Danyele Gardner of Lexington is a mother, wife, business owner, and now, pageant queen.
The 35-year-old mother of two was crowned Mrs. South Carolina America in a competition last weekend, and will compete for the national title next year.
“I’ve competed in pageants most of my life and wasn’t ready to close this chapter in my book,” said Gardner in an email Tuesday.
Gardner runs the South Carolina Dance Company studio in Lexington and also works as a dental hygienist and teaches dance fitness at Gold’s Gym.
She said she also has created a dancewear line, and helps children with financial issues, disabilities and special needs get the opportunity to dance through a program called Brandon’s Beat.
Now she’ll have to schedule public appearances over the next few months before heading to the national pageant in the spring.
Gardner’s husband, Jonathan, and two children, Jon David, 6, and Jonah, 23 months, celebrated with the winner onstage.
From Staff Reports