Most families pass down jewelry, recipes, or maybe a love for football.
But for one Texas family, it’s a crown. Literally.
Sadie Schiermeyer, 22, recently made history when she was crowned Miss Texas 2025—a title her mother, Arian Archer Orlando, had also won back in 1994.
With more than 30 years between their wins, this mother–daughter duo has now become the first in the pageant’s history to both hold the coveted crown.
But beyond the glamor and sashes, the pair are opening up about the reality of pageant life—from online criticism to changing beauty standards—and how their journeys have been both similar and worlds apart.
Facing the Heat on Social Media
Sadie may be Miss Texas, but even a crown doesn’t shield her from the harshness of social media.
“People can be really mean,” she said candidly.
“They assume you’re just a pretty face, or they say, ‘We should be celebrating smart girls instead.’” Sadie, who boasts a 4.0 GPA, doesn’t take that lightly.
“It’s frustrating because I worked hard to be here.”
She recounted one TikTok video that blew up for all the wrong reasons.
It racked up nearly nine million views, but most of the feedback focused on the color of her makeup.
“People said my foundation was too white,” she recalled.
The backlash led her to turn off comments and add a humorous edit: “Guys, I know my makeup is pale—the lighting and old tan got me!”
Arian’s Journey: No TikTok, Just Exhaustion
Back in the 90s, Arian Orlando didn’t have to deal with viral videos or trolls—but that didn’t mean the experience was easy.
“The highs were amazing,” she said. “Winning, getting scholarships, and traveling to promote my school program.
But I was completely exhausted.”
With three to four public appearances a day, and just 10 days off in an entire year, the schedule left her drained.
Sadie nodded in agreement, saying she’s already bracing herself for that level of fatigue—but feels lucky to have her mom as a guide.
Sisterhood Over Rivalry
Despite the intense competition, Sadie says one of her favorite parts of the pageant world is the camaraderie.
“I haven’t had bad experiences with the other girls,” she explained.
“Yes, it’s stressful, and yes, it’s a long week—but I think a bit of tension is normal in any high-stakes environment.”
Arian shared that her own experience wasn’t much different.
“There was some tension, but it never lasted. It’s just part of the competition.”
How Pageantry Has Changed Over the Decades
One of the most noticeable shifts, according to both women, is the beauty standard—and how social media has amplified it.
“Now the pressure is constant,” Arian said. “Girls feel like they have to post all the time.
Some are getting plastic surgery, Botox, fillers…”
She quickly added, “Luckily, this one,” pointing to Sadie, “hasn’t done any of that. She’s naturally beautiful.”
Even the style has evolved dramatically.
“Hair, makeup—it’s always changing,” Arian added.
But it’s not just aesthetics. The structure of the competition itself has also transformed.
Goodbye Swimsuit, Hello Fitness
In the 90s, talent was the main focus. Swimsuit and evening wear categories existed, but they weren’t weighted as heavily. That’s no longer the case.
Today’s Miss America competitions include five categories: private interview (30%), fitness (20%), talent (20%), evening wear (20%), and the on-stage question (10%).
In 2018, the swimsuit portion was officially dropped and replaced with a fitness segment—designed to promote health rather than physical appearance.
Contestants now wear athletic wear and showcase strength and energy rather than bikinis.
“It was a bit divisive,” Sadie admitted. “On one hand, it helps protect women from objectification, but on the other hand, the pageant did begin as a swimsuit contest celebrating the end of summer.”
Winning by Letting Go
Interestingly, both women agree that their wins came down to one key thing: relaxing and having fun.
Sadie teased her mom, saying, “The first year she competed, she came in 37th.”
Arian laughed, explaining that she hadn’t expected to make the finals the second time around.
“So when I did, I just enjoyed myself. I was having fun.”
That same mindset worked for Sadie this year.
“I told myself, either I’m going to win, or this will be a fun goodbye,” she said.
“Once I let go of the pressure, I felt free to be myself. I think that’s what made the difference.”
One Crown, Two Generations, and a Shared Legacy
As Miss Texas 2025 and Miss Texas 1994, Sadie and Arian aren’t just pageant royalty—they’re a symbol of legacy, resilience, and grace under pressure.
Their stories may span different eras, but their message is timeless: Be yourself, stay strong, and always remember to have fun—even when wearing a crown.