Nice to meet you. I’m Maddie.
I am the founder and lead coach of The British Pageant Association and someone who has lived the pageant journey from every angle for more than sixteen years. I have competed, won, mentored, directed and judged, giving me a full understanding of what this industry looks like both on stage and behind the scenes. In 2023 I won the title of Miss Great Britain, and since then I have dedicated my time to helping women prepare with the same level of structure, clarity and professionalism that shaped my own success.
One of the things I value most in this industry is the incredible female network I have built over the years. BPA is shaped not only by my experience but also by the support of guest mentors and industry professionals who I am lucky enough to call friends. These women bring their own insight, skill and lived experience, and together we offer guidance that feels honest, useful and genuinely empowering.
BPA is not just a coaching platform. It is a female empowerment organisation with a team that feels like your pageant big sisters. We are here to support you, challenge you and help you grow in a way that feels grounded and achievable. You will work closely with me throughout your programme, and my goal is for you to feel prepared, confident and fully informed whether you are entering your first heat or stepping onto a national stage. My role is to guide you with clarity, consistency and care as you work toward your crown and the responsibilities that come with it.
Meet Larissa!
Larissa Palmer-Hirst is our dedicated mentor for the Ms and Classic categories and an essential part of the BPA coaching team. With more than ten years of experience across some of the biggest competitions in the UK, including winning the title of Ms Great Britain, Larissa brings a calm, grounded and genuinely insightful approach to every contestant she works with. She understands the expectations of these categories in a way that only someone who has lived the journey can.
Larissa specialises in interview and communication coaching and will work closely with contestants across all programmes to help refine articulation, build confidence and strengthen their overall presence. Her coaching style is supportive, clear and reassuring, making interview preparation feel purposeful rather than overwhelming.
Beyond her experience, Larissa is someone who truly cares about the women she mentors. She brings professionalism, kindness and a steady sense of confidence into every session. Together, we work as a team to ensure you feel guided, informed and ready for the demands of competition day.