Share

cover art for Mekayla Diehl Eppers: Model, Mrs America, CEO

Pageant Planet

Mekayla Diehl Eppers: Model, Mrs America, CEO

•

In today’s podcast we are going to be talking about a woman well known in the Miss America, Miss USA, and Mrs America organizations, Mekayla Eppers.


Mekayla began her pageant journey at 12 years old and has captured seven pageant titles in her life, including the titles of Miss Indiana USA 2016 and Mrs. America 2018.


While some people know Mekayla for her success in the pageant industry, she is more than just a beauty queen. Mekayla is a model and has been featured in TV commercials, in movies, and in fashion magazines. From her experience in modeling and in pageants she knew she wanted to make a mindset shift in the industry from focusing on ‘size’ and ‘shape’ towards adapting a healthy lifestyle. 


Mekayla Diehl (her maiden name) was born in 1988 in Elkhart, Indiana. Now Mekayla describes herself as a ‘Michiana’ since the town is on the Michigan and Indiana state line.


Mekayla is a descendent from the Ojibwe tribe, a member of the Ontario-based Zhiibaahaasing First Nation through her mother.


For the most part, a child’s life is known as an innocent and youthful experience where the child can live, learn and play. This was not the case for Mekayla. She was sexually abused by a family friend which led to her grandmother adopting and raising her.


However, what can be described as the unthinkable is not what Mekayla’s childhood is known for. 


She began her modeling career at just 5 years old, which gave her the opportunity to walk in various local and state fashion shows, model for swimsuit brands and clothing lines, and also appear on TV commercials. She has modeled from some pretty well-known brands including Toyota, Subway, Cadillac, Nissan, and Chevrolet.


Aside from modeling, Mekayla is also a very talented dancer. She began dancing at the age of 12 up until her college years. She performed tap, jazz, ballet on pointe, hip hop, modern, and is currently dabbling in ballroom.


Her talents do not stop there. Mekayla also did 8 years of concert flute and 4 years of color guard. 


Mekayla’s pageant journey began when she was 12 years old placing as the first runner-up at Miss Sunburst, a local Indiana pageant in 2001.


Listen to today’s episode to learn more.


This week’s featured spotlights are: 

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Pageant Platforms 103: Becoming a Platform Powerhouse

    32:46|
    Whether you're a contestant, titleholder, or former queen- you should still be focused on your platform! Staying connected to and growing your platform can be one of the most rewarding parts of pageantry. But how do you do this? Jesse Ladoue McMullen, our Queen of Customer Success, and Cara Mund, Miss America 2018, are here to tell you everything you need to know about growing and sustaining your platform. Read 107 Pageant Platform Examples (& How to Choose THE One)Read How to be a Successful TitleholderRead 6 Pageant Platform Money Raising Ideas That Are Guaranteed to Work!

  • Pageant Platforms 102: Connections are Key

    22:45|
    In pageantry, it isn't enough to just have a platform. Aside from being personally important, your platform should connect you with other people and your community. But how to you create these connections? Jesse Ladoue, our Queen of Customer Success, and Cara Mund, Miss America 2018, are here to explain how you can use already existing resources to expand your platform and connect with others. Read 107 Pageant Platform Examples (& How to Choose THE One)Read 6 Pageant Platform Money Raising Ideas That are Guaranteed to Work!Find a pageant to compete in

  • Pageant Platforms 101: Where Do You Begin?

    26:28|
    What is a platform? Do you need one? How do you start one? So many pageant girls find themselves asking these questions and many more!Join Jesse Ladoue McMullen, our Queen of Customer Success, and Cara Mund, Miss America 2018, as they tell you everything you need to know about finding and starting your platform. Read 107 Pageant Platform Examples (& How to Choose THE One)Read 6 Pageant Platform Money Raising Ideas That Are Guaranteed to Work!Subscribe to the Pageant Daily

  • Chelsea Tayui: An Interview with Miss Universe Ghana

    41:03|
    Chelsea Tayui is ready to take on the Miss Universe stage! Jesse Ladoue, our Queen of Customer Success, sat down with the reigning Miss Universe Ghana to discuss all things pageantry and platforms. Find a pageant to compete inList your wardrobe or sell items in our shop Learn about our VIP and VIP Platinum memberships

  • Bullying in Pageantry: A Conversation with Jesse Ladoue and Cara Mund

    55:33|
    Bullies can be found everywhere, including the pageant world. Although we might not want to admit it, many of us have experienced bullying in the industry that we know and love. Jesse Ladoue, Pageant Planet's Queen of Customer Success, and Cara Mund, Miss America 2018, are opening up about their experiences with bulling in pageantry and how you can work towards changing your mindset. Searching for a pageant to compete in? Click HereSell your pageant wardrobe in our shop!

  • 6 Tips for Setting Goals: Take Home the Crown

    38:05|
    What's the difference between a contestant who consistently places or takes home the crown and a contestant who can't reach the semi-finals? Goals! We know that setting (and achieving) your goals can seem challenging at first. That's why Jesse Ladoue McMullen, our Queen of Customer Success, and Cara Mund, Miss America 2018, are here to tell you how you can start setting your pageant goals! Find a pageant to compete inLearn how to Set Goals (and Achieve Them)Explore our shop

  • I Am the Pageant Powerhouse: LaKishia Edwards, National American Miss, International Junior Miss

    57:08|
    Do you have questions about iam the Pageant Powerhouse? Are you wondering how this will impact the 2021 pageant season for National American Miss and International Junior Miss?LaKishia Edwards, the iam International Coordinator, NAM National Coordinator, and IJM International Coordinator, is here to spill all of the tea with Jesse Ladoue McMullen, our Queen of Customer Success! Find a pageant near you Read our Top 10 Tips to Succeed at National American MissWant to sell your pageant items? Click here to get started! You can ship from anywhere in the world!

  • Madison Anderson: Controversial Queen, 1st Runner-up Miss Universe 2019

    37:34|
    Madison Anderson Berríos doesn’t take no for an answer. After representing Puerto Rico at Miss Grand International 2016, Madison was determined to reach the Miss Universe stage. Following a 1st Runner Up placement at Miss Florida USA 2019, Madison competed for and won the title of Miss Universe Puerto Rico. Jesse Ladoue McMullen, our Queen of Coaching, and Cara Mund, Miss America 2018, are here to talk about the backlash Madison faced, her dedication to pageantry, and how this queen shook up an industry. You might also be in:Find a pageantShop Pageant PlanetHow to be a Successful Titleholder

  • 5 Tips for the Underdogs: Win Your Next Pageant

    37:10|
    If you're an underdog in the pageant world, you may have felt discouraged or unmotivated from time to time. Even though you've been chasing after the crown of your dreams, pageant pros can make this dream seem so far away. Don't be discouraged! Pageant Planet wants to help you win the crown - which is why Jesse Ladoue McMullen, our Queen of Coaching, and Cara Mund, Miss American 2018, are here with 5 tips for the underdogs! You may also be interested in:Find your next pageant Shop Pageant DressesHow to Set Goals (And Achieve Them)