GALION–Krista Snider is breaking boundaries in the pageant world.

The Galion grad is representing Ohio in the Miss Voluptuous Contest, an international pageant for plus-size women, in Nashville April 1-6. Not your typical beauty pageant, but a program for crowning “the changemakers of tomorrow.”

“You’re not less pretty because you’re bigger. You’re not less of a person,” said Snider, a hairstylist, and co-owner of Bellissima Salon in Lexington. “We need to love our bodies as given. I try to embrace the flaws because we’re still perfect in God’s eyes.”

Snider, like other contestants in Miss Voluptuous, has chosen a platform near and dear to her heart – advocating for families impacted by substance abuse. She’s a volunteer for Project Noelle, an outreach program to help children affected by drug addiction.

“That’s something I feel very passionate about. I absolutely love working with them,” said Snider, who has lost some family members due to drug overdoses and is adamant about breaking the cycle – and the stigma – associated with substance abuse.

Snider, who in high school competed in the Crestline Harvest Festival pageant and for Galion’s Octoberfest queen, graduated in 2001. She went on to the Tiffin Academy of Hair Design, then managed Fiesta in Galion before opening her own beauty shop last year.

For Miss Voluptuous, Snider will compete in interview, evening gown, and “state wear” costume.
She has selected a black off-the-shoulder sequined dress for the evening gown portion and will dress up as astronaut Neil Armstrong to represent the Buckeye State.

“It’s been fantastic so far.
All the girls are super supportive,” Snider said of the pageant system and the sisterhood it’s been known to foster in countries across the globe. “Their motto is ‘Empower, Elevate, Celebrate,’ so that’s what I’m all about with my background in hair.”

Locally, Snider is also teaming up with Crystal Morgan to host the first-ever service pageant for high school students in Crawford and Richland counties. “Miss and Mr. Inspirational” will be held April 30 at 3 p.m. at Grace Point Church in Galion.

Contestants are being asked to collect gently used sporting equipment for Project Noelle and Michael’s Place and help raise awareness about one of the pageant sponsors, BrightView, an addiction treatment center in Mansfield. The application deadline is April 10.

Snider, married now with three children, said her motto has always been “The road to success is always under construction.” But in the long run, she just wants to be a role model for other plus-size women and inspire them to chase their dreams.

And crown or not, this titleholder is making a difference – and making history – on the pageant runway.
“It’s just an honor to represent Ohio in this pageant. I’m just excited to get down there and represent Ohio.”