Yahaira Kolb, owner of Goddess Salon and Spa in Granada Hills, saw what participating in beauty pageants did for her and wants to return the favor.

Kolb is putting together a pageant for San Fernando Valley women from 18-25 years old who have earned a high school diploma by September 2008. The event is scheduled to happen in the Fall and is free to the participants.

For Kolb, being a part of beauty pageants was a life-changing experience that aided her in carving out a clear plan for her future.

“It helped me because I was in a situation in my life where I was 17 years old and very confused at that age,” Kolb said. “I had absolutely no guidance. I really had no idea of what I wanted to do. I didn’t have a structure. My first beauty pageant taught me how to get out of my shell.

“Then after a little bit a time it helped me to be more outspoken and more goal oriented probably,” Kolb added. “By my third or fourth beauty pageant I was more secure. It helped me to be in control.”

Kolb likes to refer to the pageant she is putting together as a “A Beauty and Brains” pageant. She’s working with female business owners and others from the community to make this event come together.

There are going to be over $10,000 worth of cash and prizes to be awarded by Valley Goddess and local businesses.

She is enlisting the help of local businesses in large part to interact with the women who participate in the pageant, so that they can see some of the opportunities in front of them and the benefits of extending their education beyond high school.

“That’s the idea we want to get girls who are unmotivated and get them a little more spirited about their future,” Kolb said. “Just to see what other women have accomplished by continuing their education. ”

Kolb hopes that hosting a pageant will benefit the young women who participate in the same way it helped her find her path.

“A little at a time I gained a little bit more information that helped me become very independent, but at the same time, aware of others that are around you,” Kolb said. “It’s very rewarding and fulfilling in the end. You can be first, second, or third, but in the long run you have that experience of going through so much where sometimes you win sometimes you lose. But that’s how life is.”

If you’d like to be a participant or you just want more information, please call (818) 894-4455 or email contest@valleygoddess.com

Send your community news to editor@thesfv.com or call (818) 435-4091.