#323 Elle Hinojosa Interview: Miss Utah USA 2025

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching that helps you win. Both on stage and off. After coaching titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America, and 350+ pageant interviews, this isn’t theory. It’s what works.https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe👑 About ElleElle Hinojosa is a proud Hispanic-American entrepreneur whose journey has been defined by resilience, creativity, and purpose. She is the founder of Mention Medical, a fashion-forward medical ID brand that transforms necessity into empowerment, inspired by her own health journey. Elle has also modeled since the age of 17, building confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the power of self-expression. She combines her love for storytelling with her drive for innovation, proving that challenges can be turned into platforms for impact.Deeply rooted in her heritage, Elle holds family, community, and culture at the heart of everything she does. She credits her upbringing for instilling in her a spirit of connection, humor, and the ability to bring light into any room. Whether she’s mentoring, creating, or serving her community, Elle believes in leading with kindness and authenticity, values that continue to shape both her professional and personal endeavors.In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Elle is a trained workshop facilitator with the One Love Foundation, where she educates young women on the signs of unhealthy relationships and inspires others to love better. Now as Miss Utah USA, Elle is excited to use her voice and her platform to empower others, represent her state with pride, and showcase her passion, purpose, and personality on the Miss USA stage.👉 Follow Elle on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellehinojosaa/⏱️ Timestamps* 0:01 Intro and bio, Mention Medical, and One Love Foundation* 6:52 Finding the Miss USA evening gown with Sherri and Muzzy’s at The Gown Store* 16:18 What “Mention Medical” means and why her ID could be life-saving* 21:30 From blurry vision to two brain surgeries in six weeks, and the emotional aftermath* 37:43 Family entrepreneurial DNA, from embroidery to Star Smiles and more* 39:32 Teaching One Love workshops and a survivor’s message of strength* 47:01 Grandparents’ journey and the heritage that grounds her* 1:01:30 Final ten questions begin, favorite word “love” and the wildcard “papoose”* 1:04:50 Sounds she loves and hates, from white noise to a bee buzzing in your ear* 1:05:50 Superpower to freeze time, plus the unexpected dream job: driving a semi-truckI offer a limited number of private coaching sessions per month for women serious about elevating their pageant journey. Click below to book yours.https://thepageantproject.com/coachingPageantry is evolving, and you deserve coaching that’s more than surface-level. Book in if you’re ready to go beyond the crown. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe