Check out our interview with stunning Miss Maine USA Juliana Morehouse Locklear and the first married woman allowed to compete in the Miss USA pageant.
In its 70-year history, Miss USA has never allowed married women to compete, but a recent change in rules will open the door for Juliana to be the first Mrs. to vie for the Miss USA title. Former Miss USA contestants include Olivia Culpo, Halle Berry, and Ali Landry.
Follow Juliana @julianamorehouselocklear
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Curious, prudent, romantic
Tell us about your role as Miss Maine USA. That’s amazing! Congrats!
I hope my impact on the state of Maine has many layers to it. First, I want to raise as much awareness around Alzheimer’s Disease as I can. This disease wreaks havoc on Mainers’ lives, and I want to help relieve them of their pain. Second, I hope to reach as many young people as possible. From social media to the idolization of fame, it can be really hard to be a young person in today’s world. I want to remind each of them of their purpose and their power to have an impact. Third, I hope to be a servant to everyone I meet. There is this misconception that when in a position of leadership, you must be superior to the people around you, when you should actually take on a selfless disposition to serve them. And lastly, I hope my impact will reach beyond Maine. I envision reaching throughout the United States while wearing Maine across my chest and representing its wonderful people.
How did you get selected and how was the process?
From my perspective, the most challenging and important part of the competition is the mental part. Throughout my years of competing, that was one of the biggest hurdles I had to jump over. No matter how much preparation you do in all the other categories, you will not maximize your full potential if you do not have a strong mindset. It can be especially challenging to have a strong mindset today because of social media. Your fellow competitors are blasted all over the internet right in front of your eyes, and it can be easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to the other contestants. What made this year different for me was that I found a way to block out the noise. I knew I was fully prepared and that my performance was the only part of the competition in my control. I couldn’t control who my competition was nor who my judging panel was. Choosing to only focus on what I could control set me free, and I think that is a big reason why I won.
Now you are the first married woman allowed to compete in Miss USA. Tell us about it.
I feel excited to be a part of this change because this shows our society that the modern woman is multifaceted. She can be married and ambitious. There is no other job a married woman cannot do because of her marital status, so it makes sense that Miss USA is now allowed to be married. It is possible to still be youthful while also being in a loving marriage.
Can you share any advice or some tips for future contestants for the Miss USA contest or other pageants?
I would tell them that, the majority of the time, the path to our goals is not linear. I am a planner, and I like to have an idea of what is coming next. But pursuing this goal taught me that plans typically do not play out exactly how we imagined. If you are a young person pursuing a goal right now, do not feel discouraged if you keep hitting roadblocks or your current circumstances are not how you’d imagined they would be. My failures along the way have sharpened me as a leader, and they have made me more grateful for the opportunity to be Miss Maine USA.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
1. The journey can be just as fun as achieving the goal.
2. It doesn’t matter if other people fail to believe in your vision.
3. Fostering good relationships is essential when pursuing success.
4. Believing in yourself is sustained through your actions because you won’t feel confident
and assured all the time.
5. And lastly, it doesn’t hurt to ask—the worst they can say is “no.”
What is your favorite healthy food?
Sweet potatoes
And your favorite cheat food?
Hot chocolate chip cookies
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I would describe my style as classic and timeless. My most prized piece of my wardrobe is my black leather jacket.
How would your best friend describe you?
My friend would call me an old soul. I have a tendency to romanticize most elements of my life. I love breathtaking scenery, storybook moments, unending laughter, Nicholas Sparks movies, deep relationships, spiritual revelations, and realized dreams.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To me, happiness is feeling fulfilled by things of God and not things of the world.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would meet Harriet Tubman. I am inspired by her courage, bravery, and unshakeable faith–all of which she exhibited in her leadership of the underground railroad.
Best advice ever given?
“Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less,” by C.S. Lewis. This is one of my favorite quotes and pieces of advice because I have found that humility is one of the key ingredients to having influence. Effective leaders are not ego-centric or condescending; rather, they are humble and uplifting. This quote also explains that being focused on helping others does not mean having low self-esteem. It is possible to take care of yourself and live a life of service.
Do you support any charity?
I am a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, so I travel around New England to educate the public on what Alzheimer’s Disease is and how to prevent it. In addition, the Miss Universe Organization is partnered with Best Buddies, which focuses on establishing friendships, employment opportunities, leadership development and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I will be working with them throughout my reign. I am passionate about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease because it has impacted me personally. When I was a child, my grandmother and my aunt had Alzheimer’s Disease at the same time and lived in my home while they were sick. I saw not only how it impacted them as victims of the disease, but also what a toll it took on my mom and grandfather as their caregivers. I want other people to understand that Alzheimer’s Disease is not just forgetfulness. But rather, it is an aggressive, traumatizing disease. We have so much wisdom to gain from the older generation, and I want this disease to stop robbing us of this opportunity.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Five years from now I hope to be using my counseling and theological degrees as a speaker, a writer and a therapist. Additionally, I hope to be growing my family with children by that point.
Favorite song?
September by Earth Wind and Fire.
Where can we follow you?
Book: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis
Movie: Father of the Bride
Tv Series: Gilmore Girls; Desperate Housewives
Favorite Food: Pasta
Travel Destination: Capri, Italy and Provence, France
Sports Team: Carolina Hurricanes Hockey
