We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krisann Binetti a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Krisann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

My friend and business partner, Holly and I, have worked extremely hard to create a scholarship organization that we are both proud of. We watch young girls and women transform into the most confident and accomplished versions of themselves. I know our program promotes all the best of the pageant industry. Our focus is not on outer beauty or visual appeal. We focus our scoring on Interview, public speaking and community involvement. When we are both gone and (hopefully) this program lives on, we want our legacy to be one of integrity and to be remembered as people who genuinely tried to leave this world a little better than we found it. We are doing this for the ladies who come through our program. The most awesome aspect of IUM is the network of likeminded individuals who genuinely have your back through life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Holly and I have over 50 years of combined pageant experience. I was a competitor, coach, hair and makeup artist, photographer, emcee and now director. We have seen the positive that can come from this industry. IT can truly mold future leaders. I saw the change in myself throughout the years of competing all over the country. I became a confident public speaker and communicator, and have truly given my all to give back to the community that has given so much to me. Holly and I started our journey as directors through another system. We just knew we wanted to have full creative control so we could see our vision come to life. We left the bad at the door, and enhanced the good to create a customized organization dedicated the the ladies who represent us. IUM is 7 years old this year and watching the growth has been truly incredible. I am so proud of our brand and the fact that our ladies are doing so many great things around the world. When a contestant wins at the National or International level, we work exceptionally hard to provide them with a year they will never forget. This includes 5 trips, cash award, and tons of swag all year long! These trips and experiences are crucial to forming the bonds that will remain strong long after their year of service has ended. This is a sisterhood!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social Media and word of mouth has been crucial to the success of our organization. We find that instagram has been the number 1 source for new clientele. We grew our Instagram to 12,000+ followers this year and that total grows daily. IT has been difficult to crack algorithms and trends, but with the help of our queens and staff, we have been able to grow an active audience of interested and potential delegates. We also work hard to ensure that all delegates experience a fun and fair arena when they compete with us. Usually, referrals to our program are from previous delegates that had a great experience. They refer friends and the system grows.

Any advice for managing a team?

Positive reinforcement and communication is key when maintaining team morale. Also, it is important for your staff to know that they have involved and empathetic leadership. We help our directors in every way we can for them to be successful. From scheduling team outings, to inviting them on our all-inclusive trip, we like to keep them excited and active in the organization. I say this at EVERY pageant finale, “the success of the organization depends on the people we have representing us.” We have some of the BEST staff ever!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.internationalunitedmiss.com
• Instagram: InternationalUnitedMiss
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intlunitedmiss
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/InternationalUnitedMiss

Image Credits
Catherine Fien Photography, Krisann Evelyn Photography