The Passion Witch Project Episode 9: Confidence is the Crown with Xanthi Russell, Miss New Hampshire 2025

Join me for this week’s episode where I sit down with Xanthi Russell, the current reigning Miss New Hampshire. Xanthi shares her vision of leadership rooted in passion, communication, and inspiration — and what it means to lead with both heart and clarity.

Xanthi reflects on redefining beauty as something that radiates from confidence and an internal sense of worth. She speaks openly about being labeled the “cute dumb friend” at a young age, and why it has been so important to her to challenge the idea that women must choose between being intelligent, driven, kind, or beautiful. For Xanthi, true leadership means refusing the box — and helping other women do the same.

We explore the power of holding your “why” close, the importance of sisterhood and reciprocity, and why looking for our similarities can help us come together rather than push each other apart. What does it mean to lead with confidence? How do we cultivate uplifting communities? And how can we stand fully in who we are — crown and all?

What gift are you ready to share with the world?

Find Xanthi on Instagram @missamericanh and visit https://missamerica.org to learn how this competition empowers women to rise, lead, and inspire.