On Tik Tok, there’s this concept of being a main character in your life. It’s about living big, appreciating the small things, and being unapologetically yourself.

You have to start romanticizing your life. You have to start thinking of yourself as the main character. Because if you don’t life will continue to pass you by. So take a second and look around and realize that it’s a blessing for you to be here right now.

I started thinking of all the “main character” people I know, and how so many of these fearless people are pageant titleholders. I was back-burning this idea of a “main character” shoot, and when Ashley—the 2019 National American Miss—and I had a break at the same time during the NAM MN/WI weekend, we hopped up to a rooftop and brought that vision to life right before it started to rain.

If anyone is a main character, it’s Ashley. She’s accomplished, kind, well-spoken, beautiful, and uses her words to continually build others up. She was truly a joy to get to know during the National photoshoot, and brought fun and laughter to the Minnesota/Wisconsin weekend. It’s so fun to watch her uplift National American Miss contestants, and it’s even better knowing her positive comments are genuine.