Miss Represented Podcast: Episode 52 – Celia Anzelone Bowers

Release Date: January 7, 2025

In the 52nd episode of the Miss Represented Podcast, host Lisa Opie engages in a heartfelt and empowering conversation with Celia Anzelone Bowers, Mrs. Italy World, and author of "You Are a Queen, Transform Your Pain into Power." This episode delves deep into Celia's tumultuous journey through pageantry, personal trauma, recovery, and her multifaceted career as an author and entrepreneur.

1. Journey into Pageantry

Celia's foray into the world of pageants began unexpectedly. In [01:04], she recounts, “The journey began in 2021. I competed in my first pageant in August for Mrs. Tennessee America. I won the Mrs. Tennessee America title.” Despite initial nerves and emotional challenges during her first competition, Celia's authenticity and heartfelt platform resonated, leading her to place in the top four at Mrs. America. After a year of personal growth, she persevered through three years of applications to eventually earn the title of Mrs. Italy World in [02:16].

Notable Quote:

“I got a little bit emotional because we're going to talk about my story... Maybe that authenticity shone through my heart.” – Celia Anzelone Bowers [01:15]

2. Overcoming Personal Struggles: Trauma and Abuse

Celia shares her harrowing experiences with trauma and abuse, which began in her adolescence. At [06:24], she opens up about her childhood, stating, “I was that child growing up that never would have thought she would ever be friends with anyone that did drugs, let alone, you know, be an addict one day.” The impact of childhood abuse and subsequent abusive relationships led Celia into a dark period marked by substance abuse and deep depression.

Notable Quotes:

“There is a book out there. If you're on your wellness and healing journey, that trauma stays with you.” – Celia [06:43]

“It was just like this deep, deep, deep dark depression... I finally just gave in and was like, went back to my faith.” – Celia [10:17]

3. Path to Recovery and Transformation

Celia's transformation began when she hit rock bottom. In [11:00], she describes a pivotal moment: “...there was a three month period where I couldn't get out of bed unless a friend would call... I finally just gave in and was like, went back to my faith.” Her return to faith, coupled with support from friends and community, facilitated her sobriety and healing. Celia emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and forgiveness, highlighting her journey from self-blame to empowerment.

Notable Quote:

“Use your voice. Start with standing up to your husband or your boyfriend. That was. It's going to transform your life if you can just begin using your voice.” – Celia [15:08]

4. Authorial Pursuits: Healing Through Writing

Celia's healing journey inspired her to become an author. At [17:28], she explains, “At the end of every chapter there's journaling prompts... exercises that I've used over the years to completely heal and transform my life.” Her first book, Celia's Eyes, was written in three days and serves as a beacon of hope for those in similar struggles. Despite challenges in promoting her work initially, Celia now actively shares her book in treatment centers and women's shelters, believing in its power to inspire and heal.

Notable Quote:

“I wrote every day, Dear God... the book was written in three days.” – Celia [20:56]

5. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Building a Business Empire

Beyond pageantry and writing, Celia has established herself as a successful entrepreneur in the mortgage industry. Discussed in [22:45], she outlines her journey from a finance manager at a Mercedes dealership to running her own mortgage business. Her ability to negotiate and manage her business amidst personal commitments showcases her resilience and strategic mindset.

Notable Quote:

“You're just a walking miracle... I was like, just gonna be happy with a 9 to 5 bank job.” – Celia [24:35]

6. Balancing Pageantry with Business and Family

Celia adeptly balances her roles as a pageant titleholder, businesswoman, and mother. In [26:40], she describes her preparation for the Mrs. Italy World pageant, focusing on her swim routine and maintaining confidence: “I'm working towards... doing a cute swim routine in my 6 inch heels, not falling.” Her supportive husband plays a crucial role, encouraging her to pursue her goals while maintaining family harmony.

Notable Quote:

“He was the most supportive person. He's like, tell me, Celia... he knows me, like, who I am today.” – Celia [29:17]

7. Empowerment and Advocacy: Giving Back

As Mrs. Italy World, Celia is committed to empowering other women. She discusses her nonprofit work at [31:30], where she visits women's shelters and treatment centers, sharing her story to inspire transformation: “I feel like it's empowering to others, because I know it's empowering to those women who really have a heart for, if you can imagine.” Her mission underscores the importance of using one's experiences to uplift and support others.

Notable Quote:

“It's your moral obligation if you've overcome something and pulled yourself out or divinely been pulled out, well, maybe God pulled you out so you could go back and help them.” – Celia [32:23]

8. Advice to Listeners

Celia offers invaluable advice to women trapped in abusive relationships, emphasizing the power of voice and self-advocacy. She encourages starting small, such as journaling or speaking one's truth aloud, to build the courage needed to confront and leave toxic situations.

Notable Quote:

“Start small with, like, speaking up for yourself... You need a miracle.” – Celia [15:08]

9. "This or That" Segment Highlights

In a lighter segment towards the end, Celia shares personal preferences that reflect her personality and grace:

• Platform heels or sandal heels? Platform heels. [33:27]
• Hair or makeup? Hair. [33:52]
• Shopping online or in person? Online. [34:28]
• Reels or TikTok? Reels. [34:51]
• Swimsuit or gown? Swimsuit. [35:47]
• East coast or west coast? West coast. [35:50]
• Photo shoot or fashion show? Photo shoot. [36:07]

10. Closing Thoughts and Resources

Celia concludes the episode by directing listeners to her book and social media platforms. She emphasizes accessibility by offering her book at a discounted price on Amazon: “You can purchase it from Amazon for 99 cents.” Her dedication to making her story available ensures that her message of hope and transformation reaches a wide audience.

Notable Quote:

“I want to do that just so it's like people don't have an excuse not to buy it and they just get it in their hands.” – Celia [36:55]

Conclusion

Celia Anzelone Bowers' story is one of incredible resilience, transformation, and empowerment. From overcoming personal trauma and abuse to achieving success in pageantry and entrepreneurship, Celia embodies the essence of turning pain into power. Her unwavering commitment to helping others through her advocacy and writing serves as an inspiration to all listeners. The Miss Represented Podcast episode provides a comprehensive and moving account of Celia's journey, offering both inspiration and practical advice for those facing similar struggles.

Where to Follow Celia:

• Instagram: LoveWaitsForYou
• Book: You Are a Queen, Transform Your Pain into Power available on Amazon for 99 cents until the end of the year.

Join the Miss Represented community by subscribing to the podcast and stay tuned for more empowering stories from queens around the world.