At 38 years old, Abbey Cheek wears many hats. A proud Texan, devoted fire wife, mom of three, creative storyteller, and multi-hyphenate artist, she might be found behind a camera, creating makeup magic on set, standing on a pageant stage, or cheering from a hockey rink in the middle of a Texas summer. Through it all, she believes the best way to wear a crown is by helping others shine.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Fine Art Photography, Abbey’s creative journey began with a camera in her hands and a fascination for capturing emotion in a single frame. That passion eventually led her to Los Angeles, where she built a career as a professional makeup artist for film and television. Working in the entertainment industry deepened her understanding of transformation, not just in appearance, but in confidence, identity, and self-expression.

After returning home to Texas, Abbey combined her love of beauty and art as a licensed esthetician, professional makeup artist, and fine art photographer. She helped others feel confident while creating timeless portraits using 1800s photographic techniques.

For more than 15 years, Abbey has been immersed in the pageant world in nearly every role imaginable, as a contestant, pageant mom, judge, director, co-director, royalty coordinator, and mentor. Each perspective has shaped her belief that pageantry is not defined by crowns or titles, but by the confidence it builds, the friendships it creates, and the lives it impacts long after the stage lights fade.

Abbey is also the co-founder of Elliott’s Evolution, a nonprofit created in honor of her late brother, Spencer Elliott. Through this organization, she helps provide beach wheelchairs, beach mats, and adaptive recreation equipment, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can experience the joy and freedom of the beach. What began as a personal mission has grown into a lifelong commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and dignity for all.

One of Abbey’s favorite memories from Internationals wasn’t a crowning moment, but something quieter and more meaningful watching women who began the week as strangers leave as lifelong friends. She was moved by the way contestants celebrated one another, offered encouragement backstage, and genuinely rooted for each other’s success. In those moments, she saw the true heart of International United Miss: connection, compassion, and community.

As National United Miss, Abbey is honored to represent Texas while serving a title that reflects her deepest values. Over the coming year, she looks forward to traveling, mentoring, and celebrating contestants across the country. Her goal is simple but intentional: to ensure every woman she meets feels seen, valued, and empowered. If each contestant leaves her experience believing in herself just a little more than she did before, Abbey will consider her reign a success!