Rising Stars: Meet Teylor Emch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teylor Emch.

Hi Teylor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born on December 17th, 1991, in Newark, Ohio to two very young parents. For the most part, I had a typical upbringing. My grandparents took on a large role in my life and I grew up a typical Disney kid, convinced I was a princess and could talk to animals. I loved to sing, draw, perform dances for my family, and until I was 7, I was an only child. Around this time, things changed dramatically in my life. My dad was an alcoholic, I was experiencing sexual abuse and witnessing domestic abuse in my household.

In 2001, my infant sister passed away. At such a developmental age, I struggled tremendously with anxiety, grief, and suicidal ideations. I spent much of my school recesses and study halls in trauma counseling which made me feel like “the weird kid” and like something was wrong with me. Fast forward through counseling, custody battles, moving schools 4 times, and the addition of more siblings, I somehow turned out to be a pretty good kid. I was top of my class, a varsity cheerleader, on the homecoming court, a national anthem singer, and skilled artist on canvas and on stage. I found myself on the fast track to Ohio University where I majored in Interior Architecture and Design. During this time, I became a Sigma Kappa and completed my internship with Walt Disney World.

Upon graduating in 2015, I worked in retail management at the Columbus Zoo, Victoria’s Secret, and then at the corporate level for Abercrombie & Fitch. In 2018, I started taking my physical health more seriously and began training for my first NPC bodybuilding competition. This hobby really sparked something in me and I found myself more and more passionate about personal-development, growth, and self-acceptance. My love for fitness and sharing my story led me to competing in the 2020 Arnold Model Search sponsored by Status Fitness where I placed 8th. As Covid ramped up, I lost my job and began thinking about new opportunities. That is when the idea of pageantry entered the picture.

After a lot of research, consideration, interviews, and talking myself out of the fear of failure, before I knew it, I was crowned Ms. Ohio Prime 2022. Currently, my boyfriend Dylan and I are new homeowners in Marysville, OH with our two miniature dachshunds, Quill and Gamora. I work as a designer for a local Columbus development company, and I spend my free time training for my next NPC competition, designing a stationery line I hope to release soon, and volunteering with the Family Mentor Foundation.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think I spilled my guts out on the last question but no, it has definitely not been a smooth ride. I have had to overcome childhood trauma, “oldest child syndrome”, and fear of failure. I have dealt with grief, abuse, and being in the middle of tough custody battles. As an adult, I have had to unlearn some toxic ways of coping and my habitual dependency on others because I had a hard time being alone. I’ve struggled with body image, self-worth, and understanding what my purpose is in life.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I work for a development company in Columbus, OH. My current title as a designer means I work with well-known brands and franchisees to develop and design new sites and locations for restaurants and hospitality. On the side, I also create planners and journals that help guide daily goal and intention-setting, gratitude, and self-reflection. These have just recently been published and are available on Amazon. I also am currently working toward my nutrition certification to help assist women with accountability and crushing the stigma around toxic diet culture. Part of my platform as Ms. Ohio Prime is to bring awareness to the positive shift that occurs mentality when we start prioritizing our health and exercise. With that, I also volunteer with a local non-profit organization, Family Mentor Foundation, which helps to bring week food security to children in Columbus, Ohio. What sets me apart from others is my imagination and ability to see possibility outside of what most would consider “realistic”. I also have been able to achieve so much even after a childhood full of traumatic events. These unfortunate instances have helped me to develop empathy and realize the importance of giving back to our community. My hope is to be an example of healing, strength, and the belief that you can overcome anything.

How do you define success?
Success is often defined by how much money you make, what you drive, or how big your house is. Success in my life shows up in my daily routine, in how I feel, and how I make others feel. I have food in my belly, a job I enjoy that pays my bills, a handful of people I can call at any hour, and at the end of the day, I lay down next to someone who loves and supports me. I’ve worked hard to overcome my past and to be able to deliver my best self everyday. I am successful because I am loved by myself and those around me.

Contact Info:

• Email: msohioprimexxx2022@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msohioprime2022
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msohioprime22

Image Credit:
Chris Hawks

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