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A
Yeah, everybody in the club getting frisky, baby Throw fit cause you miss me get lit, get crunk, get twisted? You are now rolling with the misfits they so blase with it really I could go all day with it don't nobody know what to do with me knowing no art keep doing I'm feeling my.
B
Hello and welcome back to Misrepresented. I'm your host, Lisa Opie. And as you can tell, we are on location at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas because we just wrapped up Miss Grand USA and I'm so excited to introduce today's guest, which you already know who it is. But before we get into this podcast, I want to go ahead and thank our sponsors. Pink apple dresses for dressing us today, the code creatives for production, and of course, the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas for this beautiful location. Our guest today is Ivana Garcia. Ivana is making moves in modeling, business and philanthropy with a degree in business and organizational leadership. She runs her own modeling academy, a pageant heel line, and helps lead her family's company. Her platform, progress Not Perfection, has inspired students across universities to embrace their journey and trust their growth. Ivana is also a strong advocate for accessible healthcare, especially for children fighting cancer. Welcome, Ivana.
C
Thank you so much for this invitation. I'm so excited because this is my first interview at Miss Grand USA 2025.
B
Oh my gosh. I'm so honored. So you've had a pretty big day. Can you walk me through everything that you've done since you were crowned last night?
C
Oh my God. It's been a busy. I was doing photoshoot, I am doing now this interview and I was making sure I was doing all the requirements that the international competition needs from usa. So a lot of work.
B
Oh my gosh. Well, before we talk about Miss Grand International and your journey to the crown, I want to talk about your business because as a judge of the business pitch, the grand pitch, I was like, okay, this girl knows what's going on. She's so smart. And you actually have multiple businesses on your own.
C
Yeah.
B
So why don't you talk about first year shoe company because that's what I'm really excited about.
C
Well, I started my shoe company because I know how hard is for us beauty queen to find a heel that is perfect for us. That is seven inch heels that looks beautiful, elegant and it took me a year to actually design my heels. But I am so excited that it's finally on my website. Ivana Garcia. That side. And what I can say is that it was actually a Whole experience. I still. I need to learn a lot about how the industry works. And I am so grateful. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to talk about this during the grand pitch in the national competition. I feel that is a competition that is new and that they need to keep doing that too.
B
Yes, exactly. I feel like that was my favorite part of the show because the whole production, because I just got to hear so many cool ideas. And, you know, I'm just all about business.
C
Yes. And when I opened the box and it was the light, we were like, I know they want shows, so I want to make sure that they're gonna have show during my grand pitch moment.
B
And one of the judges was like, you need to do that for all of your shoeboxes.
C
Yes. I remember. It was so funny. Was definitely my favorite. My favorite part for the pageant week. Yeah.
B
Because you're all business, and you also have another business, which is your modeling academy. So tell me about that.
C
Yes. Well, I started my academy four years ago in my garage.
B
Wow.
C
Thanks to the support of my parents. And then two years later, I was. I was able to open my own studio five minutes from icon park in Orlando, Florida. And I have more than 40 students. Wow. There are more. Most of them, they're little girls. So I am so grateful that I got the opportunity, that I'm having the opportunity, actually, to inspire the younger generation. They were watching me yesterday, and everyone was like, ivana, you almost cry, of course, because I know they were like, washing me. And this crown is not only my crown, but it's also my students crown. And I'm so happy to have a meaningful impact in this little girl's life. So maybe they can see themselves as the Next Ms. Grand USA.
B
I love that so much. And I love that you're empowering the next generation. What was the reason behind starting your modeling academy four years ago? What was. What made you want to do that?
C
Well, I love pageants. I am so passionate about pageants. And I really. I love this phrase that is do what you love. So I was trying to find a way to really do things that I'm really passionate about. And there's nothing more that I'm passionate about than pageants. And being able to share with my students my experience is something that I'm really grateful for and that I feel so lucky because not everyone is able to do things that they're really passionate about. And using my ability to share with others, using my knowledge to share with my students, that's something that I'm really.
B
Grateful for what you need to know about your background. Tell our audience where you're from.
C
Well, it's a beautiful story. I love to talk about this because this is a proof of resilience and opportunities too. I came to this country when I was 14 years old from Venezuela, my beautiful country too.
B
That's where all the beauty queens are from. They just make them in Venezuela.
C
I learned from Venezuela and they come to USA that we also have beautiful beauty queens here. I am one of them now. When I came to this country, I was 14 years old, I was a teenager, and I am here to represent the first generation immigrant. It was not easy for me. I have to work really hard. That's why if you see the live streaming for the competition, I was like, it was a lot of emotions for me because sometimes it's hard for us to actually communicate, to express our message. And me being able to that I was. I was just so surprised about that. And moving to this country gave me the opportunity not only to dream, but to actually create my projects, to actually have my business. And that's something that I want every girl to know. Even though you came from one country, that is hard for you, that you feel like the world is ending, it's actually. No. Just make sure that you learn that you never give up and that you learn from your experience. Because setbacks, like I always say, are not the end. They are a motivation for you to actually keep working 100%.
B
And you're only 23 years old.
C
Yes, I'm only 23 years old.
B
Oh, my gosh. So where did you get all of this knowledge? How are you so smart and so business savvy already?
C
Well, my parents. My parents always are. They're very strict, but at the same time, they always remember me that we came to this country and we need to take as much opportunities as we can. So I was making sure that I was doing my bachelor degree in business and administration and also that I always like doing things that I'm passionate about and following my dreams. So definitely they are my biggest support my family. And that's why I feel I am who I am right now, because it stands to them. Wow, I love that so much.
B
So you're only 23. What are your future, like, aspirations and your future plans beyond going to the international pageant wearing the crown, of course. Let's talk business though. Where do you see yourself in five years?
C
In five years, I would love to have my academy around the usa. Ooh, like franchising. Franchising. That's that's in my plans for now. And of course, having the opportunity to every girl that is doing pageants that they try my heels, they buy my heels, and that's my priority. But more than that, I want to create online platform where I can share my classes for coaching and more girls can actually have that material. They just go to the website and buy the classes, too.
B
Okay. I love that so much. And that leads me to my next question, because this pageant was all about AI. That was the theme. AI is the future. So do you think there's a possibility to incorporate coaching and modeling education with AI?
C
Definitely, yes. But there is this. This is how I think. There's a lot of information on the Internet, but there is not the information that you experience. So what I give, what I gave to my. Or what I give to my students is my experience, is my knowledge. So, AI, they can nudge your hair and makeup. That's so true. Yeah, they can't. So I believe that you can use that for maybe practice speech, maybe practice communication skills, or maybe be educated about certain topics that's so important for you as a beauty queen, but for things like makeup, hair, or maybe other things. Yeah, I don't think so.
B
I don't think so either. And I'm happy that I have some job security as a makeup artist. So we're gonna talk pageants, but I have a really big surprise for you. Like, we've never done this before. Forum misrepresented.
C
Okay.
B
But we're gonna switch hosts. And. Yeah, your pageant, like, question host is not just anybody. She is Miss Grand International CJ Opiaza. And she is here to ask you all of the questions. And you're just gonna yap about all of the pageants.
C
This is gonna be my mini interview.
B
Yeah, I guess so.
C
To make sure that I'm gonna be the international Queen.
B
I wish.
C
I'm so excited. I know.
B
You guys just have fun. So I'm gonna go grab CJ and then she's gonna take over from here.
C
Okay. Okay.
D
So, hi, everyone. I am Christine Juliana Piazza. Let me introduce myself. I am your Miss Grand International 2024. And I'm finally here with the new Miss Grand USA.
C
It's my pleasure to have an international queen here in usa. How are you feeling?
D
And you might be the next queen. So it's over the box.
C
Amen.
D
Oh, it's okay. So you were asking me, how am I feeling? I really feel so blessed to be here in America. I told you, it's my first time to be here. So I'm glad that I' sharing this very specific opportunity with you. And you're just such a beautiful, beautiful soul. And are you excited for the upcoming competition?
C
Yes, I am. And I actually want to prepare myself for this competition because I know as USA we have high standards, so we must.
D
You got to leave a mark. I know everybody's going to look forward for your presentation and everything, but I know that you're gonna do great.
C
Thank you. Last night. Thank you.
D
And what are you looking forward to see or maybe experience in Thailand? Is it gonna be your first time in Asia?
C
Yes, definitely it's gonna be my first time there. Yes. And I'm so excited to meet all the contestants and I know it's gonna be an unforgettable experience because I'm gonna be like going to different places and that's something that I'm really excited for. Go to international competition and really know about culture, try new food and travel. That's something that is really amazing.
D
And it's your opportunity to also bring your culture here, you know, to all the candidates and everyone in Asia. I am also going to look forward to that. Of course. As a Filipino, I've always wanted to know more about usa. I've always wanted to know about how you live here, especially your kosher. Of course there's a lot of pretty stories here. I mean, a lot to learn from your history and everything. But at least I got like a little few days to kind of experience it. But I look forward to going back here.
C
Yes. United States definitely is the most impact. There is a lot of diversity here. This is what makes United States beautiful. And I am proud of that. As a first generation immigrant that I came from Venezuela too. I am so proud to represent Latinos do here in the usa and that's something that. That's very beautiful in this country. You go around, you find different restaurants from different part of the world. You. You go everywhere and there's always someone from your country. Yeah. You experience that. Yeah. So that's something that I feel so grateful to represent a country that is not just beautiful, but it's very open and it's very. The embarrasses.
D
Yes. I think that's one of the most beautiful things about America. It's really diverse. There's a lot of Filipinos here also.
C
Yes.
D
And I'm just so happy to meet.
C
You know, I love Filipino.
D
Thank you means thank you. Gracias.
C
Gracias. Thank you.
D
I know you're looking forward to a lot of things about Ms. Grand International and There's so much inside store and I just cannot say much yet. But I also am so excited because it's going to be in Thailand again. I. Thailand became like my second home already and I know that you're going to love it. The people are so nice.
C
That's what I hear.
D
Yes. The people are really, really nice. Especially the Thai fans. I love you guys.
C
We love you guys.
D
You say, you say. Yeah. That means I love you.
C
Okay. Learning new things here. So many things to learn from you because you know, I'm really open.
D
I mean anytime you need help, I'm just here. You can message me. All the queens out there if you're watching this, if you need any, if you have any questions or if you need anything to know about Ms. Gran.
C
Or anything even personal. That's why she's the Queen because she's so sweet, beautiful and kind, you know.
D
Thank you.
C
I was expecting that for you. Thank you. I was watching your Instagram and all your journey and I, I really respect.
D
You're so updated.
C
Yes, I know everything. You know, we must, we must follow the Queen to make sure that we, if we got the crown, that we're doing the job how it is. This is a job.
D
Because this might be your job.
C
Yeah, it's a full time job. Yeah.
D
I learned also from the queens of. Yeah, of course. It's been running since 2013. There's like a lot of queens from all around the globe. Mostly are Latinas as well. So I've been following a lot of these queens. So yeah, you get to learn from them and try to emulate that personality as well and just. But also don't lose yourself in the process. You gotta show who you really are, your personality through your performances and everything. And most especially just show your true self.
C
Yes. And enjoy the competition. I did enjoy my competition here in the national competition. I was like with the grand boys. I was like, let's get love.
D
Let's get love.
C
I give my best. But I really have such an amazing time. We went to restaurants, we went to clubs. We really got the opportunity to make sure to know more about Vegas. That is a beautiful city. A lot of entertainment here. Everything is so beautiful. So I am so grateful that the organization provide the opportunity for us as contestants and all the sponsors as well. And the sponsors, dude. Really grateful for the sponsor to provide the opportunities for us to live this amazing, amazing experience that it was just not competing. It was having the opportunity to go around here and to know more about this beautiful city.
D
That's true. So thank you so much to all the sponsors of Miss grand usa, because you guys also allowed me to be here. So thank you, especially to the organization. It's my first time, and starting it with Vegas, it's gonna be unfortunate. A high standard for sure, if I go around. But I am looking forward to go back here and explore more.
C
And you're more than welcome. I invite her to Florida.
D
Yeah, I'd probably go to that state.
C
Yes. Because there's a lot of beaches around.
D
Beach. You know, Philippines, we love beach. But, yeah. I think I'm gonna end my question with can you share one thing that most people don't know about you?
C
Oh, my God.
D
It can be anything. Can be fun or can be serious, too. Whatever you can think of that you want people now to know about you.
C
Well, this is very inspirational. Something that maybe a lot of people don't know about me is that when we came to this country, we just came with $1,500. My family was living in a small room. My mom, my sister, my dad and I. And it was a hard experience because we were forced to leave our country, but that actually, it was resilience for us because we come back stronger than ever. And I'm so grateful that my family is now stable in this country. And we are proof that here in the usa, the dreams really come true.
D
That's so nice. I totally resonate with you. And that is such an inspiring story. I mean, to anybody who's feeling the same or in the same situation, experience, you get to learn from the queen. You can do this. You can get through everything, any problem, but you have to put your heart into the things that you do, just like her.
C
And believe in yourself. You believe in. You believe every opportunity and be grateful for every opportunity. You know, that really taught me that I need to be grateful for every opportunity. I'm so grateful for this title because I know it's very hard and such a blessing. It's a blessing for me. It's a dream come true to actually have the opportunity to represent usa. And I am ready to give my best, to be active, to be committed as beauty queens. We need to be grateful. We need to work hard. I have an amazing organization, and I'm sure that I'm gonna take.
D
They're probably gonna. Yeah, they're probably gonna support you all the way.
C
Yeah. And I'm the kind of queen that I'm gonna be there next year and next year and next year, and they're not gonna leave me. They're gonna be your Home. They're gonna be your yachts. They're gonna be.
D
Please invite me to again.
C
But yeah, that's always there because that's so important to keep the connection, especially if you love the pageant. I love Ms. Grand International. How it's not about just beauty.
D
Yeah.
C
It's about business.
D
A lot of things. Business. We talk about business. It's not just about beauty. It's not just about body and brain, but most importantly, also the brain. It talks about a lot of factors that you tap into, especially now that we highlight that it is more entertaining the world with beauty. Yeah. So we go deeper than just, you know, being on the stage. We go beyond the stage and we do a lot more things. So that's what grand stands for. And you're just perfect to represent usa. You're bringing opportunities for others as well. Just like how it brought opportunity to you and your family.
C
Yes. And of course. Of course. And something that I love about this year competition is that we have a small competition called Grand Pitch that it was about talking about our business. And for example, I have my business for other girls. They didn't. And they. And that competition actually motivate them to think about it and create how they can use their beauty to actually.
D
That's true.
C
Use it for business.
D
For business.
C
Right. Because that's.
D
We gotta earn. We gotta live.
C
Yeah. How we live.
D
That's true.
C
And I hear you in one video that you talk about behavior. And that's very important too, because as a queen, we need to be approachable to other people. We need to be very open because they look at us like, I want to take a picture with you. I want to talk to you.
D
You're gonna do a lot of work. And sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. But then if you don't know how to, you know, balance everything, sometimes you might take it in a different way. And that's. That's not how a queen behaves. Right.
C
Yes.
D
And the same thing goes with. Because you told me about commitment. It also goes a lot and talks a lot about behavior. If your behavior is not connected with your commitment to the things that you do, then it's not gonna work.
C
Seller responsibilities. And we. We need to know our responsibilities and how to take care of our title. Because during that year is not the organization name, it's our names too.
D
Yeah. And you're bringing the whole country.
C
Yeah. So you want to be remembered as a good queen. You want to be remembered as a queen that really make a meaningful impact in the organization. And that's something that I want to do with this organization. I want to leave my mark. I know right now there's a lot of people following on Instagram right now.
D
You should follow her.
C
Yes.
D
Guys. Yeah. You need to support her. Please support me, Support her. I mean, continue praying for her. I mean, her safety and all. All the things that she's gonna do. I know she still have, you know, sometime she's gonna be here doing a lot of things prior to going to the competition. So show some support and show some love. And please do follow her as well. So now we're gonna do a fun part of this episode where we do this or that. Are you ready for that?
C
I am ready.
D
I'm gonna throw some questions to you, so be ready.
C
Okay.
D
Okay. First run block or on stage question.
C
Well, definitely on stage question. Wow, you're so great for that. Yes. I love on stage question because I feel it gave you the opportunity and exposure for people to know more about you.
D
That's true.
C
And your plans. So that's the maybe. That's definitely a reason why she loves answering questions.
D
We go to the next question then. This or that. Glam night in heels or cozy night in sneakers.
C
We are beauty queens.
D
We wear heels all the time.
C
Yes.
D
Bold red lip or natural nude look.
C
This is hard. Well, definitely. I love to use red lipstick, but I use every day. I use more the nude. Yes.
D
This or that. Pageant gown or cocktail dress?
C
Pageant gowns. I love it. I designed mine for the final night. Do you like it?
D
I like. Was so shiny. It was so grand.
C
It was so grand. Show her personal. I would like grand but elegant at the same time. So I was very happy with the result.
D
But you're going to wear a lot of cocktail dresses for sure also.
C
Oh, yes.
D
Okay, let's go with behind the scenes preparation or final spotlight moment?
C
Final spotlight moment. Of course. I feel that when you are on stage, you feel a lot of emotions. It's like you live the experience.
D
It's different.
C
You live the moment, you know, so it's really different. Yeah.
D
And it's like the final moment is like, you know, all this preparation and reflect. Finally here.
C
Yes. And all the people supporting you. I feel like it's gonna make you bright.
D
Okay. Dreaming big or focusing on the present.
C
Focusing on the present and then you.
D
But she's dreaming big. I mean, in the process.
C
Yeah, I'm dreaming big. But I believe it's important to focus in the process because some people think about amazing plans and they don't do it.
D
They don't put the work in.
C
They don't put the work in the fort.
D
Well, this is going to be the last this or that question. So early morning workout or late night gym session?
C
And late night gym session.
D
Late night gym session.
C
Yeah.
D
You gotta take some.
C
I'm sorry, I'm not a morning person.
D
Me too.
C
I'm sorry if you think that I'm a morning person.
D
No, don't wake us up too early. But if we need to work, we gotta work.
C
We gotta work. Yeah, you're right. Thank you.
D
And that finishes the this or that segment. So I want you to tell all your social media accounts, social media handles, where they can follow you and your journey to the crown.
C
Yes. Well, my Instagram is at Ivanabgarcia, so you can follow me online on TikTok and Instagram with the same username.
D
Okay, that's it, guys. We love you all. Please do support her and thank you.
C
And thank you for this interview. Oh, my God, I got the best hose ever. I love it.
D
Thank you.
C
Everyone have this house. Thank you.
Host: Lisa Opie
Guest: Ivana Garcia (Miss Grand USA 2025)
Special Guest Host: CJ Piazza (Miss Grand International 2024)
Release Date: August 21, 2025
In this lively and empowering episode, host Lisa Opie sits down in Las Vegas with newly crowned Miss Grand USA 2025, Ivana Garcia. Together, they explore Ivana’s pageant victory, entrepreneurial ventures, immigrant journey, and vision for empowering women. The episode features a special “role-reversal” segment, in which Miss Grand International 2024, CJ Piazza, takes over as interviewer, leading to heartfelt reflections, fun rapid-fire questions, and advice for future beauty queens.
[10:31-25:47]
CJ Piazza, Miss Grand International 2024, takes over as host, guiding Ivana through reflections and playful rapid-fire questions.
Preparing for Miss Grand International in Thailand:
Ivana is excited to travel to Asia for the first time, experience Thai culture, and represent both the U.S.A. and her Latino heritage.
“I am so proud to represent Latinos here in the usa and that’s something that...that’s very beautiful in this country.” – Ivana (12:40)
Leaving a Mark as a Queen:
Both discuss the importance of being remembered not just for beauty, but also for meaningful impact, responsibility, and character.
“You want to be remembered as a good queen…a queen that really make a meaningful impact in the organization.” – Ivana (21:45)
To follow Ivana’s journey: @Ivanabgarcia on Instagram and TikTok.