In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Nikia Rockley, a passionate advocate for heart health and seasoned pageant competitor. Nikia shares her transformative second chance story following a near-fatal horse riding accident, her journey in pageantry, and her commitment to community service. She discusses the importance of heart health awareness, the physical demands of horse riding, and how her experiences have shaped her resilience and confidence. Nikia emphasizes the significance of authenticity and the power of a positive mindset, inspiring listeners to embrace their own second chances.

takeaways

• Nikia's near-fatal horse riding accident led to a life reset.
• Pageantry is about community, sisterhood, and uplifting others.
• Setting SMART goals is crucial for success in pageants.
• Heart health awareness is vital, especially for young people.
• Moderate exercise can be as simple as a daily walk.
• Horse riding provides both physical exercise and emotional connection.
• Patience is key in both horse riding and pageantry.
• Confidence grows from failure and surrounding oneself with positivity.
• Resilience is built through personal challenges and experiences.
• Authenticity is essential for true success in pageantry.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, host Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Nilu Karuna Ratne, a national finalist in the Australia Galaxy Pageant 2025. Nilu shares her inspiring journey of overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety, her advocacy for mental health awareness, and her legacy project, Empowering Mothers. The conversation delves into cultural barriers surrounding mental health, the importance of community support, and how pageantry has played a role in Nilu's personal growth and confidence building. Nilu emphasizes the significance of self-care and offers practical advice for new mothers, highlighting the need for open discussions about mental health.

• Nilu overcame postpartum depression and anxiety without medication.
• Cultural barriers often prevent discussions about mental health.
• Empowering Mothers is Nilu's legacy project aimed at supporting new moms.
• Self-care is crucial for mental well-being and confidence.
• Nilu encourages mothers to participate in pageantry for personal growth.
• Meal trains are a practical way to support new mothers.
• Community support is vital for mothers facing postpartum challenges.
• Nilu's journey emphasizes the strength in seeking help.
• Pageantry can amplify advocacy for important causes.
• Nilu's story highlights the importance of sharing experiences to help others.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Mary Dunham, a professional henna artist and former Mrs. Maine International, who shares her journey of empowerment through art and her personal story of reunion with her birth family. Mary discusses the challenges and triumphs of being adopted, her experiences as a Latina tattoo artist in a predominantly white state, and the importance of resilience and authenticity in her life. The conversation highlights the significance of body art as a form of self-expression and healing, as well as the power of women supporting each other in their journeys.

takeaways

• Mary Dunham empowers women through her art, helping them reclaim their bodies.
• Her reunion with her birth family was a pivotal moment in her life.
• Mary emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming life's challenges.
• She advocates for the representation of BIPOC women in the arts.
• Confidence comes from being free to be oneself, not seeking external validation.
• Tattoos serve as a powerful form of self-expression and healing.
• Mary's work creates a safe space for women to share their stories.
• The journey of adoption can be complex but also rewarding.
• Women supporting women is crucial for empowerment.
• Authenticity is key to building confidence and self-acceptance.