Melissa Witek Interview
Miss Florida USA 2005 + 4th runner up @ Miss USA 2005
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Florida USA pageant?
I caught the pageant “bug” when my friends submitted me to compete in my first competition: Miss University of Florida/Miss Florida Gator (MAO) back in 2002. After winning Miss Florida Gator, I knew that I loved being on stage and I loved being able to use my title for appearances and charitable purposes. After my reign, I sat out of competing for a couple of years so I could finish up college. Shortly after I graduated, I decided to give the USAsystem a shot because I heard lots of great things about it. It definitely lived up to my expectations!
What was going through your head when you were announced in the top 15, in the top 10, in the top 5 and finally as the 4th runner up at Miss USA?
My goal at Miss USA was to at least make the Top 15 so that I felt that all of the hard work I put in would be rewarded. So when I got the call for Top 15, I breathed a sigh of relief and felt that whatever happened from there would be great with me (regardless of whether or not I made it further in the competition). When I was called into the Top 10, you’ll see on the video that I was excited and borderline shocked. Then of course, I was almost numb by the time I made Top 5! I just couldn’t believe it was actually happening. After answering the final questions, I was completely satisfied with whatever was to happen. Winning would have been fabulous, but 4th runner-up was still so incredible to me. I don’t regret anything. I did my best, and it just wasn’t meant to be. Plus, Chelsea Cooley really deserved it. She is a wonderful woman.
Tell us a bit about your experience on the Treasure Hunters.
“Treasure Hunters” was a new reality show in NBC that we filmed shortly after Miss USA 2005 and aired in the summer of 2006. Kristen Johnson (Miss KY USA 2005), Kaitlyn Christopher (Miss IN USA 2005), and I were cast for the show after the directors saw us compete at Miss USA. I always like to tell that story to state titleholders that are on their way to Miss USA. It is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to win the pageant to have good things come your way. We had a blast on the show! We were filming for just over a month, and we had no contact with the outside world during that time. No newspapers, no email, no cell phones. We were in our own little TV world. I definitely wouldn’t have climbed glaciers in Alaska or canoed 20 miles down the Missouri River if it wasn’t for that show. Such a cool experience. We made it in 7 out of 9 mentally and physically challenging episodes, and hopefully showed that world that pageant girls are more than just pretty faces!
You were the CEO of Ampex Granite during 2003 – 2005, what did you learn from this experience?
I am glad that I did it. I always dreamed of owning my own business. I grew tremendously through that process. And the dedication and hard work that I put into it helped me to learn how I needed to approach my title of Miss Florida USA. I committed myself to running my reign like a business, marketing myself and the organization to the best of my ability.
What emotions did you have when you gave away your title as Miss Florida USA?
Honestly, I was happy to hand on my title to the next girl. I had made over 200 appearances and traveled over 30,000 miles throughout the state during the year (not to mention the preparation that went into competing at Miss USA), so I was ready to take some time away. I definitely teared up during my farewell speech, but I was excited to see what life had in store for me after that day.
What are you up to now?
I work as an independent contractor for Porsche Cars North America. My official title is Product Specialist. I travel North America to different auto shows and racing events to educate consumers about the car models in the Porsche product line. I am tested monthly to maintain my certified affiliate status. I love my job! I never really liked the 9am to 5pm desk job idea, so I am taking advantage of this opportunity to the fullest.
I caught the pageant “bug” when my friends submitted me to compete in my first competition: Miss University of Florida/Miss Florida Gator (MAO) back in 2002. After winning Miss Florida Gator, I knew that I loved being on stage and I loved being able to use my title for appearances and charitable purposes. After my reign, I sat out of competing for a couple of years so I could finish up college. Shortly after I graduated, I decided to give the USAsystem a shot because I heard lots of great things about it. It definitely lived up to my expectations!
What was going through your head when you were announced in the top 15, in the top 10, in the top 5 and finally as the 4th runner up at Miss USA?
My goal at Miss USA was to at least make the Top 15 so that I felt that all of the hard work I put in would be rewarded. So when I got the call for Top 15, I breathed a sigh of relief and felt that whatever happened from there would be great with me (regardless of whether or not I made it further in the competition). When I was called into the Top 10, you’ll see on the video that I was excited and borderline shocked. Then of course, I was almost numb by the time I made Top 5! I just couldn’t believe it was actually happening. After answering the final questions, I was completely satisfied with whatever was to happen. Winning would have been fabulous, but 4th runner-up was still so incredible to me. I don’t regret anything. I did my best, and it just wasn’t meant to be. Plus, Chelsea Cooley really deserved it. She is a wonderful woman.
Tell us a bit about your experience on the Treasure Hunters.
“Treasure Hunters” was a new reality show in NBC that we filmed shortly after Miss USA 2005 and aired in the summer of 2006. Kristen Johnson (Miss KY USA 2005), Kaitlyn Christopher (Miss IN USA 2005), and I were cast for the show after the directors saw us compete at Miss USA. I always like to tell that story to state titleholders that are on their way to Miss USA. It is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to win the pageant to have good things come your way. We had a blast on the show! We were filming for just over a month, and we had no contact with the outside world during that time. No newspapers, no email, no cell phones. We were in our own little TV world. I definitely wouldn’t have climbed glaciers in Alaska or canoed 20 miles down the Missouri River if it wasn’t for that show. Such a cool experience. We made it in 7 out of 9 mentally and physically challenging episodes, and hopefully showed that world that pageant girls are more than just pretty faces!
You were the CEO of Ampex Granite during 2003 – 2005, what did you learn from this experience?
I am glad that I did it. I always dreamed of owning my own business. I grew tremendously through that process. And the dedication and hard work that I put into it helped me to learn how I needed to approach my title of Miss Florida USA. I committed myself to running my reign like a business, marketing myself and the organization to the best of my ability.
What emotions did you have when you gave away your title as Miss Florida USA?
Honestly, I was happy to hand on my title to the next girl. I had made over 200 appearances and traveled over 30,000 miles throughout the state during the year (not to mention the preparation that went into competing at Miss USA), so I was ready to take some time away. I definitely teared up during my farewell speech, but I was excited to see what life had in store for me after that day.
What are you up to now?
I work as an independent contractor for Porsche Cars North America. My official title is Product Specialist. I travel North America to different auto shows and racing events to educate consumers about the car models in the Porsche product line. I am tested monthly to maintain my certified affiliate status. I love my job! I never really liked the 9am to 5pm desk job idea, so I am taking advantage of this opportunity to the fullest.