Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlynn White.
Hi Ashlynn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In September 2022, I competed for the Miss Delta Fair title in Memphis, Tennessee. Miss Delta Fair was my first pageant, so I was extremely uneasy about competing. As a former competitive cheerleader, I performed with a team, so I had to rely on my teammates’ performance to be successful. In contrast, pageantry is an individual sport, so my success depends solely on myself.
After the competition, I was still determining if pageantry was for me. In December 2022, I was invited to compete in the Miss Southern Holiday Pageant in Southaven, Mississippi. I had not competed in a pageant since September, and the uneasiness returned. Despite my hesitation, I entered the pageant the Saturday morning. I did not win queen, but I did win the Miss Southern Holiday Ambassador title. This title was given to the contestant, who showed kindness and confidence throughout the event.
After the event, I introduced the pageant’s director, Chris Shannon. He told me I should compete for the Miss Magnolia State Pageant title in November 2023. He introduced me to his reigning Mrs. Magnolia State, Brandi Jo Middleton. She has been in pageants for over 40 years and has experience in all systems. Brandi Jo is my pageant coach and mentor. She has taught me everything I need to know about pageantry.
Now, I have retired from cheer and have entirely focused on pageantry. I have two local titles in the Tennessee/Mississippi area. I am America’s Best Pageant, Teen Miss Shelby County, and the Miss Magnolia State Pageant, Miss Heart of the Midsouth. I have started my platform, Proud To Be Me, which focuses on building self-confidence.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I have overcome many obstacles throughout this journey. I am diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Although It has not been easy to navigate life through my lens, I am surrounded by a group of people who understands me. They accept me for who I am, and I have been able to flourish.
I have been discriminated against me because of my disability. It is disheartening knowing others think so little of you over something that makes you unique. I hope to show others that regardless of what disability you might have, you can accomplish anything and everything you put your mind to.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am dedicated to competing in pageants and being a representation of people like me. As a black woman who has a disability, I want to show others that their dreams can be a reality. I want to guide others to be confident in who they are and what they can bring to the table.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me by contacting me through email or phone number. Although I am heavily involved with pageants, collaborations can be on anything. People can support the most by following me on social media and sharing my post.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pageantwithash.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/proudtobemebyaw?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashlynn.white.33?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Paige Seidel
