Ms. Great Lakes Woman AmeriFest

Oooh EXCITED! When you get home and get COOK STUDIO MAIL!!


LOVE LOVE LOVE, my signature cards!!! Thank you Michael Cook!!

Today was a great day to visit one of my favorite self care spots! Pro Nail Spa in Bloomington, Indiana is my go to place for Tip & Toe care! Every special occasion and pageant stage has their technicians keep me putting my best foot forward!

May today be one of remembrance and honor for those who have given the ultimate sacrific.

This week I had the special privilege to crown Diane Wideman as the 2026 Miss Sunshine state. It make it even more special as she is my daughter and I we got to spend part of the day successfully looking for her Nationals wardrobe. Thank you to Elizabeth at Miss Priss in Lexington for your patience and support in helping her find her perfect gown.

When you get back the most AMAZING Sash & Crown photographs from@ Cook Studios! Michael Cook is the best!

Last weekend at Miss Kentucky Bluegrass, Team GLOH was honored to be back in Kentucky ans part of a special group of contestants.

From sharing small tokens of luck with each contestant to offering support where it was needed, this weekend was about so much more than competition. It was about creating meaningful moments, making memories, encouraging confidence, and reminding these incredible young ladies and women that they were seen, valued, and cheered on every step of the way.

One of the greatest joys was watching so much beauty, talent, poise, and heart shine across the stage. There were so many truly amazing and talented contestants, and it was a privilege to celebrate their hard work, courage, and dedication. Weekends like this are such a powerful reminder that pageantry is not just about crowns — it is about connection, encouragement, growth, and sisterhood.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of a weekend filled with kindness, support, and unforgettable memories.

As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, I am proud to continue using my title and my voice to shine a light on a cause that is deeply personal to me.

My platform, IAMHEART — International Association of Mental Health Education Awareness Resource Team, is rooted in mental health awareness, education, kindness, and service. This is not the first time I have stood in this space. For years, I have worked to advocate, serve, and speak up for those who may feel unseen, unheard, or alone. My why comes from lived pain, hard battles, and a calling to turn those experiences into purpose.

As Ms. Great Lakes Woman, I believe this month is not only about raising awareness — it is about inspiring action. It is about encouraging honest conversations, extending compassion, and creating real impact in the lives of others.

That is why, throughout this month, I will be sharing a new kindness challenge focused on small acts that can make a big difference. I will also be using this time to help raise support and funding for the ongoing work of IAMHEART, so we can continue expanding awareness, outreach, and resources for those who need them most.

This crown is not just about wearing a title. For me, it is about using every opportunity to serve with intention, lead with heart, and make sure others know they are never alone.

I hope you will join me this month as we choose kindness, raise awareness, and work together to create change.

Join the challenge here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqKs1ub84/

Last weekend during Miss Kentucky Bluegrass, Team GLOH made a sweet stop at a local favorite — Amon’s Sugar Shack in Somerset, Kentucky.

It was such a fun appearance, filled with great conversation, smiles, and photos. I loved getting to talk with the staff and locals, share more about AmeriFest National Pageants, and enjoy a special moment out in the community.

And of course, the treats were absolutely delicious. From the yummy donuts to the muffins and other bakery favorites, everything was fresh, flavorful, and the perfect way to add a little extra sweetness to the weekend. Amon’s has deep local roots too — the bakery began as Dixie Lee Donut in 1950 and was renamed after Amon and Rosemary Stephens took it over in 1951. Today it is still known as a hometown favorite for made-from-scratch baked goods and warm hospitality.

It was such a joy to capture fun photos, meet wonderful people, and spend time in a place that clearly means so much to the local community. Stops like this are such a special part of the journey, and I am grateful for every chance to connect, celebrate, and represent with purpose.

I recently stopped by Madison Avenue in Richmond, Kentucky, and had such a wonderful experience. I had the pleasure of working with owner Madison Olivet, and I am so excited to share that I secured my custom gown for Nationals.

One of the things I loved most about my visit was the boutique’s wide selection and the personalized experience. Even while working through options for a custom gown, the appointment felt easy, welcoming, and enjoyable. There were no long waits, just attentive service, beautiful designs, and the kind of one-on-one attention that made the entire experience feel special.

I am so grateful for Madison’s help, expertise, and vision in bringing this next step to life. Nationals feels even more real now, and I cannot wait to see it all come together.

What an unforgettable day at my official sponsor visit to Cook Studio in Georgetown, Kentucky.

From the moment the day began, I was surrounded by talent, kindness, and so much care. I was pampered with spectacular hair and makeup by Taylor Kirk all day, enjoyed cookies fit for a queen, and had the opportunity to capture crown and sash photos along with beautiful headshots. Every detail made the day feel special.

They truly know how to make a lady feel absolutely spectacular. I am so grateful for the time, talent, and energy that went into making this day such a meaningful experience. It was more than just a sponsor visit — it was a day filled with confidence, beauty, celebration, and joy.

And the best part… there are still surprise photos coming.

Thank you to Michael and Taylor Elizabeth Kirk for creating such a memorable day and for making me feel polished, pampered, and proud to wear my crown and sash.

❤️

This is my January appearance post. I couldn’t get my phone to work yesterday. Lol

What a great community service day we all had together making blankets to donate and Valentine’s Day cards to give to the nursing homes. Thank you Carrie Layne for arranging everything for us. It was great to see everybody!