Miss Represented Podcast: Episode 50 – Kennedy Thomas

Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host: Lisa Opie

Introduction

In Episode 50 of the Miss Represented Podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes the dynamic and multifaceted Kennedy Thomas. As the reigning Miss World America Central Georgia, Kennedy is not only a celebrated beauty queen but also a successful entrepreneur and advocate. This episode delves deep into Kennedy's journey, her businesses, advocacy work, and personal growth, providing invaluable insights for aspiring pageant participants and entrepreneurs alike.

Kennedy Thomas: A Remarkable Bio

Lisa Opie begins by highlighting Kennedy's impressive credentials:

“Kennedy owns Beauty Queens Galore Prom and Pageant, a top retailer ranked number one by Pageant Planet.” [00:36]

Kennedy's designs have graced prominent platforms like BH1, Bravo, and Netflix, dressing queens from leading pageant systems globally. Beyond her retail success, she manages BQG, the Pageant Resource, an online platform dedicated to supporting the pageant community by reporting trends and fostering an inclusive dialogue.

Academically, Kennedy holds a bachelor's degree in biology and dual master's degrees in biotechnology and cannabis therapeutics. She is set to pursue a doctorate in dental surgery, underscoring her commitment to education and healthcare.

The BQG Resource and Anonymous Forum

A significant portion of the conversation centers around BQG's Anonymous Forum, a space where pageant participants can share their experiences without fear of judgment.

Kennedy explains the forum's purpose:

“The whole point of the anonymous forum is to showcase what pageantry is really about—the good, bad, and the ugly.” [02:02]

While maintaining confidentiality, Kennedy shares that the most controversial posts often involve candid critiques of pageant directors, with contestants openly discussing their frustrations and challenges. She emphasizes the platform's role in promoting honesty and transparency within the pageant community.

Balancing Business and Personal Life

Managing multiple businesses alongside academic pursuits is no small feat. Kennedy discusses her strategies for maintaining balance:

“I start my day with writing my to-do list, my goals, my priorities for the day, and that's what keeps me on track.” [05:10]

She employs techniques such as content batching on designated days and setting strict boundaries, like not responding to emails after 8 PM. Despite occasional struggles with procrastination, Kennedy remains committed to continuous improvement and effective time management.

Advocacy and Pageantry

Kennedy's advocacy focuses on addressing disparities in oral and dental healthcare—a cause she passionately champions as a patient care coordinator in a dental office.

“There are millions of Americans who don't even have the adequate insurance that they need to actually get the treatment.” [08:39]

As Miss World America, she leverages her platform to highlight the importance of dental health, advocating for marginalized communities who face significant barriers to receiving proper care. Kennedy believes that beauty queen platforms should transcend aesthetics, fostering meaningful societal contributions.

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

Emphasizing the importance of a curious mindset, Kennedy shares how curiosity fuels personal growth and adaptability.

“Being curious, it teaches us to be patient. It teaches us to want to learn why something works, how something works, and you're more happier.” [13:17]

She credits her curiosity for overcoming challenges, such as launching Beauty Queens Galore during the COVID-19 pandemic to support underrepresented pageant participants and industry professionals.

Entrepreneurship and Networking

Kennedy's entrepreneurial journey is marked by resilience and strategic networking. She discusses building her businesses from the ground up, often facing setbacks like unaligned hires but learning valuable lessons in the process.

“I prefer having sleepless nights to make sure everything is perfected in a way I can manage it the way I want.” [28:04]

Her commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments is evident in her gown store, which caters to all sizes and ensures every customer feels welcome.

Navigating Sponsorships and Community Building

A critical aspect of Kennedy's role involves managing sponsorships, vital for sustaining pageant events. She stresses the importance of reciprocating sponsors' support through genuine promotion.

“You have to make more than just one little post shouting them out. It's a business.” [19:52]

Mistakes with previous hires who mishandled sponsorships have taught Kennedy to prioritize mission alignment and stringent vetting processes when expanding her team.

Personal Challenges and Growth

Kennedy opens up about her personal struggles, including periods of depression and academic setbacks:

“There was a certain semester where I had a 1.1 GPA. I have never in my life been that down that badly.” [06:16]

This low point propelled her to reassess her priorities, ultimately deciding to focus on her education and entrepreneurial endeavors, demonstrating resilience and self-awareness.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Kennedy aims to further her advocacy in dental healthcare while preparing for dental school:

“When I go to dental school next fall, you're going to be in your books all day, every day.” [27:05]

She plans to scale Beauty Queens Galore to operate seamlessly without her constant involvement and hopes to continue supporting aspiring pageant queens through her platforms.

Kennedy also envisions integrating her expertise in cannabis therapeutics with dentistry to enhance patient care and quality of life.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Kennedy emphasizes the value of creating one's own opportunities and maintaining a supportive community:

“You have to create your own lane. Sometimes you might have to create your own business. That's what it takes.” [24:34]

She encourages aspiring pageant participants and entrepreneurs to embrace curiosity, stay true to their missions, and support one another within their communities.

Rapid-Fire Questions

Towards the end of the episode, Lisa and Kennedy engage in a lighthearted "This or That" segment, revealing personal preferences and adding a personable touch to the conversation. Notable responses include Kennedy's preference for platform heels over sandal heels and her choice of steak over sushi, highlighting her fun and relatable personality.

Social Media and Final Mentions

Kennedy shares her social media handles and encourages listeners to support her ventures:

• Personal Instagram: @simonekennedy
• BQG Prom and Pageant Instagram: @bqgpomandpageant
• Beauty Queens Galore: beautyqueensgalore.com

She also directs listeners to follow Ms. Grand USA on Instagram to support her representative, Cora, who is making waves internationally.

Conclusion

Episode 50 of the Miss Represented Podcast offers a comprehensive look into Kennedy Thomas's life, showcasing her as a powerhouse in both the pageant and entrepreneurial worlds. Her dedication to advocacy, coupled with her strategic business acumen and personal resilience, make her an inspiring figure for listeners aiming to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

Notable Quotes:

• “There's nothing wrong with sharing how you feel. Just do it in a positive way.” – Kennedy Thomas [04:12]
• “Rejection is redirection.” – Kennedy Thomas [23:53]
• “Networking, collaborating, definitely. Those are the moments that mean the most.” – Kennedy Thomas [26:31]
• “Understanding how they think, understanding their emotions... has taught me more valuable life skills than I could have ever imagined.” – Kennedy Thomas [37:04]

Follow Kennedy Thomas:

• Instagram (Personal): @simonekennedy
• Instagram (BQG): @bqgpomandpageant
• Website: beautyqueensgalore.com

Join Lisa Opie and Kennedy Thomas in this empowering episode that blends beauty, business, and purposeful advocacy, inspiring listeners to "slay in every aspect of your life."