Testimonials
Kimberly Vernon
Miss California 2024
Working with Kari Volen was an absolute game-changer! As I prepared to compete for Miss America, I turned to Kari for help with my walk, paperwork, and other aspects of competition. Before working with her, I had never had a formal walking coach, and I was blown away by her expertise and insight in choreographing and refining my walk for nationals. She strikes the perfect balance between being encouraging and direct—and makes the process so much fun!
Beyond that, Kari is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things pageantry. Need help finding the perfect interview outfit or headshot top? She’ll not only give you a list of 10 places to search but also send you outfit inspiration with direct links. Looking for a top-tier photographer or makeup artist? She’ll connect you to the best of the best. My Miss America prep wouldn’t have been the same without Kari and Pageant Coaching & Designs!
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Keira Bixler
Miss California’s Teen 2024
Kari has been an incredible mentor, helping me achieve my dream of becoming Miss California’s Teen and placing in the Top 10 at Miss America’s Teen. Her expertise in interview preparation, stage presence, and personal branding allowed me to step onto the national stage with confidence. Beyond the technical skills, she has instilled in me the poise, resilience, and authenticity needed to shine both on and off stage. Kari is more than a coach—she is a constant source of support, encouragement, and belief in my potential.
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Alexandra Rodriguez
National American
Miss Princess 2024-2025
Written by mother Maria Rodriguez
We are so grateful for Kari and Team PC&D. We began working with them when Alexandra was preparing for NAM California Princess 2024, focusing on her personal introduction and interview. After winning the state title, we continued working with the team as we prepared for NAM Nationals.
In just a few months, I witnessed incredible growth in my daughter—her confidence in her introduction, her interview skills, and one of my favorite improvements: her formal wear walk, which reached a whole new level. All of our Team PC&D coaches were always supportive and made sure Alexandra was prepared for every next step.
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Thanks to this preparation, Alexandra made her dream come true by winning the title of National American Miss Princess 2024–2025. She was also the National Interview Winner and received constant praise for her poise and grace in formal wear. She delivered a personal introduction she felt proud of—and most importantly, she believed in herself.
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As a family new to pageants, this amazing team helped us understand that pageantry isn’t about competing with others—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. My daughter was a diamond in the rough, and Kari and her team helped polish her until she truly shined.
This journey to the crown wouldn’t have been the same without them. We will forever be grateful.
Thank you for being amazing.
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Emilia Hernandez
National All-American
Miss Jr. Pre-Teen 2024-2025
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At just ten years old, I am proud to say that I have earned two National/International overall titles with the guidance of Pageant Coaching and Designs. In addition, together we have earned 17 Overall National/International Optional Titles and Awards, 5 First Runner-Up National/International Optional Awards, 4 Second Runner-Up National/International Optional Awards, and 5 Third Runner-Up National/International Optional Awards. I know that these wins are largely because of Kari’s knowledge and her ability to really push me.
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Not only is Kari always helpful, honest, and humble, but she is always smiling and uplifting. It’s crazy to think that when I met her, I barely spoke a word. I’m so grateful for all of the advice and help—not only in pageants but also in life. Kari is truly one of a kind, and I can honestly say that without her, I wouldn't be who and where I am today. Thank you for being more than just a coach.
And as Team PC&D continues to grow, the careful selection of like-minded individuals has allowed me the opportunity to work with other amazing coaches. Jenai, Ariel, and Kate each bring such a unique perspective that together, this team truly creates a diverse panel of knowledge that somehow manages to find the best parts of me and help me make them shine.
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Katherine McQuade
United States of America's Miss 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Kari Volen on my interview skills for America’s Most Beautiful Pageant in 2022 where I placed 1st RUP and United States of America’s Miss Pageant where I had the privilege of winning the National Title, United States of America’s Miss 2023. For me, Kari brought a different perspective to my interview preparation and raised the bar on how to approach interviewing with the judges. Through my sessions with Kari, I gained a sense of clarity on exactly what I wanted the judges to learn about me and apparently it worked. I never felt so calm and confident entering the interview room! I highly recommend Kari to you for all your pageant preparation needs, especially interview prep.
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Alexandria Wolfe
Teen Miss Earth USA 2024
Written by mother Michelle Wolfe
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My daughter Alexandria Wolfe started in pageantry at the age of 6. Like a lot of mothers and daughters, this was new to the both of us. We spent 7 years wading through on our own. Alexandria was crowned 2019 National American Miss Texas Pre-Teen, 2021 USA National Miss Texas Jr Teen, and 2021-2022 International United Miss Texas Jr Teen. We were attending National pageants, but just couldn’t break into the Top 5. The time came when I could no longer be a “mom coach.” Teenage years took hold, and we needed help to advance.
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Kari Volen, of Pageant Coaching & Designs, has been wonderful as a coach for Alexandria these past 2 years! She was exactly what we were looking for, and more! Kari is always punctual, professional, and her costs are very fair and reasonable. She is caring, compassionate, and kind. Most importantly, Alexandria enjoys and respects her and her coaching skills. Kari helped Alexandria in developing her platform “Embrace the Earth” and improving her interview skills. She worked with her on her walking for fun fashion, athletic wear, and formal wear. Kari has always embraced Alexandria’s uniqueness, offering opinions on interview outfits, gowns, and even shoes, but always letting Alexandria embrace her own style—often commenting that Alexandria always reminded her of “Old Hollywood Style.” Kari has always found a way for Alexandria to continue to promote her passions for the Earth and the animals, instilling in her the confidence and preparation needed for interview room and on stage. I cannot recommend Kari Volen enough! With her guidance and coaching, my daughter is now the current Teen Miss Earth USA 2024! I wish I would have hired her years ago!!
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Paige Gonor
Miss California Teen USA 2024
Written by mother, Ashley Gonor
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Kari Volen at Pageant Coaching and Designs has been an incredible mentor and guide for both of my girls over the past 8+ years. Through Kari’s vast knowledge and experience in the pageant industry, they have not only grown immensely in their skills and confidence but have also won titles in numerous pageant systems including National American Miss, Ideal Miss and High School America even placing Top 5 nationally. Most recently, Paige won the title of Miss California Teen USA 2024. Kari truly cares about their success and has become like family to us. Her dedication, attention to detail, and ability to coach in every aspect of pageantry have been instrumental in their achievements. We are so grateful for her consistent support, and we love her dearly.
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Zoë Billingsley
2024 Ultimate International Miss Jr Teen
It has been an honor to call myself a client of team Pageant Coaching and Designs. From my very first session, I knew I was in good hands. After just 6 months of interview preparation, I won best interview at my first international pageant all while being the youngest in the division. I have gone on to place at multiple high level pageants. From 1st runner up to the National All American Miss Preteen title in 2022 to 1st runner up to the Royal International Miss Jr Teen title in 2024 and multiple other top 5 placements in between, Kari encouraged me to never give up. Anytime I was discouraged, she would remind me that my time was coming and that our hard work would pay off. She has always been there to push me when I needed it and build me up when I was struggling. Kari has become my family. I am honored to say that becoming the 2024 Ultimate International Miss Jr Teen was possible because of the work Kari and her team have poured in to me. I am forever grateful for them and will be team PC&D forever!
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Taliya Peiris
Miss California Teen USA 2023
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I started working with Kari when preparing for my state pageant, and within a few sessions, I was already seeing so much improvement in all aspects of competition. Kari made it easy for me to learn through Zoom when I couldn't meet with her in person, and each time I met with her, I learned new and useful tips that eventually led to a winning state performance and a Top 20 placement at my national competition. Kari helped me come out of my shell and share my authentic self when speaking, and she formulated walking patterns that made me feel the most confident on stage. I am eternally grateful for Kari's kindness, wisdom, and support, and I consider her a great mentor!
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Hadley Emmons
America's Ideal Miss Junior Princess 2024
Written by mother Keragan Cunningham Emmons
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Hadley has been working with Coach Kari for over a year now and we couldn’t imagine competing in pageants without her! Kari has helped Hadley gain a huge amount of confidence in the interview room and in everyday life. Hadley’s speaking skills have grown an insane amount since working with Kari! Hadley absolutely adores Kari and her team of knowledgeable coaches and Kari is more than just a coach to us, she’s a true friend! Because of Kari’s help with interview prep, Hadley has walked away with numerous state pageant Interview Awards and at the 2024 America’s Ideal Miss National Competition— the Junior Princess Division Interview Award, the Overall Junior Division Interview Award, and ultimately, the title of America’s Ideal Miss Junior Princess! We can’t thank Kari enough for everything she’s done for Hadley! Her knowledge, mentorship, encouragement, and friendship is unmatched and we are so grateful for her. She’s an amazing coach!
Ericka Adams
Royal International Ms 2024-2025
I will forever be grateful for Kari and Team PC&D for the incredible work they have done over the past 2.5 years. Kari has stood by me since after my first pageant in 2022 and has not only had extreme patience while I learned how to walk in heels and pose but has taught me how to utilize my individual strengths and weaknesses both on and off the stage. With her amazing choreography, style critiques, and access to mock interview opportunities; I never felt a moment of missed chances, lack of support, or overall coaching during my time working with Kari. She was extremely flexible to any training environment and catered her plan around my accessibility. If I could describe Kari’s coaching in one word it would be “resilient”. With her dedication, constant follow-throughs, and overall attention to detail, I never felt anything but 100% ready every time I walked into registration. Whether you are new to pageants or a seasoned queen, this amazing team knows how to personalize the experience to EXACTLY what you need. I will forever be grateful to PC&D coaching and Kari’s amazing friendship.
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Saray Ringenbach
Miss Arizona's Outstanding Teen 2022
Written by mother Shannon Ringenbach
Kari is a full service coach that makes time for you and your daughter. Saray has grown so much from being quiet to fierce, and this would not have happened without Kari helping her feel confident and embracing Saray’s strengths. Kari has been vital to both of my daughters for modeling, outfits, interview, speaking, speeches, walking and anything else we asked of her. Saray has won IJM Arizona Princess, Cinderella Arizona Miss, and most recently Arizona’s Outstanding Teen! She has also won many optional titles including NAM National Fashion model, NAM National Style award, NAM National Talent (twice), and NAM National All-American casual wear and spokesmodel. What makes Kari the best is that she brings out the best in each girl and somehow always has time to make each girl feel special. She provides many leadership and growth opportunities that make her more than a pageant coach, but a life coach. She is so special to us she now feels like part of our family. We recommend her to everyone because she is knowledgeable for multiple systems and we know they will learn and grow in confidence with Kari.
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Arial Gavriliuc
2023-2024 National All-American Miss
As I reflect on my journey through the pageant world, there is one person who stands out among the rest, one guiding light who has illuminated my path with unwavering support, dedication, and expertise - Kari.
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Kari isn't just a coach; she's a mentor, a confidante, and a true believer in my potential. With her guidance, encouragement, and unyielding support, she helped me tap into a reservoir of confidence and self-assurance.​ One of the most transformative aspects of Kari's coaching was her commitment to honing every facet of my being - from refining my interview skills to perfecting my stage presence and walks. Under her tutelage, I learned not just how to walk with grace and poise, but how to embody authenticity and confidence with every step I took.
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Kari has been by my side through every triumph and challenge, celebrating my victories and offering guidance through the setbacks. Together, we celebrated the crowning moments of my journey, from winning the prestigious "Royal International Miss - International Role Model" title to achieving the coveted "National All-American Miss" title for National American Miss.
​But beyond the titles and accolades, Kari's greatest gift to me has been the gift of self-belief. She instilled in me the unwavering conviction that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to, both on and off the stage.​
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Jayden PeCoy
National All American
Miss Pre-Teen 2019-2020
Royal International Miss Sweetheart 2018
Written by Grandmother Lysa Pecoy
We have been with Kari Volen, Pageant Coaching and Designs, for over four years. Under her tutelage, my granddaughter has learned an incredible amount about competing in pageants, how to handle different situations while competing, how to speak clearly and eloquently, and so much more. Kari has not only been an awesome coach, but also an outstanding role model. Jayden won Royal International Miss International Sweetheart, 2018-2019, and is currently the National All American PreTeen, 2019-2020. She is also the National American Miss Most Promising Model, 2019-2020. She has also won many queens court titles, and numerous other titles. Kari is caring, knowledgeable about current trends in pageantry, responsible, reasonably priced, and over all, has the perfect package to coach anyone in need. As director now, myself, I recommend her to all my contestants and newly crowned queens.
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Annie Lu
Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2019
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Kari is a great coach, especially for interview! With her help, I have gone on to win titles such as 2017 NAM California Teen (3rd RU in NAM Nationals) and Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2019 (Top 15 at Miss Teen USA). Living in San Francisco and Boston, I've worked with her both in person whenever I am down in LA, as well as over Facetime. When we work on walking at her studio, she always makes sure to film the practice, helping me to reference it and practice back at Harvard. I can then send her videos of my walk and she'll critique it, sending back videos of an example with her walk. Kari is a fantastic personal coach, and she will provide you with her thorough expertise in pageantry!
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Olivia Wynkoop
National All-American
Miss Teen 2019-2020​
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I couldn’t have won my national title without Kari’s expertise. I’m incredibly thankful to have had the chance to work with her over the past five years. Not only is she punctual and professional, but she really has an insight on what systems are looking for in their next titleholders. There’s a reason why she’s so well-respected, and that’s because of the time she takes to really understand each of her clients. Kari’s taught me to polish and refine the skills I have, all while embracing the things that make me unique. She feels more like a mentor and a role model to me than a “coach” because of the years of support she’s given me. When I’m training with her and need advice, it’s never canned. She’s graciously given me styling tips and other industry connections that fit my needs best. Kari is an excellent communicator as well; during interview and personal intro training I get EXCITED because she knows exactly how to phrase things that define me perfectly. I couldn’t recommend anyone more than her. It’s been rewarding to watch her services get so popular over the years because she’s so deserving.
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Zara Lwin
Royal International Miss Role Model
Preteen 2020-2021
Written by parents
We’ve been blessed to have Kari as our coach for over a year now. Kari worked with Zara’s interview skills, her speech, modeling and more. Kari has a great knowledge for each pageant system and knows exactly how to prepare to be ready. Kari quickly determined Zara’s strength and helped hone her platform, while improving her weaknesses. Zara tremendously improved her interview skills and developed more confidence through Kari’s lessons. Kari’s Zoom lessons were always recorded and very helpful to review when we practiced on our own. She is extremely organized and used every second of the lesson time effectively. She kept Zara motivated and focused during the preparation for Royal International Miss pageant. She is always available by phone, text and emails. Kari guided us from start to finish from the preparation of paperwork, essay, and resume writing, down to the small details of the wardrobe selection. Kari’s lessons not only prepared Zara to move to the next level in pageantry, but also gave her many useful life tools. She helped Zara achieved her ultimate goal of winning the RIM International Role Model title and scoring the highest role model interview score!! We are so thankful that our little girl found such a great mentor at a very young age. There’s not enough words we can describe of how appreciative and grateful we are for Kari’s love and support to Zara. We highly recommend Kari.
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Samantha Teeter
Royal International Miss Role Model
2020-2021
Kari is the best coach I’ve ever had! She helped me win an international title and helped me win/place in several optional competitions after only working together for about 8 months. What makes her a great coach is that she doesn’t just help with the main areas of competition, she is always there for the little aspects of the competition too; whether that was making sure my resume was perfect, deciding what earrings matched my shoes better, or helping me decide what key points I wanted to get across in my interview. However, what makes her the BEST coach is that she was there cheering for me 100% of the way even when she was across the country. Kari truly believes in and cares for each of her clients, and she shows it every step of the way. It was clear from the very first day that I met her, that she was willing to help however she could so that I could achieve my dreams. Overall, she’s exactly what I have spent years looking for in a coach, and I recommend her to all of my pageant friends!
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