Former Miss USA Asya Branch Shares Swimsuit Photo From Pageant Victory

Miss USA 2020 Asya Branch is looking fondly back on the time she was crowned Miss Mississippi in 2018, posting throwback pictures of the victory. Branch, 25, shared images of herself on stage, posing in a black bikini and overcome with joy after being crowned the winner. “It’s crazy to think that it’s been 5 years since I was crowned Miss Mississippi! What a life changing experience that was; I am forever grateful to every single person that poured into me and played a role in my journey to becoming Miss Mississippi as well as those who supported me throughout that year and beyond,” she captioned the post. Here’s how Branch has been building success upon success since her win.

1. Ankle Weights

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Branch travels with dumbbells and ankle weights so she can work out wherever she is. “I do these crunches where my torso is pretty much twisted, with my legs to the side,” she says, adding that she does 100 repetitions in the mornings and afternoons. “It really helps tighten the obliques without getting them wider, which helps give the illusion of a cinched waist.”

2. No To Cardio

Branch admits to having a strong dislike for any sort of cardio workout. “I have ran the stairs a couple of times [in the apartment building], but then I realized I’ve always hated cardio,” she says. “And so then I was like, that was not the right move. I do my ab workouts. I have some dumbbells. I’m just trying to stay on track, but I’m not going to lie, I have good genetics! I eat pretty clean, naturally, but I do order in…”

3. She Loves To Sing

Branch is passionate about music, singing, and performing (no wonder she won Miss USA!). "I've honestly been singing since I could speak," she says. "When I was younger, I called myself mini Beyoncé. My family really had me up about it. It's just where I find my joy. The arts, music—it's what truly makes me happy, and I feel like music can get you through anything."

4. Skin and Hair Care Secrets

Branch takes good care of her skin and hair, focusing on cleanliness and hydration. “My skin is typically my number-one priority; I think having a smooth canvas without makeup just helps all around,” she says. “You will be able to go barefaced and feel truly confident. “I get a couple of blemishes here and there and I treat them, but I really just focus on always washing my makeup off, and keeping my skin cleansed and hydrated. I silk wrap [my hair] it every night before bed and I like to keep it hydrated with oils. I currently have a Brazilian Blowout which helps keep my hair smooth and sleek, especially in this southern humidity.”

5. Black Girl Magic

Branch says winning Miss USA gave her a huge confidence boost. “[My] swag maybe went up a notch or two,” she says. “I will definitely say [the win] helped my self-esteem and confidence. I may have a little more swag in my walk. I just describe my black girl magic as just being real. I think that everything I’ve been through has been real and has been relatable. So I’ll be able to share that with the world. It’s inspiring to myself to break through these barriers; it’s real and it’s me.”

Indian model Manushi Chhillar is having the time of her life on vacation in the beautiful Maldives. Chhillar, 26, shared pictures of herself wearing a lime-green swimsuit while paddleboarding on the ocean (or at least, enjoying the ocean while someone else did the work). “Passenger Princess,” she jokingly captioned the Instagram post. Chhillar’s work and career have gone from strength to strength since winning Miss World in 2017—here’s how she does it.

1. Miss World 2017

Chhillar won Miss World in 2017, and the event that changed her life. “It opened my eyes to the fact that we are all our own kind of beautiful,” she says. “We are embracing a notion of inclusivity and moving forward with how beauty doesn't have to fit into a box or conform to society's standards… My definition of beauty is taking care of yourself and being confident in who you are. My perception of beauty has always been that people who are unapologetically themselves are beautiful.”

2. Fitness and Beauty

Chhillar knows how important fitness is for both looks and health. “Fitness and beauty obviously go hand in hand,” she says. “Fitness is self-care and people who take of themselves and invest in their health whether it’s a lifestyle, physical fitness, nutrition or mental health are truly on the path to holistic beauty. I think any form of exercise; especially yoga is great for your skin and hair. It helps increase blood flow, regulates circulation and releases good hormones. Being healthy on the inside will ensure you’re beautiful on the outside too!”

3. Beauty Pageant Experience

Chhillar has no regrets about her beauty pageant experience. “There has always been a debate about whether beauty pageants should exist,” she says. “At the end of the day, we should not take them as seriously. I was just a student and today, I am getting to chase opportunities I didn’t even think were a possibility. For me, it has been an opportunity, a platform. The whole experience of working, competing, the kind of women you meet and the kind of exposure that you get, it changes you. You grow, you learn so much.”

4. Supportive Family

Chhillar comes from a daily of doctors who were very supportive of her dreams. “I think they have encouraged me the most,” she says. “I remember telling my mom I have to audition to apply for the pageant and she was like, ‘Oh my god, we need to find you a dress, find you a nice pair of heels to do this’. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders. And the fact that I’ve been able to do all this is actually because they’ve been there. Even when I decided to let go of college and pursue a career in acting, they were supportive and gave me reassurance.”

5. Skincare Secret

Chhillar believes in a holistic approach to health and beauty. “I don’t think this is a secret, but my number one mantra is having a good lifestyle and that includes a balanced routine of healthy food and exercise coupled with de-stressing activities to ensure I’m taking care of my mental and emotional health – all this culminates into giving me good skin,” she says. “Good skincare is important because that becomes the base on which you apply makeup. If your skin is inherently good – makeup always looks better.”

Throughout history, the title of Miss USA has been bestowed upon a plethora of remarkable women who shine not only in beauty but also in intelligence, drive, and purpose. These women have used their platforms to voice concerns, share personal stories, and inspire many. From breaking stereotypes, advocating for mental health, standing up against bullying, to sharing their unique beauty and wellness routines, every Miss USA titleholder has a story to tell. Here, we delve into the unique journeys of 20 amazing bodies and minds of Miss USA winners, highlighting their personal struggles, triumphs, and the messages they hold dear to their hearts.

1. Nana Meriwether

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In addition to being Miss USA, Nana Meriwether was also a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Search finalist. She shared her reasons for wanting to enter on the publication’s website. “Hardly any funding ever goes to women-led businesses, even though on average, companies built by women generate greater revenue and higher returns on investment over five years versus brands built by men. In fact, only 2% of venture capital goes to women and less than 1% to African American women. Hardly any funding ever goes to women-led businesses, even though on average, companies built by women generate greater revenue and higher returns on investment over five years versus brands built by men. In fact, only 2% of venture capital goes to women and less than 1% to African American women.”

2. Erin Brady

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After winning Miss USA in 2013, Erin Brady shared some of her fashion and confidence tips with the CT Post. “Wear clothes that flatter your figure. It's not about being stick thin. It's about being comfortable and confident. If you walk out wearing a paper bag, but you wear it well and proudly, people will look at you and say `Wow, that looks great on you.' "

3. Alyssa Campanella

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In a post on her website, Alyssa Campanella opened up about the brutal cyberbullying and body-shaming she experienced in both the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. She says that it led to her having insecurities, and encouraged people to be kind to others. “Words can linger with people for years. Decades. For the rest of their lives. I’m sure someone will try to argue and say you can at least delete social media comments, but that doesn’t change the fact that the words were still said. As we navigate the ups and downs of the ever-changing internet, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that there’s another human being behind that screen – a human being with feelings. We’re not robots. If you wouldn’t want someone saying certain things to you, you shouldn’t say it to someone else.”

4. Sarah Rose Summers

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Sarah Rose Summers opened up about the process to competing in pageants in a post on her website. “I always dreamt of competing at Miss USA as Miss Nebraska USA and knew that I must have a healthy relationship with food and fitness before that day came. In college, I also wanted to have a strong established group of friends prior to competing. Heck, I also wanted to be a typical college student - we all know most social gatherings are around food or drinks. I competed in Miss Nebraska USA for the first time my junior year of college. I was already teaching Lagree Fitness, a reformer pilates class, and loved taking classes at a new cycling studio in town. I did not pause my social life, nor did I change my workouts or diet until about a week prior, I also got my dress the week of the pageant (you could say I knew it was a trial run). But you know what, I felt confident in my body on that stage and was proud I did not completely restrict myself.”

5. Olivia Jordan

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Prior to competing in the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, Olivia Jordan shared how she prepared with Cosmopolitan. She said that meditation is something she had been doing. “I have my meditation on my phone. It's the balance of all the craziness of this world, and finding the quiet moments to reconnect with yourself and stay true to yourself. You don't want to get wrapped up in all of the hoopla of Vegas and the competition, and lose your serenity during your time here. When you get to the final stage, you need to be stress-free and enjoy the moment.”

6. Rachel Smith

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In addition to winning Miss USA, Rachel Smith is also a TV host and correspondent. She revealed in this Instagram post that she likes to go whitewater rafting with friends. Smith captioned the post, “Laughed my way down the Ocoee River @mikeweed14! His faces are 💯!!! 😭The ultimate day out on the water with a lovely family we met. Thanks to our new friends Becky, Jason, Colton, our group leader Bryan, and the entire Outland Expedition team for such a memorable day!”

7. Kristen Dalton

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After winning Miss USA, Kristen Dalton started working as a life and pageant coach. She shares a lot of her advice on Instagram. In this post, she talked about how she builds social confidence. “When I first moved to LA, I felt inferior and nervous going to events,” Dalton wrote in the caption. “I had just wrapped my title as Miss USA, where I went to appearances and professionally socialized every day. Where was this coming from? Even small group settings made me uncomfortable. They still do sometimes! A mindset shift from lacking to flowing is the key to get us out of those nerves. I hope these declarations help remind you of the TRUTH when you need it. You deserve to walk in the room and know you’re meant to be there.”

8. Crystle Stewart

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Crystle Stewart is all about supporting mental health. She has her own foundation and MISS Academy to help other women. “I founded The Crystle Stewart Foundation for this very reason,” she said to Los Angeles Magazine. “I did not want young women to not be able to access these resources due to financial reasons. As such, The Crystle Stewart Foundation can offset the costs for young women who are at a financial disadvantage.”

9. Nia Sanchez

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After winning Miss USA in 2014, Nia Sanchez shared her secrets for staying healthy on the road to Racked Las Vegas. “I had an amazing trainer before Miss USA, Bomb Shell Fitness, and now that I am on the road so much, I do quick little workouts that I can do in my hotel room. I try to always get my blood flowing and pumping every day. When I travel, I always pack snacks in my purse. My favorite go to snack would have to be quest bars! They are high in protein and fiber, so they keep me full and energized throughout the day!”

10. Deshauna Barber

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Deshauna Barber shared some of her wellness tips with USA Today. "I drink a lot of water. I try to push people to drink two and a half liters of water at minimum a day. It’s good for cleansing your pores, getting the sweat out, and that cleansing prevents (facial) bumps."

11. Kara McCullough

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Kara McCullough likes to go outside to keep herself in shape. Specifically, she enjoys hiking. McCullough shared this video of herself hiking in Horseshoe Bend. She captioned the post, “Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona, United States.”

12. Kenya Moore

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Before she starred on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kenya Moore was known as a Miss USA titleholder. She shared some of her skincare tips and favorite products with E! News. Moore says that makeup wipes are very important. "For me, I do have a breakout. It's usually caused by not cleaning my makeup off from the end of the day. I have to make sure to clean the makeup off my face nightly. I think it's important to let your skin breathe. What I love about these Neutrogena wipes is that that keep me from breaking out and they prevent me from forgetting to clean my face. These. Are. A. Lifesaver."

13. Ali Landry

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In addition to being Miss USA, Ali Landry is an actress, TV host, and blogger. In this post, she revealed her favorite at-home workouts. “I put together a simple fitness kit with my basics that I use to elevate my workouts in the most powerful way. Each fitness tool is purposeful, even my wardrobe choices. Creating a space in the corner of my bedroom where I can keep everything neatly in a basket has made a huge difference with my mindset. I have everything ready and there is no thinking. Anytime I can give myself the gift of thirty minutes, I’m ready to jump right in and I don’t give the space to talk myself out of it.”

14. Morgan Romano

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A cause that current reigning Miss USA, Morgan Romano, is passionate about is getting girls involved in STEM. She shared her thoughts on this in an interview. "I think the way that we bring that number to 50% girls is to start at a younger age. And to start getting girls involved before the age of five. Another statistic shows that if a girl is not introduced to Stem by age 5, 97 percent of the time, they will not pursue a career in STEM.”

15. Asya Branch

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Asya Branch shared how she prepped for the 2021 Miss Universe competition with HollywoodLife. “I have ran the stairs a couple of times [in the apartment building], but then I realized I’ve always hated cardio. And so then I was like, that was not the right move. I do my ab workouts. I have some dumbbells. I’m just trying to stay on track, but I’m not going to lie, I have good genetics!”

16. Elle Smith

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Elle Smith shared her secrets for keeping her skin pageant-ready with Ebony.com. “For my skincare, I always begin by cleansing my face with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser. It’s a really gentle exfoliator so my skin always feels soft yet hydrated afterward. After cleansing, I follow up with The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid. It’s really lightweight and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky. Afterwards, I use the SeneGence SeneDerm DayTime Moisturizer to make sure I have a clean canvas for my makeup.”

17. Rima Fakih

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In an interview with Maxim, Rima Fakih talked about being an Arab-American in the public eye. “I am very proud of who I am and where I came from. I encourage everyone to feel the same. It is a great thing to stand out versus fit in. I was honored and truly grateful to be a girl who escaped the war in the Middle East, survived living in the hood, grew up poor and made it this far. I wanted to show any girl that anything is possible.”

18. Susie Castillo

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Susie Castillo has remained in the public eye since winning Miss USA in 2003. Notably, she worked as a VJ on MTV. One thing Castillo likes to do is go hiking. She shared these photos on Instagram of herself on the rocks. Castillo captioned the post, “Shoutout to @matthewgleslie for making me look like a badass hiker in the 1st two photos🫶🏻3rd photo is the reality where I show the world that I’m actually a chicken sh*t.”

19. R’Bonney Gabriel

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R’Bonney Gabriel shared some of her favorite wellness secrets in an interview with Forbes. She says that she takes a lot of supplements. “Tumeric wellness shot when my sinuses are acting up! If I'm starting to feel sick, I bake a whole clove of garlic and eat it quickly to boost my immune system, and I, actually, love the way it tastes. I also take a daily women's multivitamin and vitamin D in the morning, and complete my day with magnesium citrate in the evening.”

20. Olivia Culpo

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In an interview with Byrdie, Olivia Culpo talked about her skincare routine. She says that she has changed her approach to beauty recently. “The past year put so much into perspective for me and really forced me to slow down. Beauty truly starts from within, and implementing meditation and journaling in my daily routine has truly changed my life. I find that when I am my most centered, my entire body is at ease, including my skin.”