Emily Griffin: Turning Challenges Into Triumphs in the Journey to Mrs. Tennessee
In the heart of Gallatin, Tennessee, Emily Griffin is on a journey of transformation and purpose. A devoted mother to identical 10-month-old twin boys and a loving wife to her supportive husband—who humorously embraces the title “Mr. Gallatin”—Emily currently holds the title of Mrs. Gallatin and has her sights set on the crown of Mrs. Tennessee in April 2025.
Emily and her husband moved to Gallatin in 2019, a decision that would become a cornerstone of their journey. Emily’s path to this moment has been paved with resilience and determination. A Mississippi native, Emily graduated from Mississippi State University with a nursing degree and spent two years working in the ER at a Level 2 trauma center. In 2017, she relocated to Nashville, where she took on a demanding ICU role at St. Thomas Hospital. Despite her passion for nursing, the emotional toll and grueling third-shift hours left Emily yearning for balance.
A new chapter began when she accepted a position as a school nurse at Isaac Litton Middle School in Davidson County. “It was exactly what I needed,” Emily reflects. Her role allows her to care for all the children, but she speaks with particular admiration for two students with cerebral palsy, whose courage and intellect inspire her daily. “Watching their classmates treat them with such kindness reminds me of the goodness in the world,” she says, her blue eyes shining with emotion.
Emily’s journey to becoming Mrs. Gallatin began during one of the most challenging times of her life. After learning she was carrying mono-di twins—a high-risk pregnancy that brought anxiety and uncertainty—Emily delivered her boys prematurely at 33 weeks. Their subsequent four-week NICU stay was terrifying, but transformative.
During this time, Emily found herself needing something just for her—a way to reclaim her identity amid the whirlwind of motherhood. Inspired by her experience, she founded Bump to Bloom, a community for women navigating the complexities of fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum challenges. Currently active on Facebook and Instagram, Bump to Bloom aims to provide support and encouragement, with a website launch on the horizon.
Sitting in Black Elm Coffee on Gallatin’s charming square, Emily describes her pageant experience with a warmth that mirrors her mission. “This isn’t just about ball gowns and crowns,” she says. “It’s about community service and using this platform to create positive change.” We compared her responsibilities to an ice cream sundae, with community service as the bowl and ice cream, personal growth as the whipped cream, and the glitz and glam as just the cherry on top.
Emily is eager to get involved in the communities around her. Some readers may have seen Emily waving and smiling in the Gallatin Christmas Parade, where her warmth and enthusiasm were on full display. If you spot her out and about, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. Emily is a ray of sunshine with a beautiful soul, and everyone would be so lucky to get to meet her.
If you own a small business or run a non-profit, consider inviting her to host a meet-and-greet, partner with your organization, or join you on your social media channel. She’s passionate about building connections and uplifting others. And for moms with little girls who dream of being beauty queens, the Mrs. Tennessee pageant on April 27 in Sevierville could make for an unforgettable mother-daughter weekend getaway.
As she prepares for Mrs. Tennessee, Emily is grateful for the guidance of the current titleholder, who recently achieved the honor of being crowned Mrs. Tennessee. Emily’s ultimate goal is to inspire others to turn life’s challenges into opportunities.
“Being Mrs. Gallatin has been such a gift,” Emily says, her smile radiating gratitude. “If I can use this experience to uplift my community, then I’ve already won.”
Emily is beyond grateful that God has brought all of these gifts into her life. She believes He has blessed her in ways she could only imagine, and her faith continues to guide her journey.
With her unwavering spirit, Emily Griffin is a shining example of turning life’s lemons into lemonade. Her story is one of perseverance, purpose, and profound love—for her family, her community, God, and the future she’s working to build.
For appearance requests and partnership opportunities, Emily can be reached at emilykirklandgriffin@gmail.com.
