Kayla Layton, of Bedford and Goffstown, touts a slogan she learned from Walt Disney: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

But that’s not all the 17-year-old has picked up from the magical movie icon.

Last year, Layton started her own business, “Precious Parties by Kayla,” in which she dresses up like princesses – most notably, Cinderella – and pampers little girls for special celebrations.

Her ability to awe others is twofold, however, as she was crowned Miss New Hampshire High School 2012 this year. Layton goes on to compete nationally in San Antonio, Texas, in March and has big plans for the spotlight: She is organizing an event for Make-A-Wish next summer.

Layton shared what it’s like to wear tiaras for business and for competition.

Here’s part of the conversation.

Q: How long have you been participating in pageants?

A: I actually only started doing pageants last year. One of my teachers told me I should do one, and I didn’t really think too much about it but decided to enter. Once I did, I had the most amazing experience in my life, making truly unforgettable friendships that will last a long time. … I wanted to try more, because the girls that you meet are extremely nice, funny and kind – definitely not how the media displays pageants; it is the complete opposite. … My second pageant that I competed in was Miss Hampton Beach over the summer, which I won and took home the title “Miss Congeniality” and “Best Interview.” … I will never forget this one little girl, probably 5 years old. She looked up at me and said “One day, I want to be just like you.”

Q: What is the preparation like for a pageant? Do you get nervous?

A: I don’t prep; I am myself. You can’t train a personality, so I figured if I am just myself, it will get me far. … I never get nervous on stage. It is so natural to me. Whenever I get in front of a crowd, I try hard to make them smile and laugh one way or another. My dream is to become famous one day.

Q: Where did you get the idea for “Precious Parties?”

A: I host birthday parties for little girls dressed as recognizable princess characters and make their dreams come true. I used to work at a local Chuck E. Cheese as a party hostess there, and I would get comments from birthday mothers a lot like, “You look like a Cinderella or Rapunzel,” or “You look just like Barbie.” Of course, I was flattered, but one day a mother asked if I could be a Cinderella for her child’s birthday party. I looked into it and came up with a reasonable price, fun name and have even hired someone that does my dark-haired princesses, who is actually 22-year-old Miss New Hampshire Ryanne Harms. Who doesn’t want two pageant queens as princesses coming to host their child’s birthday party?

The best reaction I get while doing my party business is when I walk in the front door and you see a little Cinderella or Belle staring up at you with big eyes, mouth open, and they are just shocked out of their little worlds. I make sure that I truly spoil them and make their princess party exceptionally royal.

Q: What are you planning for Make-A-Wish? How can people help?

A: (I am) starting my own event on Hampton Beach for this coming June benefitting Make-A-Wish New Hampshire, inspired by one of my best friends who has a disease called FA and is in a wheelchair. This event will take place on my peppere’s birthday, who recently died, so it has a deeper meaning to me. … My goal is to get hundreds of people on the shore of Hampton Beach to set off flying lanterns into the night sky making their very own “wish.” … I just need to get the word out there once I have a set date, and I need everyone to come. The more people, the more magical it will be.

Q: What do you have to do in order to compete in Miss America High School 2012?

A: For this dream of my own to come true, I need lots (and I mean lots) of sponsors to help cover plane fare, dress expenses, travel costs, etc. My goal is to receive $2,000. … If I win nationals, I will win a $10,000 scholarship to any college of my choice, which I need.

In the pageant, I will be competing against all of the other U.S. states to win the title. I cannot wait to meet girls from every state.

Q: What did it feel like when you were selected for the national pageant?

A: It didn’t hit me at first. The next day, I woke up smiling and started dancing around my room in happiness. I am going to begin my travels to Texas, meet some incredible girls and hopefully get far to win. … Like I said earlier, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Q: What are your goals for the future?

A: I want to go to Suffolk University for international business/marketing. I want to get a graduate degree in that and one day be a successful businesswoman. … I want to go to festivals around the world, meet as many people as I can and make an impact. I have so many big dreams in my future, and some of them are starting to come true.

For more information about Layton or “Precious Parties by Kayla,” visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/preciouspartiesbykayla.