles and opportunities. I have the skills and knowledge to step into these positions with confidence and poise. Where my colleagues shrink, I stand out and present myself. I can’t help but acknowledge all of the opportunities that I have taken advantage of thanks to the knowledge and skills I received from Queens In Jeans. The coaching I received as a rodeo queen will surely accompany me throughout my life and shine through in life's arena just as it did on the stage.

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ALISA BRACE, MISS 
2nd RUNNER-UP -- MISS RODEO CANADA

If you are wanting specific training and coaching in the areas of public speaking and modeling, this is the only clinic to go to! Debra knows what makes you noticeable and takes you to a higher level in both of these areas because this is literally what she has done for a living.

 

The content is informative, honest, and well delivered and I don't think there is another program quite like this one. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to better themselves as they prepare for any type of pageant - whether it's local, state, or national, Debra will make sure you are prepared for anything!

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PAIGE JERRETT, MISS RODEO NEW YORK 2014
1st RUNNER-UP -- MISS RODEO USA 2016

I chose Queens In Jeans because Debra was the first (ever) clinician to host a Rodeo Queen's Clinic in the state of New York! She helped the Miss Rodeo New York, Inc. organization build awareness, teach proper technique and pushed us all out of our comfort zones. With her clinic we learned what it takes to win a title, the planning that goes into it and how to build an award winning wardrobe.

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JILLIAN ALBRECHT, MISS RODEO MISSOURI 2015 

I have been very fortunate to attend two of the Queens in Jeans clinics. It is an opportunity you will not regret and you won't want to miss! I learned so much about everything from interview to modeling to makeup. I absolutely loved the clinics and learned so much valuable information. Ladies, do not miss out! 

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ANDREA GLICK, MISS TEEN RODEO IOWA 2015

I had a great experience and learned more than I could have ever thought attending the Queens in Jeans clinic. I absolutely loved it and recommend it to anyone wanting to improve in the rodeo queen world, although it has improved my everyday life as well. Hands down Debra Fox and the guest speakers were amazing, thank you!

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ASHLEY BERGFIELD -- 1st RUNNER-UP MISS RODEO TEXAS 2015

WINNER - PERSONALITY & APPEARANCE

Distinct from other clinics, Queens in Jeans has a unique approach that helps a diverse group of attendees ranging from novice to national levels. I have attended several clinics throughout the country and this one provided me with insights into how my personality strengths and weaknesses influenced how I handled and approached competitions. Go ahead, give this clinic a try - you will advance and come one step closer to that crown!

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DANIELLE KEMP, MISS DOUBLE R RODEO 2014
2nd RUNNER-UP -- MISS RODEO USA

I personally had the pleasure of working with Ms. Debra, she truly has your best interest at heart, if you have the opportunity to work with her I encourage you to go to her clinic! She has made a difference in my queening ability and my career. The things you will learn from her will help you in every aspect in life!

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KELLY (FREITAG) FORELL, MISS RODEO KANSAS, 1990
4th RUNNER-UP -- MISS RODEO AMERICA

NATIONAL MISS COLLEGE RODEO, 1988-89

NATIONAL SADDLE CLUB ASSOCIATION QUEEN, 1985

What does a young lady need to know when preparing for a rodeo queen contest?  For those who have ridden horses most of their lives, horsemanship is definitely not enough.  There’s make-up, hair, photogenics, wardrobe, speeches, modeling, interviews, tests, and impromptu questions.

 

So if you want to be the best you can be, where does one go to get help?  To the experts of course and in the late 80’s, it was The Competitive Edge, run by Miss Rodeo Kansas alumni Teddi Bankes Domann and Debra Fox.  Debra Fox continues as a personal coach today and has many successes to her credit.

 

My journey began way behind the 8-ball.  My wardrobe consisted of jeans and t-shirts. I had no idea how to properly put on make-up or fix hair.  So I scheduled my appointment with Debra and Teddi.  After a long weekend, I had a new toolbox.  One that I could continue to add to over time. One of the first pageants I went to after the initial training with them was the 1988 Miss Rodeo Kansas pageant. Of course I thought I should have won, but a bigger power was in charge. Had I won that contest, I would have been one of the youngest contestants and very inexperienced at the Miss Rodeo America pageant that year.  I did not give up and continued to use the tool box and build my skills. 

 

As a student at KSU, I set my sights on the National Miss College Rodeo title.  I competed for the local title as if I were competing for the national title. It worked.  We worked on tidbits for an effective speech, perfected our pageant photo, organized my wardrobe, worked on modeling techniques, make-up, and hair.  I studied current events and continued to learn everything I could about rodeo from the events, to the equipment, to entering, to producing an event, etc.

 

I was not the queen contestant who won every category, I was the one who finished near the top in each category. It worked as I won the 1988-1989 Miss College Rodeo title but was not the one everyone thought would take the title. 

 

So what about Miss Rodeo America, the only way to get there is through the state pageant system. So I went back to the Miss Rodeo Kansas pageant, won it and managed to finish in the top 5 at Miss Rodeo America circa 1990-1991.   

 

I would not have had any of this success without the continued coaching of Teddi and Debra. Many doors have been opened since then, including the opportunity to participate in the All-American Rodeo in Paris, France and obtaining an acting role in a low budget film called “Canyon Trail”.  I continue to improve my riding skills as I compete in the WPRA, BBR, NBHA, and other barrel racing jackpots.

 

I do continue to judge queen contests and provide contest tidbits here and there, but do not do it as a paid professional.  I highly recommend the services Debra provides and could use a tune up myself to familiarize myself with all of the changes to pageants since my time.

 

As with any competition, one needs a competitive advantage.  And these skills will carry over to other real life scenarios. I am blessed to have spent time with The Competitive Edge and benefit from their teachings every day.