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MISS EARTH USA
DANIELLE MULLINS
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
My early youth was spent living on a farm in Tennessee, where I learned to connect with animals and nature. I had a habit of finding rural stray cats and bringing them home! My mother was a school teacher for children with special needs, while my father worked at the local University. This environment taught my brother and I the value of hard work and family loyalty.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
It’s no secret that I love cats. I rescued my first cat when I was 3 years old. I spotted a calico stray cat and my grandfather said I could have it, only if I could catch the cat. He did not know how fast I was! Socks our first rescue cat, lived to be 20 years old.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
My family has deep roots to the history of America. My father’s side of the family includes Cherokee Native American roots. My mother’s family immigrated to the United States from Ireland via Ellis Island in 1929. The Mullins family name was forced to change to sound more American.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
Many people who see my blue eyes and dark brown hair do not know that I am actually a natural blonde! I’ve donated over 120 feet of blonde ponytails to children’s cancer charities.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
Travelers can always seek out public transportation when visiting new cities. Many cities offer trains, trolleys, bikes or segways. Take the segway tour in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf or jump on the subway in New York City! You’ll keep costs down and enjoy the beauty of America’s landscapes while minimizing your impact on the environment.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
The natural beauty of the United States is a sight to be seen! The United States boasts a wide range of natural landscapes, from 63 stunning national parks like the Statue of Liberty in New York, to 8,436 miles of picturesque coastlines in the state of Florida. My favorite viewpoints are the historic lighthouses of Maine in the Northeastern United States and 1.1 million acres of horse farms in my home state of Kentucky.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
Wildlife conservation is my advocacy. I am proud to be an Ambassador of Wands for Wildlife, repurposing beauty tools to provide medical aid to wildlife. As a professional in the beauty industry, it’s important to me to advocate for wildlife protection through use of vegan and cruelty free products, recycling beauty tools, limiting waste, and using clean ingredients.