A Night of Grace and Glory: Les Olson Jewelers Celebrates Miss USA and Miss Teen

Les Olson Jewelers Honored to Sponsor Crown Pendants and the New Chelsi Smith Miss Congeniality Award

 
What an unforgettable evening! On October 23rd and 24th at the stunning Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, the Les Olson Jewelers family was thrilled to be part of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant, witnessing history as two remarkable young women were crowned and a beautiful new tradition was born.

Celebrating Our New Queens

We were honored to present custom crown pendants to our newly crowned winners:

Miss USA 2025: Nebraska's Audrey Eckert has been named Miss USA 2025, bringing a unique blend of digital expertise and global advocacy to the crown. At 23, she works in social media and marketing while maintaining an active coaching career in the competitive cheer world.

What distinguishes Audrey is her commitment to youth empowerment through technology. She founded the Digital Safety Ambassador Program, an initiative that equips more than 500 young people weekly with the skills to use social media responsibly and purposefully. Her global perspective extends to her partnership with a fashion brand focused on human rights, where she collaborates with artisan communities in Thailand to demonstrate how the fashion industry can drive social progress.

Her pageant experience runs deep—she previously competed at Miss Teen USA 2020, where she finished as 3rd Runner Up. Her decision to return to competition years later reflects the maturity and dedication she's developed since her teenage years.

Audrey credits her Nebraska upbringing with instilling the qualities that define her approach: resilience, sophistication, and quiet determination. As Miss USA, she's focused on three key areas: protecting young people online, advancing mental health awareness, and encouraging thoughtful leadership. Her philosophy centers on transforming visibility into meaningful action rather than simply building a following.

On November 21, 2025, Audrey will take the international stage at the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand, representing American values while pursuing her mission to safeguard and inspire the next generation.

Miss Teen USA 2025: Mailyn Marsh, a 17-year-old from Missouri, has earned the Miss Teen USA 2025 title while still attending Ozark High School. Her accomplishments extend well beyond academics and competition—she created Keep Girls In School, a program addressing menstrual equity by distributing hundreds of hygiene products to Missouri students who need them.

Her interests span multiple areas: she's trained extensively in hunter-jumper equestrian disciplines, advocates for environmentally conscious fashion choices, and encourages young people to shop ethically while building self-confidence. Personal experience with skincare challenges has inspired her career aspirations in dermatology, where she hopes to help others navigate similar journeys.

Mailyn's approach combines compassion with determination, and she demonstrates that authenticity and personal values can coexist with ambition and achievement.

Honoring Chelsi Smith's Legacy: The New Miss Congeniality Award

This year marked a special milestone with the introduction of the Chelsi Smith Miss Congeniality Award—and Les Olson Jewelers was deeply honored to sponsor this meaningful recognition.

Who Was Chelsi Smith?

Chelsi Smith was a trailblazing beauty queen who made history in 1995 when she won Miss Texas USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe all in the same year—becoming the first Black woman to win both Miss USA and Miss Universe, a feat that had never been accomplished before. Born in Redwood City, California, and raised in Deer Park, Texas, Chelsi broke barriers and inspired generations of young women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Beyond her beauty and grace, Chelsi was known for her warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel valued and seen. Her congeniality wasn't just a characteristic—it was her legacy. Chelsi used her platform to advocate for others and spread positivity wherever she went.

Tragically, Chelsi passed away in 2018 at the age of 45 after a battle with liver cancer. Her impact on the pageant world and beyond continues to resonate, and this new award ensures that her spirit of kindness and grace will be celebrated for years to come.

The Inaugural Chelsi Smith Award Winners

We were moved to present this prestigious new award to two exceptional contestants who embody Chelsi's spirit of warmth, grace, and genuine kindness:

Miss Delaware USA: Tetra Shaylice Shockley captured hearts with her authentic spirit and the way she uplifted every contestant around her. Her genuine warmth and encouragement made her a natural choice for this honor.

Miss Iowa Teen USA: Charlotte Lange demonstrated maturity beyond her years, showing compassion and friendship to her fellow contestants throughout the competition. Her positive energy and supportive nature perfectly reflect the values Chelsi Smith championed.

Both women received custom jewelry pieces from Les Olson Jewelers, created to honor their kindness and the legacy of Chelsi Smith.

Our Commitment to Excellence and Community

At Les Olson Jewelers, we've always believed that jewelry represents life's most precious moments. Being part of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant allows us to celebrate achievement, grace, and the power of dreams realized.

As a family-owned jewelry store in Palm Harbor, Florida, we understand the importance of community, tradition, and recognizing excellence. Sponsoring these crown pendants and the Chelsi Smith Miss Congeniality Award is more than a business decision—it's a reflection of our values.

These young women wear their crowns with dignity, purpose, and heart. And we're honored that a piece of Les Olson Jewelers' artistry will accompany them on their journey ahead.

Crafting Memories That Last a Lifetime

Just as these contestants have worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams, our master jewelers pour passion and expertise into every piece we create. Whether it's a custom crown pendant for a national titleholder or an engagement ring for a Palm Harbor couple, we approach each creation with the same dedication to excellence.

From custom jewelry design to heirloom restoration, Les Olson Jewelers has been helping families celebrate their most meaningful moments for years. We're "Artists at Play," and we believe every piece of jewelry should tell a story.

Congratulations to All Contestants

To every young woman who stepped on that stage—you are all winners. Your courage, preparation, and grace inspire us. Thank you for allowing Les Olson Jewelers to be part of your special night.

To Audrey, Mailyn, Tetra, and Charlotte—may your crowns and pendants serve as beautiful reminders of this achievement and the incredible journeys still ahead of you.

 Learn more about Miss USA and Miss Teen USA https://www.thenextmissusa.com/

Visit Les Olson Jewelers
1210 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
LesOlsonJewelers.com
Follow us: @LesOlsonJewelers

Ready to create your own meaningful jewelry? Whether you're celebrating an engagement, anniversary, or life milestone, our family is here to help yours. Visit our Palm Harbor showroom today.