Elise Christian describes herself as a total girly-girl. Since she was young, she’s loved to dress in elaborate gowns and sing and dance for her family.

She first found her love for dress-up and the stage when she entered her first beauty pageant at the age of 5. At 16, Elise still performs and gets dolled up any chance she can.

She won the Miss Northern California Teen Queen title in June, and she will go to Florida in November for the national Miss American Teen competition.

This is her second appearance in the Miss Northern California Teen Pageant. The Tracy High School senior won the pre-teen division title at the age of 13.

Elise’s favorite aspect of the pageants is the other girls she meets. She said the media portrays teen pageants as trivial, cutthroat competitions, but pageants are nothing like that. “Everything is laid back, and they try to make it fun for us,” she said.

Elise plans to study the performing arts at a Southern California university next year. In the meantime, she says she will pursue any chance to get on stage. “This pageant is good experience because it’s a chance to be in front of an audience,” she said.

Her Miss Northern California title won her $500, and $250 for best-dressed in the sportswear competition. Her winnings will help fund her next competition.

Elise needs to raise $1,200 by next month, and is in need of sponsors.