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Sarah Bazey was Mrs Minnesota and went on to win Mrs International. She joined Elizabeth Guarino on The Best Ever You Show to chat about her experiences and how she turned her pain into purpose and decided to live her life not based on scars.
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How did you get to be where you are today?
Growing up in rural Minnesota with a family that believes in the importance of a positive work ethic taught me invaluable lessons that have served me well.
I became a competitive figure skater and went on to become a professional figure skater, which meant waking up at 3:45am most days and driving 50 miles to the rink for lessons before school all through Jr. & Sr. High.
Before graduating from Augsburg College with a B.A. in Psychology, with plans to become a Sports Psychologist, I conducted a seminar to introduce a new product to the stucco contractors throughout the state of Minnesota. My Father owned a stucco business, and I had been an estimator for him since my early teens. That seminar turned into a thriving business, which will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary on July 21, 2012.
As Simplex Construction Supplies, Inc., grew to focus on the sale of structural steel and concrete to build our nation’s infrastructure, I chose to enhance my business skills by attending and graduating from Harvard Business School.
None of these experiences would have been accomplished without the love and support of an amazing family, for which I feel so very grateful and blessed!
Have you ever been fired?
No. My work experience includes teaching thousands of skaters of all ages and abilities to skate, sales at JB Hudson Jewelers as a part-time job during college, estimating stucco projects for my late father’s company, and owning my own businesses for 25 years.
What are your real passions?
Fortunately, I have a sincere passion for the work that I do everyday working in the construction industry. Beyond that, I am passionate about the Phoenix Society for burn survivors and all of the wonderful ways this organization serves the burn community. I am a trained Survivor Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) volunteer at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is my honor to speak as a survivor about burn education, advocacy and acceptance to groups of all sizes throughout the United States and abroad. Further, I serve as the Vice President on the National Board of Trustees.
It must be passion when I still get excited on my way to the ice rink, and when I hear a song that makes me want to be on the ice spinning, jumping and gliding to the music. Figure skating is one of the most beautiful expressions a human being can feel.
If you won the lotto what would you do?
Invest the principal and spend the interest with no regrets!
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
As the current Mrs. Minnesota International, I am finding the opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life, such a gift! Where ever I go, I have been able to share the message of the International Pageant System, information about the Phoenix Society, and in many cases the importance of the “Go Red for Women” message. In my short reign, I have traveled to; Buenos Aires - Argentina, Seattle – WA, New York – NY, Las Vegas – NV, Houston – TX, and all across the state of Minnesota. My hope is to become the International representative for married women around the world as Mrs. International and to continue sharing my platform with an even broader audience.
What do you like to do in your personal life?
My husband and I fortunately have several favorite activities that we enjoy sharing, such as; working out, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, mountain hiking, entertaining, and watching movies. On my own; I love to skate, read, write, cook and do yoga.
Please give us one or two shameless plugs.
The Phoenix Society is the largest organization in the world of its kind, with a focus on burn survivors and helping them return to living. The devastation of a severe burn injury changes ones’ life in unimaginable ways. Burns do not discriminate and can happen to anyone at any time. Like any charitable association, it takes money to do the good deeds and to offer the services that so many cannot afford, so please consider a donation to the Phoenix Society, which can be done online at www.phoenix-society.org
Please give us one plug for someone else or your favorite cause or charity.
If you qualify and have ever thought about competing in a pageant, please consider the International Pageant System. There are Teen, Miss and Mrs. Divisions with a focus on platform, which makes this system so very special. To learn more, please visit online at www.mrsinternational.com
What do you do to help stay your best ever?
I have been committed to life filled with physical activity, eating as healthy as possible, balancing the stresses of life with precious moments, finding the positive in any situation, and never hesitating to say “I love you” to those I hold dear.
How do you help other people be their best?
As a captain, as a coach, as an employer, as a volunteer, family member and friend, I have spent my lifetime believing in the abilities that lie within each of us. I love encouraging others to face a challenge and work hard to the best they can..and even if it does not turn out as they had hoped, it is about taking a chance! Failure is really not trying.
What is your favorite book to recommend to someone else to read
Good to Great by Jim Collins is a motivational business book, which identifies five levels of leadership. It would be an aspiration to become a level five leader, and I believe it applies to other areas of life, beyond the corporate world.
Tell us a secret ;)
It wouldn’t be a secret if I told…and I am very good at keeping secrets.
Visit Sarah at http://www.sarahbazey.com for more information.