A Worthy Woman’s Words: GET UNCOMFORTABLE.
Want to Grow? Get Uncomfortable
Hi to the Beauclair community! My name is Ryanna (rye-anne-uh) and I am a busy mom, entrepreneur and traveler, who currently holds the title of “Mrs. Lake Stevens America”. I will be competing for the title of “Mrs. Washington America” later in March 2025. My platform: Breaking Cycles is connected to my own life experience and I aim to bring awareness to the endeavors that are providing trauma informed healing to children in volatile environments.
How did I get into such a position? The short answer: I chose to get uncomfortable. So how could a PAGEANT make me so uncomfortable? Well, I had never performed on stage (outside of elementary school concerts) nor was I a gymnast, trained dancer or cheerleader. Display myself on a stage in a swimsuit?! Get out! And only recently with Shannon, had I participated in my very first professional photoshoot. Every bit was just NEW.
The prospect of jumping into so many new experiences for one competition scared me. I actually denied applying on numerous occasions before finally saying yes. After all, I had openly stated “I would NEVER do that”, so of course I had to. I didn’t know what I was going to get out of it– yet. But, I was all in. Put on a dress, stomp in heels, share about my community involvement? Easy… right?
As a matter of fact, I was naive about the work required to truly compete. And as a late entry, my path to that crown has been short. I obtained the sash and crown at the end of September, and by Christmas, I had announced my title at a women’s networking conference, became an ambassador for my favorite local organization, raised thousands of dollars for non-profits, stepped up to a podium to speak to my city, and met with local families and businesses. Each encounter was deep and uplifting, and each child that skipped a breath when meeting with me, humbled me. I was representing an entire community as a role model and voice for others.
This journey I jumped into, is at minimum, a path to self discovery. As my pageant director declared: It’s a competition against my best self. I knew I was vulnerable to unfavorable opinions and that I had to fit myself into a box to represent a brand. And, as I nervously step up to my commitments in crown, I’ve started my refinement. Among other revelations, I am better at letting my anxiety redirect me, speaking even more clearly, and maintaining poise throughout authentic engagements. My longtime amp up song has gained new meaning as David Bowie sang in Golden Years: “Never look back, walk tall, act fine”. And I am fine. More than FINE. I’ve become empowered and intrigued. What doors will open if I advance? If I don’t? What will this exposure do for the organizations I volunteer with? My mind is open to the endless possibilities.
Coincidentally, I had scheduled my first ever professional shoot with Shannon before obtaining my title and by the time shoot day arrived, I had already experienced crowned engagements that, I believe, prepared me to shine in photos as the princess my younger self had always dreamed of being. With every glide practice (yes, like in Miss Congeniality), I am becoming a version of myself that I didn’t know I wanted to be. Someone who represents a local and state-wide community in a commitment to put our childrens’ healing first. Who authentically represents with grace, intelligence, and a touch of humor.
