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.
