Hy-Lo News has launched the series “The Road to the 2025 Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant.” We’ll be Profiling Contestants Competing in the Miss; Ms/Mrs and Teen Divisions of the MBFLUSA Pageant.
In her journey to become Miss Black Florida USA, Kristen Garrett, currently reigning as Miss Black Ocala USA, has faced challenges that tested her resilience and strengthened her passion for empowering others. Hailing from Ocala, Florida, Kristen embraces her platform, “Regaining Your Confidence,” as a message of hope and empowerment for her community. Her life experiences—from overcoming financial setbacks to discovering her passion for spoken word—have shaped her into a role model dedicated to inspiring others to rise above hardships. In this interview with Hy-Lo News Publisher Janey Tate, Kristen opens up about her journey, her influences, and her mission to redefine stereotypes and celebrate the strength and beauty of Black women.
All interview question responses were edited for clarity and grammar.
Janey Tate: Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant?
Kristen Garrett: I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, so I could reach more opportunities for personal growth and professional success.
JT: Where are you originally from and how has your upbringing impacted who you are today?
KG: I am originally from Ocala, Florida. My mom is a great woman. She showed me how to hustle, how to not settle for less, how to be successful while staying true to yourself. My family has always supported my ideas no matter how off the wall they were, and trusted the process.
JT: What is your pageant platform and why?
KG: Regaining Your Confidence. It’s about empowering my community to regain their self confidence for personal growth and success, take pride in beauty, struggle, and unapologetically expressing themselves. The past year and a half I had gone through experiences in life that crushed my confidence in my abilities to do things I know that I am capable of. I was rejected by multiple grad schools. My hours were decreased, which started my financial setback. I was behind on every bill you could possibly have. My lights were turned off numerous times. Ultimately, I was faced with eviction, which I had to go to court for. Per court order, I could not miss a payment or my daughter and I would be kicked out without a notice.
Overcoming all those obstacles allowed me to gain control over my life again. I realized that I was not the person I was anymore, which is completely acceptable. However, it was time to become a better version of myself.
JT: Who is someone or people in your life who have helped you most on your journey to win the state pageant and what does that mean to you?
KG: My daughter is someone in my life who has helped me most on my journey to win the state pageant. She is my biggest supporter. She was excited to help me with preparation just to see me on the stage. She ensured I told all my coworkers and friends that I was in a pageant. To have someone more excited about the things you do in life than yourself is enough motivation to keep going. The competition is with myself to see what more I could do to make my daughter happier to have a Mom like myself.
JT: What will you be performing for the talent portion of the state competition and why?
KG: I will be performing a monologue. I have learned that I love spoken word, podcasts, and reading articles. When I speak, I always speak with passion and a hidden message.
JT: What are you most looking forward to about the Miss Black Florida USA pageant statewide competition?
KG: I am looking forward to the great experiences I know that I will have, connecting with my Sister Queens, and being in the spotlight.
JT: What have you learned about yourself on your journey to win the state title?
KG: I am such an introvert, but will be an extrovert when warranted. However, I have learned that I love the spotlight. I love talking with people and impacting their lives in some way. Whether it is through a smile, a conversation, or a warm embrace. I love to connect with people. I want my community to feel comfortable to communicate with me about anything.
JT: The Miss Black USA and Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant organizations champion the celebration of Black Women and their service, education and commitment to improving themselves and their community. Explain why you think this is an important mission of the organization and why you think it’s needed in today’s social climate.
KG: This mission is so important because Black women deserve to be celebrated. Too often, we’re labeled as “ratchet,” “ghetto,” or “extra,” and these stereotypes overshadow our contributions in service, education, and personal growth. Black women are powerful forces for change, making an impact every day. We’re “Super Queens,” striving to uplift ourselves and our communities. Everyone should have the chance to see the dedication of an educated Black woman and experience her commitment to making a positive difference.
Check out these photos of Kristen Garrett, Miss Black Ocala USA 2024, and contestant in the 2025 Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant.
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Note: The Miss Division of the Miss Black Florida Scholarship pageant organization is open to women ages 19-27. The Miss Black Florida USA pageant is a franchise of the Miss Black USA pageant system. The winner of the state title will go on to compete for the national title at the Miss Black USA pageant.
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