Mackenzie Schutt is not your average Columbus resident — she wears the crown and holds the title of Miss Ohio USA.

Before she passes the crown to the next winner in May, Schutt reflected on her journey in the pageant world.

"I've been a model and an athlete most of my life," Schutt explained. "I loved that this competition brought both elements together. I love challenging myself both physically and mentally, and then also putting on a show and doing something out of my normal everyday life. I'm a personal trainer, so getting glammed up and walking on a runway is totally different than what I'm doing in my daily life."

Schutt repped Ohio in the Miss USA pageant. | Photo by Jeremy Eastmond

After winning the Miss Ohio USA title, Schutt went on to compete for Miss USA.

"To be one of the 51 girls there was the coolest feeling," she explained. "It was a great 12 days, and we had so much fun. It's so cool to say that I have a friend in every state now."

The pageant queen has made the most of her experience, taking advantage of every opportunity it has brought her.

Charity work is an important part of Schutt's life. | Photo by Mackenzie Schutt

"I got to be the honorary captain at the Cincinnati Reds game," Schutt reflected. "I've also been able to dive into a lot of charities that are local to Columbus — the Make a Wish Ohio Chapter, the Worthington Resource Pantry, and NC4K, which is a children's cancer organization. I hope to be able to continue my work with them."

Schutt is a personal trainer is her daily life, and will continue this after her Miss Ohio USA title ends.

"I am a fitness enthusiast and I own my own business called Mack's Fit," Schutt told us. "I am located in the Westerville and New Albany area, but I also train virtually and create programs for people."