Velma Jean Carroll is the founder and producer of VJC Pageant Productions. She's a pageant veteran of 29 years, 13 as a contestant and 16 as an Executive Director. After brainstorming names for pageants with friends, Miss City of Roses was chosen in 1991. This pageant began as a scholarship program to allow young women an opportunity to earn scholarships and build self-esteem. In 1993 it became an official preliminary to Miss Louisiana/Miss America.

In 1994, Velma produced Miss City of Roses for TV, making it the first local preliminary in Louisiana to be televised. In 1995, Miss City of Roses produced Miss Louisiana 1995, Karmyn Tyler. Karmyn went on to win a non finalist talent award at the Miss America pageant that year.

1n 1997 Velma had a revelation when she went to produce a pageant for the American Rose Center in Shreveport. It had rained all during the week, so she prayed for sunshine. The sun was indeed shining that Saturday, and when she saw the sun shining through her bedroom window, she knew that she was meant to produce pageants.

In 1994, Velma started the Miss Black Shreveport program to allow young women of color an opportunity to showcase their talents during Black History Month.

The annual Mother-Daughter pageant was started to allow mothers and daughters an opportunity to team up and compete for prizes and awards. Most of you would agree that a pageant mom is as prepared as her daughter for competition.

The Most Beautiful Girl in the World pageant was named for the Prince song of the same title. This is a great beginner pageant that includes workshops on makeup, clothing and stage presence.

Each of these pageants are unique. Every contestant receives a trophy and every contestant is treated like royalty.

For more information about Velma or VJC Pageant Productions, please drop an e-mail.

All VJC Pageants except for Most Beautiful Girl in the World will be held at Huntington High School in Shreveport. To get there, follow these directions.