Emma May Brown

Emma May Brown – Maine
Nomination & Photography by @StewartSmithPhotography
Issue 71 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Emma May Brown recently created a platform called “A Fresh Start”. The goal of this platform is to raise $10,000.00 for a local organization that provides safe housing to women and children who have been victims of Domestic Violence. The money raised will provide basic hygiene needs as well as fun experiences for the kids. For the last 10 years, Emma and her mother have provided random acts of kindness to struggling individuals during the Christmas season and on Christmas Day. In 2021 Emma volunteered her time teaching youth basic mixed martial arts techniques.  

Photography by @StewartSmithPhotography

Why did you choose "A Fresh Start" for your platform?
Assisting families and children who have been victims of Domestic Violence became a passion of mine due to the influence my mother’s career had on me. For the last 12 years, my mother has been an investigator/placement coordinator for DHHS, Child Protective Services. Through the years of her work, I’ve gained an understanding of the challenges people go through when trying to leave a Domestically Violent relationship and the financial hardships that arise from doing so. The name of my platform “A Fresh Start” felt fitting with my vision.

What was the hardest thing about getting it up and running and how did you cross that hurdle?
Learning how to promote my vision to others was the most challenging part of starting my platform. With the help of my mother, I learned that using social media such as Facebook was an effective way to consistently promote and update my community on the progress that was being made and the areas I needed help with.  

What are you doing to raise the money and what is your deadline?
I’ve shared my vision behind “A Fresh Start” with local businesses, family, and friends. I post several times a week on multiple social media platforms. Each month I create a specific area of needs. Through my advocacy, community members have purchased items I list as being needed and I arrange to pick the items up. Others have made monetary donations which I use to purchase items on my list for that month. October will be the last month I’m collecting items for the year.  

Photography by @StewartSmithPhotography

​Tell us about some of the random acts of kindness you and your mother have done together.
Every month or so when going out to eat we randomly pick a family in the restaurant and anonymously pay for their entire meal. During the Christmas season, we’ve randomly picked an individual to give $100.00. We have paid for people's items which appear to be Christmas gifts for their kids when they cash out at boxstores. We have also created an entire Christmas for families and individuals in need.

What is a special memory you two have from doing these acts?
The best part of doing random acts of kindness is seeing the pure surprise and joy it brings to others. My most memorable moments were when my mother and I bought blankets, socks, nonperishable food items, basic hygiene items, etc. to provide to a homeless individual. We wrapped each item and with the help of a police officer on Christmas day we were able to safely locate a needy individual living on the streets. I will never forget watching this man unwrap each gift and with tears in his eyes, saying thank you.

What did you love most about teaching youth basic mixed martial arts?
My original decision to volunteer my time teaching local kids basic Mixed Martial Arts techniques was because I believe that everyone deserves to know how to protect themselves. What I didn’t expect was how fulfilling it would be to watch each of them grow a new level of self-confidence as I worked with them.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Last year I worked hard in school. As a result, I was the only student in my high school selected to attend a two-year vocational program for cosmetology. When I’m not working, attending school, helping the community, making appearances as Teen York County, Maine for the USOA pageant, or spending time with my family, I’m a typical teen. I love photographing sunsets, being at the beach and lake with friends, boating, fishing, four-wheeling, and snowboarding in the winter.

How would your friends describe you?
Friends would describe me as being loyal, trustworthy, compassionate, and fun to be around. I’m typically the mother of my friend's group. I always have a listening ear available and I’m seen as the one who keeps others out of trouble. My friends would say, I’m always willing to help at a moment's notice, I try to bring them hope and inspire them in difficult times. They would also say that I motivate them to keep focused on their ultimate goals.  

What are you most excited to learn about in vocational school?
I’m most excited to learn about the anatomy of hair. Learning this will allow me to better understand what products are needed to enhance specific hair types. As a teen, I’m typically influenced to try new skin and hair products based on trends from TikTok and other social media platforms; however, a lot of these trends don't actually work as promoted. I’m also very excited to be in an educational setting, working alongside other peers who have a similar passion and interest.  

Photography by @StewartSmithPhotography

What else would you like to talk about?
The last six months have been a very exciting time for me. I decided to pursue my dream of modeling and entered into my first pageant as Teen York County, (Maine) in the United States Of America (USOA) pageant. This has given me the chance to connect with other girls from around the state who want to empower, inspire, and uplift others. Being a part of this sisterhood has forced me out of my comfort zone at times and it is teaching me to confidently speak publicly.

What has being part of the pageant taught you about yourself?
Being a contestant of the USOA pageant has taught me that even at a young age I can make a big impact on my community and others. I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone can be scary yet rewarding.

What has your favorite experience been so far in this endeavor?
My experience as Teen York County has been filled with many favorite moments from connecting with little kids during parades and baseball games to joining other families in walks for a cause such as ALS. My heart is warmed when little kids give me and my fellow delegates a hug, they see us as real princesses. The connections I’ve made with individuals not only in my community but across the State of Maine will be lifelong memorable moments.  

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
The power of music. As a little girl, music was always playing in my house. I remember dancing and singing to music wherever I was. I started learning to play the ukulele, then the violin, keyboard, and electric guitar in school. As I entered my teenage years I took interest in many different genres of music. Music has always been a healthy way for me to learn about myself and the world around me. Music has added serenity, empowerment, comfort, and joy to my life.

If you could play on stage with any band, who would it be and why?
The one person I would love to share the stage with is Lana Del Rey. I’m always impressed when a musician writes their music which Lana does. I find relatability in her lyrics as she talks about the trials and tribulations of being a woman.

How did you find your photographer, @StewartSmithPhotography?
Stewart Smith is a well-known photographer who lives in our area; however, it was a friend of mine who recommended him. After looking at his profile online, viewing his images, and talking with him on the phone, my mom and I decided his passion and energy were a good fit for us. We took the plunge and we’re so thankful we did.

What was your experience like?
Stew immediately made me feel comfortable and reminded me just to be myself. Stew challenged and guided me, we cracked jokes, laughed, and overall had an epic time. Stew is more than a photographer, he’s a wealth of knowledge and has been a guiding light, coaching me every step of the way as I begin this dream of modeling.

What did you love most about it?
When left Stewart Smith’s I had a new level of confidence and comfort in front of the camera. Stew captured images of who I truly am. We ended our first in-studio session with me sitting on the floor eating animal crackers, talking, and laughing. My second photo session with Stew was outside at the beach where I fell in the ocean with my gown on. We once again laughed and continued as if nothing had happened. My experience with Stew will forever be a memorable moment of my teenage years.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
Relaxing in bed, with my three cats, watching Grey's Anatomy, and scrolling Pinterest, with a pumpkin candle lit.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
In October I will compete in the USOA pageant in hopes of being crowned Teen Maine. As things wind down from this year's pageant and winter approaches in Maine, I’m excited to get on the slopes and snowboard. This winter I will begin reaching out to modeling agencies and sharing my portfolio in hopes of being signed with one of them. In February I’m headed to Costa Rica with other peers to learn and engage in the culture for ten days.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Be true to who you are, don't give up on your dreams even when things become difficult, and push yourself out of your comfort zone so you can grow, be a part of your community, help others, and be compassionate.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/What are your plans?
I plan to move to Florida and work full-time in a salon while modeling on the side. This will help me to achieve my dream of one day owning a salon that specializes in hair extensions and lashes.

3 Things on your bucket list
Skydiving, touring Italy, and traveling to Rio  

Look for Emma May in issue 71 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more info on issue 71

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