In a time when competition can feel overwhelming—especially in the world of social media—finding genuine connections with other women is more important than ever. Katelyn Perry, founder of Crowns for a Cause and owner of The Charm Bar, is a shining example of what it means to be a “girl’s girl.” In this candid interview, Katelyn shares her thoughts on fostering community, rising above the noise of saturated fields, and how perseverance has shaped her journey. For young women striving to find their place without sacrificing their support for others, this is a must-read.
Being a “girl’s girl” is a term we hear often, but what does it mean to you personally?
How has this mindset influenced your career, relationships, and day-to-day life?
To me, being a girls' girl means intentionally and authentically supporting women—both those I know and those I don’t. It’s about cheering them on, advocating for them, and being a dependable presence in their lives. I make a conscious effort every day to be an encourager and a true friend to the women around me. In return, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience that same support in so many areas of my life. Whether in pageantry, business, or my day-to-day experiences, I’m constantly inspired and uplifted by the incredible women who surround me and build me up.
Crowns for a Cause and Like A Charm both focus on empowerment and connection in different ways. Can you tell us more about these ventures? What inspired you to start them, and how do they reflect your vision of community over competition?
Both Crowns for a Cause and Like A Charm are deeply personal to me and have been shaped by my values of community, empowerment, and giving back. CFAC was born out of my love for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and my desire to bring people together to make a difference. In pageantry, service is a core value, but I noticed that many girls weren’t sure how to get involved in giving back. CFAC allows me to combine pageantry with philanthropy, creating a space where over 125 ambassadors from different backgrounds and ages can unite around a shared goal—advocating for CMN hospitals and fostering a love of service. Our ambassadors organize drives, spread awareness, and support one another, building a sisterhood of girls who, despite competing in different systems or living across the country, are united by a common purpose.
Like A Charm, on the other hand, started as a small business inspired by a vendor I saw at Chelsea Market in NYC. The charm bar allows customers to create personalized jewelry that reflects their unique personalities, style, and memories. The venture empowers people to express themselves creatively and connects them with others in a meaningful way through custom pieces. Like A Charm also aligns with my vision of community by partnering with other small businesses, particularly female-owned businesses. We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with amazing entrepreneurs, furthering the sense of support and camaraderie among women.
Both ventures reflect my belief in “community over competition.” With CFAC, it’s about bringing girls together to give back, regardless of where they’re from or where they compete. And for Like A Charm, it’s about supporting other businesses while fostering creativity and connection. Whether through service or creativity, my goal with both ventures is to create spaces where people—especially women—can thrive and support one another.
Social media is often seen as a competitive space. How do you rise above the saturation with confidence?
Many women feel overwhelmed by the need to stand out online. What’s your advice for creating a meaningful presence without succumbing to comparison?
Being authentic is key. It’s about sharing both the highs and the lows and truly being yourself. As a pageant girl, I've often felt the pressure to present a perfect image on social media. However, the most meaningful and relatable moments I’ve shared with my followers have come from being open about the struggles as much as the successes. Social media has the incredible power to bring people together, and sometimes that means showing vulnerability and sharing the hard days just as much as we celebrate the great ones.
One of my favorite quotes is “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and it’s something I really believe. When I find myself getting caught up in what others are doing, I often become self-conscious about my own business, my personal life, or anything I’m working on. It’s important to remember that social media is essentially a highlight reel—it's easy to compare our everyday to someone else's best day, but the reality is much different. We all have our struggles, and embracing that authenticity not only brings more connection but also allows us to appreciate our own journey.
Why do you believe community among women is so important, especially in today’s world?
In industries and spaces that can feel hyper-competitive, how can women intentionally support one another?
Community among women is incredibly important, especially in today’s world where we face constant pressure to do more, be more, and compete with each other. I believe that when women come together, they create an environment of support, empowerment, and shared strength. Instead of feeling isolated or pressured, we can lift each other up, celebrate each other’s successes, and find strength in our differences. In a world that often pits women against one another, creating and fostering communities that prioritize collaboration over competition is crucial.
In industries and spaces that can feel hyper-competitive, such as pageantry, women can intentionally support one another by focusing on empathy and solidarity. It starts with showing up for one another—whether that’s offering advice, sharing opportunities, or simply cheering each other on. It’s about recognizing that there is enough room for all of us to succeed. I’ve experienced firsthand how meaningful it is to have women in my life who not only want to see me succeed, but actively support me through their actions and words.
Can you share a time when you chose collaboration over competition, and how it impacted you?
Was there a specific moment when leaning into community instead of rivalry opened new doors or strengthened connections?
As a 12-year veteran of the Miss Mississippi Organization, I've always tried to be a friend and mentor to other competitors. Whether it's offering advice, answering questions, or even
something as simple as sharing my detailed packing list, I've made a conscious effort to support those around me. In return, I’ve formed some incredibly genuine friendships. I vividly remember competing in my first Miss Mississippi competition at just 18 years old. I looked up to the older girls who had already been through the process and who made an effort to welcome me, help me, and share their knowledge. That sense of camaraderie shaped my experience and has encouraged me to do the same for others.
Miss Mississippi week is intense—filled with the highest highs and lowest lows, all under the eye of the public and the media. I’ll never forget a particular moment two years ago at Miss Mississippi, when I was sick and had almost completely lost my voice. I was in tears, stressing about whether I would even be able to perform my talent that evening. The love and encouragement I received from my fellow competitors was overwhelming. I ended up winning the talent award that night, and the support I received from the same girls I had competed alongside was priceless. Hearing them say, “We told you, you could do it” meant more to me than anything. It really solidified for me that pageantry is about so much more than competition—it’s about sisterhood and women supporting women.That moment taught me how much strength can come from leaning into community over rivalry. It was a perfect example of how choosing support and encouragement can strengthen bonds and create lasting friendships, even in the most competitive environments.
For young women who feel stuck in a competitive mindset, what first steps would you recommend to shift their perspective?
How can someone begin to build authentic relationships with others in their field, even when it feels intimidating?
For young women feeling stuck in a competitive mindset, I would recommend this: take a step back and ask yourself, if “winning” is off the table, what else would you like to gain from this experience? For me, during my years competing in Miss Mississippi, my focus shifted to bettering myself and building authentic friendships. Those two things became my “wins,” regardless of the outcome on stage.
I’ve also always valued networking. Three years ago, I decided to reach out to some girls competing in other Miss America state competitions to see if they’d be interested in mock interviewing each other before our pageants. We did—and that decision led to something so incredible. The seven of us (we call ourselves the “MAO girlies”) ended up becoming close friends and supporters of each other–even cheering on one of our girls who got to compete at Miss America–and we still talk to each other and hype each other up in our group chat to this day. That experience not only gave me true friendships with like-minded women across the country but also expanded my network in a meaningful way that will benefit me in life post-pageant.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m very competitive and always strive to do my best. But I’m also intentional about not letting that be my sole focus. Whether it’s in Miss Mississippi or other
aspects of life, I’ve found that balance is key. Shifting your mindset to prioritize personal growth and meaningful connections can make any experience so much richer and more fulfilling.
Your journey hasn’t been without challenges. How has perseverance played a role in where you are today?
What keeps you moving forward during tough times, and how do you stay grounded in your vision?
Over the summer, I took a break to fully focus on preparing for Miss Mississippi. Competing meant so much to me, and I wanted to ensure I left no stone unturned during my prep. After such an emotional and exhausting week, it was just as important to allow myself time to rest and reset. I’ve learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup—whether creatively, mentally, or physically. Taking that step back to recharge isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s about being good to yourself and focusing on what you need in the moment. Whether it’s dedicating time to a major goal or pausing to reset, giving yourself that grace allows you to come back stronger and more focused.
With so many opportunities for self-promotion today, how can women balance promoting themselves while still uplifting others?
What strategies have worked for you in building your brand while maintaining authenticity and support for others?
In today's world, there's so much pressure to promote yourself, especially with social media giving us a platform to share our lives and businesses. However, I believe it's crucial to maintain balance by celebrating your accomplishments without diminishing others. For me, it comes down to being transparent and visible, sharing what I'm passionate about, and promoting my ventures in a way that encourages others to get involved and celebrate alongside me. I also make sure to shout out the successes of others. It’s about being genuine and being a cheerleader, not just for yourself, but for everyone in your circle.
One of the strategies that has worked for me in building my brand while staying authentic is ensuring that the people I surround myself with are equally supportive. Whether it’s celebrating friends' achievements or simply being happy for someone else's success, it all comes down to creating an environment of mutual encouragement. In the competitive space of pageantry, this can be especially hard, but I've learned that defining success beyond just winning makes room for everyone to thrive. So when I cheer for others, I do it from a place of genuine support and celebration, knowing that someone's success doesn’t take away from my own.
When you’re truly happy for others and build those authentic relationships, it not only strengthens your own brand but fosters a sense of community that makes everything more meaningful.
What’s next for you and your work?
Are there exciting developments for Like A Charm or Crowns For A Cause that readers should know about? How can we support your mission?
There’s always something new around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s coming next! For Like A Charm, we’re thrilled to expand our reach by hosting events in new cities, and we're constantly adding new pieces to our inventory. This venture is especially exciting because the possibilities are endless—truly, the sky’s the limit for how it can grow! I’m constantly amazed by the creative ways we’re able to bring joy and custom creations to our customers.
As for Crowns for a Cause, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year. Each year we have a new hospital-requested item that we focus our collection efforts on, and I can’t wait to share that announcement with everyone. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working hard to streamline processes for our incredible Ambassadors, and the growth this organization has seen since we started is nothing short of amazing. I’m beyond proud of everything we’ve accomplished together, and I know we’re just getting started in our advocacy for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and our mission of #MakingADifference!
Be sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on everything happening with both Like A Charm and Crowns for a Cause! You can find us at @likeacharm.ms and @crownsforacauseorg
Lastly, what’s your advice for women who want to be champions for others while pursuing their own dreams?
How can we all embrace the idea of being a “girl’s girl” and inspire confidence and collaboration in our communities?
I believe that being a "girl’s girl" is all about encouraging others, celebrating their successes, and sharing in their journeys without feeling threatened. Personally, I feel incredibly blessed to have a circle of friends who support me through every aspect of my life—whether it's my glamorous moments in the spotlight or the tough, “I just need to survive this day” kind of days. This support is a two-way street. When you're surrounded by people who believe in you, it makes pursuing your dreams that much more fulfilling.
To me, pursuing your own dreams doesn’t mean you have to step on others or compete with them. In fact, I’ve learned that my success doesn't diminish when someone else achieves their goals. I truly believe that if we define success by our personal growth, happiness, and the relationships we build, there’s no reason why supporting someone else’s success would ever take away from our own. I always remind myself that if I were in their position, I would want others to celebrate me—so I do the same for them.
Thank you, Katelyn, for sharing your heart and wisdom with us. Your dedication to building community, uplifting others, and chasing your dreams with perseverance is nothing short of inspiring. For women looking to rise above competition and create meaningful connections, Katelyn reminds us all that there’s room for everyone at the table—and we’re stronger when we come together.
Be sure to check out Crowns for a Cause and The Charm Bar to see her vision in action and learn how you can be a part of this empowering movement.
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