01of 08Ava PerezTLC; david PerezThough she was barely old enough to know what pageants were back in the day, Ava Perez and her enthusiastic dad David were in love with the pageant life — including everything from costume designing and routine choreographing to hair and makeup. “To some people, I probably seemed a bit over the top. But to my dad, I was his princess,” Perez told PEOPLE in 2021.Perez’s interests stretch beyond pageants, but she’s grateful for the lessons she’s learned throughout the years. “I had learned about confidence from a young age,” she said. “My dad also taught me you get out of life what you put into it. That is why I’m always dedicated and determined in everything I do, whether it’s my music or my academics.”
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Ava Perez
TLC; david Perez
Though she was barely old enough to know what pageants were back in the day, Ava Perez and her enthusiastic dad David were in love with the pageant life — including everything from costume designing and routine choreographing to hair and makeup. “To some people, I probably seemed a bit over the top. But to my dad, I was his princess,” Perez told PEOPLE in 2021.
Perez’s interests stretch beyond pageants, but she’s grateful for the lessons she’s learned throughout the years. “I had learned about confidence from a young age,” she said. “My dad also taught me you get out of life what you put into it. That is why I’m always dedicated and determined in everything I do, whether it’s my music or my academics.”
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03of 08Eden Woodcourtesy of Mickie Wood"I would describe myself as happy-go-lucky, definitely a performer, very funny, and a country girl with big dreams from a small town,“Woodtold PEOPLE in 2021 of her younger self.“I think the way that I see myself now is very self-motivated,” added Wood, who at the time was busy making original music and working on a makeup line. “Whether it’s a test I have to prepare for to keep that 4.0 GPA, a cheer stunt that I have to overcome the fear of doing, or an audition that takes me out of my comfort zone, whatever it is I’ll do it to the best of my ability. I’m also a very creative type — I love drawing or painting, and I especially love playing the drums and composing music. At the end of the day, I’m a conqueror, no dream or obstacle is too big and no task too hard IF you’re willing to put the work in! I guess I’m a ‘gotta make it happen’ kind of girl.“Wood said she wanted to go to college (Harvard!) but also wanted to continue pursuing music and acting, and “most importantly, encourage girls and boys around the world to reach for the stars and never give up no matter how big their dreams might be or where they come from!”
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Eden Wood
courtesy of Mickie Wood
“I would describe myself as happy-go-lucky, definitely a performer, very funny, and a country girl with big dreams from a small town,“Woodtold PEOPLE in 2021 of her younger self.
“I think the way that I see myself now is very self-motivated,” added Wood, who at the time was busy making original music and working on a makeup line. “Whether it’s a test I have to prepare for to keep that 4.0 GPA, a cheer stunt that I have to overcome the fear of doing, or an audition that takes me out of my comfort zone, whatever it is I’ll do it to the best of my ability. I’m also a very creative type — I love drawing or painting, and I especially love playing the drums and composing music. At the end of the day, I’m a conqueror, no dream or obstacle is too big and no task too hard IF you’re willing to put the work in! I guess I’m a ‘gotta make it happen’ kind of girl.”
Wood said she wanted to go to college (Harvard!) but also wanted to continue pursuing music and acting, and “most importantly, encourage girls and boys around the world to reach for the stars and never give up no matter how big their dreams might be or where they come from!”
04of 08Bella Barrettcourtesy of Susanna Paliotta"I loved the stage, and performing to me was like putting on a play with a live audience,” recalledBarrettwhile speaking to PEOPLE in 2021. “I was always in ‘go’ mode but I feel like that confidence and fearlessness I had back then has helped me so much in my teens with academics, public speaking even being Cheer captain. That being said, let’s be honest — I was one big meme.““I am way more calm and reserved now, but still have my silly side,” she added. “I have a busy home life and between being cheer captain, 4-wheeling, jet-skiing, modeling and running my brands, I always have something exciting going on.“After the series ended, Barrett launched a successful career as an influencer.
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Bella Barrett
courtesy of Susanna Paliotta
“I loved the stage, and performing to me was like putting on a play with a live audience,” recalledBarrettwhile speaking to PEOPLE in 2021. “I was always in ‘go’ mode but I feel like that confidence and fearlessness I had back then has helped me so much in my teens with academics, public speaking even being Cheer captain. That being said, let’s be honest — I was one big meme.”
“I am way more calm and reserved now, but still have my silly side,” she added. “I have a busy home life and between being cheer captain, 4-wheeling, jet-skiing, modeling and running my brands, I always have something exciting going on.”
After the series ended, Barrett launched a successful career as an influencer.
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Liana Pirraglia
courtesy of Mary Pirraglia
As a young girl, Liana Pirraglia was always considered the “underdog.”
“In the third grade, I was ambitious and open to trying new things,” Pirraglia told PEOPLE in 2021. “I was so excited for the opportunity to be featured onToddlers & Tiaras, I wanted to participate right away. It was cringey to be portrayed as the underdog of the pageant. I am always a winner in my own way.”
“I am the same ambitious person that I was back then,” she continued. “I am hard-working, dedicated, confident, and resilient. Through the years I’ve enjoyed improving my abilities as an actress, singer, dancer, and model. It is something that I plan to continue doing forever. I always strive for the best!”
Pirraglia attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan. She has starred in some short films and made her feature debut in the 2021 movieLock Down Lovewas a2022 Hooters International Calendar Girland
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Madison Berg
courtesy of Stacy Berg
At the time, Berg told PEOPLE that her biggest focus was on her happiness. “My biggest dream in life is to be genuinely happy and to enjoy what I do every single day,” she told PEOPLE.
Berg later became a kindergarten teacher and shares some of her favorite classroom moments onInstagram.
07of 08Sprinkle Sisterscourtesy of Dana SprinkleThe Sprinkle Sisters (Elizabeth, Makayla and Savanna) were known for their big hair and southern charm. “I was very shy and reserved, but pageants allowed me to step outside my comfort zone,” Makayla told PEOPLE in 2021. “I feel like I’m the opposite of how I was then. Now I’m very confident, driven and outspoken. I feel like I have pageants to thank for that.“At the time, Makayla was in her senior year of college and aspired to move to Los Angeles and work as a fitness trainer.Said Elizabeth: “I enjoy anything cosmetology-related and would like to be a professional makeup artist.“Added Savanna: “I absolutely love anything that has to do with animals, so I’d love to open up a large rehab facility for native wildlife, along with continuing to grow my current farm.”
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Sprinkle Sisters
courtesy of Dana Sprinkle
The Sprinkle Sisters (Elizabeth, Makayla and Savanna) were known for their big hair and southern charm. “I was very shy and reserved, but pageants allowed me to step outside my comfort zone,” Makayla told PEOPLE in 2021. “I feel like I’m the opposite of how I was then. Now I’m very confident, driven and outspoken. I feel like I have pageants to thank for that.“At the time, Makayla was in her senior year of college and aspired to move to Los Angeles and work as a fitness trainer.
Said Elizabeth: “I enjoy anything cosmetology-related and would like to be a professional makeup artist.”
Added Savanna: “I absolutely love anything that has to do with animals, so I’d love to open up a large rehab facility for native wildlife, along with continuing to grow my current farm.”
08of 08Tiara Twinscourtesy of Kelly LyerlyBack in the day, the Tiara Twins (Alycesaundra and Giavanna Lyerly were infamous for their over-the-top gowns, custom tour bus, bodyguard and outspoken mom. “I am a twin, so everything that we did, we did together. I think that when I was younger, I was probably annoyed that I had to share with Giavanna,” Alycesaundra told PEOPLE in 2021. “Luckily, we have both grown up and she is my best friend and I her biggest supporter.“The girls — who said that they still loved the glamour of pageant life — later discovered new hobbies, including knives and crossbows. “I have definitely got my screaming fits under control,” Giavanna joked. “I’m still very outgoing and enjoy doing pageants and walking runways. We also live on a farm and have chickens and cows.” Giavanna continued competing and was crowned2021 Today’s International World Teen.Added Alycesaundra, who moved into a new career as a fashion designer, launching the brandAlycesaundraL: “I have definitely grown up a lot sinceToddlers & Tiaras. I love school and enjoy reading. I began designing clothes a few years ago and have shown at NYFW for the past eight seasons. I am growing in my craft and working hard to be successful. And I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I enjoy working on the farm with my dad — it makes me strong and keeps me tough.”
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Tiara Twins
courtesy of Kelly Lyerly
Back in the day, the Tiara Twins (Alycesaundra and Giavanna Lyerly were infamous for their over-the-top gowns, custom tour bus, bodyguard and outspoken mom. “I am a twin, so everything that we did, we did together. I think that when I was younger, I was probably annoyed that I had to share with Giavanna,” Alycesaundra told PEOPLE in 2021. “Luckily, we have both grown up and she is my best friend and I her biggest supporter.”
The girls — who said that they still loved the glamour of pageant life — later discovered new hobbies, including knives and crossbows. “I have definitely got my screaming fits under control,” Giavanna joked. “I’m still very outgoing and enjoy doing pageants and walking runways. We also live on a farm and have chickens and cows.” Giavanna continued competing and was crowned2021 Today’s International World Teen.
Added Alycesaundra, who moved into a new career as a fashion designer, launching the brandAlycesaundraL: “I have definitely grown up a lot sinceToddlers & Tiaras. I love school and enjoy reading. I began designing clothes a few years ago and have shown at NYFW for the past eight seasons. I am growing in my craft and working hard to be successful. And I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I enjoy working on the farm with my dad — it makes me strong and keeps me tough.”
source: people.com
