Crown Convos

I'm thankful that SMB Daily News published my story as a soldier, small business owner, student, and pageant queen!

https://smbdaily.news/blogs/news/aaliyah-kissick-an-unstoppable-force-in-entrepreneurship

I took a breather from the pageant stage and embark on an exciting new journey: starting my own business!

Running a business is a different kind of runway to strut down.

Deciding to open a business was all about growth and embracing new challenges. I missed being on stage, but I was so thankful to my customers for letting me thrive as a business owner! So, to all my fello... w queens dreaming beyond the crown, remember that every chapter counts. Let's support each other's endeavors, whether on stage or in the business world!

Here's to chasing dreams, taking risks, and making our mark in every sphere we step into. 🌟 Crown or no crown, we're unstoppable! View more

I am so excited to be selected as the newest Miss Illinois United States. I look forward to serving the people in the state of Illinois as a financial literacy, policy, and small business advocate.

I chose to compete for Miss Illinois United States because I wanted to make a lasting impact in my community. Recently, my community has mourned the death of Emma Shafer. She was... 24 years old when her life was taken from her. While he has not been taken into custody for investigation, her boyfriend fled the country when his parents called the police for a wellness check. She was a political activist, friend to many people, and spread positivity wherever she went. I was not close with Emma, but we were acquaintanced through going to the same high school for one year, attending the same community college, and supported some of the same causes. Her death was traumatic for many people in the community, including me.

While I may never match Emma in the amount of impact she was able to make, I was inspired to compete in Miss Illinois United States to make a difference because Emma's dedication to what she believed in was so powerful to me. View more