Melissa Sinkevics, now known as Melissa Hutchinson, is a celebrated former beauty queen and accomplished professional from Michigan. She rose to fame after being crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA in 1988, marking the beginning of a life filled with achievements in modeling, photography, and entrepreneurship.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Melissa is perhaps best known today as the proud mother of NFL star Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions’ dominant defensive end, and Aria Hutchinson, who earned the title of Miss Michigan USA 2022. Her story is a unique blend of personal dedication, family legacy, and professional success, making her one of Michigan’s most recognized figures both on and off the stage.
From gracing the runway to capturing memories behind the camera, Melissa’s journey highlights her versatility and unwavering commitment to her family, while continuing to inspire aspiring models, photographers, and pageant enthusiasts across the state.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melissa Sinkevics Hutchinson |
| Birthdate | July 13, 1972 |
| Age (2026) | 54 |
| Hometown | Dearborn Heights, Michigan |
| Titles | Miss Michigan Teen USA 1988 |
| Profession | Former Model, Photographer, Brand Ambassador |
| Business | Storybook Child Photography / Melissa Hutchinson Photography |
| Family | Husband: Chris Hutchinson (ER Physician) Children: Aidan Hutchinson (NFL Player), Aria Hutchinson (Miss Michigan USA 2022), Mia Hutchinson |
| Notable Work | Modeling for Ford Motor Company and Buck Company, Brand Ambassador for Savvi Clothing |
| Legacy | Influential figure in Michigan pageantry and modeling, role model for balancing career and family, supporter of children’s careers in sports and pageantry |
Early Life and Background
Melissa Sinkevics was born on July 13, 1972, in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, a vibrant suburb just outside Detroit. Growing up in a close-knit family, Melissa developed a strong sense of ambition and creativity from a young age, which would later shape both her professional and personal life.
She attended Divine Child High School in Dearborn, where she excelled academically while also exploring her passion for modeling and public appearances. Her time at Divine Child helped her build confidence and stage presence, skills that would become invaluable in her later pageantry career.
Melissa’s family had deep ties to Michigan, and she maintained a strong connection to her community throughout her youth. Before stepping into the spotlight as Miss Michigan Teen USA 1988, she was already recognized for her poise, charisma, and dedication to excellence—qualities that set the stage for her future success in modeling, photography, and entrepreneurship.
Pageantry Career
Melissa Sinkevics’ rise to fame began when she was crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA in 1988, representing Dearborn Heights on the national stage. This prestigious title highlighted her poise, confidence, and dedication, establishing her as one of Michigan’s notable pageant figures.
Michigan has had a moderate but meaningful presence in the Miss Teen USA pageant, with a total of ten placements over the years. Melissa’s win in 1988 marked an important milestone, inspiring future generations of young women from the state to pursue pageantry and leadership opportunities.
Her influence can be seen in her own family. Melissa’s daughter, Aria Hutchinson, followed in her mother’s footsteps, winning Miss Michigan USA 2022, while her extended family includes Jada Moylan, Miss Michigan Teen USA 2021. This continuity highlights Melissa’s lasting impact on Michigan pageantry and her dedication to mentoring and supporting young talent.
Throughout her pageantry career, Melissa shared the stage with many notable peers and left a lasting impression on the community. Her achievements in the pageant world not only opened doors for her modeling career but also created a legacy of elegance, confidence, and empowerment for young women in Michigan.
Modeling and Professional Career
After her success in pageantry, Melissa Sinkevics Hutchinson transitioned into a thriving modeling career. She worked with prominent brands such as Ford Motor Company and Buck Company, showcasing her versatility and poise on a professional platform. Her experience in front of the camera laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for visual arts.
Eventually, Melissa shifted her focus from modeling to photography, channeling her creativity behind the lens. She founded Storybook Child Photography, a studio dedicated to capturing memorable moments for children and families. Over the years, the studio evolved into Melissa Hutchinson Photography, earning a reputation for high-quality, heartfelt photography that combines professionalism with a personal touch.
In addition to her photography work, Melissa remains active in the fashion world as a brand ambassador for Savvi Clothing, blending her modeling expertise with her entrepreneurial spirit. Her career journey reflects a seamless transition from pageantry to modeling, photography, and brand collaborations, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to excellence across multiple industries.
Personal Life
Melissa Sinkevics married Chris Hutchinson, a former standout football player for the University of Michigan who later became an ER physician in Royal Oak, Michigan. Together, they have built a close-knit and supportive family in Dearborn, Michigan, raising three children: Aidan Hutchinson, Aria Hutchinson, and Mia Hutchinson.
Their son, Aidan Hutchinson, has become one of the NFL’s rising stars, playing as a defensive end for the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, daughter Aria Hutchinson followed her mother’s footsteps in pageantry, earning the title of Miss Michigan USA 2022, while Mia has pursued her own personal and academic interests.
Melissa has played a pivotal role in supporting her children’s achievements, balancing her professional career with her responsibilities as a mother. She is often seen cheering from the sidelines, mentoring, and providing guidance, emphasizing the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Aidan himself has credited his parents, particularly Melissa, for being his “support system since day one”, highlighting the family’s unwavering dedication to each other’s success.
Connection to NFL and Public Spotlight
As the mother of Aidan Hutchinson, Melissa Sinkevics Michigan has naturally found herself in the NFL spotlight alongside her son’s rise to stardom. Aidan has become one of the league’s most impactful defensive players since being selected No. 2 overall by the Detroit Lions in 2022, setting records and earning accolades early in his career including a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 and historic statistical marks for a young defensive end.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Football Achievements
Aidan quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s elite pass‑rushers, contributing high sack totals, interceptions, forced fumbles, and quarterback pressures for the Lions in his first seasons. He also set franchise marks and joined NFL history lists for his rare combination of sacks and turnovers as a defensive lineman.
In 2025, his career reached another milestone when he signed a four‑year contract extension worth $180 million, making him one of the highest‑paid non‑quarterbacks in the league — a moment celebrated not just by Lions fans, but by his family and followers.
Melissa’s Visibility During NFL Games
With Aidan’s success, Melissa has become a recognizable figure at games and draft events. She first captured widespread attention during the 2022 NFL Draft, documenting her son’s journey from college to the NFL with heartfelt social media posts about gratitude, family pride, and the surreal experience of watching Aidan take the next step.
At high‑profile matchups — like a televised Lions versus Ravens game — cameras frequently caught Melissa cheering in the stands, prompting buzz on social media about her presence and fan reactions online. Some fans even playfully dubbed her a standout “fan favorite” in her own right.
Family Support and Public Recognition
Aidan has openly acknowledged the importance of his family’s support throughout his career, crediting his parents and siblings for being a grounding force behind his success. During his rehab from injury and return to the field, sentimental moments like family‑made videos and gestures of encouragement were noted by media as key inspirations for him.
Although he tends to keep his comments focused on team goals and performance, the love and encouragement from Melissa and the rest of the Hutchinson family is widely recognized as part of Aidan’s story — both on and off the field.
Legacy and Influence
Melissa Sinkevics Michigan has left a lasting impact on both Michigan pageantry and modeling. Her win as Miss Michigan Teen USA 1988 not only opened doors for her own career but also inspired generations of young women in the state to pursue pageantry, modeling, and leadership opportunities with confidence and poise. Through her continued visibility in her children’s pageantry and sports achievements, her influence extends across multiple communities.
Beyond pageantry, Melissa has achieved entrepreneurial success through her photography business, Melissa Hutchinson Photography, and her collaborations as a brand ambassador for Savvi Clothing. She has shown how to turn passion into a professional career, blending creativity with business acumen while maintaining a strong personal brand.
FAQ;s
How old is Melissa Sinkevics Hutchinson in 2026?
Melissa Sinkevics Hutchinson was born on July 13, 1972, which makes her 54 years old in 2026.
Who are her children?
Melissa and Chris Hutchinson have three children:
- Aidan Hutchinson – NFL defensive end for the Detroit Lions
- Aria Hutchinson – Miss Michigan USA 2022
- Mia Hutchinson – pursuing personal and academic interests
What is her professional background?
Melissa began as a model, working with brands like Ford Motor Company and Buck Company, before transitioning into photography. She founded Storybook Child Photography, later renamed Melissa Hutchinson Photography, and is also a brand ambassador for Savvi Clothing.
Has she won any awards besides pageantry?
While Melissa is best known for her Miss Michigan Teen USA 1988 title, her professional recognition comes from her entrepreneurial success in photography and her ongoing influence in modeling, pageantry, and brand collaborations.
