Welcome to Shining S.C.A.R.S.

Shining S.C.A.R.S. Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that was founded by Krystian Leonard at the age of 15. She has worked hard in her community of West Virginia to fund and contribute donations of her children’s book totaling over 5,000 copies worldwide in collaboration with the nonprofit group, Cuddles for Clefts.

Our founder has been recognized by numerous organizations for her kindness including most recently as a 2021 Diana Award recipient. Krystian’s dream for Shining S.C.A.R.S. to be recognized globally is now a reality, and we are excited to see how many more children will be positively impacted in the years to come.

Growing up Krystian experienced first-hand the trials and self-esteem issues associated with visible scars. Bullied and taunted, she found the strength she needed to overcome her self-image and decided at the age of 14 to make a change in how she perceived herself. One year later she entered in her first preliminary teen pageant.

As part of her application, Krystian was to choose a platform for which she would become an advocate. She wanted to choose a platform that she could be passionate about, and thus Shining S.C.A.R.S. was born. Krystian achieved her dream to represent all girls and women who are perfectly imperfect at Miss USA 2022 as Miss West Virginia 2022, proving that one of Krystian’s sayings…“believe in your inner star and you will go far”!

Krystian continues to prove that she is more than the stigmas left by her scars and bullies, and has made it her life's mission to help others heal so they, too, can say “No matter what my scars say to you, they hold a meaning of Strength and Character, showing I have accepted who I am and prove I can Rise above the Stigma of my scars.”

We love receiving gratitude!

“Krystian, I just want to personally thank you for what you are doing and for your beautiful book Shining Scars.”

“The world is always brighter and a lot more blessed when people like you share your love and talent! God bless!”