Today we’d like to introduce you to Annika Hinton.
Hi Annika, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Annika, and I am a wife, a mother, a Curriculum and Program Specialist at a Preschool, and of course, Mrs. Texas 2022! I have been working in childcare on and off since high school and have finally found the school that I call my second home. I have been married for almost three years to my amazing husband, Andrew, I have a beautiful 12-year-old stepdaughter, Rhianna, and an adorable 2-year-old boy, Luka.
After the birth of my son, I experienced, first-hand, the power that postpartum depression holds. Then, I decided to take my life back. With the help of my amazing support system, I was able to start my journey of healing. Within weeks, I was feeling better. Was I back to my normal self? No. But, for the first time, in a long time, I felt like I was finally in control again. During my healing process, I realized two things. 1. I had given every inch of my being to someone else, and I needed to cut out some time to do something for myself. 2. Even though mental illness awareness was currently blossoming, Postpartum depression was still not being discussed and was often even looked down upon. So, I decided that I needed to speak up and make sure that no mother felt like they were battling through this alone.
While trying to figure out what to do next, my friend sent me the link to apply to compete for Mrs. Texas and told me that I should do it! So, with some encouragement from my husband, I did. Somehow, I made it to the top few contestants, even though I had little to no pageant experience. Then, I was officially crowned Mrs. Texas and have dedicated my year to helping the community as much as possible and using my title to be able to reach more women who struggle in silence. My main goal is to at least show other mothers who are facing similar challenges that they are not alone and there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. I don’t really think anything comes easily in life. Everything worth anything takes time, practice, patience, and has lots of ups and downs! From the challenges of motherhood to becoming Mrs. Texas, I have definitely had my fair share of struggles.
Most prominently, after the birth of my son, I suffered from Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, which altered every aspect of my life. I felt Alone, Anxious, Overwhelmed, Depressed. These words fully consumed me. I kept questioning “Am I not cut out to be a mother? Am I not trying hard enough? Am I supposed to feel like this?” I have always been a highly motivated person, but during the early months of my postpartum journey, I struggled to even get myself out of bed. Thankfully, I had an amazing support system including friends and family that helped me realize that I didn’t have to continue down this path and that I could get help. Although it seemed like a really dark time in my life, and sometimes it still does, I have had so many amazing opportunities, like competing for Mrs. Texas, that I would have never had otherwise.
Through every challenge you face, you have to remind yourself that “This too shall pass”. Everything happens according to God’s plan, and while we can’t always see it, it will work out in the end.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work at a sweet childcare center as a Curriculum and Program Specialist. I started working with children back in high school, and although I’ve tried a few career paths, I always end up working with children. I definitely think it takes a special heart to be able to work and guide our youth, and I really think that love is what has constantly brought me back. I understand the importance of educating our youth and am so grateful to be a part of shaping the young minds.
What were you like growing up?
Ever since I was a child, I was always an overachiever, almost to a fault. I was very involved in my community and did a lot of community service projects, including raising money annually for The Hope House, which is a shelter for abused women and children. I was in the International Baccalaureate Program and in jROTC through high school. Being in jROTC really taught me how to better manage time, how to have a servant heart, and of course, how to be and train leaders!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annikakey.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/annika.key/
