Throwback Thursday: Courtney Kerr’s Pageant Past

The Courtney Loves Dallas star was always meant for the limelight.

By Pat Cauley Dec 12, 2013, 3:13 PM ET

Ever wonder what our Bravolebs looked like before they were Bravolebs? Each Thursday, we'll celebrate #TBT and dig through the archives for a vintage photo from the past—or revisit a memorable moment from one of our shows—and share some back story on the picture. This week, we re-visit a vintage photo of Courtney Kerr.

It should come as no surprise that Courtney now makes her living posing for the camera on her fashion blog, What Courtney Wore, because she’s been practicing since childhood! In this cute TBT photo, Courtney proudly showcases a big trophy, big dress, and most importantly, big hair.

The southern spitfire grew up as an only child in Fort Worth, Texas. Pageants were a big part of her upbringing before she achieved a degree in fashion merchandizing from Abilene Christian University. From there, she moved to Dallas and began a retail fashion career, eventually taking a leap of faith and starting her blog. And she’s learned a lot of life lessons on her race to the top.

"I’ve had to learn how to shut the hell up sometimes. I grew up with parents who celebrated every move I made. I’ve had to learn how to celebrate others that way and acknowledge that I’m not the best at everything,” Courtney has said.

Courtney also has some advice for other aspiring fashionistas. "The dreams that I have are just to encourage people, whether that be through their personal style or coming out of their shell, and to just embrace yourself. Because I don’t know what else to be except myself," she says.

You can catch our favorite Lone Star State gal on an all-new Courtney Loves Dallas tonight at 10/9c.