We were lucky to catch up with Annika Hinton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Annika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Lost. Such a simple, four-letter word, yet it has a meaning deeper than a thousand others. You feel as though nothing you could possibly do or say could ever have the strength to pick you up and pull you out of the dark abyss of total nothingness that you’ve created around yourself.

Alone, Anxious, Overwhelmed, Depressed.

These words consumed me. Am I not cut out to be a mother? Am I not trying hard enough? Am I supposed to feel like this?

After the birth of my son, I experienced, first-hand, the power that postpartum depression holds. Then, I decided to take my life back.

With the help of my amazing support system, I was able to enroll myself in therapy and begin my journey of healing. Within weeks, I was feeling better. Was I back to my normal self? No. But, for the first time, in a long time, I felt like I was finally in control again.

One of the most common things I hear new moms struggle with is finding time for themselves while navigating the daily challenges motherhood brings. Part of my own healing process was finding something I could do just for myself. Not something for my husband, not something for my child, something that just celebrated me and made me feel special! Moms have a tendency to give 110% of themselves to everyone else, but sometimes, it’s important to take a minute for yourself!

I was struggling with finding something that interested me, but then my friend sent me a link to an upcoming Mrs.Texas pageant! I was in no way shape or form a “pageant girl” and I had NO clue what I was getting myself into, but I decided to go for it anyway! Worse came to worse, I would get an opportunity to get all dolled up and it was going to be a kid free weekend in San Antonio with my husband, so WHY NOT!?

I gained more from that experience than I ever thought I could have! Not only did I end up winning Mrs.Texas Regency 2022, I met some of the most amazing women, got to network with other moms, and got some of my lost confidence back! After winning Mrs.Texas, I went on to compete in Las Vegas where I became Mrs.United States 2022! This entire experience has taught me so much about myself and has not only made me a stronger woman, but has given me back a spark that I lost, enabling me to be a better mother!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Annika Hinton and I am currently your Mrs. United States, Regency international 20022. The Regency International Pageant system celebrates strong, committed young women who are willing to represent the community as a goodwill ambassador, becoming a role model of today while strengthening our community for tomorrow.

I am a wife, a mom, a student, and the Assistant Director at an amazing preschool called Creative World! I have always loved finding new adventures and meeting new friends along the way! As an Allen, Texas local, I love supporting local businesses and being a positive representation of our amazing community!

I met my husband while country dancing at our local honky tonk, and we hit it off! We got married back in 2019 and I became the stepmom of a beautiful, now 12 year old, girl! Shortly after our marriage, we were blessed with an amazing son, who is now entering his toddler years! We are expecting our next little one this upcoming Summer!

After the birth of my son, I experienced, first hand, the power that postpartum depression can hold. Thankfully, with the help of my amazing support system, I was able to start my journey of healing, but it made me feel for those who might not have that support. So, I decided that it was my job to make sure no mother ever felt as though they were fighting through the challenges of motherhood alone!

I’m so honored to represent this Amazing Country and strive to be a positive role model for young women everywhere!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal throughout my year as Mrs.Texas and then my year as Mrs. United States is to inspire young women to continue to work towards their dreams, regardless of what stage in life they might be in. For me, I struggled to find myself after becoming a mother, especially at a young age. I had always wanted to be a mom and it was, and continues to be, my greatest and most rewarding life accomplishment, however it is definitely no walk in the park. I want to show moms that just because they have children does NOT mean they should give up on their own dreams. My early 20’s might have looked different than the “normal” path, but I danced to the beat of my own drum and have had fun doing it!!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a title holder is getting to be a positive role model for young women. I love getting to work with children and see the little girl’s eyes light up when they see the shiny crown. It gives me another way that I can help encourage girls to become smart, independent, well-rounded, modest, modern young women!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annika.key/
• Other: TikTok: tiktok.com/@annikagkey