Misty Coolidge shines as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and relentless pursuit of philanthropy. At 48, Mrs. Maine Earth is not just a titleholder; she’s a dynamic force, intertwining her love for pageantry with a fervent mission to combat hunger through her #CrushingHungerTour. Her story is one of passion, determination, and the delicate balance of life’s multifaceted roles.
From Bridal Shops to Beauty Queens
Raised in the warmth of her mother’s bridal shop in Maine, Misty’s early years were steeped in the world of weddings, laying the foundation for what would become a multifaceted career. Her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit was an inspiration and a beacon guiding her toward her destiny of working for herself. Misty’s journey is a testament to her dedication and love for the wedding industry, from her early days helping brides choose their dream dresses to becoming a celebrated wedding planner.
Growing up in the bridal industry was the perfect primer for my pageant journey. It taught me the beauty of storytelling through events and the power of a dream.
Her early exposure to entrepreneurship and the wedding scene laid the groundwork for her dynamic career. Misty’s innovative approach to wedding planning and her ability to create a one-stop wedding venue led to the establishment of the Coolidge Family Farm. This venue is Misty’s pride, offering couples a place to celebrate love affordably. Her dedication to making weddings accessible and budget-friendly reflects her compassionate nature.
The Spark of Pageantry
Despite initial reservations about pageantry, Misty’s foray into this world was marked by an unexpected invitation that would eventually transform her perspective on what it meant to be a beauty queen. Growing up in Maine, where pageantry was not prevalent, she held a stereotypical view of what it entailed. However, this view was quickly dismantled as she immersed herself in the community.
I never imagined myself in a crown, but I quickly learned that it’s not just about beauty. It’s about the impact you can make with it
Beginning only seven years ago, her pageant journey quickly escalated from an unexpected start to capturing titles at state, national, and international levels. The allure of pageantry for Misty was not the glitz and glamour but the potent platform it provided for advocacy and change. Each crown was not just a victory but a platform to amplify her voice against hunger—a cause close to her heart due to her childhood experiences
#CrushingHungerTour: A Mission of Love
At the core of Misty’s pageantry lies her platform, the #CrushingHungerTour. This initiative is a personal crusade against hunger, inspired by her life’s trials and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Her commitment to hunger relief was not a newfound endeavor sparked by pageantry but a lifelong mission. Misty’s philanthropic efforts began long before her pageant journey, volunteering at local food banks and organizing fundraising events. However, winning titles like Mrs. Maine International and Mrs. USA (Worldwide) significantly broadened her outreach, connecting her with national organizations like Feeding America and propelling her #CrushingHunger campaign to new heights.
Hunger doesn’t see age, race, or borders. Neither does compassion. My mission is to feed hope, one meal at a time
A particularly impactful experience occurred during a visit to Feeding America’s City Harvest Food Bank in New York City, where she distributed fresh produce to the homeless and those in need. Misty recounts the emotional encounter with a young boy, no more than five or six, alone, receiving a distribution bag too big and heavy for his small frame. And yet, he was smiling. So many questions filled her mind, but his resiliency and his smile affected her. That moment not only solidified her resolve but also served as a poignant reminder of the individual lives affected by her efforts.
Balancing Act: Life, Work, and Pageantry
Misty Coolidge’s life is a testament to the power of organization, prioritization, and sheer will. As Mrs. Maine USA Earth, her days are a whirlwind of activities, each meticulously plotted on her calendar, reflecting her commitment to her causes, her family, and her business ventures. Misty keeps a very detailed calendar full of the things that are important to her, providing a glimpse into her strategy for managing her multifaceted life. This meticulous planning is not just about keeping appointments but reflects her philosophy to prioritize, look forward to the big picture, take baby steps OFTEN toward your goals to keep them alive, and never give up.
Balance is not about perfection. It’s about alignment—aligning your actions with your mission, your time with your priorities.
Her motivation stems from a desire to inspire others and to set a living example of what it means to make an impact. Her days are filled with meaningful activities that range from volunteering at her children’s school to strategic planning for her next philanthropic journey, always with an eye on the bigger picture. Her greatest rewards are her children’s inquisitive excitement about her work and the example she sets for them to be and do anything they set their hearts to.
Self-Care on the Road to Service
Despite her busy schedule, Misty has found a unique form of self-care that aligns with her mission—travel. For Misty, self-care is intertwined with her philanthropic travels, providing a unique blend of solitude, reflection, and rejuvenation amidst her busy schedule. These moments alone are not just breaks but opportunities for introspection, relaxation, and rejuvenation, allowing her to return to her mission with renewed vigor. The solitary swims, the quiet moments of reading, and the productivity in the absence of distractions are her ways of refueling.
Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. It fuels the heart to give more deeply and love more openly.
Philanthropy and Activism: Moments That Define a Mission
At the heart of Misty Coolidge’s pageantry and entrepreneurial ventures lies her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and activism. Her #CrushingHungerTour is more than just an initiative; it’s a personal crusade against hunger, deeply rooted in her own experiences. Her main goals, including opening the Helping Hands Soup Kitchen and establishing a new relationship with Forest Plant, reflect her holistic approach to activism. These endeavors aim to address immediate needs and inspire broader change, underscoring her belief in the power of individual actions to improve the world. Through her work, Misty seeks to set an example, hoping to inspire others to think about how they, too, can make a difference.
Seeing the direct impact of our efforts—smiles, relief, gratitude—it’s indescribable. It’s those moments that fuel my passion to do more.
Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations
As Mrs. Maine USA Earth, Misty’s vision extends beyond her current reign. She dreams of appearing on talk shows to share her story and amplify her message and plans for expanding her philanthropic and business ventures, Misty’s future is a mosaic of goals aimed at making a significant impact. Her desire to share her journey on platforms like “Good Morning America” or “The Drew Barrymore Show” is driven by a wish to inspire a wider audience with her resilience, service, and love story.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Service
My dream is to leave a legacy of hope, to show that with passion and dedication, we can make a world of difference.
As she continues to weave her path through life, her ultimate goal remains clear: to inspire, serve, and leave a legacy of empowerment. Her aspiration to mold “amazing humans” and live a life without regrets reflects her deep commitment to existing and thriving in service, love, and leadership. Misty Coolidge’s journey is a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and the beauty of giving back. Her story is not just about the crowns and titles but the lives touched, the communities uplifted, and the legacy of hope she aims to leave behind. Misty exemplifies the profound impact one can have through her actions when one aligns their passions with purpose. Her journey from bridal shops to beauty queen, from local volunteer to international philanthropist, is a narrative of hope, dedication, and the endless pursuit of making a difference—one crown, one meal, one act of kindness at a time.
Misty Coolidge is Mrs. Maine Earth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law and a Minor in English. She is the owner and founder of Maine Mixologists, certified wedding coordinator and Notary, and owner of the Coolidge Family Farm. She is a loving wife and mother of three.
Instagram: @misty_lee_coolidge, @mrsmaineearth@mainemixologist, @coolidgefamilyfarm
Website: www.coolidgefamilyfarm.com
Heart + Hunger – Misty’s Philanthropic Reign