“Finding Beauty Without a Mirror” chronicles a young girl’s journey through societal norms and unrealistic beauty expectations.

This story is full of innocent laughter, bitter tears, and, ultimately, the tender promise of hope. This is my story.

In rural MS, quarterbacks and beauty queens become famous. At age 5, I decided I would be Miss America. By age 16, I was crowned Miss Teen USA in front of a live audience on CBS.

In the heat of the spotlight, the pressures of perfectionism plagued me. Extreme dieting and body image issues led me to a place of dangerous depression and secret self-loathing. Whether it be Los Angeles or Ole Miss, I carried my secrets with me.

In a moment of desperation, I cried out to God, the Overseer of my soul. He heard the whimpers of my heart, and set me on a course of total healing. Mind. Body. Soul.

Eventually, I realized my beauty had never come through the mirror. It had come through making homemade biscuits in Memaw’s tiny kitchen, and through absorbing the pools of strength in my mama’s brown eyes.

Beauty’s wild nature had embraced me while exploring the countryside on my three-wheeler. On the basketball court, it had crowned me with sweat, grit, and confidence.

These places, among others, is where my beauty came from. My story is both unique and universal. I want women everywhere to know where their authentic beauty comes from.

I want them to feel the joyous freedom in debunking the false beauty narratives running rampant in our society.

I believe this book can do that, and then some. It can help women build, embrace, and finally, EXPERIENCE a life of beauty.

NO MIRROR NEEDED.