Some stories bloom quietly, and others arrive with a crown. Jessica Anissa Powell’s has both. The newly crowned Miss Florida World America 2026 is a model, author and fashion entrepreneur. Her aesthetic is rooted in old-world romance and softened by a touch of dark femininity. Her work, from the runway and the pageant stage to the pages of her book, Pressed Flowers & Thorns, and her label, Sky’s Boutique, explores one idea: that softness and strength can live in the same woman.
Behind the polished imagery is a mother, a woman of deep faith and a storyteller. She has turned hardship into purpose and believes that no one’s past defines their future. For Mojito Magazine, Jessica reflects on her beginnings, what the crown truly represents and the message she hopes every woman takes from her journey.
1. Jessica, how did it all begin, and what first drew you to modeling and pageantry?
My journey began with a love for fashion, creativity and self-expression. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of storytelling through photography and style. Modeling chose me. It gave me the freedom to express the many sides of who I am, while pageantry allowed me to embrace confidence, elegance and purpose on a completely different level.
2. What did winning Miss Florida World America 2026 mean to you personally, beyond the title itself?
Winning Miss Florida World America 2026 was incredibly meaningful. Beyond the crown, it represented perseverance, personal growth and believing in myself despite life’s challenges. It reminded me that our past does not define our future and that beautiful things can blossom from difficult beginnings.
3. Being featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and ELLE is a huge achievement. Which moment stands out most, and why?
Every publication holds a special place in my heart, but seeing my work featured in Harper’s Bazaar was particularly surreal. It was one of those moments when I realized that something I once dreamed about had become reality. Each feature reminds me to remain humble, grateful and passionate about my craft.
4. Your aesthetic is often described as vintage romance with a touch of dark femininity. Jessica, where does this vision come from, and how does it show up in your everyday life?
I’ve always been fascinated by vintage beauty, old-world romance and the mysterious elegance of darker aesthetics. I adore the contrast between softness and strength, innocence and mystery. Above all, authenticity is what matters most to me. Everything I express is a genuine reflection of who I am, rather than who the world expects me to be.
5. Tell us about Sky’s Boutique. What inspired you to build your own fashion brand, and what do you want women to feel when they wear it?
Sky’s Boutique was born from my passion for fashion and individuality. I’ve always believed that clothing should be an extension of your personality rather than simply following trends. I want women to feel beautiful, confident, feminine and unapologetically themselves when wearing pieces from my boutique.
6. Your book, Pressed Flowers & Thorns, has a beautifully poetic title. What does it represent for you, Jessica, and what do you hope readers take from it?
Pressed Flowers & Thorns represents the delicate balance between beauty and pain. Flowers symbolize growth, love and femininity, while thorns represent the hardships that shape us. Through my writing, I hope readers discover that even after experiencing darkness, we can still bloom into something beautiful.
7. How have motherhood and your faith shaped the woman you are today, especially in difficult moments?
Motherhood has been one of my greatest blessings and has taught me a deeper meaning of unconditional love, patience and strength. My son inspires me to become a better woman every day. My faith in God has carried me through some of my darkest moments, reminding me that even when life feels uncertain, I am never walking alone.
8. Looking back at the adversity you’ve overcome, Jessica, what would you say to women who feel stuck or doubt themselves, and what do you hope they take from your story?
I would tell every woman that her circumstances do not determine her worth or her future. Never allow the pain of yesterday to steal the beauty of tomorrow. Believe in yourself, embrace your individuality and never be afraid to begin again. I hope my story reminds women that they can be both soft and strong, and that even the most delicate flowers can bloom through adversity.
