Remember the times when tucking away a snack in your apron pocket was the highlight of your workday? That's just a taste of the reminiscence Caroline and I serve up alongside a heaping dollop of pageant sparkle, as we're joined by Courtney, a former beauty queen whose tiara is polished with both charm and wisdom. Our conversation spirals from the sugar-dusted memories of our cupcake shop days, trading pastries for chapstick, to the bittersweet goodbye of its closing doors. It's a journey through the evanescent world of food fads, where gourmet cupcakes give way to the next big thing.

Courtney, with the poise only a title like Miss Catfish Stomp could bestow, graciously leads us through the sequined archway into the pageant realm—a place where familial bonds outshine the competitive glitz. She debunks the myths, bringing forth a narrative strewn with quirky local festival titles and a camaraderie that extends beyond the stage. Our chat uncovers a side of pageantry that's more potluck than cutthroat, where community and friendship are the true crowning glories.

Wrapping up our walk down the runway, we confront the double-edged sword that is the child beauty pageant world. We laugh and wince at the investment in dresses and coaching, weighing the cost against the sheen of confidence gained under the spotlight. Our musings go beyond the surface, probing into the motivations fueling this glittering industry and the indelible mark it leaves on childhood. It's a candid look at the tapestry of experiences woven through the pageant sash—stitched with nostalgia, sparkles, and a touch of controversy.