Mrs. North Carolina International®

English

People's Choice Award

1. Which celebrity do you think you look like?
I’ve often been compared Simone Ashley, and while I am always deeply honored by the comparison to such an iconic women, I’ve learned that true beauty is about more than a silhouette. My focus isn't on looking like someone else, but on carrying myself with the same grace, confidence, and authenticity they are known for. For years, I stayed in the wings because I didn't feel worthy of the spotlight, but today I stand here knowing that my own name, English, carries its own unique power. I’m not just a celebrity look-alike; I’m a woman worth celebrating in my own right, walking in my own monumental purpose."

2. Which do your prefer? Talking on the phone or texting?
I prefer talking on the phone. I love hearing the inflection in someone’s voice. It reveals emotion and offers a deeper sense of who they truly are at heart and how they are feeling in that moment. And I’ll go one step further; I adore stationery and sending cards. Snail mail is a love of mine. There’s something so special about it. The wax seals are the finishing touch; they bring me such joy and excitement.

3. What’s something you only do when you get bored?
I find my joy in life’s simple interactions. You might find me curled up in my Costco heating blanket watching The Nanny for a lighthearted laugh, or if the Carolina sun is out, walking barefoot in my backyard. There is a specific kind of peace found in feeling the grass under my feet and the breeze in my hair; it’s where I reconnect with the beauty of nature and the quiet strength of home.

4. Are you overly loyal to any clothing brands?
I am overly loyal to the charm of all things vintage. Place me in a consignment clothing shop and you’ll find me twirling with the joy of a Gone with the Wind scene. As a savvy shopper with a restorer’s heart, I’ve developed a keen eye for bringing life back into forgotten finds. Whether it’s a weathered piece of furniture or a classic garment, I find my greatest inspiration in uncovering the masterpiece beneath the dust.

5. What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was a choice for life. During my pregnancy, I was diagnosed with hyperemesis—a condition so severe my body was essentially attacking itself. The medical advice I received was to end the pregnancy for my own safety. At great personal risk. After two hospitalizations and a PICC line to my heart, I carried our son and delivered him 36 weeks. Strong, healthy, and thriving. That experience taught me that when you are anchored in faith and family, you can endure the unthinkable. It was the moment I realized that I am not just a survivor; I am a woman built for courage.