When we look at the finalists and winners of beauty pageants, we see perfect smiles, stunning looks, and the glow of the spotlight.
It seems these women have everything – beauty, success, and admiration.
But behind the stage, there is often another story.
A story about loneliness, pressure, and quiet sadness that doesn’t show up in photos.
Yes, even in the world of beauty, there are moments of doubt, emotional struggles, and pressure that people didn’t talk about for a long time.
Tyra Spaulding – When the Smile Wasn’t Enough
Tyra Spaulding, a 26-year-old Miss Universe Jamaica finalist, was an inspiration to many – young, ambitious, and beautiful.
On Instagram, her life looked perfect. But on YouTube, she spoke openly about her struggles with depression and the pressure to be perfect.
“I feel like everyone expects perfection from me, and I don’t have the strength to pretend anymore,” she said honestly.
Her story reminds us how important it is to listen, respond, and treat emotional health with the same care as physical health.
Cheslie Kryst – The Miss Who Had Everything… Except Peace
Miss USA 2019 – a lawyer, TV host, and activist. Smart, ambitious, and full of energy.
But behind her success was a deep sense of pressure and inner tension.
Her mother, April Simpkins, later shared that Cheslie struggled for years with feelings of not being good enough.
In her book, Cheslie wrote:
“Every day I told myself I had to be better – prettier, smarter, stronger. But inside, I felt emptier.”
Her story shows that success and recognition do not always bring peace of mind.
Ache Abrahams – When Beauty Becomes a Burden
Former Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Ache Abrahams, in 2025 bravely shared how the world of beauty contests affected her self-esteem.
In an honest YouTube video, she said:
“When I stopped being perfect for them, I stopped being anyone.”
She spoke about body shaming, pressure, and emotional manipulation.
Her story is a reminder that psychological pressure can exist even in glamorous and elegant environments.
Sankara Priya – Beauty and the Fight for Balance
Sankara Priya, winner of Miss World Black Beauty, spoke in 2025 about her emotional breakdown and need for support.
From the outside, she seemed to have everything – fame, recognition, and success.
But in reality, she was dealing with heavy stress, financial struggles, and a lack of support from those around her.
Her experience shows that even great achievements don’t always guarantee emotional stability or inner peace.
Maja Todd – A Voice of Hope from Poland
Among these stories, there is also a ray of hope.
Maja Todd, Miss Polonia 2025, speaks openly about mental health and promotes emotional education.
She runs workshops for young people under the slogan “Beauty from Within.”
“The crown doesn’t protect you from sadness. Each of us has the right to feel weak sometimes. True strength is being able to talk about it.”
Her message inspires others and shows that modern beauty pageants can become a platform for important conversations about empathy, self-acceptance, and support.
At AJB (and Just Be – Charity for Hope), we have always supported beauty contests and the people who take part in them.
We see not only their looks, but also their strength, sensitivity, and authenticity.
Many contestants work with us on campaigns promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness.
We believe that true beauty is not just about appearance – it’s also the courage to say “I need help” and to show kindness to others.
Because even the brightest smile should never have to hide pain.
📞 If you feel you need support:
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Talking can truly make a difference.
Speak with a psychologist, therapist, or someone you trust.
You don’t have to be perfect – you just have to be yourself … and Just Be