Preparing For Pageants
Alicia Michioka Jones | Robert Tolentino photo
As CEO and executive director of New Media Productions, Alicia Michioka Jones is a driving force when it comes to building confidence in young women through pageant productions. For Jones, life paved the way for this entrepreneurial venture in 2004 when she started the independent production company as a way to execute her ideas and thoughts through video.
Since then, New Media Productions has produced commercials and documentaries on missing children in Hawaii, as well as special events, fashion shows and, most recently, pageants.
“I want to provide an outlet for young women to gain experience, self-esteem and confidence through pageant participation,” says Jones, a local girl born and raised in Kapaa, Kaua’i. Jones also won the title of Miss Hawaii USA 2003 and Mrs. Hawaii 2010, thus making her the perfect person for the job.
New Media Productions has 10 independent staff members to help the business run smoothly, as Jones’ company works hard to provide beauty consulting, pageant coaching and preparation, and image consulting, in addition to video production.
According to Jones, her clientele includes those who have an interest in the beauty industry, who also hope to further their careers in fashion, beauty consulting, beauty pageants and overall image presentation.
“We are currently in production for Miss T.E.E.N Hawaii, a pageant coming up next month. It also will be aired on KHON2 May 4 at 9 p.m.,” says Jones, who graduated with a double major in advertising and journalism and a minor in theater from Hawaii Pacific University.
“I am the only executive director in the state who has had the experience of competing in national pageants, which includes placing in the top 10 at Miss USA and first runner-up at Mrs. United States,” she says.
“It is so rewarding to work with young women who have the same dreams I did when I was their age. I have been in their shoes at one point, so I know what is at stake. Paving a way for them to set individual goals, achieve them and live out their dreams is the best feeling in the world.”
While she’s not producing pageants and TV productions, Jones is still busier than ever, as she also serves as a regional vice president for ARBONNE, a Swiss skin care and cosmetics company, and, according to Jones, there are always plans in the works.
“We have some exciting new ventures planned this year … more to be announced soon! I am currently working with my husband, Matt, a personal fitness trainer, to open a training studio catered to individuals who can benefit from training in all areas of pageant preparation in one location,” she adds.
For more information on Jones and New Media Productions, you can find her on Facebook and LinkedIn. Also, visit missteenhi.com for information on Miss T.E.E.N Hawaii pageant.
