Staffmark market manager Hayley Franklin will represent Florida at the Miss for America pageant in Las Vegas.
A Plant City professional with deep roots in pageantry is preparing to take the national stage next month, representing the Sunshine State at the Miss for America national competition in Las Vegas.
The pageant, set to begin Aug. 24, will mark the next chapter in a lifelong passion for Hayley Franklin, a market manager at Staffmark, who currently holds the title of Miss Florida for America. Her journey began in 1995 when she was crowned Little Miss Carroll County in a Kentucky County Fair pageant. Since then, she has competed in nearly every pageant system in Kentucky and beyond, from Miss America and Miss USA to the Mrs. America system and Kentucky Festivals.
“I’ve won a few pageants through my journey and honestly lost even more, which I think has shaped me into the individual I am today,” she said. “One of my favorite titles besides my current one was Miss Kentucky for America 2020.”
Beyond competing, she’s now certified to judge at the local, state and national levels within the Miss America Organization (MAO), opening new doors for involvement in the industry.
For those unfamiliar with pageantry, she describes the preparation process, both mental and physical, as the most rewarding part.
“It’s a journey of self-improvement leading up to the stage,” she said. “And once you’re there, the friendships you form are priceless. I’ve won Miss Congeniality more times than I can count, and that’s always meant the world to me.”
Outside the pageant world, in addition to her duties as a market manager at Staffmark, leading the branch in sales and operations, she also chairs the company’s Health and Wellness Alliance, encouraging employees to prioritize their well-being. In addition, she serves as a Plant City Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, helping to engage members and support local events.
Her coworkers have cheered her on throughout the process. “She doesn’t just balance her career and pageant journey- she thrives in them,” said her senior recruiting manager. “She consistently exceeds expectations with unmatched drive, poise and grit.”
With nationals just weeks away, she’s preparing to compete in fitness/swim, evening gown, interview, state wear (which will be a nod to Walt Disney World) and personal introduction.
“It’ll be a week and a half of rehearsals, blisters, glitter, heels, maybe some tears and lifelong memories,” she said with a smile. “I’m so excited to represent Florida and give it everything I’ve got.”
