BIO
Brunté Austin was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina and grew up in Goose Creek, SC. I am the daughter of Chris and Frizti Austin and a sister to Christopher Austin. She graduated from Stratford High School in 2018 and then attended Trident Technical College, where she earned an Associate degree in Media Arts. She also graduated from The University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s in Media Arts. While her degrees are in media arts, she also has a passion for working with children. Currently, she is a Pre-K teacher and loves what she does. Before becoming a pre-K teacher, she worked as an after-school counselor for 5 years. Some fun facts about her: she loves to paint, draw, do photography/videography/editing, write, and read. She also loves everything Disney, and one of her favorite characters is Stitch. She adores all the Disney princesses!
Recently, she is the second runner-up to Miss Plus Size Charleston, which was a wonderful experience and helped her grow her confidence. She never thought she would do something like that, let alone make it on the Royal Court. Her journey in the pageant has been full of tears, happiness, joy, anxiety, nervousness, and more. She grateful for all of her family and friends for encouraging her. She thanks everyone who has supported the journey. She cherishes the sisterhood and bonds that were created. The theme of her pageant was Under the Sea and had a beautiful mermaid photoshoot. The creative wear on pageant day was a sea turtle. During the pageant process, the 2023 Miss Plus Size Charleston Queen and Austin organized a food drive and were able to fill up 4 blessing boxes around the community.
She hopes to plan more community events in the future. She is excited to participate in more pageants and see what’s in store for the future.
How was your pageant experience?
My experience in the pageant was truly amazing. I had a wonderful time, and I’m very thankful and blessed that I was able to compete. At one point, I got sick and ended up in the ER two nights before the pageant. I felt like giving up, but I had put so much hard work into it. I’m grateful that I was still able to compete and enjoy it with all my fellow pageant sisters.
I never thought I would win People’s Choice in the pageant, but I was grateful for the support from my friends and family. They really showed up and showed out for me.
Would you compete in pageantry again?
I am definitely interested in competing in another pageant. I have always wanted to participate in pageants since I was a kid, but I never thought I would have the courage to do so. I met some wonderful women in the pageantry world, and talking to them really encouraged me. I am excited to see which pageant I will compete in next and to experience the journey along the way.
They say that pageantry is a sisterhood none like any other. How has it changed you?
I agree that pageantry is like a sisterhood. It has changed me because we all created a bond. We were all there for each other and cared for each other in the process. It changed me by helping me step out of my comfort zone. I’m usually a shy and quiet person. I loved that I was able to be myself around everyone and talk to others more.
Knowing all that you know about yourself now, would you change anything?
I wouldn’t change a thing about myself. I will continue to push myself to expand my comfort zone. I was nervous about trying new things, but I was still able to do them. I will keep encouraging and loving myself, and I will continue to build my confidence. I have seen a major difference in myself, and I’m proud of me! I never thought I would be able to fully reach that point, but participating in this pageant was the push I needed to get there.
When someone states Women Empowerment, what does that mean to you and how can you relate?
Empowerment for women means that women support and encourage each other, as well as help each other recognize their self-worth. I can relate to this because I had wonderful women around me who encouraged me during a pageant. We supported each other and helped each other grow.
When I fell ill during the process, EVERYONE made sure that I was okay. They continued to support and encourage me. These amazing women truly embodied women’s empowerment in this pageant.
I want to express my gratitude to my Mom. She deserves everything in this world. She stayed positive and supported me throughout this process. She is my rock and my best friend. She and my family were there for me throughout this process.
Everyone supported each other, and it was a beautiful thing to witness.
What advice would you give a new queen starting her journey through pageantry?
I would tell her that it’s okay to step outside your comfort zone and still feel anxious. Learn how to enjoy the process and not be hard on yourself. She would learn that there is truly a sisterhood that comes with being in pageants. In the process, there will be times when you feel like you might want to give up, but don’t give up. Keep pushing yourself and believe in yourself. Doing pageants has opened up so many opportunities and blessings. You never know who you will inspire.
