Own Your Crown: Embracing Real Life, Real Beauty

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Amanda McCombs, aka Mrs. Daybreak, joins Mrs. Maple Mountain, Portia Blanchard, to discuss the profound life lessons learned through motherhood, personal struggles, and the unique experiences of participating in beauty pageants. They delve into embracing imperfections, the importance of showing up authentically, and how Portia's traumatic experience with her youngest child, Abigail, led her to publish an inspirational book and take part in pageantry. Amid humorous anecdotes, real-life parenting moments, and reflections on personal growth, they celebrate the transformative power of vulnerability and community support. This episode encourages everyone to own their stories, take pride in their journey, and shine their light unapologetically.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:16 Funny Anecdote About Portia's Name

01:26 Meet Portia Blanchard

02:30 Abigail's Birth Story

03:56 Life Lessons and Reflections

06:54 Family Dynamics and Blended Families

12:02 The Importance of Self-Care

20:04 Pageantry and Personal Growth

31:33 Owning Your Story and Self-Confidence

34:11 Reflecting on Achievements

34:52 Celebrate Yourself

35:20 Living Out Loud

37:39 Taking Up Space

39:17 Pageant Lessons

42:00 The Power of Pageantry

45:29 Community and Support

59:19 From Letters to Book

01:00:31 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts