DEEPMALA DHAKAL
At 23, Deepmala Dhakal is balancing finance, fashion and fierce purpose with effortless ease. A first-generation Nepali Hong Konger, she began her career as an Investment Strategist at BlackRock while building a parallel life as a TED speaker, multilingual emcee and guest lecturer across Hong Kong and Nepal.
A taekwondo player, marathoner and runway model, Deepmala blends discipline with glamour. Recognised at the Fashionfare Awards Nepal 2025 and named on the HKSAR Diversity List 2024, she has also served as a United Nations Millennium Fellow, championing socio economic change.
Now Miss Nepal Hong Kong International 2026, she is set to represent the diaspora at Miss Nepal 2026, proving that ambition rooted in community is the most powerful crown of all. In this segment of WOW, Deepmala talks about what makes her life beautiful.
What makes a person beautiful
Most of all, the love they give to others.
What makes life beautiful
The fleeting nature of every moment.
What tickles your funny bones
Absolutely everything, I am never not smiling
What makes you smile
Forming a genuine connection with another.
Current perfume
Goddess Parfum by Burberry. Lovely with its notes of lavender and raspberry!
You are addicted to
Investing and personal trading
On your wish list
An impactful and unforgettable chapter at Miss Nepal 2026; and the journey after.
You stay fit by
My love for Taekwondo and long-distance running; which lucky for me, offsets my love for all things sweet
Best Year of Your Life
May every year be our best year yet! So… 2026
Latest Splurge
Heels
Skincare
It’s all about consistency and quality over quantity.
Gadget
I never go anywhere without my DJI gimbal
Style Icon
Princess Diana
Always in your handbag
My beautiful Miss Nepal Hong Kong International Crown by Kajal Naina Jewellery and my sash
What do you do to unwind
Two words: Practice Mindfulness.
Favourite holiday destination
Having been born and raised in Hong Kong, so a flight to KTM is always my #1 choice
You always struggle with
As an early bird, burning the midnight oil
The best thing about being you
The connections I have with the people I love.
Favourite makeup brand
Charlotte Tilbury
Three things you absolutely do to look your best
I keep my head high, smile wide, and focus on feeling good to shine from within.
On a bad hair day
I tell myself, ‘If this is the worst of my problems, life’s still looking pretty good’
One tip you learned that makes you photo-ready
Never a photo without gloss
What do you like doing in your spare time
Getting involved with the community.
Books or movies
I believe podcasts are the perfect way to multi-task
Guilty pleasure
The occasional 90-minute-long hot bubbly bath
One advice you would give to your younger self
If you don’t throw the dice, you’ll never roll a six. Throw the dice, always.
Favourite place to eat in Kathmandu
Is it too cliché to say nothing tastes as good as home food
Celebrity crush
Our very own Mountain Queen: Lhakpa Sherpa, especially after watching her Netflix special
Have you ever been told to change something about yourself
Yes, but I have learned that the most empowering choice is to live as your true authentic self.
Movies that inspire you
Women of the World (1975); a short but powerful must-watch.
Favorite cuisine
A traditional spread paired with tea!
A quote you live by
If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together.
