Last Spring, QBN interviewed 10 “nontraditional” USA candidates in the “Limitless” original documentary. Join us to check in on
the Ladies of Limitless after their competitions.
CATCH UP WITH MIKELL

It was fun to compete at a USA state pageant again, even if I was old enough to be the mom of most contestants. The production and the directors were great. It ran smoothly and the competitors were top notch young women. I was the oldest competitor there, so it was obvious from the moment the judges were announced - all young influencers and reality TV stars - that likely they were not going to pick a 46 year old, married mom of two.
Overall, I had a fun weekend and was honored to win the Community Service Award for my global philanthropy and volunteerism. I achieved my goal of getting in the best shape of my life, despite being just nine months out from two hip-saving surgeries after my diagnosis of Avascular Necrosis. I worked hard to prepare for the pageant, working out seven days a week and working weekly with my physical therapy team. I am proud of my performance and received so much support from everyone. I am also proud of inspiring so many to pursue their dreams no matter the obstacles and showing just how amazing we can be at any age.
Before competing, I was inspired by the message I would be sending to women everywhere the dreams have no expiration. Afterwards, I admit I was disappointed to not place or win, yet proud of myself for having chased after a 30 plus year dream.
To other non-traditional candidates, I would say, go for it! But realize no matter how hard you work and how great you look, you may not win or place. Go in setting goals for yourself that no matter the outcome, you will leave proud.
I love pageantry for the like-minded women I meet and the many friendships I have made. Currently, I am continuing to grow my pageant coaching business, Carroll Crown Consulting, with a number of recent national and international winners and will seek out my next pageant adventure soon!
CATCH UP WITH ALLONA
At the age of 39, I competed this summer on the Miss Arizona USA stage. It was indescribable to have the opportunity to place that city sash across my chest and to stand in that particular moment in time. It was all very surreal and I was drinking in every moment. It was not like any pageant I have ever competed in and it was REAL WORK!
I went into this pageant feeling grateful, humbled and unstoppable in pursuing my dreams. As a 30 something year old mother, I knew I would be viewed more closely coming in as a “non traditional” competitor. The process can feel intimidating at first, but when you look at all that you have accomplished and experienced throughout your life, it is a superpower. My advice to future contestants is to carry your age with pride! Experience brings wisdom, and life begins when YOU choose, not when society tells you.
Currently, I am back in school pursuing my Masters in Business Administration. I made a promise to myself that if I didn’t win Miss Arizona USA, I would go back to school to advance my career. And I will be competing in pageantry again soon once I get my flow with school, full-time work, and being a mama!
CATCH UP WITH KIMBERLY

My competition experience was everything I had hoped for. My decision to return to the statewide stage was rooted in my desire to take care of myself, reignite my health and fitness journey, and represent moms, wives, and business owners. It was also an opportunity to meet new people and rediscover my passion for pageantry. Being back on stage allowed me to embrace all these aspects of my life while doing what I love.
The phrase that captures it best is “everything happens for a reason,” or you could say DESTINY. There was a purpose for every contestant being there. I had specific goals in mind, from improving my figure to growing my businesses and developing as a mother and a woman. I’m proud to say that I checked off all of those boxes. The experience was deeply fulfilling, and I walked away with a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
I don’t think being a mother or wife was an advantage nor a disadvantage. Every woman who stepped on that stage had her own strengths and unique journey. I just happened to be at a different point in mine. Ultimately, we were all there to represent our communities, each with our own advocacy, background, and purpose. That diversity is what made the experience special for everyone, including me.
My message to future contestants is to not set rigid expectations; just enjoy the journey. It’s important not to be overly critical or compare yourself to others, because the moment you step on stage, everyone is equal. The judges only see who you are in that exact moment, so embrace it fully. The most valuable part is the process itself.
Right now, I’m fully focused on helping businesses build and strengthen their brands through my marketing company, thine., where I serve as the creative director. I’ve been booked and busy with shoots, all while balancing motherhood and making time for my kids. As for what’s next, I believe it’s not entirely up to me—I’ll keep following my heart and doing what I love, letting the journey unfold as it’s meant to.
CATCH UP WITH ALYSSA

I had an incredible experience as Miss Charlottesville USA meeting women from all over the state, fine tuning my public speaking and interview skills, sharing my story on NBC and CBS, writing my children’s book An Apple A Day: Unraveling Online Myths For Kids to promote my platform Healthy Habits, and honing my on stage presence. I loved representing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and inspiring others to achieve their dreams.
While I did not win the crown, I did win the Miss Virginia USA Online Advocacy Award for my social media presence (@doctor.cole). I am so incredibly appreciative of this recognition. It is the first award I have ever received acknowledging all the hard work I put into content creation and online advocacy.
Through my pageant experience, I felt fulfilled being surrounded by so much love and support, from my family and friends to my fellow contestants. I do believe that my non-traditional qualifications gave me the advantage of experience and education, especially as a full time physician with an MBA. Having competed for pageants previously, I approached the competition with an even stronger sense of self, from my identity and core values, to my leadership qualities and what I have to offer as a titleholder.
Following the USA state pageant, I was invited to deliver the White Coat Ceremony Keynote Address at my alma mater medical school - University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. I could not have asked for a better way to prepare for not only giving this speech but also coating all 178 first-year medical students on stage (in heels no less!) than my time training and competing for Miss Virginia USA.
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