WALLOON kids Isabella and Hastin Mulford-Jackson share a glamorous hobby.
The siblings take part in shows run by Baby Show Time, an organisation that gives children of all ages opportunities to dress up and compete for trophies and ribbons.
They’ve just returned from an event in Melbourne where both competed and won awards.
Hastin’s awards included Prince Charming, Showstopper, Polished, King and Star of the Day.
Isabella won the Miss Royal Diamond Trophy.
“We chose Baby Show Time because it’s a fundraising charity that raises money for the Kids with Cancer Foundation,” their mum Mel said.
“It’s not the same as a pageant but more like a baby show where there are different novelty categories.”
There are a lot of sections under each category.
In the novelty category, sections include Personality Plus, Best Dressed, Model of the Day, Most Beautiful Eyes and Little Mister Handsome.
High titles include Miss Tiny Tot, Miss World, Princess, Prince, Queen, King and Child of the Year.
They’re open to children aged up to 16 so this is the last year Isabella will be able to compete alongside her little brother.
There are adult categories, so she’s not stepping out entirely.
“Judges talk to the children and see what they’re wearing but it’s not like you see on [American TV],” Mel explained.
“They’re not expected to be perfect, wear make up or be all done up, it’s a lot more relaxed.
“They don’t even stand before a judging panel. They can run around and play with their friends while the judges look on.”
Isabella was entered into shows as a baby but lost interest and has only just started again.
“Hastin has been doing them since he was three,” she said.
“He’s won multiple King awards with Baby Show Time and has a lot of King and Prince trophies.”
Hastin’s first show with Baby Show Time was at Town Square Shopping Centre in Redbank Plains. It’s that Mel decided to re-enter the world of baby shows.
Baby Show Time are a Victorian based company and most shows are held in Melbourne, so the family travel there at least three times a year to compete.
“When [Baby Show Time] came to Queensland last year, Isabella decided to get back into it,” she said.
“We’ve been told they’re coming back to Queensland this year and we’re waiting to find out the dates so we can enter.”
Hastin said he loves being a part of shows and enjoys the friendships he’s made.
“He looks forward to it because he’s formed strong bonds with the boys and girls he’s met along the way,” she said.
“It helps Isabella come out of her shell.
“She’s rather quiet and shy but when there’s a show she’s socialising and helping mums with their babies.”
The outfits are tailored by Mel who has an eye for detail.
There’s capes and robes with bling and hooped dresses with faux fur boleros.
“I buy the plain suits and do them up myself most of the time but I handmade his cape,” she said.
“They have so many outfits we have a rack of them in the dining room because the cupboards are full.”
