She Wins

This week on the pod- meet Aarieanna, our current Miss Texas USA!

Aarieanna is a custom home builder and owner of Kenmare Homes in Dallas, TX. Beginning her career at 19 years old, she has set new standards in the home building industry with her green footprint and home sustainability. Aarieanna is the reigning Miss Texas USA 2024 and placed Top 10 at Miss USA. As a proud Jewish woman she prides herself on giving back to her community with her program "Build It Up", created to mentor young women in leadership roles in STEAM. In her free time, you'll find Aarieanna relaxing at home raising her pet chickens, or chasing the next adrenaline rush swinging from a trapeze bar or skydiving through the Texas skies.

This podcast covers her journey to Miss USA, service initiative and passion for home building. You can follow her at @aarieannaware or @misstxusa

Want to know what it's REALLY like to compete for Miss USA? Check out our Patreon episode with Aarieanna at: / aarieanna-ware-115614209

Thanks for watching and you can also stream this podcast from Spotify, Apple Podcasts- and more! Visit www.heathersumlin.com and @shewins.podcast on Instagram!

Berkley Bryant, a longtime pageant competitor and winner of Miss Volunteer America 2025, shares her passion for serving the community and showcasing her talent while also facing a difficult life shift. Berkley also gives tips for pageant competitors and insight on how to work towards a big dream despite challenges in your everyday life.

Thank you for watching and you can also stream this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and for more information visit www.heathersumlin.com

Looking for more content with Berkley and Heather? Visit our Patreon for a seven-day free trial for Berkley's Game Plan for Growth and suggestions to creating a plan for your year as a state or national titleholder: www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7

Berkley's extended She Wins Patreon interview - / berkley-bryant-115165690

To follow Berkley and learn more about the Miss Volunteer America system, follow @missvolunteerameriapag or visit their website: https://missvolunteeramerica.net/

From the field to the stage - Sydney Taylor, Miss Louisiana USA 2024 and Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2020, shares her insight as a youth sports coach, competitor and community leader. Heather Sumlin, master interview coach, aided Sydney in her preparation for Miss USA.

Sydney shares some funny memories from the pageant and key takeaways for any competitor (pageant or sports) who is looking to achieve big goals. Sydney also discusses how to encourage others and empower teams to achieve their desires. Follow her on Instagram at @sydneytaylo and our podcast at @shewins.podcast.

Join the She Wins Patreon membership for extended interview with Sydney for our pageant members. / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Thank you for watching and you can also stream this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Patreon and for more information visit www.heathersumlin.com

Heather Sumlin

Patreon - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - / shewins.podcast

FaceBook - / heathersumlinmentalcoach

Sydney Taylor

Instagram - / sydneytaylo

Caught up with the lovely and cheerful Diane Westhoven, Miss Alabama USA 2024. She shares her passion and why she advocates for overall health and wellness.

Join the She Wins Patreon membership for extended interview with Diane for our pageant members. / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Heather Sumlin

Patreon - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - / heathersumlin

FaceBook - / heathersumlinmentalcoach

Diane Westhoven

Instagram - / days.with.diane or / dianecwesthoven

Diane Bio

Diane Westhoven, Miss Alabama USA 2024, is a 21 year old from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 2021 and currently attends Auburn University. She plans to graduate from Auburn in the Spring of 2025 with a major in Psychology.

Diane's career goal is to help others feel confident in themselves, both physically and emotionally. Her interest in health and wellness has led her towards a career path as a physician assistant. Through this career, she hopes to become an effective counselor to young women, making a positive impact on their total health.

As Miss Alabama USA, Diane hopes to inspire and empower others to live life to the fullest by encouraging clean eating, exercise, and work-life balance. She plans to implement workshops for the next generation to teach skills imperative to developing and maintaining this lifestyle.

One of Diane's favorite ways to achieve this balance is by prioritizing dedicated down time in her everyday life. Whether catching up with friends, reading a favorite book or trying a new recipe, dedicated down time helps keep her positive and stress free. Diane's favorite way to relax and unwind after a long day is with an outdoor walk, specifically at sunset. This time gives her the chance to decompress and clear her mind, all while getting in a little bit of healthy exercise.

She is honored to represent the state of Alabama at Miss USA and throughout this upcoming year. Diane hopes that she will be able to use this year to pour back into the state that has shaped her into the woman she is today.

Austen shares her heart in this interview. She talks about her hardest moments, what led her to Texas, her passion for fighting human trafficking and much more. She is dynamic and a great story teller.

Join the She Wins Patreon membership for extended interviews with Austen. She dives into more details for women and for pageant participants with advice and guidance. https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7

Heather Sumlin

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heathersumlin/

FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/heathersumlinmentalcoach

Austen Williams

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/austenwill/

X - https://x.com/austenwill

Website - https://www.theaustenwilliams.com/

Eagle U - https://www.eagleuniversity.org/

Austen Williams Bio:

Austen Williams has been modeling, acting, singing and dancing for nearly 30 years and had completed more than 40 regional and national jobs by the time she graduated from high school. Clients include Southern Weddings, Abercrombie and Fitch, Ford Motor Cars, Sony, American Airlines, Pfizer, Toyota, Prevention Magazine, K-Swiss, MTV, Vibe Magazine and Best Body Magazine, to name a few. Some of her additional work includes multiple films, television shows, and over a dozen fitness videos. She also served regularly as Co-Host for talk show, INsight, which was aired in 18 million homes on the UPLIFT and Parable Networks.

Austen won the title of Mrs. America 2014 and has since traveled across the US and abroad speaking on her platform, Shake the Shackles: Human Trafficking Awareness, engaging communities on ways to end modern day slavery. During her reign, Austen was a Shared Hope International Ambassador of Hope, International Spokesperson and Committee Chair for The Jubilee Market, and has partnered with many more human trafficking organizations including the International Justice Mission, Traffick911, Safe House of Hope, Justice Speaks, The Samaritan Women, and Bridging Freedom, just to name a few. As a result of her work in the area of human trafficking, Austen became a recipient of the prestigious Phoenix Award, the highest honor given by the City of Atlanta, as well as being named Humanitarian of the Year 2014 by Viva Internationale Magazine.

In addition to her work as a Model, Entertainer, and Philanthropist, she has also been a Personal Development Instructor, a Stylist, a Modeling and Acting Coach, a Manager of a multi-million dollar fitness facility, a Business Owner, and an Inspirational Speaker to over 600,000 people. Austen has been invited to speak in over 25 states, China, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Kenya, including invitations to speak at the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference, the UN Women's Summit, and worked extensively as a Speaker with Eagle University, a youth leadership workshop. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Project Nightlight, an abuse prevention organization, and was Director of the Girls Ministry at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas— in addition to all this, she also completed her Bachelors Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In her current season, Austen can be found managing full-time responsibilities as a wife and mother, while serving as the President of Crowning Glory Consulting, a full-service business and communications consulting firm specializing in business strategy, branding and marketing, and special projects execution for nonprofits and parachurch organizations. When she is not supporting community-based organizations she serves as the Executive Director of The Medi, Inc. The Medi is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that uses technology to connect community members to essential resources in order to reduce health disparities.

She and her husband, Marcel, have four children, Mariana, Marc, Michal, and Marlowe.

Caroline shares several stories and examples of her defining moments, her advice for those seeking success and so much more. A dynamic speaker, talented twirler, educated teacher, she shares her heart with us and so much more of her knowledge on Patreon as well.

Join the She Wins Patreon Channel to learn even more from Caroline, Heather and other past guests. Caroline shares what she would do and think about before her performances and for the Solutions for Pageantry level she shares her tips for prep for interview: / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Find Heather Sumlin

Patreon - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - / heathersumlin

FaceBook - / heathersumlinmentalcoach

Find Caroline Carothers Reed

Instagram - / caroline_carothers_reed

Website - https://www.carolinecarothers.com/

Caroline Bio:

Caroline Carothers Reed has been actively involved in the Miss America Organization for over 12 years, serving as a competitor, state titleholder, volunteer, emcee, and now as an interview coach. As Miss Texas 2016, she won both overall talent and interview and was one of the top 7 finalists at Miss America, where she competed in all phases of competition on national television. During her year of service, she made nearly 400 appearances, engaging with over 100,000 people.

After her reign, Caroline returned to Baylor University, completed her degree in Business Management, and continued as a Baylor Feature Twirler. She then pursued a master's degree in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, where she also served as the feature twirler for the Longhorn Marching Band. While at UT, Caroline founded Twirl U, a business dedicated to helping high school twirlers secure their dream college positions, all while continuing her work in higher education.

In 2021, Caroline married her Baylor sweetheart, Grant, and they recently relocated to Washington State due to Grant's medical residency. Caroline has since expanded Twirl U to include college twirling prep and interview coaching for pageant competitors and twirlers. Her passion for education and mentoring continues to empower the next generation of leaders and performers, making a lasting impact in both the pageant and twirling communities.

I had the honor of spending time with Shelly Slater who is a remarkable communicator with 25 years of experience as a journalist who now runs her own communications firm. She has amazing stories and insight on how to communicate better and gain confidence in building communication skills.

The She Wins - Solutions for Women & Pageantry Patreon members receive an added bonus of knowledge from Shelly with two extended interviews just for members. Check it out - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

The book she mentioned in the interview is "With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Bassham - https://www.heathersumlin.com/shop/p/...

Heather Sumlin

Patreon - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - / heathersumlin

FaceBook - / heathersumlinmentalcoach

Shelly Slater

Instagram - / shellyslatertv

Website - https://shellyslater.com/

Shelly Slater Bio:

Nationally recognized journalist Shelly Slater has 25 years of experience getting to the point. As a multi-Emmy Award winning news anchor and reporter, she knows how to engage an audience. Her career has taken her from live breaking news to interviews with everyone from President George W. Bush to Jimmy Kimmel and Amal Clooney.

Shelly now runs her own company to help corporations win business and trust by delivering a message that sticks. From private equity firms, to CEOs, and real estate groups, Shelly crafts stories that breakthrough in a distracted world. Shelly has extensive experience with public speaking, messaging, and persuasive presentation trainings to help both individuals and teams share their differentiators.

Elaine is a successful dog trainer and competitor as well as a professional wedding photographer. She shares her journey in dog agility as well as what led her to pursuing her passion of photography as a profession. Her story telling is remarkable and I am honored to have had her as a guest. Enjoy!

Dog Handlers please consider joining the Mental Management Solutions for Dog Handlers Patreon Channel where Heather Sumlin, Barbara Currier, and Teah Anders share Mental Management tips and tricks for handlers. We also added an extended interview with Elaine that you will not want to miss!! / mentalmanagementsolutionsforhandlers

Women who want to learn more from Heather Sumlin and our guests may also enjoy the She Wins Solutions for Women Patreon Channel - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Find Heather Sumlin

Patreon - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - / heathersumlin

FaceBook - / heathersumlinmentalcoach

Find Elaine Welbourn

FaceBook - / photos_by

Instagram - / elaine.welbourn

Photography Website - https://www.flashbackphoto.ca/

Elaine's Bio: Elaine's love of Dog Agility started from the highchair. As a toddler she sat feeding Goldfish crackers to the family Springer Spaniel while her mother walked the course. At the age of 10 years while most of her classmates played hockey and baseball she competed as a junior handler with a beautiful Rough Collie, "Shady", and taught private lessons in the sport from her backyard. In high school Elaine found a new passion for digital arts and photography which lead her to complete a university degree in Media Communications and build a successful wedding photography business.

"Life Turns Corners"

In 2016 Elaine purchased her first home and the first dog of her own -- a Shetland Sheepdog she registered under this name to honour her mother's favourite words of wisdom. "Ryder" inspired her to come back to the dog world and reignite her passion for training and competing first and foremost in Agility, but also in the sports of Scent Detection, CKC Obedience, Dock Diving, and Rally Obedience.

Later Elaine's family grew as she added rescue mixed breed "Tanner", sweet-natured Shetland Sheepdog "Maverick", and wild-child Australian Koolie "Zephyr" to the pack.

In 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic Elaine connected with a local puppy owner looking for advice raising her first sports dog. Online training sessions almost every day grew into a treasured friendship and the inspiration for Dream Higher Agility Coaching. Now in 2024 Elaine coaches an incredible group of dedicated, passionate dog handlers who make her life more fulfilled just by existing in it. Her students range from excited pet owners wanting to build a stronger relationship with their dogs to several currently working toward the goal of competing at national and international events.

Of course, as 'life turns corners', Elaine competed for Agility Team Canada in England while eagerly awaiting another new addition; her puppy "Luca" who joined the family in August 2024.

I had the honor of chatting with The Chandler Foreman. Due to the pandemic Chandler served as Miss Texas for two years. She is currently a news anchor and we had so much fun catching up and she shares some great takeaways from her experiences in life.

Join the She Wins Patreon Channel to learn even more from Chandler, Heather and other past guests. Chandler's insights for both women and pageant participants are truly remarkable: / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Heather Sumlin Patreon - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - / heathersumlin

FaceBook - / heathersumlinmentalcoach

Chandler Foreman

Instagram - / chandlerforeman_

TikTok - / ucbjnq-abrvt1e7ulkel-mra

Chandler Foreman Bio:

Chandler Foreman is a dynamic media professional and accomplished performer from Houston, Texas. A graduate of the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Chandler, honed her skills in flute performance before pursuing higher education. At the University of North Texas, she earned a Converged Broadcast Media and Communications Degree, blending her passion for the arts with a robust understanding of media.

In 2019, she was crowned Miss Texas, representing the state with distinction and advancing to the top 15 at the Miss America competition.

Currently, Chandler wakes up the Permian Basin at 5 AM every morning as a Morning News Anchor at ABC Big 2 News in West Texas.In addition to her anchoring role, she is a social media content creator, speaker and flautist, frequently sharing her talents and insights across various platforms.

My biggest takeaways from my interview with Silke Wittig!

Check out the full interview - • She Wins Interview with Silke Wittig ...

Join the She Wins Patreon Channel to learn more Silke and other guests. Her insights for women is worth the listen: / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Dog Handlers join the Mental Management Solutions for Dog Handlers Patreon where Silke shared some of great advice for handlers and we post new content each week for handlers specifically on Mental Management - / mentalmanagementsolutionsforhandlers

Products Mentioned: With Winning in Mind Book - https://www.heathersumlin.com/shop/p/...

Performance Analysis Journal - https://www.heathersumlin.com/shop/p/...

Heather Sumlin:

Patreon - / shewins_solutionsandstories7

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram - / heathersumlin

FaceBook - / heathersumlinmentalcoach

Silke Wittig:

FaceBook - / silke.wittig.35

Website - Hero-dog.com

Silke Bio: Silke Wittig, Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI SM ), K9 Nose Work®

Education Division Sr Faculty Member, NACSW SM -sanctioned Supervising

Certifying Official and Judge, CPDT-KSA, ACBC)

Silke was introduced to K9 Nose Work® in 2010 and became one of first two Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI™) in PA in 2011. In addition to instructing group classes, private sessions, coaching clinics and offering video reviews, Silke has hosted multiple NACSW™-sanctioned ORTs, trials and workshops. She has taught at several K9NW camps hosted by Dogs of Course, was an instructor at the Training Fest West in 2023. and is also a webinar presenter for the K9 Nose Work® Education Division and Dogs of Course Virtual Nose Work Camp. To stay current on her K9NW education, she revisits the CNWI training and attends workshops, webinars and coaching days on a regular basis.

Silke is a Supervising Certifying Official and Judge for NACSW™-approved trials and ORTs and is involved in various admin projects for the K9 Nose Work® Education Department. Silke loves to work on all aspects of this great dog sport while making sure that both ends of the leash have fun in a safe environment! She has a soft spot for shelter dogs and introduced K9NW to several local shelters, two of which have now included it in their regular canine enrichment program.

Silke is also a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant and has been running HeRo Canine Consulting LLC, a successful dog training and behavior consulting business since 2006. She currently competes with her 8-year-old Pit Bull Snap in NACSW™ nose work competitions and is an avid K9NW lover.