Misty L. Coolidge
~ Mrs. Maine USA Earth ~
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Copa: Where are you from?
Misty: I was born, raised, and have spent my life in the State of Maine. I travel a lot and no matter where life takes me, I enjoy coming home to our beautiful state full of culture and country living. It's the perfect blend that provides serenity at the beach and fine dining in the city. Copa: What schools have you attended?
I graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in rural Skowhegan, Maine and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law with a Minor in English from Husson College in Bangor, Maine. Copa: At what time did you become interested in pageant competition?
Misty: I was scouted by the America pageant system about six (6) years ago. Once the shock wore off, I did some research and found that pageantry had evolved from being a beauty contest to showcasing the entire woman, her philanthropic causes, and being a platform to share your voice to help and inspire others. I had just had twins and figured it would also be a great way to drop a few pounds! So I said YES! Not only did I find friendship with 17 other amazing local women, but I placed 2nd runner up. I was SHOCKED! That first experience changed my life. Not only was I able to share my passion for fighting hunger but I discovered that I loved pageantry since it combined my love of travel, championing causes, and I'd get to meet other powerhouse women like me. After taking a year off to have another baby, I competed in the international system and WON the Mrs. Maine International title and competed at Nationals in West Virginia and met 72 incredible women from around the world. The next year, I signed up with two girlfriends Mikell and Heather (that I met in competition) for the International Ms. system, and we headed to New York City (my second favorite city!) for the weekend. Although I didn't place, I won a Runway Award which was amazing since I love the stage! My girl Mikell actually took home the Ms. USA title, and I couldn't have been happier for her. After that and more research, I signed up for the Worldwide system for their community service focus and competed at Nationals and WON the United Service Ambassador title and 1st runner up to Mrs. USA (Worldwide). Six months later, I assumed the Mrs. USA title and crushed the rest of the year. Being a national title holder, I wanted to impact our United States of America and connected with Feeding America with a goal of volunteering, fighting food insecurity, and tackling food waste at their food banks in all 50 states. I was also blessed to write and publish my first children's book called "We All Stir The Pot...to end Hunger" which donates all its proceeds to Feeding America. As Mrs. USA I was able to go back and compete for the title of Mrs. Worldwide and was elated to WIN that title and become an international title holder. With a new global focus, I developed relationships with the Global Food banking Network, FEBA, To Cry for Grace in the Dominican Republic of Congo, Heifer International, visited 12 countries, and continued touring the USA and have been to 29 states thus far. Being in a pageant is a job and one that I take very seriously. Having free flight benefits enables me to do all that I do, but the rest is funded by me and my passion for the cause. 
Copa: How did you enjoy the first year of becoming Mrs. Maine USA Earth?
Misty: Knowing that my journey wasn't over just yet, I wanted to find a system to call home and retire with. One that I could continue advocating for even after my reign was over. I had been following the Earth system for years and loved its focus on Mother Nature and saving our planet, while also being able to tie in my passion for preventing food waste. My SEEDS THAT FEED mission fit perfectly. Getting to know other Earth sisters and our reigning Queens through social media has been wonderful. I look forward to heading to Nationals in two weeks to connect with these amazing women in person and showcasing my talents and passions with the judges. I KNOW that I would make an amazing Earth Queen and pray that I'm so fortunate to take home a title for 2024 and have a forever sisterhood. |
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Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Misty: I would have to say that I have a unique style. Being from the country, I love getting dirty in my overalls, working hard at my venue, gardening, and giving venue tours in my Polo button ups and jeans. I also love vintage clothing dating back to the days of Aubrey Hepburn with my pearls and antique jewelry that I've sourced at vintage shops. I love finding classic styles and reviving/restyling them into new looks. Over the years of walking at NYFW, I've developed relationships with designers, so I've enjoyed purchasing their one-of-a-kind styles and working with them on new looks (I love being different and standing out!). My mom has been a tailor for over 50 years and has started designing with repurposed fabrics ("Reloved Fashions") and together we've loved creating great designs including unique detachable skirts, sweetheart tops, and detachable balloon sleeves that you can pair with ANYTHING. |
Copa: Which are some of your favorite pageant winners of all time?
Misty: I haven't been in pageantry for long and with all that I do with my businesses, my children, and personal journey in fighting hunger, I haven't had the opportunity to have any particular favorites per se. The queens that I've had the opportunity to meet along the way have been inspiring and I've continued to follow their stories on social platforms. I just LOVE seeing all the changes these amazing ladies are making on their communities in various ways. It inspires me daily. The difference we are ALL making globally really does make a difference and I'm honored to be a part of it. 
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Copa: Do you have any special plans for the holidays?
Misty: Over the holidays, I spent time with my family hosting everyone at our home in New Gloucester and traveling to Connecticut to spend time with my husband's family. To ring in the new year, my husband and I will see a great 80's band with friends. 
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Copa: We also see that you are an entrepreneur. How did this come about?
Misty: My mom has been an entrepreneur most of her life and owned a bridal shop growing up which is most likely where I got my passion for weddings and all things 'love' related. When I graduated from college, I found that the pay starting out was not great so in order to have what I wanted I needed to work multiple jobs. I started out working for a caterer part-time and I discovered I didn't love that so much, so they trained me on how to tend bar. Turns out making cocktails and making people happy was awesome! Then I started shadowing the wedding planners who worked for the same caterer, and I started coordinating wedding days and I loved that even more. Seeing a wedding day come to life and being a part of all that joy and magic fit. Since I was a Notary Public for my day job of being a Real Estate Paralegal, I married couples on the side and have been doing that for 26 years. I started my mobile bar service, Maine Mixologists, for weddings when I saw the void in the industry and that company has been operating for approximately 15 years with a huge staff and fleet of vehicles. Then when I was laid off from my 15-year paralegal job, I was forced to figure out what was next. I knew I wanted to stay at home and work for myself when I had children so, with my husband's support, I ventured out to find the perfect wedding venue where I could marry people, offer them bar service, AND plan their wedding all in one place. In 2014, Coolidge Family Farm in New Gloucester, Maine was born. This coming year will be my 10th anniversary celebrating love for a living and I couldn't be happier with my decision. It's a LOT of work but when you love what you do it doesn't really feel like work. That's when you know you are doing what you were meant to do. A dream comes true! With love lost during two years of covid, the wedding industry will feel a lull in business for 2024 and 2025, so I look forward to achieving other dreams and getting in lots of travel for my other passion of fighting hunger! Copa: What does the future hold for Misty Lee Coolidge and her world of pageantry & style?
Misty: That's a loaded question! :) My immediate plans are to prepare for Nationals that start on January 10th in Virginia Beach. I've got hair, teeth, and nail appointments and need to figure out how to fit everything I need to bring into two checked suitcases. I depart January 5th for Florida to visit my mom so she can take in half my wardrobe since I just lost 25 pounds! YAY!!! Then I'll land in VB on the 9th to volunteer at their local Feeding America food pantry and get settled into my hotel room. In hopes of securing a new national title, my year ahead (win or lose) will be consumed by celebrating love, my passion of fighting hunger, and hopefully supporting the Mrs USA Earth system with any goals they have set out for me. I hope to close on a new piece of property to work on my Helping Hands Soup Kitchen and doing lots of travel. Trips that I have already planned include NYFW and Milan Fashion Week in February, Florida (Disney for my kids birthdays) and Alaska in March, Egypt in April to work with World Central Kitchen feeding Gaza refugees, Phoenix in May to visit my dad, and the list goes on. I've got 21 states to still visit on my #crushinghunger tour so I hope to visit Hawaii and several states in the Midwest. Peak summer months will be spent at my venue celebrating love, enjoying the sunshine, and summer break with my kids, while working in smaller trips (like for my birthday - perhaps Hawaii then?) and a family wedding in August to Oregon. It's going to be an INCREDIBLE YEAR!!!! |
