Marisa Mae Cannon is a professional model, pageant titleholder, modeling/runway coach and entrepreneur whose career spans runway, swim, commercial, editorial and print modeling. In 2023, Marisa made history as the first Black Miss Bikini Utah before going on to capture the national Miss Bikini Model title. Since beginning her modeling career, she has walked runways across the country, including New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, Denver Fashion Week, Las Vegas Swim Week, and Los Angeles Fashion Week. Her runway résumé includes designers such as Rian Fernandez, Alonso Maximo, August Getty Atelier, St John, and Guillermo Pharis.  Her editorial work has included features in Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Style Cruze, and many others.

Beyond the runway, Marisa has built her platform around representation, confidence, and helping other women find their place within the modeling industry. Her work has included campaigns and collaborations with brands including Shane Co. Diamonds, Patagonia, DIME Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, Pat McGrath and others, along with appearances on Bravo TV, FOX 13, ABC4  and multiple Podcasts.  As the founder of Mae’s Modeling University and owner of Model Minute by Marisa Mae, she now uses her years of industry and pageant experience to coach aspiring models in runway, casting, stage presence, agency readiness and the business of modeling. Being selected as an official Miss Bikini coach brings that journey full circle, giving her the opportunity to help the next generation of contestants build the confidence, skills and presence to create their own memorable moments on and off the Miss Bikini stage.

What makes Miss Bikini so special to me:

What makes Miss Bikini so special to me is that it has always felt like more than a competition. It’s the friendships, the memories, the travel, the excitement of being on stage, and watching women step outside of their comfort zones and realize what they’re capable of. Miss Bikini became an important chapter in my modeling career and opened doors that helped me continue growing in the industry. Now, being able to come back as a coach and help new contestants have that same experience feels incredibly full circle. I get to take everything I’ve learned from competing, modeling, and working in the industry and use it to help other women walk onto that stage feeling confident, prepared, and proud of themselves.