A Hartselle woman is the new Mrs. Alabama International and hopes to use her platform to promote healthy living.
At 46, this is Dana Bradley's first pageant, but four years ago, her doctor told her she needed to make a change.
"He said I could leave my kids without a mom," Bradley said. "My mom passed away when I was 14 cause she neglected her health, and I knew I had to do better and take care of mine cause I want to see my kids grow up."
Since 2020, Bradley has lost 154 pounds, and as a stay-at-home mom with a house to manage, her workouts start early.
"I get up at about 4:45 in the morning, and I begin my workouts," Bradley said. "Usually some light lifting. I don't lift really heavy; I just lift to stay toned. I do that for about 45 minutes to an hour, then I usually get my running gear on, and I go for a run. I run for 6 miles, usually every day."
Bradley said she lost her weight naturally through homework and diet, and she's now working to become a certified personal trainer. Her transformation has already attracted some clients who trust her.
"What makes me different than the regular health coach-I've struggled, I've been overweight," Bradley said. "I have navigated a lot of the obstacles that these people that I coach are going through."
Bradley said the years of sweat and tears were worth it, and she says to anyone who is struggling to remember there are no quick fixes. She said to keep pushing through and forming those healthy habits.
"People say I'm going to start tomorrow, I'm going to start next week, or people have a bad meal, and they're like, oh, I've just screwed up my whole day - get back on track there's no reason to be on a hamster wheel, no reason to be stuck in a roller coaster wedged in there, take small steps," Bradley said.
Bradley's pageant platform is fitness and wellness, and she plans to get involved with organizations like Girls on the Run and the Boys and Girls Club so kids can start healthy habits early.
In February, Bradley will walk in New York Fashion Week with designer Marc Defang and is set to compete for Mrs. International in Kingsport, Tennessee, this July. Bradley said she is thrilled to represent her state on an international stage.