At the latest Glam and Glo Alternative Beauty Pageant, it is with honor that Union County’s own Courtney Brown was crowned Miss Inked Knoxville 2019. Courtney is a distinguished model, along with being a very talented and creative cosmetologist and proud mom.

Courtney’s modeling career began a decade ago in a, as she puts it, “right place at the right time” situation. She set foot on the path by taking advantage of an opportunity to work for a promotional company where she was later noticed by a well-known photographer that invited her to take part in her first photo shoot. From that point, her career in modeling progressed with opportunities arising around every corner, taking her deep into the industry quickly.

Courtney focuses her life on staying true to herself and taking pride in who she truly is. She says, “Life can take you in so many directions, some of which are wonderful adventures, while others can make you stumble. But all in all, life is a beautiful journey and remaining true to who you are is my greatest focus.”

Aside from the modeling industry, Courtney holds a degree in small child education. She never really had a plan for her career, later changing her path and graduating from Paul Mitchell School with a degree in Cosmetology, which has now led her to ownership of Salon Odara in Knoxville, TN. The salon was established five years ago, and has grown from four employees into seven very talented team members with a strong drive and passion for beauty.

Courtney is full-heartedly inspired by the age old value, work hard for what you have. She pushes herself in full drive in everything she does which is supported by her strong work ethic. She admits, “It can be hard at times, but there’s a sense of satisfaction knowing that the harder you work, the more opportunities are presented in your life.”

When she is not modeling or styling, she finds happiness and peace in traveling with her family to some of God’s great creations. She describes her family life as dysfunctional but bursting at the seams with love for one another. Her family has always supported her through her modeling career and all of life’s other endeavors. Her most favorite blessing in life is her son. She assures, “Being his mom will forever be my greatest accomplishment.”

Courtney takes pride in herself and says that her tattooed image has played a major role in her modeling career and especially her involvement in the pageant. The solid image she has created for herself has been a platform for expressing her creativity while allowing others to be imaginative as well. She gleams, “It has truly changed my life and given me the chance to show others that judgments can’t always be made solely based on an outer appearance.”

One of the greatest opportunities in her modeling career was the most recent Glam and Glo Alternative Beauty Pageant. She didn’t necessarily enter the pageant for traditional reasons but more so because of what the pageant stood for; it was a true movement of showcasing diversity, acceptance, and genuine love for a community of “misfits”.

Courtney expresses, “I was and still am completely honored to win the title of Miss Inked Knoxville 2019. It represents so much more than just a crown and prize. It’s the fact that others were able to see me and the other contestants for what we truly are. Society might see us as different, but when we were surrounded by each other the day of the pageant, we were all considered normal instead of misfits.” The opportunity provided so many people with a chance to be happy in their own skin and be proud of who they are all the while standing out in the crowd with pride.

In the modeling industry, Courtney has much experience on her record having been involved in numerous nationwide magazine publications, three in-store book covers, the cover of Harley Davidson magazine, Miss Inked Knoxville 2019, Knoxville billboards for Mythical Markings Tattoo Studio promotion, brand modeling for Envied Clothing, tattoo competitions, branding calendars, and many more iconic appearances.

Even with all that experience, when she entered the pageant she was full of nerves and questioned her decision to enter. Through those doubts, she convinced herself that this was not just for her, but for a greater purpose. “My heart is at its peak of happiness when I know that I have done something that I would be proud to see my child do,” she shares.

From deep within, Courtney credits the way she was raised to being the true sculptor to every single thing about her. “From being a kid riding on four wheeler trails way too fast with my childhood best friend, to walking across a stage years later at a beauty pageant; it has taught me to always stay humble, loving, hardworking, true to myself, and enjoy life along the way.” If we can all take home the lesson that drives Courtney’s continued success, personal growth, and peace, the world may just slow down for a minute or happiness.

Congratulations to you, Courtney, for representing Union County as an outstanding model and adventurer. Wear that crown with pride, here’s to Miss Inked Knoxville 2019.

Credits:
• Tattoo artist-Dale Johnson at Mythical Markings Tattoo Studio
• Images by Lance Andrews and Rachel Craig
• Glam and Glo Alternative Pageant host, staff, and guests