Notes from a former beauty queen: Is Pageantry the Only Way to Glow Up?

As someone who has worn the crown, trained beauty queens, and now works with individuals seeking personal transformation, my answer is a wholehearted "no" — pageantry is not the only way to glow up.

That said, I won’t downplay the powerful journey that pageantry offers. As a former beauty queen and now a coach, I’ve seen first-hand how the process pushes people beyond their comfort zones. It demands courage, discipline, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth that is nothing short of inspiring. In a short span—or sometimes over years—contestants evolve from shy and unsure to poised, polished, and purposeful. The transformation is real. But it’s also not exclusive to the world of pageants.

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What Pageantry Really Demands

To understand the depth of this conversation, let’s take a quick look at what pageantry truly entails.

Beauty pageants aren’t just about walking beautifully in high heels and flashing a megawatt smile. Globally recognised competitions like Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International are platforms that reward women not just for their physical presence, but for their confidence, intelligence, advocacy, and social impact.

Each pageant has its own values:

Miss Universe focuses on confidence and the ability to be “confidently beautiful,” with a strong emphasis on public speaking and stage presence.

Miss World places higher weight on advocacy, community work, and talent.

Miss International leans towards cultural representation and promoting peace and understanding between nations.

In recent years, there has been a rise in pageants that embrace a wider spectrum of individuality and purpose. Titles like Miss Supranational, Miss Grand International, and Miss Aura International bring refreshing perspectives to the industry. These platforms often spotlight performance, storytelling, global ambassadorship, and even theatrical flair—broadening the idea of what it means to be a “queen.” Many newer pageants are also pushing boundaries by welcoming more diverse body types, backgrounds, and messages. This shift shows that the glow-up is no longer confined to one cookie-cutter mould—it’s about standing out for the values you embody and the voice you bring.

Yet despite the differences in format and focus, these pageants still demand a highly intentional presentation of self—from the way you dress, speak, walk, think, to how you engage with others. Behind the glitz and glamour, pageantry demands intense inner work: mastering your story, defining your purpose, and showing up consistently as the best version of yourself.

It’s one thing to know how to speak with confidence, walk with grace, or present yourself with charm. It’s another to become someone who does it effortlessly, as a natural expression of who you are. That’s the real glow-up.

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But Is a Pageant the Only Path?

Absolutely not.

Pageantry is a powerful accelerator—but it’s not the only road. And it certainly isn’t a must-have to become the best version of yourself. The transformation that pageants demand can be achieved through intentional self-work, consistent practice, and a willingness to show up for yourself every day.

You don’t need a crown to walk tall. You don’t need a panel of judges to validate your growth. You don’t need a title to advocate for something meaningful. You don’t need a stage to be seen or heard.

If you’re not someone who wants to compete—or perhaps you simply don’t resonate with the idea of being judged for your glow-up—it doesn’t make your journey any less powerful. You can still:

Learn to carry yourself with poise and purpose

Develop a signature style that speaks for you before you even say a word

Master the art of presence and influence

Work on your voice, your message, and your ability to communicate confidently

Build habits of grooming, wellness, and self-respect that elevate how you feel and how others respond to you

These are the same skills I teach in coaching—not just for pageant hopefuls, but for professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and everyday individuals who are simply ready to become more of who they truly are.

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So, What Do I Stand For?

I stand for people who seek confidence and want to make a difference in the space they occupy.

I stand for personal transformations—regardless of where you’re starting or where you want to go.

I stand for being better. Better for yourself, and better for the world.

Whether you walk a pageant stage or not, you deserve to glow. Not because someone crowned you queen—but because you chose to show up, do the work, and own your journey.

Let’s honour that. Pageant or not, you are a work in progress, and a masterpiece all at once.