Jessica Alexander Owens shares her return to the pageant stage after an eight year break and uses that experience to offer practical advice for queens coming back after time away. She also opens with a larger reflection on representation in pageantry, why it matters, and how seeing more Black women and women of color win can shape confidence for the next generation.

In this episode, Jessica reflects on her own competition at National American Miss Illinois Elite, what changed since her last stage appearance, and how pageant preparation must evolve with your life. The episode is both personal and tactical, with lessons for mothers, career women, and anyone returning to competition after a hiatus.

Key topics

• Jessica opens with why representation matters in pageantry and why recent wins by Black titleholders feel meaningful to her.
• She shares how pageantry helped her come out of her shell and become the woman she is today.
• She addresses the online scrutiny that non white titleholders often face after winning, including attacks on beauty, intellect, and legitimacy.
• She emphasizes the importance of celebrating queens instead of minimizing their wins.
• Jessica recaps her own return to stage at National American Miss Illinois Elite after eight years away.
• She shares her results, including fourth runner up, Miss Spirit, first runner up for Miss Personality, and first runner up for Best Resume.
• She explains how returning to competition refreshed her understanding of mental preparation as a coach.
• She outlines three major lessons for anyone stepping back into pageantry after a break.
• She talks about the value of life experience in elite, Mrs., and mature divisions.
• She stresses that preparation should match the pageant you are entering now, not the one you remember from years ago.
• She highlights the need to protect sleep, energy, and mental space during pageant week.
• She reflects on the sisterhood and encouragement she experienced at the competition, along with the possibility of competing at Nationals.

• Write down what the woman you are today brings to the stage.
• Research the current judging format, responsibilities, and titleholder expectations.
• Start prep early across finances, wardrobe, coaching, and mindset.
• Practice under realistic conditions, including round robin interviews and walking in your gown and shoes.
• Protect sleep and mental space during competition week.
• Give yourself grace if your return is not perfect.

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Brigitte Finister on Open Call, Faith, and Building a Pageant Career With PurposeBrigitte Finister, the newly crowned Miss Kentucky USA, joins Jessica Alexander Owens for a conversational interview about her road to Miss USA, her financial education work, and the mindset that keeps her grounded. She also opens up about preparing for a wedding one week away, balancing major life transitions, and what it means to lead with impact over image.In this episode, we discuss pageant preparation, the Miss USA open call process, and how Brigitte’s financial literacy platform fits into her broader mission to empower women.Key topics

• Brigitte introduces herself outside of pageantry as a daughter, fiancé, published author of three books, financial educator, founder of Pretty Pensions, and former professional dancer for NFL and NBA teams.
• She shares practical money advice for pageant contestants, including saving early in a money market account, budgeting for pageant costs, and securing sponsorships like a second job.
• Jessica and Brigitte talk about the intensity of the Miss Kentucky USA to Miss USA timeline and why strategic daily planning matters when you only have about six weeks to prepare.
• Brigitte explains the open call process, from submitting an application and fee to voting, advancing through groups, and finally submitting talking and walking videos for judge review.
• She recounts the moment she found out she had been selected for Miss USA, while sitting at a car wash with her fiancé, after more than 2,000 people voted for her consistently.
• She speaks about faith, divine timing, and how her support system and coaches have helped her stay confident through a fast-moving season.
• Brigitte says her favorite competition phase is interview because she loves one-on-one conversation, connection, and sharing her heart and mission.
• She outlines how she would use Miss USA to expand Pretty Pensions nationally through prosperity tea parties, one-on-one financial education, and programs tailored for teens and adult women.
• She reflects on the reality that pageantry can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 up front and says women should be treated like athletes who need real financial support and strategy.
• Brigitte names Cheslie Kryst as the Miss USA titleholder she admires most, citing her beauty, kindness, legacy, and impact on mental health conversations.
• She says winning means impact, not just a crown, and that every queen should always put people first.
• For young women entering their first pageant, she encourages them to bet on themselves, stay grounded in who they are and whose they are, and lean on a strong support system.

If I Had to Start My Pageant Journey Over Today… Here's What I'd Do Differently

What if you could go back to the very beginning of your pageant journey with everything you know now?

In this solo episode of the Crown Chasers Podcast, Jessica C. Owens shares the lessons she wishes she had learned sooner—from investing in the right things and building a personal brand to embracing authenticity and realizing that a crown is not the measure of your worth.

Whether you're preparing for your very first pageant or chasing your next title, this episode is filled with honest reflections, practical advice, and the mindset shifts that can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why authenticity will always outperform imitation

• Where to invest your money (and where to save it)

• The skills that matter more than an expensive wardrobe

• How to build a pageant brand that opens doors beyond competition

• Why your value isn't determined by the outcome on crowning night

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow queen, leave a review, and follow Crown Chasers Podcast for more conversations where pageantry and purpose collide.

Remember: The goal isn't just to win a crown—it's to become the woman worthy of wearing it.

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