For Sadie Brown, being crowned Miss Minden 2026 is about far more than wearing a crown. It is an opportunity to serve a community she now calls home while using her platform to uplift children and families across the area.
Brown, a Ruston native, is currently a student at Louisiana Tech University pursuing a degree in marketing. A graduate of Ruston High School, she began her entrepreneurial journey at age 15 when she launched Magical Memories, a party character entertainment company. That early experience running a business helped shape her confidence and ultimately inspired her involvement in the Miss Louisiana Organization.
“This will be my fourth year competing, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to represent the city of Minden,” Brown said.
She was crowned Miss Minden 2026 on January 17 at Minden High School during the 73rd annual Miss Minden pageant. Reflecting on the moment her name was announced, Brown said she felt an unexpected sense of calm.
“Before crowning, the overwhelming feeling I had was peace,” she said. “I knew I had put in the work and truly poured my heart into my community service initiative. Even so, hearing my name announced was still a bit of a shock.”
In the weeks since, Brown said the experience has already been deeply rewarding.
“I leave every event with a grateful heart,” she said. “I’m honored to represent this community and serve the people who make it so special.”
Brown said Minden’s welcoming spirit and strong sense of community are what drew her to compete for the local title.
“Known as the friendliest city in the South, Minden is full of people who genuinely care for and support one another,” she said. “From the generosity shown through events like the St. Jude Auction to the small businesses that help our town grow and thrive, I’m so proud to represent a city with such a big heart.”
One of her most memorable moments so far came during the Minden St. Jude Auction weekend, where she was able to participate in multiple events, including ParTEA with a Purpose, volunteering on the auction panel, donating a Magical Memories party package, and spending time at Kids Day.
“Watching this community come together to support the children and families of St. Jude is something I will never forget,” Brown said.
At the heart of Brown’s year of service is her Community Service Initiative, Creating Confident Kids. The initiative is rooted in her own childhood experiences, when she struggled with confidence following her parents’ divorce.
“Getting involved with Magical Memories helped me find joy again and rebuild my self-confidence through positive experiences and encouragement,” she said. “Now, I want to give that same support to other children.”
Through her initiative, Brown hopes to provide positive moments, role models and encouragement that help children feel secure, valued and capable of overcoming challenges. She has already begun implementing the program through her business and community events, and plans to expand by working with local schools and businesses.
“The response has been incredibly positive,” she said. “Seeing kids open up, gain confidence and simply enjoy being kids reminds me why this is so important.”
Balancing her role as Miss Minden with school and business responsibilities comes naturally, Brown said, noting that she has spent nearly six years managing a full academic load while running her company.
“I see my responsibilities as Miss Minden as something that supports my goals rather than competes with them,” she said.
Brown credits her mother as her biggest source of inspiration and support throughout her journey.
“My mom has been my rock,” she said. “From adding rhinestones to my Cinderella dresses to being my chauffeur, she has always been there.”
Looking ahead, Brown plans to continue growing Magical Memories, expand her work with children and pursue a career in marketing and real estate. As she prepares to compete for Miss Louisiana, she said support from the community — whether through appearances, advertising support, or prayers — means everything.
If she could leave one message with the community, Brown said it would be a simple but powerful one.
“Invest in your children’s confidence,” she said. “When we help kids grow up confident, we’re shaping a stronger, brighter future for our whole community.”
