We recently had the chance to connect with Annika Hinton and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Annika, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days have to be very intentional because I wear many hats; mom, preschool director, nonprofit founder, and content creator. I start early, usually around 5 AM, with quiet time for myself, prayer, and a little housework before my boys wake up. The rest of my morning is all about “mom mode”, breakfast, getting them ready, and school drop-off.
From 8am to 6pm, I’m fully focused on my school, Lionheart, leading teachers, supporting families, and making sure our academy runs smoothly. Evenings are family-first; dinner, playtime, baths, house cleaning and bedtime routines.
Once my boys are down, I shift into what I call my driven work; pouring into my nonprofit, The Village Effect, and other personal projects that I’m passionate about. I usually end the night with prayer and reflection, which helps me reset for the next day.
Having that structure allows me to give my best in every area of my life without losing myself in the busyness.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Annika, I am a preschool director, mom of two boys, nonprofit founder, and Mrs. North Texas 2025. I’m passionate about building community, which led me to co-found The Village Effect, a nonprofit that supports mothers, families, and children through resources, events, and even a conservation branch focused on protecting sea life and animals.
Pageantry has become an important part of my journey as well, not just as a personal goal but as a platform to share my mission of helping moms rediscover themselves. Through my title, I’m able to shine a light on the balance of motherhood, ambition, and faith, showing that women don’t have to choose between their dreams and their families.
Something unique about me is that I’m also part of a traditional German dance group, S.T.V. Almrausch, which celebrates cultural heritage through dance, music, and community events. It’s a beautiful way to stay connected to tradition while sharing joy with others.
What makes my work special is that everything I do; whether it’s leading a preschool, serving through The Village Effect, stepping on stage in pageantry, or dancing in cultural celebrations; comes back to one mission: creating spaces where people feel supported, seen, and inspired to live fully.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is without a doubt the one I have with my children. Becoming a mom completely changed the way I view my purpose, my priorities, and even my own identity. My boys challenge me to grow daily, remind me of what truly matters, and inspire me to live with intention. They’re the reason I push myself in my career, my nonprofit, and even in pageantry, because I want them to see that you can be both present as a parent and still chase your dreams.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience in a way that success never could. Walking through postpartum depression and anxiety forced me to slow down, confront my own limitations, and learn how to ask for help. It showed me that strength isn’t about doing it all, but about admitting when you can’t and still choosing to keep going. Success feels good, but suffering gave me depth, empathy, and the ability to truly connect with other moms who are silently struggling. It became the foundation for my heart behind The Village Effect, because I know firsthand how powerful it is when someone reminds you that you’re not alone.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me holds the same values, but what people usually see is the confident, put-together side. In reality, I struggle just as much as anyone else. I created my spreadsheet system because I needed a way to give myself back a sense of ownership and control in the middle of the chaos. What you see on the outside is me choosing structure and positivity, even on the days when life feels overwhelming. I think that honesty is important, I can be both the woman who looks confident on stage and the mom at home just trying to hold it all together.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I made a positive difference in the world, no matter how big or small. Whether it was through my nonprofit, my work in early childhood education, or simply the way I treated people, I want my life to reflect kindness and purpose. But more than anything, my greatest legacy will always be my boys. My goal as a mom is to raise kind, compassionate humans who go out and make their own impact. If that’s the story people tell about me, then I’ll have done what I was meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annika.key
