AIKEN, S.C. - During the summer games, some athletes will themselves to Olympic gold.

Behind each champion, there is usually a coach who can pull out their best performances.

One Aiken business woman has dedicated her life to helping young women reach their lifelong goals.

Paula Miles doesn't work with Olympians, her clients are pageant contestants and they all agree she is definitely an Augusta Gold Medalist.

In 1979 Paula's sister Janice competed in the Miss South Carolina USA Pageant and won. This afforded Janice and her family the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the nationally televised competition of the Miss USA Pageant. Unfortunately Janice did not win the title, but Paula was offered the unique opportunity to become involved with Miss Universe INC. on the state level. In 1980, when Paula produced her very first Miss USA preliminary event, her titleholder became Miss USA, and then Miss Universe, virtually unheard of for a novice director. This began a whole new career for Paula who had always wanted to be an independent businesswoman. She now holds the title of Owner and Executive Director of RPM Productions, Inc. Her company produces the South Carolina, North Carolina and Louisiana state pageants for Miss Teen USA and Miss USA.

Paula can proudly claim that under her administration she has had three young women become Miss USA, one to win the Miss Universe title, two to become Miss Teen USA and one to be crowned Miss World.

It's no surprise Paula has earned a national reputation for her ability to groom national pageant winners.

"I think that's part of the secret that we have is that we don't try to change them at all. They're already who they are. We just enhance it by virtue of the path we provide for them and the opportunities they have."

Opportunity is the appropriate word for Brittany Pjetraj. The Miss South Carolina Teen USA counted on Paula's pageant experience as she competed for an even larger crown, Miss Teen USA.

Pjetraj tells us, "They look at all my stuff. They've checked everything and made sure everything I have for nationals is just right. And, they've been there before, and I haven't. And so, it's awesome to get their inside opinion because they've been there. And know what to expect and what will work, and what won't."

The walls of Paula's Aiken home look more like the Pageant Hall of Fame, showcasing the successes of three decades of hard work.

Paula and four full time staff members work with the contestants.

"We have people available to help them walk, or to choose the right swimsuit or evening gown. And, we try to be right there with them along the way, hoping that they're making the right decisions," said Paula.

Pjetraj finished as first runner up at Miss Teen USA. Paula's two other titleholders - Miss North Carolina Teen USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA came in as second and third runners-up.