You will represent Utah at the Mrs America Pageant, how will you prepare the contest ?
My director gave me wonderful advice. She said “ A lot of women focus a huge part of their reign preparing for Mrs. America and by the time the pageant is complete half of their reign is over.” I am so thankful to be Mrs. Utah. I love my state and truly care about the people. I feel so privileged to have this opportunity! I have decided my preparation will be becoming the best Mrs Utah I can be. Through serving, speaking,caring, representing and appearances I can prepare to be a wonderful Mrs America.
Photo by Brianna Farr Taylor
What unique characteristics would you say you bring to the competition?
I have six children and have been married to my husband for 23 years. We have a lot of life experience! I feel that helps me relate to people so well. We took all of our children to all 48 continental states in an RV over four different trips. I have such a love for our country and it’s history. My husband and I plan on doing another tour of the United States because our younger children were so young they don't remember a lot. With the title of Mrs America I could visit all of our States. I could embrace the people of this country and promote my platform of suicide prevention on many history sites.
I have a blog I started about the trip entitled ‘Aboard Grumpy” It is not complete because I was having such a time getting wifi so I started posting on social media.
What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants?
This is the first pageant I have done in twenty five years. I raised my family and felt strongly it was time for me to spread my wings and accomplish big things. I love raising my family but felt I had lost myself some in the process. I have so much to give. I have been through a lot of hard things. I know all things have lead me to being my best me, righter ready for this adventure.
You are an actress and have a film entering the Sundance film festival, can you tell me more about it ?
Yes! Two years ago I went through a life altering change. Some may call it a midlife crisis or a breakdown, I like to call it a break through! I decided I had to stop trying to fit in the box others tried to create for me. I had dreams and creativity dying to break through. I have my first lead role in Lost at Desert directed by Sila Agavale. It was a perfect part for my breakthrough as I play the part of a woman stuck who feels her youth slipping away. I love my breakthrough and hope to inspire other women to be true to themselves!
Social media seem to play a major role in pageantry nowadays. Do you think this is advantageous to you? Why or why not?
Absolutely! The positive side of social media is it connects! Through social media I am able to share information about charity event and important causes so others can also be a part. I am able to repay sponsors by promoting their business. I am able to share my joy of this adventure with others. The support I have received from friends all over the country has been so beautiful!
Photo by Shauna Hunt
Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?
I knew what I was doing was the right thing because I felt a lot of opposition. I had to be very strong and very focused not to let it pull me down. I felt strongly that becoming Mrs Utah was meant to be and I could not let struggles side track me. I had to focus on being my best me. To be a representative of women you have to be strong. That Is just who we women are.
We’ve all seen the stereotypical portrayals of pageant contestants, a la Miss Congeniality, spreading peace, love and beauty throughout the world. How do you think you'll make a difference ?
I have a deep capacity to love. Because of the many hard things I have been through in my life it has for given me empathy and understanding for others. My message is message of hope and positive life skills. I have lived. This and feel I have can help others by sharing these things.
What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?
I would tell them they are already a queen. I would advise them to look deep into themselves. To embrace who they are ,figure out their core values, forgive themsleves and know every experience leads us to where are suppose to be. I would tell them it's important to work hard. When they do these things they can accomplish anything. Their beauty and regalness will radiate.
Who is your ideal beauty queen and why?
I’m like Mathew McConaughey when said his hero is his future self. My ideal beauty queen is my future self. The better person I am continually trying to be.
Photo by Shauna Hammond Hunt
Thanks to the beautiful Robin for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Mrs America pageant.