I am a photographer starting in the world of fashion. I wanted to find out what steps that you took to get to where you are today. Feel free to check out my work at www.kodyjamesphotography.com

First, allow me to make a confession: My morning routine takes far longer than what I’d prefer.
But this is only because over the years I have fried my hair to the point of no return (which means it takes longer to do), can’t leave my bathroom without thoroughly cleaning it up, prefer to read while I eat breakfast and cut my own hair in the mornings quite regularly.

Here’s my first piece of advice for a faster morning routine: Don’t do those things.

Now, when it comes to mornings where I know I’ve got to hurry (or I’ve overslept), I have a very different routine.

I just like to take my time.

Showering

If you can take a shower the night before to save time, by all means, do so.

I just feel my best when I shower in the morning.

There are lots of ways to save time in the shower. Most women take 15 to 20 minutes; I’m out in five.

Side note, for an even faster routine, always keep dry shampoo on hand. You can find these at any convenience store. I use Tresemmé. If you’re unfamiliar with the product, dry shampoo is a spray-in shampoo that soaks up the dirt, which you then will brush out.

I only had to use it when I tried this new frizz-free product and wasn’t allowed to wash my hair for a day. The dry shampoo did work and did not leave my head feeling greasy.

In the shower: First, use a hydrating body wash so you can skip the lotion afterward.

A 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner also saves time.

Want to save even more? Don’t shave in the shower. I never do. You can’t see what you’re doing, and it takes even longer.

Once you step out, dry everything except for your legs and armpits, then shave them immediately. I don’t even use shaving cream, as the skin is still soft and moist.

Hair and makeup

If you can, blow dry your hair last to let it air dry as much as possible.

Unfortunately, I have to dry mine first because I need the time I do my makeup to allow my curlers to set. In that situation, blow dry from underneath as much as possible before flipping your hair over to get the top.

Style your hair as normal, but if you’re really crunched for time, throw it in a bun, but dress it up with a headband or fancy clip.

On to the makeup

Use a tinted moisturizer with SPF. In addition to hydrated skin, you’ll add color and protection from the sun.

Keep a pot of color that serves as blush and eye shadow on hand and use it.

Remember to keep all these things organized, so you’re not adding time searching for everything.

As for lipstick and jewelry, when I’m really in a hurry, I throw all these things in my purse and put them on in the car or when I’ve arrived at work — all things you don’t have to do at home.

Of course, the best thing to do is lay your clothes out the night before. If you overslept and didn’t do so, run for those clothes that don’t require ironing. Polyesters and most all synthetics stay pretty wrinkle-free. If you have a job that allows you to wear leggings, which I fortunately do, make a beeline for those.

Everything in its place

Always try to keep your purse, keys and cellphone in the same place. Don’t get lazy about this one. Nothing is worse than a wild goose chase when you’re in a hurry.

I prefer to make a real breakfast each morning, but keep breakfast bars on hand for those mornings you need to eat on the go.

I don’t drink coffee, but a friend advised getting a coffee maker with a timer. She sets it to start 10 minutes before her alarm goes off each morning and then drinks it while getting ready.

If you’re a coffee drinker, I’d say that’s some pretty smart advice!

Personally, I find my regular morning routine to be a time of relaxation. I don’t like to rush. I listen to music, sometimes I even watch a movie as I get ready, and always read while I eat. I’m such a busy person that the morning is the only time I ever get to do such things.

But we all need to have quick fixes for those crazy, rushed mornings that happen far too often — I hope you only have to use them sparingly!

After interviewing a young girl and her mother several years ago for a story I was writing on pageants, I got a call from her grandmother.

Jennifer* sat on the board of directors for the Miss Ohio pageant.

“My daughter told me how well spoken and pretty you were,” she said. “I’d really like to meet with you and see if you might be interested in competing.”

To make a two-hour meeting short, I was told all the benefits, which included scholarship money, a confidence builder and networking opportunities — and she sold me.

I’m always up for a challenge, and for those who don’t hold pageants in high regard, trust me when I say it was one of the most challenging, time-consuming activities I’ve ever put myself through.

Recently, I was in an argument with a female acquaintance who claimed pageants are for the “brainless.”

Completely untrue.

For months and months leading up to my big day, I spent EVERY morning listening to NPR and watching the news.

The most important part of the whole pageant is the interview portion. How well-spoken are you? How knowledgeable are you on current events? How quickly can you think on your feet?

The rule is, it doesn’t matter what answer you give, it’s HOW you give it.

Then came the daily exercising. No matter your opinion on the swimsuit portion of the pageant, the point is to show how well you take care of yourself. Do you lead a healthy lifestyle?

Then there’s talent. From dancers to singers to musicians, so many of these young women are incredibly talented and I took this portion very seriously.

As a dancer, I had to find music, cut the song to two minutes, create a dance number, find an outfit, decide how I would be able to do my hair in the five minutes I would have backstage, etc.

The whole process was unbelievably time consuming.

Then there was the platform.

Not only did I have to come up with a platform that demonstrated my character and what I was passionate about (I chose adoption), but I had to write about it and be knowledgeable about every possible angle since it would come up during my interview.

I had to find dresses, jewelry, hair accessories and shoes.

I was quizzed endlessly by friends, coworkers and family members about every topic imaginable.

The entire process took an incredible amount of time and dedication, especially since it is highly preferred that competitors complete volunteer work related to their platform.

I also held a full-time job as most girls do — in addition to classes, which top grades are sought.

The conversation I recently had with this woman stemmed from the fact that I was recently asked to emcee a pageant in Cleveland on May 1.

I agreed as I support MOST pageants.

If you choose to compete for the right reasons, it is a life-changing experience.

It teaches discipline, responsibility, compassion, confidence and wonderful communication skills.

I am friends with several girls on Facebook with whom I used to compete with and I am constantly amazed at the updates I see from them.

They are TV anchors, national spokespersons and successful lawyers.

Sure, not everyone will have the same experience, but I can tell you the girls I know were driven then and they continue to be.

I know I am.