Living the dream – Alexandria Perry’s Journey to Success |

At just 21 years old, Alexandria Perry has already lived a story that feels straight out of a dream. The Owen County native grew up in the pageantry world, “I’ve been in pageants before I could even walk,” Alexandria shared. “I would be sleeping in my mom’s arms as she carried me across the stage.”

Those early experiences shaped her passion for beauty and performance. Mentored by well-known local pageant coach Taylor Wilhoite and KT Pageantry partner Kurt Jordan, Alexandria learned the art of styling, presentation and confidence.

After graduating high school, she headed to Campbellsville University to play soccer, but life took an unexpected turn when a medical issue forced her to take a leave from college and athletics.

Instead of sitting idle, Alexandria enrolled in cosmetology school, a decision that would change her life. “I knew I wanted to get into the coaching and styling industry,” she said. After completing her training, she landed a position at Bombshell, an upscale studio in Union, Kentucky, where her career quickly accelerated.

Her work in wedding and pageant styling caught the attention of her mentor, Wilhoite, who recommended her to assist Team Flawless, a Houston-based group of elite hair and makeup artists known as “pageant royalty”. Alexandria had admired the team for years, having used their services during her own competitions at state and national levels.

When Wilhoite asked her to help with a three-day photo shoot for Team Flawless, Alexandria jumped at the chance. During the shoot, the founder pulled her aside and extended an invitation that left her stunned, join the team at the Miss USA pageant.

“That’s crazy, I’m a small-town girl. I never thought I would go to Miss USA with people who used to work hair and make-up for the Miss Universe pageant,” Alexandria said.

What followed was a whirlwind. The weekend before leaving for the pageant she worked a wedding in Lexington, attended her younger sister Sophia’s at a pageant in Louisville, and then boarded a flight to Reno, Nevada, for the Miss USA pageant. There, Alexandria styled Miss Oregon, who went on to place second runner-up.

Her journey isn’t slowing down. In January, Alexandria will head to Florida to work the International Junior Miss pageant with Team Flawless. Long-term, she dreams of opening a local studio offering hair services and pageant coaching, alongside her sister Gabrielle, who hopes to launch a western boutique.

Behind the glamour, Alexandria has faced personal battles, including depression. “I’ve always told myself, no matter what I do, I just want to be happy. I want to bring happiness to others,” she said. At the salon, she sings and dances to lift spirits. “Because I know we fight our feelings, like you have no hope and there’s nothing left. I want people to feel joy.”

From Owen County stages to the Miss USA spotlight, Alexandria Perry is proving that passion, resilience, and a little sparkle can take a small-town girl anywhere.