Aiga Jaunozolina Ms. Southeast Petite 2026
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine pageant interview with an incredible Aiga Jaunozolina Ms. Southeast Petite 2026
Full Name: Aiga Jaunozolina
Title/Year: Ms. Southeast Petite 2026
Pageant System: Petite USA
Age: 34
Education Level: Licensed cosmetologist; diploma in interior design; professional beauty and advanced hair-treatment education; small-business education
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Hobbies: Creative design and crafting, professional photo sessions, beauty and fashion, traveling, learning new things, and spending time with people I care about
Platform: Supporting and encouraging girls and women navigating life without a mother's consistent presence; developing Crowned Daughters of Hope
Years Competed: First year — Petite USA was my first pageant experience
Countries Visited: Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, France, Egypt, Greece, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the United States
Likes and Dislikes: I love creativity, kindness, helping others, traveling, meaningful conversations, beauty and design, and making sure the people around me feel cared for. I dislike negativity, unnecessary comparison, dishonesty, and seeing people treated without kindness or respect.
Current Status: Single
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share a bit about who you are? Like, what are your passions outside of the pageant world?
I am Aiga Jaunozolina, Latvian-born and Maryland-based, a licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, and creative. I specialize in healthy hair care and keratin treatments, and I genuinely enjoy caring for people through my work. I also have a diploma in interior design, so creativity, color, detail, and visual expression have always been part of my life. I love traveling, professional photo sessions, creating things by hand, and exploring new ideas. My Christian faith is at the center of who I am, and I am naturally a nurturing and giving person. I like making sure the people around me feel comfortable, encouraged, and cared for.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I’m curious about your education journey. What's it been like for you, any particular highlights or challenges?
My education and professional journey has taken several directions, which reflects my curiosity and creative personality. I began professional beauty training in Latvia and developed experience in beauty services and advanced hair treatments. After moving to the United States, I continued my education at Maryland Beauty Academy and became a licensed cosmetologist in Maryland. I also pursued small-business education to strengthen the entrepreneurial side of my career, and I hold a diploma in interior design.
One of my biggest challenges was moving from Latvia to the United States and learning how to build a new life and professional identity in a different country. That experience taught me adaptability, discipline, courage, and the importance of continuing to learn. I have discovered that I do not have to fit into only one category; beauty, business, design, and creativity can all be meaningful parts of who I am.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Women's empowerment is such a key topic. What does it mean to you personally?
Women’s empowerment means helping women recognize their worth, use their voice, develop their gifts, and believe that their circumstances do not have to define their future. To me, empowerment is not about competing with other women. It is about encouraging one another, creating opportunities, and leading with confidence and kindness. My faith also reminds me that every woman has value and purpose.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you get into pageants? What sparked your interest initially?
Petite USA was actually my very first pageant, so I entered the pageant world with zero previous experience. I did not grow up competing, and I did not already know how everything worked. That was part of the excitement for me. I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, build confidence, and experience something completely new.
I had to learn everything from preparing for a personal interview and walking on stage to choosing wardrobe, understanding the competition categories, and learning how to present myself confidently. Looking back, being completely new to pageantry made the experience even more meaningful because I was discovering a new side of myself.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What motivated you to participate in your first pageant? Was there a defining moment?
My motivation was personal growth. I wanted to do something that required courage and would push me beyond what felt familiar. Moving countries and rebuilding my life had already taught me that growth often begins when we are willing to take a new step. Pageantry became another opportunity to challenge myself, develop confidence, and discover what I was capable of.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title? What made it stand out for you?
Representing the Southeast as Mrs. Southeast Petite 2026 through Petite USA has been meaningful because the system gave me the opportunity to enter pageantry as a petite woman and challenge myself in a completely new environment. I was drawn to the personal growth, confidence, leadership, and sisterhood that can come through the experience.
Maryland is now my home, so I also wanted to bring a strong Maryland identity into my pageant journey. That is why I created my handcrafted Blue Crab Couture, inspired by Maryland's iconic blue crab and Chesapeake culture. It allowed me to combine pageantry with creativity and tell a story that felt personal to the place I now call home.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I'd love to know more about your pageant system. Could you explain what it’s all about?
Petite USA is a pageant system for petite women. For someone who has never experienced pageantry, it is much more than simply walking on a stage in beautiful clothing. Contestants prepare for interviews, stage presentations, and questions that require confidence, communication, poise, and the ability to think in the moment. It is also an opportunity to meet women from different backgrounds, represent a title, become involved in the community, and grow personally
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What do you think sets your pageant director apart from others?
I appreciate leadership that creates an environment where contestants can grow, feel supported, and still be challenged to bring their best. Jenna Rhodes understands the Petite USA system and the contestant experience. I value a director who sees pageantry as more than a crown and encourages women to build confidence, friendships, and meaningful experiences
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: During competitions, what are the key things you're judged on?
In my competition, judging was divided into four areas: Personal Interview – 35%, Swimsuit – 25%, Evening Gown – 25%, and On-Stage Question – 15%. The personal interview carried the most weight, which I appreciated because it gave the judges an opportunity to learn who we were beyond our appearance on stage.
Each category showed something different. Interview tested communication and personality; swimsuit and evening gown required confidence, poise, and stage presence; and the on-stage question required us to listen, think, and respond in the moment. As a first-time contestant, learning how all of these pieces worked together was fascinating. My goal was to stay authentic and present the best version of myself.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What’s your competition experience been like? Any memorable moments or learnings?
Representing my title at Petite USA was an experience I will always remember, especially because it was my first pageant. One of my proudest moments was bringing my handcrafted Maryland Blue Crab Couture to the national stage. I designed and created it from scratch as a tribute to Maryland's blue crab and Chesapeake culture. Seeing an idea that began in my imagination become something I could actually wear on stage was very special.
I did not place at nationals, but I did not leave feeling that the experience had been wasted. I gained confidence, gratitude, friendships, creative courage, and a much better understanding of pageantry. I learned that success cannot always be measured by a final placement. Sometimes the real win is discovering what you are capable of and having the courage to show up.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Would you recommend your pageant system to others? If so, why?
I would encourage women who are interested in Petite USA to learn about the system and decide whether it aligns with their own goals and values. For me, entering as a complete beginner created opportunities to grow in communication, confidence, presentation, and resilience. It also gave me memories, friendships, and a chance to represent my title creatively. I came into the experience knowing almost nothing about pageantry and left knowing much more about myself.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell me about your advocacy or volunteer work. What causes are you passionate about?
Volunteering and serving others are an important part of my life. I volunteer within my church community, where I try to help wherever I am needed. I prefer to serve quietly and humbly rather than focus on a particular role or title. For me, it is about being available, having a helping heart, and doing what I can to make the people around me feel welcomed, supported, and cared for. My faith is a big part of my life, so serving through my church community is very meaningful to me.
I also have a special place in my heart for girls and women who are navigating life without a mother’s consistent presence. I am in the early stages of developing Crowned Daughters of Hope, a faith-based initiative with the vision of encouraging and supporting girls and women through faith, mentorship, community, confidence, and hope. I want service to be something I genuinely live, not simply something connected to having a pageant title.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: With your title, what kinds of appearances or activities have you been involved in?
My title has given me opportunities to represent myself and my pageant journey, connect with people, and share my creative work. I am especially excited about continuing to bring my Maryland Blue Crab Couture into community events, festivals, exhibitions, interviews, and other opportunities where I can celebrate Maryland culture and tell the story behind the design.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share some of your achievements, both in and outside of pageantry?
Outside pageantry, I am proud of building a professional life in the United States after moving from Latvia, becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Maryland, continuing my education, and developing as an entrepreneur. I am also proud of my interior design education because creativity has remained a thread throughout my life.
In pageantry, I am especially proud that during my very first pageant journey I imagined, designed, and handcrafted my Maryland Blue Crab Couture and brought it to a national stage. I am proud not only of the finished costume, but of having the courage to turn an unusual idea into something real.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: In such a competitive field, what do you think makes you stand out?
What makes me stand out is not only what I do, but how I care for people. I am naturally giving and nurturing. I pay attention to whether the people around me feel comfortable, supported, and cared for. Kindness and having a loving heart are very important to me. Whether I am working with a client, participating in pageantry, creating something, or simply spending time with people, I want those around me to feel encouraged and valued.
I also bring together many different parts of life: I am Latvian-born and Maryland-based, a licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, creative, and someone with an educational background in interior design. My Blue Crab Couture brought many of those creative abilities together. At the end of the day, I hope people remember not only what I created or accomplished, but how I made them feel.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does being a Beauty Queen mean to you?
To me, being a beauty queen is not simply about appearance or wearing a crown. It is about how you treat people, including when nobody is judging you. Kindness, helpfulness, generosity, and a loving heart are qualities I value deeply. I naturally want the people around me to feel cared for and included. A crown may give you visibility, but I believe your character and heart determine what you do with that visibility.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants impacted your life?
Even though this was my first pageant experience, it pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me become more confident in how I present myself, communicate, and handle pressure. It also taught me resilience. I went into it as a beginner and had to be willing to learn rather than expect myself to know everything immediately.
Not every experience ends with the result you hoped for, but every experience can still teach you something. I did not place at nationals, yet I came home with growth, memories, new relationships, and a stronger sense of what I can accomplish when I am willing to try something unfamiliar.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants influenced your self-esteem and body image?
Pageantry has helped me focus more on confidence, health, presentation, and self-respect rather than comparison. Being around many accomplished and beautiful women can make comparison tempting, but I have learned that confidence grows when you appreciate what makes you uniquely yourself. I want to take care of myself and present myself well while remembering that my worth is much deeper than appearance.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: You’re an inspiration to many. How does that feel, and what message do you want to share with others?
Do not be afraid to begin again or to be a beginner. Your starting point does not determine where you will finish. I entered my first pageant at 34 with no previous pageant experience, and it became an opportunity to discover a completely different side of myself. Keep learning, keep creating, keep your faith, and do not let fear convince you that you are too late.
You do not have to have everything figured out before taking the next step. Sometimes courage simply means moving forward while trusting that God can use the journey.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What’s your strategy for captivating the judges on stage?
My strategy is to be prepared but still be myself. I want the judges to meet the real person, not a memorized version of me. That means knowing my story, values, goals, and platform, practicing how I communicate them clearly, and then being present in the moment. Eye contact, warmth, confidence, and genuine conversation are more powerful when they come naturally.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How do you prepare for competitions? Any specific routines or practices?
Because I was new to pageantry, preparation was especially important. I practiced walking, posture, interview questions, wardrobe, hair, and overall presentation. At the same time, I tried not to become so focused on technique that I forgot to enjoy the experience. I also prepared mentally and spiritually. Prayer helped me stay grounded and remember why I was there.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Got any tips for nailing the perfect pageant walk?
As a first-time contestant, one of the biggest lessons I learned was that practice matters. The goal is to practice until the walk begins to feel natural rather than overly rehearsed. Good posture, controlled movement, eye contact, and confidence are important, but the walk should still reflect your personality. Learn the stage, understand how your garment moves, practice your turns, and remember to connect with the audience and judges rather than thinking only about your steps.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Choosing the right pageant dress can be crucial. What are your tips for making the best choice?
I look for a dress that makes me feel confident and still feels like me. Fit is extremely important, and I also consider color, silhouette, movement, stage lighting, and how the gown looks from different angles. My design background makes me naturally notice details. I believe the right gown should complement the woman wearing it rather than overpower her. When you feel comfortable and confident in the dress, it shows.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Interview rounds can be tricky. What are your strategies for a winning interview?
Prepare, but do not memorize every sentence. Know your story, your values, your title, your advocacy, and the things you genuinely care about. Practice answering clearly, but also listen carefully to the actual question. I think the best interviews feel like real conversations where the judges can understand who you are, not performances where every answer sounds rehearsed.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Looking back, is there a moment in a competition you wish you could redo?
Because it was my first pageant, there are certainly moments I can look back on and see where more experience would have helped me. But I try not to live by looking backward. I would rather learn from those moments than wish them away. Every competition shows you where you can improve, and I want to take those lessons into whatever comes next.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What common mistakes do you see others making in contests?
From my experience as a newcomer, one mistake is comparing yourself so much to other contestants that you lose your own identity. Another is trying to become what you think the judges want instead of presenting yourself authentically. Preparation matters, but kindness matters too. How you treat people backstage and when no one is evaluating you says a great deal about who you are.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Do you have any experience in modeling or acting?
I do not have formal acting or modeling experience, but I really enjoy professional photo sessions and being in front of the camera. Through pageantry I have had opportunities to participate in different photoshoots, and it is something I genuinely enjoy. I love the creative process of bringing a look, idea, or story to life through images. Pageantry has also helped me become more comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans or goals for the upcoming year as a Queen?
I want to continue representing Mrs. Southeast Petite 2026 with purpose, participate in community events, and create opportunities to showcase my Blue Crab Couture and the story behind it. I am developing Crowned By AJ as a creative portfolio where my work can be showcased, including at CrownedByAJ.com. I am also thoughtfully developing Crowned Daughters of Hope.
Professionally, I will continue growing in cosmetology and entrepreneurship while staying open to media, exhibitions, festivals, community appearances, and creative collaborations. I want this year to be about using the opportunities that come with my title rather than simply wearing the title.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Finally, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope people remember how I made them feel. Achievements, titles, businesses, and beautiful things are meaningful, but I want my legacy to be one of kindness, faith, creativity, generosity, and service. I want the people who cross my path to feel encouraged, cared for, and valued.
I also hope my story reminds women that it is never too late to try something new. I entered pageantry for the first time at 34, with no previous experience, and discovered a new part of myself. I want to use the opportunities God gives me to create, encourage, and serve, and to remind other women that where they begin does not determine where they finish.
Additional Information
National Director / Contact: Jenna Rhodes
Pageant Website: www.PetiteUSA.com
Creative Portfolio: www.CrownedByAJ.com, www.salonbyaj.com
Photo Credit: Magic Dreams Production & Creatives by Steve and JCPenney
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Aiga Jaunozolina Ms. Southeast Petite 2026, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photos by Magic Dreams Production & Creatives by Steve and JCPenney
CROWN MEDIA - Podcast for all your pageant needs.
Introducing CROWN: A Premier Media Podcast Platform Focused on Comprehensive Pageant Development
Chicago, Illinois - August 26, 2024 - Derek Tokarzewski, the visionary behind World Class Brand Publishing, proudly announces the launch of CROWN, a prestigious media podcast platform dedicated to empowering, educating, and inspiring pageant contestants and queens worldwide.
CROWNS is more than just a podcast platform; it is a comprehensive resource designed to guide and support individuals on their pageant journey, offering valuable insights and practical advice across various critical aspects of pageantry. The platform’s mission is to provide contestants with the tools they need to excel, not only within the pageant world but also in their personal and professional lives.
Current Offerings on CROWNS
- Crown and Confidence Podcast: Focused on building confidence in pageant contestants, this podcast provides essential tips and strategies to help contestants project poise and self-assurance on stage and beyond.
- Crown and Interview Podcast: Dedicated to improving the interview skills of pageant contestants, this podcast offers expert advice on how to navigate pageant interviews with grace, intelligence, and authenticity.
- Crown and Platform Podcast: Guiding pageant contestants on how to create and develop their own unique platforms, this podcast emphasizes the importance of advocacy and social impact within the pageant community.
- Crown and Leadership Podcast: This podcast is dedicated to helping Queens understand and embrace their leadership roles within their respective pageant systems and in broader societal contexts, offering insights on how to lead with integrity and influence.
- Crown and Sisterhood Podcast: Focused on self-improvement through cooperation and camaraderie, this podcast celebrates the spirit of sisterhood in pageantry, encouraging contestants to support one another and grow together.
About Derek Tokarzewski
Derek Tokarzewski is the owner of World Class Brand Publishing, a leader in entertainment media with over 70 print magazines spanning Pageantry, Fashion, Modeling, Film, and Music. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of **World Class Beauty Queens Magazine**, which boasts 138 print issues and over 2,500 interviews with beauty queens from around the world. With the launch of CROWNS, Derek continues his mission to empower individuals through media, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
Contact Information:
Derek Tokarzewski
[www.worldclassbrandpublishing.com](http://www.worldclassbrandpublishing.com)
[WorldClassBrandPublishing@gmail.com](mailto:WorldClassBrandPublishing@gmail.com)
For media inquiries or more information about CROWNS, please contact Derek Tokarzewski at the provided contact details.
Aurora Royale - Singer, song writer, World Class Ambassador. Visit her page and listen to her inspirational and motivational pageant music. Link to her page.
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
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