Years in the Making: Ivy Harrington’s Winning Moment as Miss New Jersey USA 2025

Ivy Harrington crowned as Miss New Jersey USA 2025 — Ivy Harrington, Miss New Jersey USA 2025. Photo by Anthony Gomez

Congratulations to longtime Crown Bound client, Ivy Harrington, on winning Miss New Jersey USA 2025! Let’s dive into her incredible journey with Crown Bound Pageant Consulting — a story of growth, grit, and glowing up.

Ivy began her pageant journey in 2019, coming to us as a complete newcomer. The basketball court was all she knew. After completing on-stage presentation training, interview prep, and wardrobe consulting, she placed in the Top 20 on her very first try.

After taking a year off, Ivy came back and said, “I’m ready for round two.” We switched up her look — new gown, new hair — but kept her swimsuit the same. We brought more finesse and personality to her presentation. That year, she placed 4th Runner-Up at Miss New Jersey USA 2022. We thought her journey might be ending — Ivy had aged out. Although we were a little sad, she left on a high note, landing in the Top 5 on what we believed would be her final shot.

But then — plot twist.

Two years later, the Miss Universe Organization dropped the age limit. WHAT?! We couldn’t believe it. Ecstatic, Ivy and I immediately texted each other and said, “It’s time for a comeback.”

Ivy soon invested in our Group Runway Classes, In-person Mock Interview Events, and private in-person walking sessions.

For wardrobe, we added color, feathers, and a more feminine, playful wardrobe. The swimsuit stayed the same (because it’s iconic at this point), but Ivy had a new aura. She was seasoned, grounded, and her confidence was through the roof.

The competition was HOT, but Ivy slid into the Top 5 once again.

When it was time for on-stage question, Ivy knocked it out of the park. The audience LOVED her. Ivy’s sweet, passionate nature shines through every time she speaks — it radiates across the room. On-stage question came easy to her because it wasn’t an act — it was her truth.

Ivy Harrington crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025 — Miss New Jersey USA 2024 Top 5

She placed 2nd Runner-Up.

Of course, we were a little heartbroken, but we knew... when it’s your time, you’ll know.

Now it’s 2025. I said, “Ivy, it’s time to level it all the way up.”

We agreed that pageant weekend needed a fresh, undeniable energy and a new, elevated look. We went completely different with her hair: a sleek ponytail for interview and swimsuit, and a regal, slick bun for evening gown. Her signature white swimsuit remained — this time with a chic cross-neck top.

For evening gown, we chose a nude, crystal high-neck moment that screamed classic glam. But something was missing. Ivy said, “My seamstress is incredible…” and I already knew what that meant.

Her seamstress designed a custom white jacket — fluffy, dramatic, and exactly what the look needed. It was THEE look.

The morning of finals, we ran into each other in the hotel lobby. We hugged for so long, and laughed because at the same time, we said: “I slept SOOO GOOD.” We just knew. It was her time.

Fast forward to on-stage question: another mic-drop moment. The audience was in awe.

And just like that, Ivy Harrington was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025.

A moment she worked so hard for. A dream years in the making. A win built on relentless effort and love for the journey.

Perseverance Pays Off

Ivy’s story is the ultimate reminder that timing is everything — and when it’s right, it’s undeniable. She didn’t give up when the door closed. She stayed ready until it opened again. That’s what real queens do. Keep going, keep growing, and never count yourself out. Your crown is always within reach. 👑