When was your establishment opened?
1976.

What do customers need to know about your business? What is your philosophy and mission?
In 1976 the pageant world was changing. The tempo elevated to the mega-stage filled with excitement, high style and a competent artistic evolving contestant. Into that fast-paced world came a now famous pageant concept store—The Encounter in Kingsport, Tennessee. After 32 years as a leader in pageantry, The Encounter stays focused on the most important aspect of this high profile pageant scene—the contestant. The philosophy and mission are one, as we serve to help women of all ages achieve their dreams and define success by these beautiful smiling faces.

What divisions do you carry?
We carry a complete pageant offering of competition designer gowns, suits, swimsuits, shoes, jewelry, casual and high fashion daywear.

Do you offer dress or gown registration?
We have an in-house national and international gown registry program to ensure exclusivity on the big pageant stage.

Do you have a web site? If so, can dresses be ordered online?
We have several, theenc.com, thesmawleyagency.com, tnperfectteen.com and vaperfectteen.com .

What special services do you offer to allow your customers a convenient shopping experience?
We design competition gowns in-house to showcase the pageant contestant. Also, international designers work with us to design unique gowns for competition in local, national and international pageants. In 2007 and 2008, The Encounter designed gowns and wardrobed contestants who placed in the Top 5 and Top 10 at Miss America, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, America’s Perfect Junior Teen, America’s Perfect Teen, America’s Perfect Miss and many other national pageants. And let’s not forget our wardrobing service for the professional woman.
Describe some of the custom and unique services that you offer to your clients.
The Encounter is a leader in full service for the pageant contestant. A large inventory of designer competition gowns, opening number outfits, swimsuits and stylish footwear allows the contestant to fulfill her dream of finding the perfect gown and pageant wardrobe. Hands-on is the name of our game. Each gown is fitted perfectly, and alterations by a professional seamstress are done in a timely and efficient manner (The pageant training program available at The Encounter includes modeling, public speaking, interview, fitness evaluation and community service encouragement).

How do you reach your customers and grow your relationship with them?
The Encounter has a long relationship with the professional staff at Pageantry magazine. National advertising has proven invaluable in reaching clients around the USA and the World. Since opening 32 years ago, The Encounter has served a growing list of contestants who have sought out our pageant expertise.

What trends do you see becoming dominant in the coming year, and where do you see the industry heading?
Media domination is worthy of a second look. The future is most exciting! Pageant interest is at an all-time high and the fashion industry is at the forefront. Many new pageant systems encourage a “free expression” or “set your own style” format.

Why do you love what you do?
We love every aspect of our business from working with designers and manufacturers, discovering new and unique fabrics from all over the world, to the challenge of high fashion photography and sharing camaraderie with the pageant families.
Most of all, we love the smile on the face of the girl who finally understands that she alone holds the key to achieving her dreams. Today, intelligent, inspiring, hard-working motivators wear a crown to highlight a deeply held belief that life can be better because of their position as a role model. We are encouraged for the future of our world each time we see a pageant contestant compete for her dream. Pageant girls everywhere—hear our hands clapping just for you! M

The Encounter
?established 1976

120 Jack White Drive
Kingsport, TN 37664
Ethel Smawley
theenc.com
thesmawleyagency.com
423-247-4806