Wanna know what it takes to be a pageant model? Shilpa talks to Shemonyl Wankadia, Miss India International 2024 about her journey, learnings and the relevance of pageantry on the role of women today.
Shemonyl Wankadia is from Mumbai who has recently been crowned Miss India International 2024. With this prestigious title, Shemonyl is set to make her mark on the global stage as she prepares to represent India at Miss Global World 2024 in Dubai this month. We got an exclusive interview with her where she talks about her journey, preparation and her ambition.
Shemonyl’s pageant journey began with Teen Princess 2017 and has since included notable achievements such as being named 1st Runner-Up at Miss Global World India 2024. Her dedication to the craft is evident through her rigorous training and unwavering commitment to her ultimate dream of representing India at Miss Universe.
In addition to her pageant success, Shemonyl holds a degree in International Economics and is a certified national referee and pet groomer, with two years of experience. She is also a seasoned Taekwondo athlete and coach, with four years of experience in martial arts training.
How long have you wanted to be a model?
Shemonyl Wankadia: Well, I was always fascinated with the fashion world and wanted to do something different that was unconventional. More than becoming a model, I was always very passionate about becoming a beauty queen winner and as a pageant buff, my pageantry journey commenced from a very young age.
It was during my school days that I started participating in various modeling shows and pageant contests.
Please tell us about your preparation for the Miss India international
Shemonyl Wankadia: I have been rigorously preparing for my international pageant and religiously taking care of all aspects be it fitness, my diction, ramp walk, workout routine, networking skills and so on. Representing my nation as a beauty queen on a global platform will be a dream come true moment for me.
Can you share any secrets to winning an international pageant
Shemonyl Wankadia: The only mantra that I passionately believe in is wholeheartedly following your true calling in life and understanding the why behind it. The secret is to introspect deeply, thorough research about the pageant you are participating in and start preparing for it.
What sets you apart from other models?
Shemonyl Wankadia: I believe my passion and multitasking ability sets me apart from the crown. I have learned to develop a thick skin, and I am more interested to learn and explore about the industry and not solely attracted to the glitz and glamor. I know what it takes to make a mark in this competitive showbiz industry. The amount of patience, and hard work required.
You mentioned in your Instagram that pageants can be costly for the participants. Can you talk about the upfront and hidden costs to models and how much should models budget for pageantry.
Getting involved in pageantry does require proper planning, grooming and also funds to get the right mentorship guidance and assistance. It does require significant investment.
There can be hidden costs for portfolio charges, participation, wardrobe and grooming related, so aspiring models and pageant participants should save money beforehand and invest mindfully.
What advice would you give your 10-year-old about pursuing a fashion career?
Shemonyl Wankadia: Don’t be afraid to fail and also don’t overlook the academic aspect. Invest in education and work on your interpersonal skills.
What advice would you give aspiring models and particularly pageant models?
Shemonyl Wankadia: Realize the power of dreaming big and don’t settle for less! Invest in yourself, learn to network and focus on your long-term goals. Don’t just focus on the beauty aspect, but also work on developing solid work ethics, a thick skin and discipline.
What are your goals going forward?
Looking ahead, my vision is to open my own grooming institute and mentor aspiring models and pageant aspirants. I want to help them become their best version and break away from the challenging beauty stereotypes.
Sometimes I feel that pageantry is a bit shallow in that it gives young girls an aspiration to focus more on their looks than their character or brains. I remember in the 90s there was a wave of girls who just wanted to get into fashion careers and we have so few women in STEM careers even now. How do you think pageantry is relevant to society and what should young girls keep in mind when selecting their life goals?
Shemonyl Wankadia: I think the majority of people have a wrong outlook about the pageantry industry, and have preconceived notions about beauty queens.
Aesthetics and fitness are just one aspect of pageantry, these days there are rounds like talent round, best walk, beauty with a purpose presentation and so on. These days, beauty pageants are moving away from certain restrictions that traditionally existed like barriers such as age, gender, marital status and height.
To motivate and empower young women to become agents of change and focus on multitasking. It is important for young girls to stay grounded and work on their personality.
Shilpa Ahuja the editor-in-chief of ShilpaAhuja.com, which she founded with the goal of inspiring confidence in the modern working woman through fashion. Other than defining the direction of the magazine, she also writes about fashion & beauty trend forecasts, industry analysis, and opinions.
Shilpa’s work has been published in the University of Fashion blog and Jet Airways magazine. She is also an artist, illustrator and cartoonist. She is also the creator of Audrey O., a comic series that represents the lifestyle of millennial women. She enjoys creative writing and world travel. Her art has been exhibited at Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Aroma Hotel, Chandigarh and been published in Chandigarh Times.
Originally from Chandigarh, Shilpa also has a degree in architecture and has worked in interior project management. She is also the author of the book “Designing a Chinese Cultural Center in India”. Shilpa has a Masters in Design Studies degree from Harvard University.
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