Shanna Moakler Reflects On Growth In New Instagram Post

Actress mom, pageant queen opens up about evolving identity while embracing highs and lows

By Pratibha

Shanna Moakler opened up to fans this week with a candid Instagram post that shows her in a moment of quiet contemplation. The former beauty queen captioned a moody portrait, “Just here, slowly turning into who I’m meant to be. Some days it’s magic. Some days it’s a mess. #BothAreValid,” striking a chord with supporters.

Fans praised the authenticity, sharing messages about embracing change and finding balance. It’s not the first time Moakler has offered a glimpse into her evolving identity on social media. Last month, she channeled “dark glamour” with a vintage-inspired look, writing “Somewhere between Marilyn and Maleficent. #DarkGlamour ⚓👸🏼” to highlight her style transformation. And earlier this year, she looked back to her pageant roots during a throwback to her Miss Rhode Island Teen USA days, posting “Throwing it back to the days of big dreams, bigger hair, and even bigger shoulder pads.”

A Moment Of Reflection

At 48, Moakler’s journey from Miss Teen USA in 1992 and Miss New York USA in 1995 to actress, model, reality star, and entrepreneur has been anything but linear. According to her Wikipedia profile, she first gained national attention as the winner of Miss New York USA and as first runner-up at Miss USA, stepping into the crown when the winner claimed Miss Universe. Over the years, she has appeared on shows like Meet the Barkers and in films including Bubble Boy and The Price of Fame.

Her latest Instagram snapshot features a close-up shot against a neutral backdrop, her makeup soft but eyes bright with purpose. The simplicity of the image underlines her caption’s message: growth is messy and magical, and both states are valid.

Embracing The Journey

Shanna Moakler’s candid post arrives amid ongoing discussions about authenticity in the beauty and lifestyle space. On her feed, she often shifts between high-glamour editorials and real-life snapshots with her children, Alabama and Landon Barker. In a Mother’s Day tribute last May, she wrote, “To my own children: you are the greatest gift I’ve ever been given… grateful beyond words for all the love I get to give.”

On Father’s Day last year, she celebrated her partner, actor Greg Vaughan, praising his role as “dad, partner, protector, rock, and occasional dog whisperer.” These glimpses of family life balance her public persona as a former pageant queen and media personality.

From Pageant Queen To Reality Tv

Moakler’s transformation has also played out on screen. She and then-husband Travis Barker co-starred in MTV’s Meet the Barkers (2005–2006), giving viewers an inside look at their blended family. She later joined reality shows like Who Wants to Be a Superhero? and Celebrity Big Brother UK, continuously reinventing her image.

Her career evolution mirrors the message of her recent post: change is an ongoing process. In a 2023 interview with Us Weekly, she admitted that balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal branding can feel like “juggling flaming torches.” Fans appreciated her honesty, praising her for showing that perfection is overrated.

Fans Rally Behind Her

Under the latest post, comments poured in. One follower wrote, “Love seeing your journey, Shanna. The highs and lows make you who you are.” Another noted, “We all feel this. Thank you for being real.” The #BothAreValid tag sparked a series of posts from fans sharing their own “magic” and “mess” moments, turning Moakler’s reflection into a community conversation.

New Ventures Off-screen

In December, Moakler unveiled SMoak Management, a talent agency for influencers, creators, and models. On Instagram, she celebrated the launch with a bold announcement: “If you’ve got the talent, the drive, and the vibe—we’ve got the tools, tech, and team to elevate your empire,” tagging @smoakmgmt. With her eye for branding, she’s positioned the agency as a next step in her career reinvention.

Looking Ahead

As Shanna Moakler continues to share her personal milestones, from pageant throwbacks to new business ventures, one thing remains clear: she values the authentic moments as much as the glamorous ones. Her evolution—from teen pageant winner to reality star to business owner—is still unfolding, and her honest social updates remind fans that growth is a journey worth embracing in all its messy, magical glory.

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Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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