By Kathi Reichert
Breyanna Shirley came by her title of Mrs. Indiana United States 2014 serendipitously. Because Indiana no longer holds a pageant to select its representative, she went through the entire application process online. She was thrilled to hear she had won just a couple weeks later.
“It was random. I was talking to my mom about it and I said I think I am going to apply. I don’t have anything to lose, “ said Shirley. “So I did and I got accepted!”
Shirley, a Zionsville realtor, will be representing Indiana before a national audience at the Mrs. United States pageant in Las Vegas this July. Even though she is the reigning Mrs. Indiana United States, Shirley has never been on a pageant stage before.
“I feel really excited and really blessed that I got the opportunity and I’m also really nervous just because this is my first pageant and it is a huge one.”
Shirley won’t have to go it alone. She has the help and inspiration of her mother, Missy Urquhart, who was Mrs. Greenwood 1996. Shirley recalls fondly the year her mother held her title.
“I remember her being at all these events and I thought she is the most amazing woman. I want to do this one day,” Shirley said.
Shirley has also enlisted former (2012) Mrs. Indiana and friend Carrie Owen, owner of White River Pageant Productions, to be her coach. Owens believes Shirley has what it takes to compete.
“Her sincerity and genuine excitement to represent Indiana at Mrs. United States are exactly the attitude to approach this competition,” said Owens. “No matter the outcome, Indiana should be proud of who is representing it on the Vegas stage.”
Shirley’s platform will focus on empowering young girls through her work with Girls Inc., a not-for-profit organization inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold. She will be appearing throughout the state representing the Mrs. United States organization and helping to judge other pageants.
If you are interested in having Mrs. Indiana United States at your event, please send an inquiry to [email protected].
Meet Mrs. Indiana United States
Name: Breyanna Shirley
Age: 25
Hometown: Whitestown
Employer: F.C. Tucker, Zionsville
Family: husband, David
Pets: two-year-old lab mix, Chloe
Education: University of Indiana (Sports Marketing degree)
Hobbies: sports, staying fit, DIY projects
Favorite team: Notre Dame
Fun fact: She has known her husband since they were both in the first grade.
