Miss Netherlands Pageant Winner Makes History

Rikkie Valerie Kollé has made history as the first trans woman to win the Miss Netherlands pageant. Kollé, 22, will be representing the Netherlands at Miss Universe 2023 this December in El Salvador. Kollé will be the second trans woman ever to compete in Miss Universe after Spain’s Angela Ponce in 2018. "I DID IT!" the model said on an Instagram post. "Yes I'm trans and I want to share my story but I'm also Rikkie and that's what matters to me. And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me." Here are five things about Kollé and how the model lives life.

1. Dutch-Moluccan Descent

Kollé is from the city of Breda, and is of Dutch and Indigenous Moluccan descent. “As Miss Netherlands 2023, I want to be a voice and role model for all young women and queer people,” she says. “I know better than anyone what it's like to feel alone and not be surrounded by only positive thoughts. When I was little Rik and came out as transgender, it wasn't easy for everyone. I, too, went through it. Today I am stronger than ever before. Through my commitment, strength and as Miss Netherlands I hope to bring about change in society.”

2. Changing Her Name

Kollé went through gender-affirming surgery in January 2023, and says she changed her name from Rik to Rikkie at eleven years old. The Miss Universe competition has allowed trans women to compete since 2012. “This finalist has radiated throughout the show and has also made the greatest progress in the process. She has a strong story with a clear mission. The jury is convinced that the organization will enjoy working with this young woman. Miss Netherlands 2023 is… RIKKIE,” the Miss Netherlands official instagram account caption reads.

3. She’s In a Music Video

Kollé previously competed on Holland’s Next Top Model, and also starred in a music video. “A while ago I was able to work with even more beautiful people on the new music video of the new song Hide My Love,” she says. “By the super sweet and talented @itspaulmorris 🙏🏼 We really managed to do it, for me it's important that this kind of messages are also delivered to the Netherlands. Our LGBTQI+ community is already overcoming a lot, but as long as not everyone can be who they want to be, we will fight for our rights every day.”

4. The Future of Miss Universe

Anne Jakrajutatip is a Thai business mogul and transgender trans activist who bought the Miss Universe Organization in 2022. Jakrajutatip wants to make the competition more open and inclusive to people from all walks of life. "I don't call Miss Universe a beauty pageant anymore," they say. "I call it a women's empowerment competition."

5. A Role Model

Kollé is proud to be a role model for other young people. “Never forget that we can do this together, you’re not alone on this planet. Never stop dreaming of being your ultimate and confident YOU!” the model says. “Because YOU have to do it, you can and you will! I’m here for you and so proud. Never let someone tell you what’s good for you, because the only thing that matters is that you become the best version of yourself. No matter sexuality, gender or any other choices.”

From their disciplined workout regimes to holistic self-care routines, Miss Universe winners are known for their dedication to wellness and beauty. While their radiant appearances captivate audiences worldwide, the secrets behind their glow are often grounded in health, mindfulness, and self-love. Here we delve into the personal stories and unique regimens of these accomplished women. From current reigning queen R’bonney Gabriel to the trailblazing Lorraine Downes, each beauty reveals her approach to a balanced and vibrant life. Join us as we uncover the varied and inspiring journeys of these global icons.

1. R’bonney Gabriel

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Current reigning Miss Universe, R’bonney Gabriel shared some of her wellness secrets with Forbes. “I always start my day with a quick yoga session and a morning walk for cardio and hit the gym if one is available. I always look for meals that stay within my meal plan-which is oatmeal and eggs in the morning, shrimp and green beans for lunch, and salmon and asparagus for dinner. I do my best on finding meals similar to that without being too hard on myself if I am unable to stick to it. I usually allow myself to have 1-3 pieces of chocolate or caramel rice cakes in my purse to munch on anytime or anywhere.”

2. Olivia Culpo

Shutterstock

2012 Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo shared her skincare secrets with Byrdie. “I spend quite a bit of time at night on my skincare routine, and in the morning, I just apply an SPF. I am always trying out new products, so what I gravitate toward is often changing. At night, I usually use an oil and a serum. Right now, I love the Clarins Double Serum ($90). In the morning, I use a Vitamin C serum and an SPF, and, typically, I just rinse my skin with warm water instead of using a cleanser. It is something I swear by—it allows for the oils on my skin from sleeping to absorb naturally.”

3. Andrea Meza

Shutterstock

2020 Miss Universe, Andrea Meza, revealed on Instagram that she is working on living a healthier life. “It's been 6 weeks since I started a change in my life,” she wrote. “I had stopped exercising for about a year, I was weak, my body hurt constantly and I didn't feel like myself! Despite my crazy schedules, I committed to loving myself more and returning to what makes me happy. It's been 6 weeks training with @le.trainer and I'm super motivated, happy, I feel strong, I have a lot more energy and I'm going for more.”

4. Catriona Gray

Shutterstock

Catriona Gray won Miss Universe in 2018. She likes to eat healthy, and even cooks some of her own meals. Gray said in an interview, “I love to cook. Because you know exactly what’s going in your food. You can make it exactly how you like it.”

5. Pia Wurtzbach

Shutterstock

2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach makes sure to workout everyday. She tells Pep.PH, “If I can do it daily, I would. If the schedule permits, I do it every day. I try to do it in the morning, so then it's out of the way and I can continue on with my day. If not, then I'll do a few times a week, but definitely, I try to do it."

6. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Shutterstock

2017 Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters likes to do a variety of workouts. She shared what she typically does in a week with Us Weekly. “My week usually goes Monday, a leg workout in the gym; Tuesday, cardio — running in the park; Wednesday, abs and arms; Thursday, I work in some type of cardio, usually a boxing class; Friday, I do a full body workout at the gym; Saturday, a run in the park and Sunday rest!”

7. Natalie Glebova

Shutterstock

Natalie Glebova isn’t just a former Miss Universe, she’s also a writer and blogger. In this post, Glebova shared the importance of having a routine. “During times of uncertainty, the best thing you can do is follow a routine. Why? Because having a routine in place, makes our minds feel secure and safe. We are just programmed this way. If you are finding that your sleep is not as deep or restful as it used to be, try going to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time. This is really key! Sleep experts agree that you must implement a strict sleep/wake rhythm.”

8. Jennifer Hawkins

Don Arnold/WireImage

2004 Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins opened up about her diet to 9Honey. She says that she follows the 80/20 rule. “I just can't [eat healthily] all the time. It's so boring.” Hawkins also shared some of her favorite foods. "I eat a lot more fats now. I love eating coconut oil, olive oil, even butter. I have eggs, fried eggs. I have a lot of olive oil on that … I'll cook some spinach and put butter all over that, with salt and avocado.”

9. Harnaaz Sandhu

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

In an interview with The Indian Express, Harnaaz Sandhu talked about her struggles with her weight and confidence. “I was bullied for gaining weight. It was kind of uncomfortable and really surprising for me to see how people started having their opinions, which should not really matter. It’s not about how you look, it’s about who you are from inside and how you treat people and what you believe in.”

10. Iris Mittenaere

Shutterstock

2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere talked about her workouts in an interview with People. She says that she exercises regularly, even when she’s on the road. “When I travel, I try to work out before I go to bed,” she says. “I’ll do 10 minutes of abs one day and 10 minutes of butt the next day. There’s a lot of videos on YouTube, and I use 10 minutes to do one part of my body.”

11. Zozibini Tunzi

Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

2019 Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi likes to do Pilates to keep herself in shape. She shared this photo on Instagram of herself taking her first class. Tunzi captioned it, "This morning was so much fun! Feeling a little jetlagged, I went for a @pilateson7th class for a little rejuvenation. I did not expect Pilates to be so challenging, but so much fun!”

12. Leila Lopes

Shutterstock

Leila Lopes won Miss Universe in 2011. She revealed in the caption of this Instagram post that she works with a nutritionist and her approach to eating. “Thanks to my nutritionist @claramonteironutricionista for helping me keep in shape the best way possible.

Today I can say I don't diet, but I do choices. And I choose to eat healthy!!! Thank you for accompanying me to attend me at any time of the day. Thank you for teaching me to eat right because the benefits of my good diet are reflected not only in my shape but also in my hair and skin.”

13. Lara Dutta

Prodip Guha/Getty Images

In addition to being Miss Universe 2000, Lara Dutta is also an actress. She shared her wellness secrets in an interview with Vogue. “There are no shortcuts to a healthy life! You have to work at it, you have to enjoy it. For me, fitness is just one part of wellness—I find that to be a more holistic way to describe how I lead my life. Fitness is about a fit body, how you look and of course it improves your health. Wellness goes beyond this and is also about how you ‘feel' and how you think.”

14. Paulina Vega

Shutterstock

Paulina Vega works with trainer Juan Cubaque to help her stay in shape. Specifically, he helped her prep for the Miss Universe pageant. Cubaque opened up about Vega’s training process in an interview with Caracol television. "The preparation was a double day's work. One day of exercises in the morning and another at night, for 5 days a week. You can imagine the discipline and effort.”

15. Gabriela Isler

Shutterstock

Gabriela Isler has her own blog, where she talks about her life and wellness secrets. In this post, she wrote about dealing with negativity. “It is too exhausting to try to please the entire world, oh no! That paralyzes you, you lose your life trying to answer their questions; changing your plans and ideas so that others applaud them; wanting to live up to their expectations without being honest with your own; demanding you give answers that very few deserve; torturing yourself every night thinking that you are not enough, or that your talent and abilities have no value or space to shine in the eyes of others, etc.”

16. Ximena Navarrete

Shutterstock

Ximena Navarrete shared her skincare routine in an interview with Glamour. “It is important to be well hydrated, use sunscreen, remove makeup before going to sleep and of course have a product that is reliable and brings out the best in my skin. In my case, since I tried SENS by VIVRI, I won't change it for anything! It is essential for any woman to have a great ally who leaves her skin beautiful, healthy and young.”

17. Stefania Fernandez

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Stefania Fernandez opened up about her wellness routine after having her first child on Instagram. “I have been looking for moments of 20 minutes – 45 minutes to dedicate to my body, soul and spirit for two months – and I am grateful to get those spaces and draw strength sometimes where I don't have them, because as you know, my baby will soon be 4 months old. and even the late nights are hard. Every sacrifice is worth it. I am a faithful believer that a full mind, body and spirit also translates into giving the best to my baby, and if I give the best everything translates to a happy baby.”

18. Zuleyka Rivera

Sergi Alexander/Getty Images

Zuleyka Rivera won Miss Universe in 2006. She shared some of her beauty secrets in an interview. Rivera says that she’s all about self-love. "The most important thing is to love yourself, to have a fairly high self-esteem, to be able to look in the mirror and say 'I'm so happy with the person I am.’”

19. Sushmita Sen

Sujit Jaiswal/Getty Images

Sushmita Sen works with trainer Nupur Shikhare to help her stay in shape. Shikhare talked about working with Sen to Vogue. “What really characterises Sushmita Sen is her drive and enthusiasm for trying out new things. She is extremely clued into the latest workouts and I constantly have her coming up with new innovations that she'd like to incorporate into her regimen. She spends hours researching new techniques in minute detail, and often breaks them down and tries them out on her own to figure out how they work for her/”

20. Lorraine Downes

Michael Ng/Getty Images

In an interview with The New Zealand Herald, Lorraine Downes opened up about her self-care after losing her partner. “I choose to be happy, I choose to have joy in my life, I choose to find joy in my life…I believe that when you do that and you’re having that mindset, you will find it. That’s what I want, so I can keep enjoying life.”

Miss America winners are renowned for their striking beauty and graceful poise, but they are much more than just their appearances. Each one possesses unique stories, ambitions, challenges, and advocacies. From promoting clean energy and inclusivity to confronting skin issues and championing wellness routines, these women are embodiment of strength, resilience, and purpose. Dive in as we explore 20 extraordinary Miss America winners, discovering the depth and breadth of their passions, and understanding why they truly are an inspiration not just in America, but around the globe.

1. Grace Stanke

Shutterstock

Current reigning Miss America, Grace Stanke, talked about the organization and what her goals are to Wisconsin Public Radio. “There's a big difference in what the women are in the Miss America organization in comparison to any other organization. We're not afraid to speak out and speak not only on a national level but on a global level. We're promoting changes that are important and relevant in society. (With) America as a global leader, I don't see why Miss America shouldn't be. I'm excited to go into my year to promote clean energy for a cleaner future.”

2. Emma Broyles

Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Emma Broyles opened up about her past skin issues, how she takes care of them, and her dermatology goals to Health Digest. “I spent so much time kind of constructing this facade of this perfect girl who had no issues. And I felt like the second somebody saw that, they would know who I really am. And so, something that I did in my recovery process and the process that it took to finally overcome or get my dermatillomania under control was working with my dermatologist to first really clear my acne. And he was great. He was really patient with me, and he tried a bunch of different things. And then now, I've had the clearest skin I've ever had in my life. It's crazy. And I can't believe that it's all just because of the power of medicine and the knowledge of my dermatologist. I got really into looking at the ways that different medications, oral medications, play in with topical medications and retinols and gels and creams and moisturizers. And I really, really fell in love with skincare.”

3. Camille Schrier

Shutterstock

Camille Schrier told People that she didn’t want to enter Miss America until they removed the swimsuit competition. “I think that a lot of women in our world really struggle with body image and have had things that might qualify as an eating disorder and they might not even recognize it. And as someone who has struggled with body image and body positivity throughout my life, I didn’t ever want to put myself in a situation to be judged on my body.”

4. Nia Franklin

Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

During her reign, Nia Franklin was passionate about bringing arts programs to schools. “I have spoken with school administrators and children about the importance of a well-rounded education, which includes the arts,” she told The Power Thread. “Most recently I have led virtual masterclasses through my initiative, Compose Her. I started this initiative to uplift women in music, but really the goal is to make sure everyone is equally empowered.”

5. Savvy Shields

Shutterstock

Savvy Shields opened up about her wellness routine to About You Magazine. “I’m trying to reinforce the connection between what we’re eating and how we’re feeling,” she says. “Over time, it’s evolved into more of a quality-of-life issue rather than a weight-loss issue. It’s not just about working out, but making exercise a lifetime habit.”

6. Kira Kazantsev

Shutterstock

Kira Kazantsev opened up about her wellness routine to Naluda Magazine. “I do mobile workouts from my trainer Scott Keppel (Scott’s Training Systems) and I try and maintain a healthy (ish) diet with lots of lean proteins and greens. I do a lot of traveling so it’s important for me to be able to make a workout happen even if I don’t have access to a gym.”

7. Betty Cantrell

Shutterstock

Betty Cantrell talked about her diet during her pageant career and how it changed to People. “I was traveling all the time and I couldn’t always eat the healthiest option,” she says. “[But] it’s all about eating things in moderation. You can have some unhealthy things, but make sure you don’t do it all the time. I was careful about what I ate, and I tried to eat every three hours to keep my metabolism flowing.”

8. Nina Davuluri

Shutterstock

In 2013, Nina Davuluri became the first Indian-American to win Miss America. Not long after winning, she talked about this achievement to BET. “I'm so happy this organization has embraced diversity. I'm thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.”

9. Mallory Hagan

Donald Kravitz/Getty Images

Mallory Hagan is a supporter of the LGBTQ community, and sits on the Rocket City Pride committee. She shared this video on Instagram of herself doing an event with them. Hagan captioned it, “​​What a beautiful morning with @rocketcitypride at the Vincent Rutherford Equality March @downtownhsv!! We are so grateful to all of the friends, organizations, and companies that came out to participate and support. The future is #inclusion— that’s what our dreams are made of. 🏳️‍🌈🤍”

10. Laura Kaeppler

J Carter Rinaldi/FilmMagic

Laura Kaeppler likes to do barre workouts to keep herself in shape. She shared this video on Instagram of herself doing a session. Kaeppler captioned it, “The moment when you want to quit is the moment when you need to keep pushing. And believe me, I want to quit every time I workout at the #barre but @coachlombardi doesn't let me. Love ya G.”

11. Teresa Scanlan

Jonathan Leibson/FilmMagic

In 2014, Teresa Scanlan talked about her struggles with her diet in an interview. "I knew the importance of a healthy lifestyle but after my crowning, I lost focus. I was tired, sluggish and I was embarrassed because I felt like a hypocrite. My pageant platform promoted healthy eating initiatives so as a role model I needed to make a change but I didn't know where to begin." Scanlan says that she worked with ViSalus and did their fitness challenges, which led to her being known as a fitness role model.

12. Caressa Cameron

Mike Coppola/FilmMagic

In a 2014 interview with The Huffington Post, Caressa Cameron talked about her wellness routine. “Being mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy is critically important as a young woman. Finding the time to nurture all of those areas amidst our ambition, careers, school, volunteering, friendships and families can often be hard. The most important thing is to find the space where YOU are happy with you and not allowing society to dictate what you SHOULD look like. Side note: My husband loves my curves.”

13. Katie Stam

Donald Kravitz/Getty Images

Katie Stam is an avid chef. She shares a lot of her healthy recipes on Instagram. In this video, she makes a casserole with quinoa and chicken. Stam captioned it, “A healthy and delicious recipe the whole family can enjoy - Quinoa Chicken Casserole. Click the link in my bio to get the recipe from the experts at Inspiring Women.”

14. Kirsten Haglund

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Kirsten Haglund is a prominent activist for eating disorder prevention. She talked about her experiences with body image to Ask Garden Green Span. “In my darkest times, I used to think that taking care of myself was a sign of weakness, going soft. Once I left ballet slowly I realized that it takes a lot of strength to take tender loving care of myself, that’s about being more highly evolved.”

15. Ericka Dunlap

Donald Kravitz/Getty Images

Ericka Dunlap shares a lot of her wellness tips on Instagram. In this video, she revealed that she wants to get better at golf. “YOU are the secret sauce,” she wrote in the caption. “You just have to BELIEVE it! In what area of your life do you want to have more confidence?? 💪🏾✨ One for me…is my golf game ⛳️ I’m committed to improving my technique and playing more often, and at minimum going to the driving range once a week.”

16. Erica Harold

KMazur/WireImage

Erica Harold likes to walk to keep herself in shape. She also likes to speak out about causes that are important to her. In 2020, Harold revealed on Instagram that she participated in a charity run after the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. She captioned the post, “#RunWithMaud I walked 2.23 miles to the courthouse today because #AhmaudArbery deserves justice. #JusticeDelayedJusticeDenied #justiceforahmaud.”

17. Deidre Downs

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

In this Instagram post, Deidre Downs revealed that she wants to incorporate more exercise in her life. “Exercise with me in February! Looking for some lifehacks to help me stick with my exercise resolution for the New Year. For every day in February, I've decided I'm going to post what I'm doing to exercise that day. In addition to the rather visible accountability for myself, I'm also hoping you'll comment with your own exercise routine for that day, whether you also need some accountability or just want to share some fun ways you're staying on the move.”

18. Vanessa Williams

Shutterstock

Vanessa Williams shared one of her favorite skincare tips with First For Women. “I got turned on to the jade roller a year ago, and I love it! I use it each morning, rolling it up my chin and cheeks, over my forehead and under my eyes. It really does stimulate my skin, remove puffiness, and make me feel so refreshed!”

19. Katie Harman

Donald Kravitz/Getty Images

For her birthday, Katie Harman and her husband did a lot of outdoor workouts together. She shared this highlight video on Instagram, captioning it, “Sweet hubs arranged a terrific last-min getaway to an adorable cabin off Lake Tahoe so we grabbed Ty’s best buddy and off we went! Unseasonably cold/rainy weather couldn’t dampen our spirits nor the fun to be had tho. When swimming and lake time was off the agenda, we pivoted to the awesome Olympic village and rode the tram to the High Camp/Olympic Museum/Palisades ski park (off season is where it’s at people - perfect for hiking!) - we loved the 1960 Winter Olympic history and vibes! We’re already planning to return when the sun is shining and the lake is warm.”

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

Shutterstock

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

Mike Pont/WireImage

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

Shutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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

Amy Graves/Getty Images

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

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

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

Paras Griffin/Getty Images

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

Paras Griffin/Getty Images

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

Shutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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

Sean Zanni/Getty Images

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

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

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

Shutterstock

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

Shutterstock

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

Jason Mendez/Getty Images

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

Shutterstock

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.”

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.”