Lauren Soderlund has confidently embraced her role as a pageant mother, supporting her daughters Charli, aged six, and Lacie Lou, four, in their competitive journeys. Unlike many parents in the pageant world, Soderlund did not participate in such events during her childhood. However, her early exposure to the realm via TLC’s acclaimed series “Toddlers & Tiaras” provided a glimpse into the glittering, albeit dramatized, sphere her daughters now inhabit.
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From Charli’s debut on stage at just eight months old, the Soderlund household has become a vibrant hub of pageant activity. Charli and Lacie Lou have continuously participated in various competitions, and Soderlund has remained an ever-enthusiastic supporter. She recently left a career in nursing to fully dedicate herself to her daughters’ pageantry, even launching her bespoke gown-making business, Dollhouse Designs, to craft the outfits they wear on stage. The transition reflects her commitment, not just as a parent, but as a dedicated participant in the pageant community.
With over 29,000 followers on TikTok, Soderlund frequently shares footage and images showcasing her daughters modelling her gowns. While she often uses the hashtag #ToddlersandTiaras in her posts, Soderlund clarifies that her daughters are not involved in any television reality show; instead, she appreciates the similarities between her life and the program she once admired. Reflecting on this connection, she noted how the people she watched on television have become friends in her current life.
Despite the heightened drama portrayed on “Toddlers & Tiaras,” Soderlund insists that the reality of pageant life is much more harmonious than depicted. “It’s a really big family,” she remarked, affirming that, contrary to the show’s catty portrayal, the pageant community predominantly supports one another. This sense of camaraderie is vital for many parents and children engaged in this competitive, yet nurturing environment.
Soderlund acknowledges that the negative perceptions surrounding pageantry often stem from misconceptions around children’s experiences. She emphasises that her daughters enjoy the glamour and excitement of dressing up for competitions, even if some aspects, such as applying false eyelashes, are less enjoyable. “Charli absolutely hates getting eyelashes put on,” Soderlund shares, acknowledging the occasional discomfort but highlighting her daughter’s resolve to participate nonetheless.
In addition to pageantry, Charli and Lacie Lou are expanding their talents into modelling and acting, having appeared in commercials, with Charli even landing a role in a film. While social media exposes the family to a range of opinions, both positive and negative, Soderlund approaches criticism with an open mind, recognising that viewers from the outside might not fully understand their choices.
Addressing speculation about the financial gains from pageantry, Soderlund firmly counters the notion that they profit from their daughters’ successes. Earnings are saved for Charli and Lacie Lou in separate accounts managed by their father. “We don’t touch any of it,” Soderlund asserts, which reflects a commitment to her children’s futures as well as teaching them the value of financial responsibility.
The perceived benefits of pageantry extend beyond financial rewards, fostering invaluable life skills in young participants. Soderlund champions the development of confidence and communication abilities that her daughters acquire through their experiences. “It teaches them how to speak to adult strangers that they don’t know,” she explains. In her eyes, her daughters have already achieved feats in their early years that surpass her own accomplishments at the same age.
Overall, Soderlund’s dual role as a supportive parent and passionate participant in the pageant community illustrates a dynamic blend of nurturing, creativity, and resilience. She continues to navigate the challenges of this world while protecting her daughters’ experiences and fostering an appreciation for the skills gained within it. Through her unwavering support, Soderlund exemplifies the joy that can be cultivated in the lives of young competitors, defying the stereotypes associated with pageantry along the way.