Meet Mrs. Tennessee America Sweden Perkins, a Franklin blogger, mom
Sweden Perkins never planned to become a competition queen.
Now, as Mrs. Tennessee America, she is one step away from representing tens of millions of married women across the country.
Not so long ago, Perkins was happy to live his life in Franklin as a wife, homemaker, homeschooler, social media influencer, and blogger. Then in June, the resident began what she called a leap of faith.
The results? She is now looking forward to wearing her crown and belt while traveling across the state and the country.
Serving as Mrs. Tennessee is a lot of work.
“It’s really fun, too,” Perkins said. “I mean, buying all the dresses and feeling like a princess when you’re in your 30s is really fun.”
Unlike the nationally broadcast Miss USA, Miss America and Miss Universe contests where contestants are not allowed to be married or older than 26 or 28 years, The Mrs. America contest is a competition for married women.
Perkins, 32, thought this contest was the perfect company in her current phase of life. Although there is not much difference in age from competition participants in their twenties, there are some “life gaps”, she said, and now she is more confident in taking on this challenge.
“I know who I am and this is the right time for me.”
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The idea to compete was given to Perkins by Mrs Tennessee race director Julie Perez 2020. Perez saw Perkins on social media and asked if she would consider a race.
As a director, Perez said she scouts women she thinks fit the Mrs. brand. America and that she will have the opportunity to support them in finally doing something for themselves.
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“You really do not get a chance as a mother or as a woman in general to really focus on yourself and make yourself the best version of yourself,” she said. “We are always worried about other people.
“So, for just a hot minute, we can focus on ourselves and how we affect our society … I feel like we should all go through some kind of version of that.”
Perkins considered it, but when covid-19 began, she kept the possibility on ice until she and her family were ready.
And it was for her this year’s competition.
How did Perkins become Mrs. Tennessee?
While the contest appreciates Perkin’s charm and natural ability to represent the brand, according to Perez’s personal opinion, she showed a certain balance.
“She spoke well and she loves to be in the public eye but still she is also very reserved, so I think it’s a good combination for a queen,” said Perez.
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In August, Perkins will travel to Mrs. The America’s competition in Las Vegas for a chance to win the national crown and qualify to compete for the title Mrs. World. She will too continue to earn through government community service work, as well as nationally through social media platforms and an upcoming podcast. (Learn all about Perkins at simplyswedenblog.comon Facebookor on Instagram @simple_sweden.)
“This (Mrs. America) experience drives me beyond all comfort zones and I want to encourage other women to do the same,” she said.
“I want to encourage women to believe in themselves and to know that there are great things out there and that they are just waiting for you.”
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Becoming Mrs. Tennessee is not just a big change for Perkins.
It’s a big change for her family, too.
For the first time in her children’s lives, she represents something more than her family and her social media company.
Nevertheless, Perkins believes that the experience can only be positive for all of them.
“Family for me is everything, so we all need to learn a little about each other and my children need to adapt and see that I have other priorities as well,” she said.
“They will see how I push myself really hard outside of all my comfort zones and grow.”
Anika Exum is a reporter covering Williamson County on The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network – Tennessee. Reach her at [email protected], 615-347-7313 or beyond Twitter @aniexum. To stay up to date on Williamson County news, Sign up for our newsletter.