As she puts down the pen as an accomplished author and trades it in for a Terry Costa Prom dress, sophomore Olivia Dowd marks another prestigious accomplishment in her life. On Dec. 1, 2025, Dowd found out that she earned a spot as a Terry Costa model for the fall and spring collections in 2026, an achievement she dreamed of and worked toward for years.
Growing up in the pageant world, Dowd admired models for years and looked forward to an opportunity to do so herself.
“I used to look up to models and think it would be so fun to be part of something like that,” Dowd said. “As I got older, the interest never went away, especially once I started pageants and became more comfortable in front of a camera.”
Before beginning to embark on opportunities in front of professional photographers, Dowd practiced her modeling skills with her pageant director.
“My first unofficial experience was in seventh grade when I started pageants,” Dowd said. “My director would take my photos for headshots, social media, and ad pages, and that was the first time I really got used to being photographed and fell in love with being in front of a camera.”
After earning the title of Miss Lake O’ The Pines Teen this past January, Dowd earned her first opportunity to model for Terry Costa.
“My first [professional] modeling experience was this past summer when I did a promo shoot for Terry Costa,” Dowd said. “It was my first time working on a real set, and it made me excited to learn more and improve.”
Dowd began the photoshoot by modeling a dazzling metallic blue ball gown, one that captured every glimmer of light as she posed on the set.
“My favorite part about the [metallic blue] dress was the beading [because] I love a fully beaded dress and thought it was gorgeous,” Dowd said. “This dress was chosen for me by the Terry Costa team for the shoot and I was so excited because it was my favorite dress they had on set that day.”
Soon after the first section of her shoot, Dowd changed into her iconic royal blue gown with paillettes across the top and a color-blocked train in the back that captivated her beauty, confidence and excitement as she stood on the set. Dowd also used this gown during the evening gown portion of the state competition, Miss Texas Teen, where she won the non-finalist evening gown award.
“The process of selecting and making my evening gown was a long one, [and] it took a few months for the dress to be fully finished,” Dowd said. “I wanted something that no one else would have, so that led me to want to assist in designing my own dress. It started out as a plain blue base, we added the two tone one sided over skirt, the light blue beading on the bodice, and the sleeve. Terry Costa truly made my vision come to life and I am still obsessed to this day.”
Though Dowd now holds a prestigious modeling contract that will open the door for numerous future opportunities, she did not earn a spot on the team until her second time applying, ultimately pushing her to work harder.
“I heard more about the model search two years ago when I first applied, [and] I wanted to give it a shot but unfortunately I was not selected that year,” Dowd said. “When I didn’t get selected the first time, it actually motivated me to work harder and try again. Modeling has been a dream of mine for a long time, and Terry Costa is a brand I’ve always loved, so I wanted to go for it again.”
Instead of allowing challenges to dim her journey in a negative light, Dowd chose to use her obstacles as an opportunity for growth, and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
“You won’t get everything you try for, but that doesn’t mean you should give up, [and] I know this firsthand,” Dowd said. “I’ve lost more pageants than I have won, I’ve gotten bad grades [and] I’ve gotten cut from many dances, [but] you just have to keep trying and don’t be afraid to have more than one goal. You can be involved in school, sports, clubs, pageants, modeling, advocacy, and whatever else you’re passionate about all at the same time.”
Dowd’s recent accomplishment tells more than a tale of glitz and glamour, but rather a story of resilience and work ethic. Though she balances an incredibly busy schedule, Dowd works intently on each endeavor she takes on.
“What keeps me grounded is staying focused on why I’m doing each thing, [and] I also rely on the people around me who support me and help me stay balanced,” Dowd said. “Even with a busy schedule, I try to take things one step at a time and keep a good attitude, and that makes a big difference.”
Looking to the future, Dowd views her Terry Costa modeling contract as the stepping stone for her future. Dowd continues to demonstrate that hard work and a fruitful mindset can turn even the most extravagant of dreams into reality.
“I grew up looking up to girls who held titles [such as] Miss Texarkana, and now I get to be that person for others, and that’s something I take seriously,” Dowd said. “I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given and excited to represent both my community and Terry Costa Prom the best I possibly can.”
