![Miss Represented: Cora Griffen Miss Grand USA [Episode 44] — Miss Represented cover](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/39169714/39169714-1696131096599-2e233f7afb36.jpg)
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- [00:00]
Rachel Slauson
Hello and welcome back to Miss Represented. I am taking over for Lisa Opie today. I am Rachel Slauson, the president of Ms. Grand USA and I'm here with our newly crowned title holder. Want to introduce yourself?
- [00:11]
Cora Griffin
Yes. Hi, Rachel. My name is Cora Griffin. I'm the new Ms. Grand USA. I'm excited that you're filling in for Lisa today.
- [00:18]
Rachel Slauson
I'm excited. Yeah, she helped me pick out a dress today with pink apple, actually, right after I kidnapped her to take over this position, so.
- [00:26]
Cora Griffin
Well, you look incredible. We're kind of matching.
- [00:29]
Rachel Slauson
Thank you. Thank you so much. Well, I just want to hear, you know, how was your, how was your first day as Ms. Grand USA and what has this experience been like for you as a newly crowned title holder?
- [00:38]
Cora Griffin
Well, the first day was incredible. I didn't get any sleep that night because I had to be up at 4am for a call time. But I'm a morning person so it works out like towards the end of, end of the day I might lose a little gas, a little fuel, but in the mornings I'm. I'm so up. So it was great. It was an incredible experience and still kind of soaking it in and it's still kind of hitting me that I'm here and I'm going to be representing our country at international. So I'm just super excited for this journey ahead.
- [01:04]
Rachel Slauson
So we did have you for an early call time. What was that for?
- [01:07]
Cora Griffin
That was for. Can I tell them?
- [01:09]
Rachel Slauson
Yes, you can because it's part of your price package.
- [01:11]
Cora Griffin
Awesome. Well, that was for Maxim magazine. We did this incredible sunrise beach photo shoot and you know, I got in the water Australia, Maxim Australia magazine.
- [01:22]
Rachel Slauson
So she will be receiving a six page spread read in Maxim Australia and Women's Health Australia.
- [01:27]
Cora Griffin
That would be so cool. Like, I can't wait for it to come out. But the images that we shot with Franz were incredible. The sunset was awesome and I cannot wait for everyone to see these photos. They are absolutely stunning. They're sickening. And so that's gonna be great. It's gonna be great. We got some incredible shots. I hadn't really enjoyed the beach during my time as competing because we're all so focused and competition transition mode. So to be able to go out on the beach in my element, shoot in the water and some beautiful swimsuits. I can't wait for everyone to see it. I think everyone's gonna love it.
- [01:57]
Rachel Slauson
Will this be your first international press?
- [02:00]
Cora Griffin
This will be my first international. It's so. It's such a surreal experience because I feel like I've worked so hard to get here and for it to finally be coming into fruition and all that hard work paying off. I just hope people can take, like, a page out of this book and to really never give up. I've been doing this for so long, and so I'm just happy that I didn't give up. I'm happy that I had people that believed in me that said, you need to do this. And, you know, I listened, and so I'm just really happy. But, yeah, it's my first time at an international competition. I know that you've already competed internationally, so hopefully I can get some tips from you.
- [02:30]
Rachel Slauson
Yeah, we can. I'll definitely share that a little bit about that. But I do have one question for you first. So last night at your winners dinner, you said something that I thought was really interesting, and you said if people knew what I had been through to get here, they would be. I. I would hope that they would be happy for me. What did you mean by that? Because you didn't tell me.
- [02:44]
Cora Griffin
Well, you know, starting off in pageantry at 13 and then taking it really serious at 15 and not winning a pageant until four years later, a lot of my grind and grit and foundation came from those four years where I didn't win. And I wasn't competing, like, once or twice a year at a national or state pageant. I was competing in locals. And to not be able to win a local to get to stay, because I was in America at that time. And so you have to win a local to get to state. And so those four years, I was competing in, like, 10 to 15 pageants a year, not even placing in one of them. I was winning Swimsuit Awards, but I was not placing at all at a local pageant. And all of a sudden, when I was 19 years old, I did win and end up going to state. But that was a foundation that started for me, and then after that, I just continued to do it. And, you know, going through adversity as a child, losing my father, all these different things, and, you know, just being able to climb out on top. I'm a very competitive person. People probably know that. If you know me, you know, I'm very competitive. And so my work ethic, I think, really speaks to my performance. And now I truly focus on the details of my performance because I have been doing it for so long. So I do have a solid foundation when it comes to competing. But it's those small things that really set you apart from other contestants and other girls. And I think that's something that happened along the journey of people telling me, no, no, no, not winning. And so I just want that to be one of the messages that I can, you know, leave as a legacy for this year.
- [04:09]
Rachel Slauson
So I'm really curious. You mentioned it's the little things, especially pageant weekend. The judges, they're only getting a snapshot of you. Obviously, they're not getting the full picture. So what do you think was the difference between all the PA where you weren't placing or you weren't getting the outcome that you wanted, and then now that you've started, you know, winning more pageants, you are the queen, the national title holder, what do you think shifted? Like, what were those small things for you that made you a winner?
- [04:30]
Cora Griffin
The wine was listening to people who had more experience than me, you know, being coachable, listening to advisors that had been in pageantry for years. And I think that's crucial for girls that want to be successful in this industry, because we're coming in and we have vets. You have people at your disposal that want to help you. And so they also told me to keep going. You know, back in the day, when I was competing 15 years ago, it was like. Like, you had to put your time in to even win. Like, girls didn't even expect to win on their first or second or third or fourth or fifth attempt where I came from. And so it was kind of that unspoken rule, like, you need to keep going. Don't even expect to win on your first. Right now, it's different. But I think that kind of helped me. It helped me gain that. Okay, I need to have perseverance here. And that was a solid foundation that helped me to gain that grit. But, you know, I feel like a lot of things in my life I've had to work for. You know, I was an Auburn cheerleader that I didn't make it my first try, but that's something that I wanted in my heart. And so when you really want something, I think you're willing to put in the work. And so what made me even more successful was not only did I listen to my coaches and my mentors, but I came up with a game plan for myself. I don't believe in leaving anything up to chance. You know, you want to be your natural self and interview, but also you need to be clear on what your story is and what the message that you want to send to them. What is it that I want? I only have a limited amount of times, three to 10 minutes sometimes. What is it that I want to leave them with. And you have to have those points laid out. That way, you're not leaving saying, oh, I wish I could have said this, or, I wish I could have conveyed this. This should already be planned. Every step that you take, that should be planned too. Like, I know that my Runway is going to be 30 steps. I need to know each single step where I'm going to go and at what point I'm going to turn. It's like those small things that, you know, you don't want to be thinking about it when you're on stage.
- [06:11]
Rachel Slauson
And so you're clearly so well spoken, and you clearly are an amazing communicator. And so I'm. I'm really curious. What was the one thing you wanted the judges to know? Because I don't if anybody noticed that you made it. Also a comment last night that I seemed like I was, like, upset or angry because I was on my phone, like, trying to get the girls up and. And counting time. So I actually didn't get to hear any of the contestants full interviews yet. Yeah, I'm gonna go back as soon as we're done here to listen to them all, but so, you know, pretend that I'm a judge. What was the one thing that you wanted the judges to take away from that interview?
- [06:39]
Cora Griffin
I wanted them to know that I was ready for the job, and I wanted them to know that I was gracious about it as well. I know that, you know, people knew that I had competed nationally before, but I didn't want that to be something that hindered me, because people may think it's an advantage, but sometimes it can be like, okay, this person thinks that they have it because they were competing nationally. No, that's not the case at all. I wanted them to know that I was ready for the job. I wanted them to know that I was ready for international. That's in six weeks. You know, when you're competing against international girls at a pageant like Grand International, you have to have that high caliber of competitiveness and knowing who you are. And that's what I wanted them to know. I wanted them to know that I was a real person with real goals and real ambitions, and that who I am today at 28 is a reflection of all of the work that I had put in. And all of that work that I had put in was not in vain because I've grown so much.
- [07:30]
Rachel Slauson
I love that so much. What would you say of the entire pageant weekend? What was your favorite experience besides, obviously winning? I'm sure that was at the top. But what was another a moment that weekend that made you really happy?
- [07:41]
Cora Griffin
Well, I would say a moment that made me really happy. There were so many because I was in a city that I loved, in a hotel that I loved a couple of days after my birthday. So I was really. Thank you. I was really just taking in all of the moments. And I'm gonna say this. When I. Before we selected roommates, I prayed. I said, lord, I want to be paired with someone that wanted a friend just as much as I did. And the way that New Mexico friend Sally and I bonded during that time, I think that was so incredible. She was so supportive of me the entire time. We always, like, shared little hugs or, like, little hand holds along the way. And so I think that's something that. That kind of got me through the weekend, but those are the moments that I remember the most. And another goal that I had coming in was I want to be a little bit more, you know, approachable and friendly this time around, because I usually get in competition mode where you're, like, you're standoffish, you're aloof because you're in competition mode. And I really wish I would have done things a little bit differently before. And so coming in, I wanted to have friends, and I wanted to make friends, and I wanted to enjoy it with the girls, and I did just that. You know, those friendships and those relationships are. Those are what. That is what is going to last me a lifetime. And I've talked to them since then and Renzeli also, and a couple of other girls, and they've been so supportive of me, and that's all you can ever want when you win.
- [08:59]
Rachel Slauson
That's incredible. So I do have a question. I'm really happy to hear that, because with pageantry, I think that's really what you get to take away from it. At the end of the day, you have a year, hopefully you internationals, and it's two years, but then it does come to an end. But the relationships, the friendships, that's what can last an entire lifetime. So that makes me really happy to hear that you had that experience. Experience. I'm curious, though. So you and I have something in common. We've both competed at Miss usa, and I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for that experience because I wouldn't have the platform that I have now had I not done that. However, I am curious. What is the biggest difference that you can say you experience from that national pageant to this national pageant?
- [09:34]
Cora Griffin
Well, I'm a Little biased because I won. But also being in Miami, like, I've always wanted a national pageant experience that was super fun. No tea or shade to Tulsa, but it was just so great being in Miami, having that glam experience. I loved it. And also, like, I think everything was very well put together. Like, the team was super helpful. The girls are incredible. The show was beautiful. I think it was. It was very different and also grand. I really love that we're able to perform a little bit differently. Everyone doesn't have to do the same turn. Like, it's not like, you stop here, you have to do this, and that's it. It's like everyone got their moment to shine. And I love how we can be sexy, we can be fierce, we can be intelligent, all at the same time. It's really showing that all of these traits and character exist of a woman can be in one woman. Like, I don't have to be approved, and I don't have to be just sexy. I can be both.
- [10:25]
Lisa Opie
Yeah.
- [10:26]
Cora Griffin
Because, you know, that's what it's about. You know, women are multifaceted, and I think this is something that grand really exemplifies, and I love it.
- [10:32]
Rachel Slauson
Oh, that makes me so happy to hear that, because that's also something that I felt was maybe missing in pageantry. So trying to create a space where women truly just feel safe to be themselves, whatever that looks like. Truly. There's not one definition of that, like you said. But that makes me really happy to hear you had that experience. Experience. So now, like you mentioned, we have about six weeks to get ready for internationals, and I feel. I feel like you're pretty ready, but I'm curious. So what do you think will set you apart from the rest of the contestants there?
- [10:57]
Cora Griffin
Definitely gonna have to up the game, you know, be even more fierce, even more sassy, up the wardrobe, even more well spoken, you know, focusing on the minor details, such as, like, marketability, branding, all of that social media wardrobe. I think all of it. There's so many things that we have to do, but I am such a coachable person, and I have an incredible team behind me, including you and all the grand Georgia team that I know that we can do it. Like, I truly believe in the power of a team, and I couldn't do it by myself. And I know everyone has different areas. I have my blind spots. Like I said, I trust my team. They know what my blind spots are. You've been international before. You know what they're looking for. You know what someone looks like who's marketable and brandable. And so that's the plan that we'll have moving forward. Strategic planning. So you guys, watch out.
- [11:43]
Rachel Slauson
Look at that. We have a true competitor. That's the difference between, I would say, a contestant and a competitor. Anyone can be a contestant. Not everyone is truly there to win. So that's a great mindset to have. I'm curious, as we're planning out your wardrobe, are we going to start, you know, picking out all the outfits? This is a very specific question, but what colors do you feel like you look best in?
- [12:01]
Cora Griffin
I would say I might as towards pink. My dress was kind of like a peer pink. People couldn't really tell it was pink until you got up close because the lights were hitting it. But I love pink. Jewel tones look incredible on me. So any type of jol tone, like the sapphires, the emeralds, like, those are the colors that I really shine in. But, you know, I'm a neutral undertone. So I. I would like to say all colors look good on me. But Joel tones, let's go with that.
- [12:26]
Rachel Slauson
Have you ever gotten your colors done? Do you know that you can do that?
- [12:29]
Cora Griffin
I haven't, but I tried the Tik Tok filter. I don't know how accurate it is.
- [12:32]
Rachel Slauson
I don't think those are accurate at all.
- [12:34]
Cora Griffin
I don't think it's that accurate.
- [12:35]
Rachel Slauson
Yeah, maybe we'll have to do that before you do color.
- [12:38]
Cora Griffin
Color analysis 100.
- [12:39]
Rachel Slauson
I'm really curious because you can't always tell by looking at somebody what their. What their season would be. So if you're jewel tones, you might be a winter.
- [12:46]
Cora Griffin
I think I'm a. I think I'm a winter.
- [12:48]
Rachel Slauson
You might be. If you think jewel tones look best on you. We'll have to get this tested.
- [12:51]
Cora Griffin
I love a good jasmine tubes moment, so I take a lot of inspiration from her.
- [12:55]
Rachel Slauson
Oh, my goodness.
- [12:56]
Cora Griffin
I do.
- [12:57]
Rachel Slauson
Cool.
- [12:57]
Cora Griffin
I like study model walks.
- [12:59]
Rachel Slauson
Okay, cool. Who's your favorite model? What is it about her?
- [13:04]
Cora Griffin
Well, I would say I've been looking at her since about 2014, probably earlier than that. I remember when she wore the fantasy bra. It was so gorgeous. I had a moment. But I just love her. I think, you know, a lot of people are like, oh, my God, like you and Jesmyn. She's kind of resemble. I don't know how they say that the brown skin girlies have beautiful hair. But I just love her. I. And I love her wedding also. I'm obsessed.
- [13:26]
Rachel Slauson
To me, your aesthetic definitely reminds me of a Victoria's Secret secret model. Especially in, like, early 2000s.
- [13:33]
Cora Griffin
Like, I definitely get early 2000s. Yeah. Like, I kind of miss it. Bring it back, please. We're not going to cancel you.
- [13:39]
Rachel Slauson
If. If you were to embody a Victoria's Secret model for a day, what would you do?
- [13:44]
Cora Griffin
You know, I like to do that. I like to pretend already. So my current lifestyle, I think, kind of resembles that of Victoria's Secret model. You know, you wake up, you have your good time, you get your protein in your workout, and, you know, just. Just say snatch. They are just so. You know, I feel like when they're on that. That Runway, they're. They're really confident. I know models go through a lot, too, but, you know, I think when you're at that level, you just have to really, really know who you are, and I think that's what makes them shine.
- [14:11]
Rachel Slauson
So, speaking of which, do you feel like you've always had that sense of self confidence and knowing who you are?
- [14:17]
Cora Griffin
You know, the judge is asking something similar, and I really pointed out that I think your upbringing has to do, like, has a lot to do with how you view yourself. And my mom always told me that I was beautiful. She always told me that I was confident, I was intelligent, I was all these things. So it kind of got into my subconscious. And. But when you're on that stage competing with other girls that are beautiful and intelligent, you're okay. What makes me different? And going through life and going through challenges, especially as an adult, I think it makes you a little bit more confident, you know, going through challenges and getting over them, because you're like, I know I can do it. You know, I was laid off before. I tell people this all the time. I've gone through so many different things, like, tragedies in my life. Everyone knows about, like, me losing my father and going through that and how that affected me. Like, even big moments like this is when I'm like, I miss him the most. Like when I graduated college, like, when I became Storage usa, like, now. And I also think about my wedding day. But things like that and then going through adversity in college or being an adult, dealing with those things, like, that gives you confidence because you're like, I know I can do it. And so now I trust myself to get through things. Like, I'm pretty sure, like, earlier, we're like, how are we gonna get out of here? Like, we need flights and things. I'm just like, you know what? Like, I'll get home. Like, you know, everything has a solution. And so when it comes to pageantry. I think going through life and having different things happen to you can kind of bolster your confidence because, you know, there's always a solution. And I think that's something that people can take from this interview or just take from our lifestyles in general, that there's always a solution. You don't need to freak out all the time, like it's going to be okay. And I tend to overthink a lot too, but that kind of distorts your judgment. But you know, my confidence ultimately and truly comes from God. You know, I know that I'm fearfully, wonderfully made. I know that his thoughts towards me are like literally grains of sand, like you can't number them. If God is thinking about me that way, then I should be thinking good thoughts about myself, you know. And so I think people have to take the focus off of the external validation and look inward. I know that we were talking about this last night. People kind of do patents for external validation. I think it starts off as that, but then now we just love the game. Now we just love what it does for us in our self confidence and putting us on a platform to be able to speak to other people that may not have a voice. And so, yeah, confidence really comes from, from within. And I know that sounds cliche, but that's what we have to focus on and know.
- [16:34]
Rachel Slauson
Did you have a specific moment in your life where you feel like you went from maybe less sure of yourself to truly feeling rooted? And obviously every grown adult still has insecurities at times.
- [16:43]
Cora Griffin
Yeah.
- [16:44]
Rachel Slauson
I'm not saying that you never feel insecure, but yeah. Was there a turning point for you?
- [16:49]
Cora Griffin
That's a great question. And I will say, once I started taking, you know, I've always had a certain level of confidence in myself, but it became immovable and unshakable when I was laid off. When I was okay, I'm not a title holder anymore. I'm not working for like a really nice magazine anymore. Like, what am I going to do? Like, who am I? And then I started a company and it wasn't even that either. It was like, okay, now that I don't have any of these titles, who are you? And I still felt good about myself self. I still felt like, wow, you were able to accomplish all of these things. And if you continue to have your validation attached to what it is that you do, or even sometimes your purpose or your calling, you kind of just keep yourself there instead of knowing who you are as an individual is enough. Because I don't think many people understand that you truly are a unique person. If you believe it now, if you don't, if you believe everyone is the same, then you're going to struggle with your self confidence. But once you tap out of the matrix. The matrix, and you really realize there is not another person like you on this planet, and I know for a fact there's not one person like me on this planet. And I thank God for that realization because that allows you to have confidence. You really are unique.
- [17:58]
Rachel Slauson
I love that so much. I mean, I think you're just so inspired in what you're saying. And to me, that just speaks to why this came into your life. Right now. You have a message to share that's really important. And I do have one more question, because you said something that I think is so important, and this might be a little bit of a tricky one, but you shared that you struggled a little bit with an identity crisis when you said you didn't have a title, you didn't have your job. I know. I went through that myself, through pageantry as well. Both wanting the title and then also after the title, not having it anymore. And even after Internationals, I had a little bit of that feeling. You know, I think I'm just being honest. That wasn't that long ago. Yeah, it was maybe like eight or nine months ago. I had a little bit of that feeling come up again. And it really was for me, the last eight months, like working on my faith and my mental health.
- [18:38]
Cora Griffin
Yeah, that that shifted.
- [18:40]
Rachel Slauson
But I'm just curious. So, like, as girls see you, they're obviously going to be inspired by you. You're poised, you're beautiful, you're doing incredible things. Yeah, but they might be drawn in because they want to find an identity in something. So how would you prepare women that come into pageantry to not get so attached to the title or to not get so wrapped up in their identity, but still be able to participate? Because obviously you don't want to just not do the things you like.
- [19:04]
Cora Griffin
Right? That's also another good question. You know, I've come to learn that there isn't a lot that you can do or say to people that really have that. You know, you can be an example and you can share your experiences, but people learn on their own. And so, yes, I want to make these resources available to them when they're ready. You know, I think that's the most important thing. You know, they may not be able to be ready to hear it when we say them, say it to them immediately. But if we plant those seeds up, you're still enough. Like, one day they'll get it. And I think everyone goes through their specific journey of, you know, no one can tell you anything. You know, we've all, all been there. And so I want to scream it from the rooftops that you can't find your validation. And also, if you want to be really successful on a high level, just look at the people and look at their advice. They always say the same things of, like, I used to find my validation in this, and now I don't. I'm even more successful.
- [19:55]
Rachel Slauson
100.
- [19:56]
Cora Griffin
Yeah. So really take the advice of a lot of people that you admire. And I'm going to plug Michael Jordan here because I watch him a lot to prepare. I like to watch the Last Dance, his documentary. I'm just a crazy competitor, like. But you can't find your. Your validation. You have to stay present in the moment. And I think one thing that I do want people to take from this is if you're looking at me and you have that, just know this came through a process. And you can't skip out on the process. You can't hopscotch through character development and think you're going to be better than someone that can stay present in that moment because, you know, grace and kindness and authenticity always wins. And people are not lying about that when they say that. So it's just important to. Whatever authenticity means to you, go, try to go, try to pursue that, you know, and if you're not there yet, continue to pursue it. Work on that, sharpen it. And I think that is something that's going to get you way further than, you know, find. Trying to find validation in something because people can see straight through it. The judges can see straight through it also.
- [20:55]
Rachel Slauson
It's true.
- [20:56]
Cora Griffin
That's not a cliche when they say that.
- [20:58]
Rachel Slauson
I really love what you said. It was some. You just said something similar to, like, you can't escape your own character development. You can't rush that process. I have tried. I can assure you it's not possible. Yeah, but I really love that you said that because I feel like so much of pageantry, like, when it doesn't go the way you want, you're just so devastated because you put so much time and so much effort and heart into it without necessarily realizing it might be the exact experience you need to become the winner someday.
- [21:22]
Cora Griffin
Exactly.
- [21:22]
Rachel Slauson
So, like, when you thinking back to the. Because I think it sounds like you've done 100 more pageants than I've done.
- [21:28]
Cora Griffin
Thinking Back to tell me how much of a failure I am?
- [21:31]
Rachel Slauson
No, no, no. Success. Success. Really, though? Because thinking back on those moments where you experienced rejection, you know, I'm just curious. Is there. Is there a moment that. That you look back on now that you could just wish you could run to that version of you and tell her something? What would you tell her?
- [21:45]
Cora Griffin
I would say right after usa, I. A lot of people asked me about my experience at usa, and I'm like, I really couldn't tell you because I suppress it so much. Like, I wanted nothing to do with that experience because it was just such a. It was. I couldn't reconcile with it. I knew that I could never go back. I knew that, and I was like, my moment. I can't go back to that. And I had, like, a week and a half of just, like, just being disappointed. And I wish I could just tell myself, like, you did your best, and now that I can. And I'm happy that I'm here today, because I wouldn't be sitting here if it was for my team that believed in me saying, like, you need to do. Like, you need to put that behind you. Your feelings are valid, but you need to put it behind you. But I wish I could just tell her, like, this is not the end. That is. That was not the end. And I. You know, I kept going. And I think a lot of pageant girls, and they come off that. That national pageant experience, they kind of feel like, okay, what am I going to do now? I'm going back to a regular job. I didn't go back to a regular job. I got to be the editor in chief of a magazine. So I was like. I was still flying. And I. I kind of didn't even reconcile with it then because I was still climbing up that ladder. But I did have a moment where I was just like, okay, what's next? But it's just not the end. And it wasn't the end for me. You know, God has control. And I know I said never. But you. That always works out funny. You're like, I'll never do this. I'll never say never. But in my case, it worked out. I said, I never do another pageant again. And here I am going international, representing our country with pride. And so, yeah, life is just funny.
- [23:12]
Rachel Slauson
It definitely. I feel like there's definitely some kind of script writer going on right now who's just laughing at all of us, that's for sure.
- [23:18]
Cora Griffin
Like, listen, whoever has my script, learn you have my script. You know what? Make a little minor Revision. Yeah.
- [23:23]
Rachel Slauson
There's been a few times I'm like, who's writing this?
- [23:25]
Cora Griffin
I felt like I'm out of the Matrix. What is happening?
- [23:27]
Rachel Slauson
Character development.
- [23:28]
Cora Griffin
That's what it is. Cannot skip character development. Can't hopscotch it.
- [23:31]
Rachel Slauson
Oh, well, thank you so much. Thank you for sharing that. And I'm just so grateful that you're a new title holder. We're gonna have so much fun together this year.
- [23:37]
Cora Griffin
I wish I could have learned more about you during this. I know this is about me, but I wish I could ask you.
- [23:42]
Rachel Slauson
I've had my time. It'll be about me. Yeah, it'll be about me.
- [23:44]
Cora Griffin
It's still your time. I'm your title holder and a half. Remember that.
- [23:48]
Rachel Slauson
You're so sweet. Well, thank you so much.
- [23:50]
Lisa Opie
Okay, so I am back. Okay. I'm gonna campaign for Rachel taking over Misrepresented. Because she was such a good host. I'm like, wait, I want to.
- [23:58]
Cora Griffin
She's like a natural.
- [23:59]
Lisa Opie
Yeah. She's gonna move to Miami. She's gonna co host Misrepresented. You did amazing. So this is my favorite part of the show. It's this or that segment. You can answer in one word or elaborate, whatever you want to do. Okay, so the first one is coffee or tea?
- [24:14]
Cora Griffin
Coffee. Black.
- [24:16]
Lisa Opie
What? Yeah, a lot of pageant girls drink black coffee. It's like a thing. The girls that wind you either black.
- [24:22]
Cora Griffin
Coffee or an Americano. Just so black. Just espresso and water.
- [24:26]
Lisa Opie
Wow. I'm like a cream, sugar, all the things.
- [24:29]
Cora Griffin
Cream of sugar. Maybe a little cold foam if I. If I feel like it. Like marshmallow cold foam or the pistachio cold foam from Starbucks, maybe, But mostly black. Always black. Wow.
- [24:39]
Lisa Opie
Reading a book or watching a movie?
- [24:41]
Cora Griffin
Reading a book. Everyone knows that about me.
- [24:43]
Rachel Slauson
I love to read.
- [24:44]
Lisa Opie
I love that. She's a smart girl. Beach vacation or mountain retreat?
- [24:49]
Cora Griffin
Beach vacation. I. I don't know if the altitude is going to be my friend.
- [24:54]
Lisa Opie
Oh, I know. It's so brutal. Oh, my gosh.
- [24:56]
Cora Griffin
And we're in Miami beach right now. Like, Miami doesn't have a mountain, so. No, no.
- [25:00]
Lisa Opie
We love it here. Yoga or meditation?
- [25:03]
Cora Griffin
Meditation.
- [25:04]
Lisa Opie
I love that.
- [25:05]
Cora Griffin
Do you have any tips to do meditation? Meditation is very important. I wish we would have talked about this also, because I think it's very important to know how to, like, ease your mind.
- [25:17]
Lisa Opie
Yeah.
- [25:17]
Cora Griffin
Like, turn it off, and a lot of people can't turn it off. And I struggled for a long time not being. Being able to be okay. Mine just be quiet. So definitely meditation. Because I think that helps you really stay grounded and, like, in the moment. So definitely meditation.
- [25:30]
Lisa Opie
That's for me. Like, I cannot turn my mind off. Love that day at the spot or shopping spree.
- [25:37]
Cora Griffin
Oh, that's hard.
- [25:38]
Lisa Opie
I know, right?
- [25:39]
Cora Griffin
Who's paying for the shopping spree?
- [25:41]
Lisa Opie
Rachel.
- [25:42]
Cora Griffin
Shopping. I don't know. What's the budget? What's the budget for both?
- [25:47]
Lisa Opie
I don't know. Just a shopping spree. I would say shopping spree and, like, not feel bad about it.
- [25:52]
Cora Griffin
Yeah. If it's on a Centurion, then if that's on the Centurion black card, then we can go shopping for you.
- [25:58]
Lisa Opie
Oh, my gosh, she's bougie. City life or country living?
- [26:04]
Cora Griffin
I've done both. I'm from Columbus, Georgia, which is very rural area, and now I live in the city, but I wouldn't go back. So definitely city life. More specifically, Miami city life. I had to move.
- [26:15]
Lisa Opie
Please move here.
- [26:16]
Cora Griffin
Yeah. Rachel and I both are, like, Miami wanting to live. Please.
- [26:19]
Lisa Opie
Oh, my gosh.
- [26:20]
Cora Griffin
Yeah.
- [26:21]
Lisa Opie
Yeah.
- [26:21]
Cora Griffin
I know.
- [26:21]
Lisa Opie
Let's do it.
- [26:23]
Cora Griffin
Get a title holder. Apartment, guys.
- [26:25]
Lisa Opie
Natural beauty or full glam?
- [26:27]
Cora Griffin
Gosh, I love a little bit of both. Yeah, it depends on what it is.
- [26:32]
Lisa Opie
You kind of have, like, a little mix in between. It's like a balance of the two. It's natural, but it's very. Like, there's makeup.
- [26:38]
Cora Griffin
Yeah. But every day, I do like to put on blush, lipstick, and little mascara.
- [26:43]
Lisa Opie
I love it.
- [26:44]
Cora Griffin
Everyday moment. Can't choose for those. Sorry, guys.
- [26:48]
Lisa Opie
Fitness class or solo workout?
- [26:50]
Cora Griffin
Solo workout. Definitely a solo workout. Girly.
- [26:53]
Lisa Opie
Evening gown or swimsuit?
- [26:55]
Cora Griffin
Swimsuit.
- [26:56]
Lisa Opie
Yeah.
- [26:56]
Cora Griffin
I love swimsuit. It's always been one of my favorite portions of competition.
- [27:00]
Lisa Opie
Me too.
- [27:00]
Cora Griffin
I don't have to worry about tripping on a dress.
- [27:02]
Lisa Opie
Oh, yes.
- [27:03]
Cora Griffin
But I still love. I still love evening gown because it's so elegant. You get to really say those hips. But swimsuit, because it's fierce.
- [27:09]
Lisa Opie
I cannot wait to see what you're gonna wear at Ms. Grand.
- [27:12]
Cora Griffin
I know. So excited.
- [27:14]
Lisa Opie
Crown or sash?
- [27:17]
Cora Griffin
Depends. Probably sash. But this crown is so beautiful now, like, I'm conflicted now because of this crown is so beautiful.
- [27:26]
Lisa Opie
You can only pick one.
- [27:27]
Cora Griffin
Let's do sash.
- [27:28]
Lisa Opie
Yeah. It has, like, the whole system. Yeah.
- [27:31]
Cora Griffin
Because if I only do the crown, they're gonna be like, which. Which are you? Yeah, you know, so this. The sash kind of tells the story.
- [27:37]
Lisa Opie
I love it. Red carpet or Runway?
- [27:42]
Cora Griffin
Red carpet. Because red carpet's gonna be my Runway.
- [27:46]
Lisa Opie
Oh, yes. I love it. I love red carpets. They're so fun. Public speaking or private interview?
- [27:55]
Cora Griffin
Public speaking. I just yap a lot. I'm pretty sure you guys have already figured that out by now, so.
- [28:01]
Lisa Opie
I just like such a good, like, strength to have. I'm, like, so shy. I hate public speaking.
- [28:06]
Cora Griffin
It's a political science, guys. It's the bully side.
- [28:09]
Lisa Opie
I love that. Social media campaign or live event?
- [28:15]
Cora Griffin
Live event. I think that'll be fun.
- [28:17]
Lisa Opie
Yeah. And the last one's really hard, so I can't wait to see how you answer this. Leadership or teamwork?
- [28:24]
Cora Griffin
Teamwork. I wouldn't be here without that teamwork. Also, I need a team going into internationals. I need a huge team.
- [28:31]
Lisa Opie
Well, you have an amazing team.
- [28:33]
Cora Griffin
Yes, I do. I love it. And also, like, the grand Georgia team is going to be helping us also, so it's just amazing. And I know that combined we're unstoppable.
- [28:42]
Lisa Opie
Yeah, I agree.
- [28:43]
Cora Griffin
We're so unstoppable. I'm so grateful to be, like, a part of the new family and have all these incredible sponsors. I can't wait to get to know all of them, especially you.
- [28:50]
Lisa Opie
I know. I'm so excited. So where can everybody follow you on social media?
- [28:54]
Cora Griffin
You can follow me at official Ms. Grand USA on Instagram. My personal is at Coralyn G C O R A L Y N N G. And then I also have a business page called Shandier Coats. C H A N D I E C O. And our president, Salty Rachel. You can follow her at Salty Rachel because she's from Salt Lake, Utah. I just found that out a couple hours ago.
- [29:17]
Lisa Opie
Oh, that's why.
- [29:18]
Cora Griffin
Right. I was trying to figure out. Too salty.
- [29:20]
Lisa Opie
Is she a mermaid?
- [29:21]
Cora Griffin
Is she salty like God, ocean?
- [29:24]
Lisa Opie
But that makes sense. Wow. Thank you so much for coming on.
- [29:28]
Rachel Slauson
Of course.
- [29:29]
Lisa Opie
I had so much fun. I know you have a flight to catch, so I will let you run to the airport.
- [29:33]
Cora Griffin
Thank you.
- [29:33]
Rachel Slauson
Bye, everyone.