Mentor Woman Prepares For Miss Galaxy Pageant

Mentor resident Lidia Gurley -- the reigning Miss Midwest Galaxy -- likes the pageant scene for a lot of reasons.

However, a big reason is the clothes -- the fancy hi-lo dresses, the shiny swimsuits, the glamourous evening gowns.

Fashion is a big deal to 19-year-old Gurley. It's not just a hobby; it's an art form and a business.

In fact, when Gurley takes the stage during the International Galaxy Pageant in Orlando, FL, she will be wearing only outfits she herself has made.

Her swimwear, her dress for the fashion competition, her evening gown, her interview outfit, even what she will wear to the opening gala -- Gurley sews it all herself.

"Because I make everything, it's a lot of preparing," she said.

And Gurley needs to fit all this preparation into what is already a busy summer.

She has made at least 20 appearances as the reigning Miss Midwest Galaxy at charity and pageant events since winning the crown in April. (For example, she was one of the judges for the Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras pageant last weekend.)

Additionally, she's still taking two classes online this summer through the Ohio State University business school. (Even though she's only 19, she's still on pace to graduate with her bachelor's degree in international business next year because she took two years of classes at Lakeland Community College before graduating last year from .)

But all of this work is just a prelude to the International Galaxy Pageant this July 24 through 28 where she will be competing with women from all over the globe.

"I would like to make the top five," she said when asked what her goal is. "Obviously, I'd like to win but, if I can't do that, I'd like to reach the final five. Then you get a plaque," she added with a laugh.

Even if she doesn't win the big crown, Gurley said she'll still be proud of her accomplishments on the pageant circuit.

"Few people can say they made it to an international competition," she said.

Gurley has been interested in pageants since she was very young but she did not compete until recently.

"My mom always told me I could do pageants when I was old enough to do it on my own," she said.

The competitions have been a double boon for Gurley. Not only have they been fun for her but they also serve as a great advertisement for her sewing business (which is temporarily on hold while she prepares for the pageant.)

When asked what her favorite part of the pageants is, she replied, "I know it's a cliche but definitely the people. You meet a lot of cool people."

She explained that it's fun for her to be surrounded by so many women with similar interests.

"And they love getting dressed up," she added. "You never feel overdressed with them."