Meet Arica Quinn

We recently connected with Arica Quinn and have shared our conversation below.

Arica, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room is something I’ve come to embrace as an opportunity rather than a challenge. When you’re the only one who looks like you—whether it’s due to race, size, gender, or any other factor—it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong. But I’ve learned that standing out is a gift. It allows me to bring a unique perspective, one that people may not have considered but can benefit from greatly.

I’ve learned to be effective in these situations by knowing my worth and staying unapologetically authentic. Confidence is key—I show up as myself, not trying to shrink or fit into someone else’s mold. I’ve also leaned heavily on preparation and excellence. When I step into a room, I make sure my knowledge, skills, and work ethic speak louder than any doubts someone might have about me.

Another lesson I’ve learned is the power of building relationships. Even when I feel like an outsider, I connect with people on a human level. I listen, engage, and collaborate in ways that foster respect and understanding. That has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and earning a seat at tables where I wasn’t expected to be.

Most importantly, I’ve come to see my presence as representation. I’m not just there for me; I’m there for everyone who looks like me and hasn’t been given the chance yet. I wear that responsibility with pride, knowing that by succeeding, I’m opening doors for others. Whether it’s in modeling, pageantry, business, or motherhood, I’ve learned that being “the only one in the room” isn’t a setback—it’s a chance to shine brighter and make an impact.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Thank you for the opportunity to share more about myself and my journey!

I wear many hats, but at the heart of everything I do is a passion for transformation and empowerment. I’m a Modelpreneur, Author, National Pageant Queen, and Certified Transformation Life Coach, and I use each of these roles to inspire confidence, self-love, and resilience in others.

As a model, I challenge industry norms by proudly representing plus and curvy women, proving that beauty comes in all sizes. My pageantry work has given me the chance to amplify this message further. Currently, as Miss Middle Tennessee for America Strong 2025 and the reigning Miss Tennessee for America Strong People’s Choice 2024, I am honored to be a role model for women everywhere, showing that life’s challenges don’t define us but rather prepare us for greatness.
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My brand, Prestige Agency, is a reflection of my multifaceted career. Through this platform, I connect with people as a coach, author, and entrepreneur, offering tools and resources for transformation and self-discovery. My memoir, You Know My Name But Not My Story, shares my personal journey through trauma and triumph, and it’s been a deeply personal way to connect with readers and inspire change.

Professionally, I’m focused on growth and expansion. I’m excited about upcoming projects, including co-hosting the “Plus Talk Podcast,” launching workshops through my coaching practice, and diving deeper into commercial modeling. I’m also deeply committed to the pageantry community, where I serve as a judge and mentor to other aspiring queens.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to turn pain into purpose. Having faced and overcome significant obstacles—including childhood trauma, homelessness, and personal loss—I’ve learned to find the silver lining in life’s storms. My mission is to help others do the same, whether through a pageant stage, a coaching session, or a book in their hands.

I want readers to know that I’m not just someone who talks about transformation—I live it every day. And I’m here to remind anyone who feels stuck or unseen that they have the power to write their own comeback story. Stay tuned, because there’s so much more to come!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

1. Resilience
Life has thrown me some serious challenges—trauma, homelessness, loss—but resilience kept me moving forward. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about finding strength even when you feel like you have nothing left to give.
Advice: For those early in their journey, start building resilience by embracing setbacks as opportunities to grow. Focus on what you can control, and take things one step at a time. Journaling, therapy, or leaning on trusted support systems can also help strengthen your mental and emotional fortitude.

2. Adaptability
Life rarely goes according to plan, and my ability to adapt has been critical. Whether pivoting in my career or finding new ways to overcome obstacles, adaptability allows me to thrive in uncertainty.
Advice: Stay open to change. Develop problem-solving skills and practice being flexible in how you approach goals. Take risks, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. The more you practice adapting, the easier it becomes to see challenges as new beginnings rather than roadblocks.

3. Lifelong Learning
Education—formal and informal—has been the foundation of my growth. I’ve pursued degrees, certifications, and personal development to expand my skills and knowledge. Each step has opened new doors and allowed me to reinvent myself when needed.
Advice: Never stop learning. Read books, attend workshops, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to invest in your growth. Find areas you’re passionate about and master them, but also explore skills outside your comfort zone to stay versatile.

Final Thought
Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay. Focus on building these three qualities—resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning—and you’ll not only survive but thrive. Your uniqueness is your superpower, so lean into it unapologetically!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I am always open to partnerships and collaborations that align with my values and mission of empowerment, transformation, and self-love.
Who I’m Looking to Collaborate With:

1. Other Empowerment Coaches & Mentors*
I love collaborating with like-minded coaches and mentors who are passionate about helping others break through barriers and achieve personal growth. Whether you specialize in life coaching, business coaching, or wellness, there’s power in combining our strengths to create something impactful for those we serve.

2. Brands and Organizations Focused on Diversity and Inclusion
As a model, pageant queen, and advocate for curvy women and marginalized communities, I’m looking to work with brands and organizations that are committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and representation. Whether you’re in fashion, beauty, or any industry that celebrates diversity, I’d love to explore ways we can work together to create positive change.

3. Content Creators & Influencers
I’m always excited to collaborate with creators—whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, or social media influencer. Sharing stories of resilience, personal transformation, and self-love is something I’m passionate about, and I love connecting with others who are doing the same in their own unique way.

4. Event Planners & Speakers
From pageant events to workshops and conferences, I’m always looking to partner with event organizers who want to create spaces that inspire, educate, and empower people. If you’re hosting an event that focuses on personal development, empowerment, or diversity, I’d love to be a speaker or panelist, or even help organize and promote.

How to Connect:
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to chat! You can reach out to me directly via:

– Instagram [@MissMiddleTN2025] & [@AricaTheBrand]
– TikTok [@AricaTheBrand]
– Email [[email protected]] or [[email protected]]

I’m always excited to connect with others who are passionate about creating positive change and pushing boundaries. Let’s collaborate!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @aricathebrand, @MissMiddleTN2025
• Facebook: Arica P Quinn
• Other: TickTok @aricathebrand

Image Credits