Today we’d like to introduce you to Janieka Ratcliff.
Janieka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Janieka Ratcliff and I am 34yrs young with two amazing sons, Mark Jr. 18 and Makhi 14. At a young age, I discovered my love for modeling, beauty and all things glam. When I was 13, I graduated from John Casablancas Modeling and Training center in Atlanta, where I learned the basics of modeling and the beauty industry, then I went on to compete in Pageants during my high school years which was a very fun and educating experience for me. In my adult years, I struggled to find my purpose and passion until I realized what I loved most, which was making others feel and look beautiful inside and out so I went out on a limb and I developed and operated my very own Modeling Agency called Diamond Dolls Modeling Agency here in Atlanta for 3yrs (2008-2011) where I managed female models ages 18yrs -25yrs old.
My models were cast for party/event hosting gigs, print ads, commercials, Car/Bike shows, over 63 music videos that aired on major networks such as BET, VH-1 and MTV and much more. So many things began to change in the modeling/entertainment industry over the years, along with other personal things that I experienced, so I decided to close my agency and take a personal break. In 2011, while managing my Teen Mentoring Program for girls ages 12yrs-18yrs (Pink Diamonds INC.), I received several calls from parents asking me to manage their kids in Modeling so I prayed on it and came up with the idea of building a Pageant System that would be open to children and young women of all ages.
In 2011, I put together a plan for a Pageant system that would not only allow girls/women to showcase their beauty, but it would be a program to empower and develop them in many positive ways. My Pageant system is Universal Diamond Pageants and as of today, I am currently working on the production plans for my 9th Pageant. I have an amazing team of 18 staff members that help me produce EPIC shows 2-3 times a year and I’m so grateful to be able to produce shows, not just in Atlanta, but other states as well. My staff and I are also working on pitching a reality show for our Pageant system called “Take the Crown ATL,” so be on the lookout because you might catch us on stage in a city near you and/or on your TV screen!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to success has not always been easy. I’ve had my share of distractions, bumps in the road, financial hardships, divorce, and even death in the family which have all played a role in slowing me down and discouraging me at times but I understood what my purpose was and my passion for dreams allowed me to push harder than ever before and keep going forward into my God-given purpose.
My motto has always been, “If you fall seven times, get up eight!” At this point in my career, I’ve learned that it’s not all about me, my drive and perseverance stems from God, my children, family/friends, Pageant babies, staff and supporters. I have so many people that depend on me to win so there’s literally no other option for me. My advice to any entrepreneur is to KEEP GOING!
Please tell us more about your work. What do you guys do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am the Owner, Director and Executive Producer of Universal Diamond Pageants. We are the home of the most astonishing Beauty and Scholarship Pageants in the South East Region. We specialize in beauty, themed, and scholarship pageants as well as Princess Boot Camps for kids, teens and women ages six months-25 years of age. Our focus is to empower, build confidence and leadership skills as well as to encourage young women to work toward a promising future.
We are big on community service and have supported many charities such as Toys for Tots, The Special Olympics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Atlanta Mission (Homeless Foundation) and The Purple Stride Foundation (Pancreatic Cancer Research) just to name a few. We travel throughout the United States offering our contestants prizes such as glamorous crowns, trophies, plaques, sashes, scholarship/award money and various other prizes. Our pageants are available for all sizes, heights, weights, ethnicities and experiences.
Whether you are new to the world of pageants or a professional on stage, you will find that our system is positive and exciting! What sets us apart from other Pageant systems are the Empowerment sessions that we offer ours participates before each show and the fact that we put on a major production that includes opening acts, celebrity appearances and a variety of performances during each intermission that includes, soloists, poets, dance teams, comedians and much more. We give the audience an experience to remember forever!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family, close friends, staff and God (much prayer and faith) have played a major role in my success. They’ve supported me from day one and have allowed me to be the Visionary while they supported me and volunteered to be my vision carriers. I am and will forever be grateful for each of them. I couldn’t have done it without their genuine love and support!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.UniversalDiamondPageants.com
- Phone: 678-948-8143
- Email: CrownMe@UniversalDiamondPageants.com
- Instagram: @Universal_Diamond_Pageants
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniversalDiamondPageants/
- Other: @Diamond_CEO (Personal Instagram page)
Image Credit:
The Poised Agency, JL Consulting Firm, CB Filmz and KB Photography
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