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Pageant Mom's Secret to Sparkle: Custom Gowns & Fake Teeth
5 Jul
Summary
- A mother launched a bespoke gown business for child pageantry.
- Fake teeth, called flippers, are commonly used for brighter smiles.
- Pageants teach children valuable life skills like public speaking.
Lauren Soderlund, a mother of two, has fully immersed herself in the world of child pageantry, even quitting her nursing career to support her daughters, Charli, 6, and Lacie Lou, 4. What began as a personal quest to craft unique outfits for her girls quickly evolved into a professional venture. Soderlund launched Dollhouse Designs, a line of bespoke gowns for young pageant contestants. Her custom creations have even graced red carpets, including a dress for 9-year-old Scarlett Spears at the premiere of a film in November 2025 and another for the Toy Story 5 premiere in June 2026. A surprising aspect of the pageant world, as explained by Soderlund, is the common use of removable dental flippers. These are used to fill gaps from missing baby teeth, creating a brighter, more complete smile essential for stage presence, especially at the national competition level. Soderlund acknowledges the online scrutiny her family faces but highlights the positive impacts of pageantry. Her daughters, and others, gain confidence, improve their interview skills, and learn to interact effectively with unfamiliar adults. She views these experiences as highly beneficial for the children's development.
