Sampada Ghimire, the 25-year-old Bhaktapur girl came, saw and conquered the Miss Universe Nepal 2024 stage. With talent, confidence and a team of experts, hers is a story of sheer dedication and unwavering self-belief. Her journey from a shy entrant into the pageant to winning the Miss Universe Nepal 2024 crown is both heartwarming and empowering. Sampada will now represent Nepal in Mexico on the grand Miss Universe stage with all eyes from across the globe on her; this would define not just her representation of Nepal but also set the trajectory for her future. In an exclusive interview with WOW, she talks about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of her life, especially her experience as a beauty pageant winner.
The moment you were announced the winner of Miss Universe Nepal 2024…
I can’t get over that moment. I think it will take some time to process what happened. I was very emotional and there was a feeling of gratefulness. And I don’t know what to really say about it because I had been preparing for this moment for the past three years. It was unforgettable. And, of course, it’s an honour to become Miss Universe Nepal 2024 and a responsibility now, because up until now I was representing myself as an individual; now, I will be representing our country. I am very excited. And I am not going to leave any stone unturned in my preparations.
Before the Miss Universe Nepal pageant, you have worked as a model and participated in other pageants too. Do you think that helped win the title?
Not really. Participating in Miss Universe pageant was new for me. Also, I had manifested this moment since the day I had decided to participate in it. I think it is the power of manifesting a lot of things and my hard work that has really paid off.
Why beauty pageants?
I was inclined towards beauty pageants because the concept of being confident and beautiful, and using that as a tool to make a positive impact, greatly resonated with me. That’s all I want to do in my life right now. I have the experience and knowledge. I want to help other girls to find their potential and make them believe in themselves.
What are the preparations like for Miss Universe 2024?
We have a very tight schedule now where I don’t even have time to even look at myself in the mirror. I am just going from one place to another, from walk practice to my vocabulary to learning Spanish, Pilates to weight training. I also practice meditation. It is something that helps calm my mind.
Are pageants truly relevant in this day and age?
While it’s true that the popularity of pageants has dwindled in recent years, and will only dip further as the world’s understanding of beauty undergoes a radical change, there’s no denying that they are still an incredible platform for winners to use as a springboard to launch their acting and entrepreneurial careers and advocate for the issues they deeply feel for.
What will you miss about Miss Universe Nepal 2024 journey?
All the contestants shared everything, from clothes and shoes to makeup tips. We would meet after training in each other’s hotel rooms for dinner and drinks where we would chat until the wee hours.
Women are no longer fighting each other for the same seat at the table rather they are focusing on women empowering other women. Your thoughts.
I am amazed at the shift taking place. The LGBTQIA+ community saw the decriminalisation of homosexuality, while #MeToo lifted generations of shame off its victims and placed it firmly on the perpetrators. Diversity and inclusivity have moved beyond being clever marketing jargon. In this environment, a modern rendition of the ancient wisdom of sisterhood is taking charge. I see women intuitively committing to raise each other up, recognising the roles each one plays for collective emotional wellbeing. This profound understanding of wellbeing has made ‘friends like family’ a succinct byline to describe the depth of a relationship. When this level of mindfulness is awakened, women perceive other women, whether at work or home, as allies and advocates.
It reminds me of my favourite quote from Women Who Run with the Wolves, my anthem of sisterhood: “I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories from your life—not someone else’s life—water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom. That is the work. The only work.”
Does participating in competitions like this affect your mental health?
Mental health is my priority. I keep negative thoughts away. I practise meditation and have a proper fitness routine. Right now, I am in a good phase. But in the future if things don’t go as expected, I will cherish my journey and the things that I have. It’s all about having a positive mindset. Also, I don’t compare myself with others.
Is social media an essential aspect for models to get work?
Yes, nowadays, you need to be good at self-marketing on Instagram to be where you want to be. Even I started to work on my social media platforms a couple of years back. I knew a profile with good number of followers help during the pageant.
Would you consider fame and success as your goals?
It would be different if I was striving to be number one and had a plan. I believe in destiny and being in the right place at the right time. Currently I want to ride the wave of Miss Universe Nepal 2024 winner.
Any life lessons you want to share with our readers.
To be humble and authentic. I never want to pretend to be somebody else. In the coming days as well, I want to remain the same person I was since the beginning, just wiser. Also, being an introvert, I have come a long way of exploring how to open up with people and be a social animal.
What is a complete no-no for you?
I do not believe in giving politically correct answers. Sometimes I can tell what people would like to hear from me, but I stick to my truth whether they like it or not.
What is your advocacy about?
I am advocating about animals. They are the heroes of my story. I believe in animal rights and I am strongly voicing for cage free animals.
Who do you go to for sage advice and pick-me-up moments when or if you are shrouded in self-doubt? And what’s the best advice you keep turning to?
I think between dad, mom and my two siblings, I go to them for different advice, depending on the situation. My first call in most situations would be to my elder sister. She always knows the right thing to say to me to make me feel better and calmer. My dad is always involved in everything I am doing; he’s constantly checking in with me. I am really grateful to have so many people in my life who are so nice, caring and supportive of me.
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