Testimonials
Caitlin Toups
National All-American Miss
Jr. Pre-Teen 2025-2026
​Written by Mother Ashley Toups
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Kari and the PC&D team have not only guided Caitlin to winning a national title, but have also helped her step into her true strength as a confident and capable public speaker. We first met Kari during a group coaching session that was included in Caitlin’s NAM state prize package. At the time, we had not worked with a coach and knew we could use some guidance before Nationals.
After just 30 minutes listening to Kari speak with the group, Caitlin and I knew we wanted to work with her. What we didn’t realize then was just how much Kari and her team would help sculpt and refine Caitlin’s skills as she embarked on this pageant journey.
As a dancer, we expected the modeling and walking coaching to be fun for Caitlin, but interview preparation was a completely new experience. Working with the entire PC&D team gave both Caitlin and me valuable insight into different ways to express her personality and clearly communicate what truly makes Caitlin who she is. Through PC&D’s guidance, Caitlin has developed strong and mature public speaking skills, gained meaningful self-awareness around her values, and built a thoughtful and intentional public service platform.
We also love working with Kari and Jenai on a variety of walking patterns and modeling styles. Although we are still early in our pageant journey, PC&D has felt like family from the very beginning. We are incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and expertise of this team and look forward to working with Kari and the entire PC&D family for many years to come.
Thank you, PC&D family!
Zoë Billingsley
National American Miss
Jr. Teen 2025-2026​
Written by her mom Karen Billingsley
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We are so grateful that Pageant Coaching & Designs takes a true team approach to pageant coaching. Having multiple perspectives allowed Zoë to fine-tune every area of her preparation. Working with their team of coaches closely mirrored the real pageant experience — where judges each bring their own unique viewpoints and backgrounds.
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The variety of coaching styles, combined with the many mock interviews offered, gave Zoë invaluable insight and confidence. Every member of PC&D is incredibly knowledgeable, and their collective expertise ensured she was fully prepared for anything.
This comprehensive approach truly paid off, as Zoë went on to win the prestigious title of National American Miss Jr. Teen.
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Lakin Dunnington
IJM Princess 2024-2025
& America’s Ideal Miss
Junior Princess 2023
Written by her mother Amanda Dunnington
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Working with Coach Kari has truly been one of the biggest blessings in Lakin’s
pageant journey. At just 8 years old, Lakin has already won one national title and
one international title while training under Coach Kari’s guidance and we know
that would not have been possible without her dedication and support.
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Coach Kari is the perfect balance of strong and supportive. She pushes Lakin to
grow, improve, and step confidently outside of her comfort zone, but she also
never misses a chance to highlight what makes her special. She always finds the
good, builds her confidence, and makes her feel proud of who she is, both on
and off the stage.
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We are so glad she is on our team. Coach Kari doesn’t just create winners; she
builds confident, happy girls who believe in themselves. We are beyond grateful
for her heart, her passion, and the love she pours into Lakin every single day.
Millie Mae Robinson
IJM International Teen 2025-2026
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If you want to win interview, work with Kari.
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Kari at Pageant Coaching and Designs is the most professional coach I have
ever worked with. Being from the UK, interview isn’t something we focus on
much, and it was never my strength — in fact, I didn’t enjoy it at all. But Kari
completely changed that.
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Through challenging mock interviews and incredibly detailed written feedback
after every session, she pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow
in confidence and skill.
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Having Kari as a sponsor for IJM UK was one of the best prizes I received after
winning my United Kingdom title. I truly believe I would not have won my
international title without her. Not only did I win the Teen Division Interview
Award, but I also won the Overall Senior Division Interview Award across Teen,
Miss, and Ms.
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Kari is not only an exceptional coach, but now a friend — and I recommend her
to every girl I speak to.
Amelia Lisowe
Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2025
Written by mom Lauren Lisowe
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Kari and team were instrumental in helping prepare Amelia first to compete at
Miss Arkansas’ Teen and then for Miss America’s Teen. Being the youngest
competitor at Miss America’s Teen could have been daunting, but Kari and team
made her feel confident every time she stepped on stage. She loved being able
to work with everyone on the team to get different insights and points of view.
She focused mainly on On-Stage questions with the team, but also did several
mock interviews. She also loved leaning on Kari’s experience in the Miss America
system when she was perfecting her gown and fitness walks. Having someone
who had seen it all before made her feel more confident on stage. As a mom to a
14 year old I loved trusting the team to work their magic without me, but enjoyed
getting the post-session feedback and reviews so I knew what she was working
on.
Raena Loft
IJM International Ms. 2025-2026
I worked with Kari throughout my year preparing for IJM Internationals, and I
couldn’t recommend her enough. From the very beginning, Kari understood my
vision for the title and helped me become the best version of myself through my
journey to iInternationals.
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One of the most special things about working with Kari is her ability to elevate
you while ensuring you remain completely true to yourself. Her advice was
always professional, knowledgeable, and honest, and she tailored everything to
my individual goals. Through her personalized strategies and unique
perspective, Kari gave me the confidence to dream bigger throughout my reign.
Kari supported me in every aspect of my preparation, including routines,
walking, posing and technique, interview preparation, photography styling,
wardrobe for all phases of competition and events, as well as hair and makeup.
She made me feel truly seen and understood, not only during our sessions but
also through her ongoing check-ins and support in between.
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During pageant week, Kari was there for absolutely everything, from pre-
interview practice and pep talks to outfit checks and last-minute run-throughs.
She made me feel truly seen, supported, and understood at every stage of the
journey. Kari is not only an exceptional coach but one of my greatest supporters,
and I am incredibly grateful to have worked with her and call her a friend.
Selima Ortiz
IJM International Pre-Teen 2025-2026
Written by Mother Anela Djukic
Kari coached Selima for IJM, and from the very first session, we knew we were in
the right hands. When Selima walked out of their initial session, she looked at me
and said, “That was tough, but I like it.” That told me everything. Kari challenges
Selima with intention and high standards, but in a way that builds confidence and
strength rather than pressure.
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She encourages Selima to be a critical thinker and to remain authentic and true
to herself something that is incredibly important to me as her mom.
Having Kari on site at IJM made a tremendous difference. Her presence brought
focus and calm to such a high-pressure environment. The pep talks she gave
Selima before finals meant so much, they grounded her, empowered her, and
reminded her exactly who she is.
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Kari didn’t just prepare Selima for the stage, she elevated her. We are truly
grateful for her guidance and the lasting impact she has had on Selima’s growth.
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Blake Rule
Royal International Miss Princess 2025
Written by Mom Ashley Rule
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We are so grateful for Pageant Coaching and Designs and the incredible support
Kari and her team gave Blake leading up to and at Royal International Miss.
From interview and speaking coaching to wardrobe guidance, Role Model
submission proofreading, and onsite walking coaching, every detail was
thoughtfully covered. Having access to four different coaches and rotating
sessions was invaluable, as it gave Blake unique perspectives, fresh feedback,
and well-rounded guidance. Kari and her team are not only extremely
professional, but they genuinely care about their clients’ short-term goals and
long-term success. They helped Blake set clear goals following each season
and truly understand what judges are looking for, which built both her
confidence and skills. We couldn’t recommend them more and can’t wait to
continue working with the team as we prep for our next pageant season.
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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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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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Arial Gavriliuc
National All-American Miss 2023-2024
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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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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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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