Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Brown.
Hi Athena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been competing in pageants since December 2020! I started out as a normal girl and then I joined pageantry which changed my life forever. I used to be very shy and quiet, but now I am able to speak in front of large groups and am unafraid to share my thoughts and opinions.
I competed in the Little Miss Black US of A and lost 3 years in a row before I won the junior category. I worked diligently and kept perfecting my craft, making lots of small changes, watching, learning, and talking with others. I never gave up on myself. Finally, I won in 2025 and it felt amazing!
Since then I’ve been trying out new things and recently got into fashion designing and modeling. Through Little Miss Black US of A, I was even able to walk in NY fashion week! I feel so grateful for the opportunities that have come my way because of my hard work and dedication.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t! Losing is HARD! It sucks to work so hard and have to keep watching other people win. Sometimes I didn’t even know why I lost. I always felt so different– whether it was me being plus size, or wearing my natural hair or even the way my neurodivergence showed up. But Browns don’t quit, so I kept going.
I competed in several different circuits before I found a home with Little Miss Black. I struggled to feel included or valued up until I found them. When im competing within this circuit, I know it doesn’t matter what I look like. They completely accepted me for who I was and that support has helped me to grow and blossom.
I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety until the beginning of last school year. Once I had my diagnosis, so many things began to fall in place. I realized where a lot of my differences stem from and I’m learning how to work with, not against my disabilities. It took me some time to realize that labels aren’t limits to what I can do. But now I know I am limitless and the only thing that can stop me, is me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So, I am working on establishing my business, Brown Beauty, as an LLC. Our tagline is, “Beauty that loves you back!” I create all natural handmade products that are good for your skin. I have lotions, deodorants, soaps, lip gloss, face scrubs, and more! I also sell my affirmation journal for Black girls. I am always growing and expanding my business. I even started making handbags! This business is really important to me because I struggled to find products for myself as a younger girl. I need deodorant early on and most products were too expensive and/or harmful to my body. So I decided to make my own stuff. Now, I sell my products at different vending events in the greater Baltimore area. I even got accepted to vend at Artscape this year in the Kidscape section! I have also done a math lesson on unit pricing with 6 graders, using my soap making as an example.
Another part of my work is my budding non profit, Brown Beauty Charm School. Through this organization I help girls ages 5-12 to become change agents in their community through service, self awareness, and pageantry. I have done a few speaking events and I started a book club, The Reading Queens to address literacy through service. We read a book and then complete a service activity around the book’s main topic. I am currently trying to find a way to get my “Queen Behavior” workshop series into the local libraries and/or rec centers. Giving back to my community and helping other girls to be their best selves is important to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didnt have people helping and pushing me to think bigger and follow my dreams.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a very shy and timid kid. I was reserved and soft spoken. Most people considered me to be very sweet.
I gained a lot of weight in kindergarten and first grade, so people bullied me. Because I was shy, I never stood up for myself. It took me a while to find my voice. Once I did, I became an advocate for those who can’t. Now, everyone listens. I’m really proud of how much I’ve grown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abrowngirl14.wixsite.com/brown-beauty
- Instagram: @princessab267
- Youtube: @brownbeauty14
- Other: Abrowngirl14@gmail.com
