Armi Kuusela was the first-ever winner of the "Miss Universe," with its primary purpose of sellng swimsuits for Catalina swimwear.

Twenty-nine contestants participated in the first Miss Universe pageant in 1952 held in Long Beach, California. Though only 18 years old, Miss Finland captured the original crown.

A year after her reign, Armi married Filipino businessman Virgilio Hilario and brought up a family of 5 children. She remarried upon Hilario's death in 1977 and has moved to La Jolla, California.

Armi is still active in her community as she involves herself in Cancer research.