#bootstoballgowns

[sfc-paulchambers]

“Don’t be a soup sandwich”…IYKYK One thing I’ve always tried to show and instill in Wyatt is the importance of TRYING his best, trying new things and getting back up when he fails, to try again. For me these are all the ingredients of not being a “soup sandwich”. 🇱🇷😂♥️ Over the weekend, I was given this challenge coin by my SSG during my promotion ceremony and while it may seem like a silly little saying, her acknowledging me in front of our battalion as an exceptional and non soup sandwich Soldier meant more than anything anyone else said. (There’s only 3 in existence and I have one! SSG Jimenez has the other one) We do not have to be PERFECT y’all. That’s the absolute opposite of what I try to motivate or display to others. Because Lord knows I’m not perfect…no one’s journey or life is. Nor should we aspire to be. The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake. We can’t learn anything from being perfect. And as my short reign as @missscforamerica that’s my goal. To share how, against most stereotypes of pageantry, Perfect is boring…we really should just be striving to Not be a SOUP SANDWICH 🥪 Strive for Progress not Perfection #bootstoballgowns #soupsandwich #shediditwhycantyou #womeninuniform #momlife #momlifebelike #soldiergirl @torch_warriorwear @____itsev #inspiration #bootstoballgowns #womenshistorymonth #shecandoboth Posted @withregram • @bootstoballgowns (at Columbia, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpulUNDuCX_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fredgalle]

Miss South Carolina for America @missscforamerica @missforamericaofficial @bootstoballgowns so proud!! https://www.instagram.com/p/ColSuyfrM-s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sfc-paulchambers]

From my hometown of Greenville, SC Last Sunday my head was still in the clouds from my promotion ceremony in the Army. Achieving the rank of NCO was something I had aspired for since re enlisting in 2021. Little did I know that another life changing moment would happen 24 hours later. Getting the phone call that I was officially being named Miss. South Carolina for America Strong 2022 was almost as surreal as being addressed as Sergeant for the first time. Was this real life? I thought, did they have the right number? I recently posted that my participation in this #pageant was never about winning. It was never about the gowns or hair and makeup. It was never about beating other women or coming in first place. It was and always has been about the platform of pageantry for me. Maximizing the opportunities and exposure the crown allows was where my focus and efforts lied as I prepped for competition. Of course the sparkly dress and perfect hair/makeup was a plus because who doesn't love to look and feel their best BUT I was mission focused on creating conversations about the staggering number of unemployed Veterans across the state of South Carolina and providing representation for single, #femaleveterans. It's no secret that I did not win the title of Miss SC for America Strong 2022 back in May. But it's also no secret that I have remained mission focused on #Veteran initiatives, Veteran employment opportunities, Veteran outreach efforts and continuing to share the importance of femininity in uniform through podcasts and my work with my personal platform Boots To Ballgowns. And I view this unforeseen and remarkable opportunity I've been given to carry out the 2022 reign just as much part of my story as getting 1st RU was. You see, I actually think this was Gods plan all along. And who am I to stand in the way of devine providence? How many competitors get a 2nd chance at fulfilling their dream of representing their State and leaving an impact only they could leave. So heres to the next 80 days. Here's to the Veterans of South Carolina. Here's to our Women and future women in Uniform. Posted @withregram • @bootstoballgowns https://www.instagram.com/p/Con_tjuuE70/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=