In pageantry, the gowns shimmer and the lights are blinding but it’s the woman beneath the crown that carries the real story. This month’s cover stars Maliqué Bowe and Beyoncé Forbes reflect on the pressure, purpose, and personal evolution that shaped their international journeys in their own words.
1. What’s something people assume about you that isn’t true at all?
Maliqué: “That everything came easily to me because I’m confident and composed on the outside. In reality, I’ve had to grow into this version of myself. A lot of my confidence was built in quiet moments, through prayer and pushing through self-doubt when no one was watching.”
Beyoncé: “People often assume that I am tall because in photos or in heels I appear to be taller but when those heels come off I stand at 5”5ft.”
2. What was the hardest part of this journey that you didn’t expect to struggle with?
Maliqué: ”Honestly, the emotional pressure. You prepare physically for pageantry, the walk, the interviews, the looks, but no one really prepares you for how mentally intense it is to be constantly observed, compared, and expected to perform at your best every single day.
Beyoncé: “The hardest part was honestly leaving, after all the preparation, great experiences and bonds that I had developed with my sister queens I could not believe that I had to say goodbye to what had became my life for an entire month. I remember holding on so tightly and shedding tears as I said my farewells to the other delegates but what gave me comfort in that moment was the realization that I not had a sister to call on in different countries around the world and that I am continuing to walk in purpose even after my journey and reign because purpose isn’t defined by a title or experience.”
3. What moment during your international pageant made you feel the most emotional?
Maliqué: “Standing on that stage and realizing I wasn’t just representing myself. I was representing The Bahamas, my community, and every young girl who sees herself in me. That moment felt bigger than competition. It felt like purpose.”
Beyoncé: “There were many emotional moments in Vietnam but the most emotional moment was the collaboration event that we did with smile train where we had the opportunity to connect with young children that were born with clefts and just see the bravery and strength of those children touch my heart deeply.”
4. What did you have to learn the hard way during this process?
Maliqué: ”That you cannot pour from an empty cup. There were moments I pushed myself past exhaustion because I wanted to be perfect, and I had to learn that rest, boundaries, and self-care are not weaknesses, they are necessary.”
Beyoncé: “I definitely learned that time is of the essence and time management and proper preparation is key.”
5. Who were you calling or texting the most while you were away and why?
Maliqué: ”My family and closest friends. They kept me grounded. When you’re in such a high-pressure environment, hearing familiar voices reminds you who you are beyond the crown, the glam, and the expectations – and for a little gossip here and there.”
Beyoncé: “I called my team every single day, my director Dominic Russell, my designer David Rolle, pageant sister Selvinique Wright, my social media manager Gerard and my closest friend Barea.”
6. What part of your life did you have to put on pause to do this fully?
Maliqué: “My normal routine and personal comfort. I had to quit my job, relocate and develop a whole new way of living. Things like creative freedom with my content, and even moments of stillness had to take a backseat so I could fully show up as a titleholder and competitor.”
Beyoncé: “I had to scale back on my clientele as a hairstylist during my journey.”
7. What surprised you about yourself once you were actually there competing?
Maliqué: “How resilient I am. Even when I was tired, overstimulated, or nervous, I still showed up with grace and intention. That version of me proved that I’m stronger than I sometimes give myself credit for.”
Beyoncé: ”My journey at Cosmo pushed me beyond my known limits. It was a test to my courage, bravery, discipline and strength but one of the most surprising moments were those moments that i had been selected to preformed with some of Vietnam’s biggest artists and reach in studio with them. I like to call it my “Beyonce” era.”
8. What was the loneliest moment of the experience?
Maliqué: “In all honesty, it never really got lonely there. One of my goals was to make friends with the women in the competition and in spaces like that, once you’re intentional about it, you bond easily with everyone and it makes it less lonely. They were more than competitors, they became friends.”
Beyoncé: “Being that I traveled alone my most lonely moment was finale night on the red carpet seeing everyone with their family and friends was really bittersweet because although they weren’t there my supporters in Vietnam were there cheering me on.”
9. How did you protect your mental health while being constantly evaluated?
Maliqué: ”The preparation for this began before leaving for Thailand. I was privileged enough to work alongside Dr. Sean Knowles of E-Man-U-Well Medical Center for mental health training. He taught me grounding techniques rooted in both psychology and faith that were incredibly useful in high pressure situations. limiting overthinking, praying, journaling, and allowing myself moments of softness in a very high-performance environment.”
Beyoncé: “For me God is always at the center of any venture that I make. So prayer and devotion was definitely my first priority each day and continuously asking God to lead me and speak through me, to use me as a vessel to inspire your children and push me toward fulfilling my purpose here on earth.”
10. What did coming back home feel like after the competition ended?
Maliqué: “Coming back home felt like a warm hug. After such an intense and emotionally demanding experience, being surrounded by familiar faces and genuine support was incredibly grounding. So many people told me it was their first time following a pageant so closely, and hearing how proud they were of my performance meant more than I can fully express. It reminded me that the journey was bigger than the stage. It inspired people, and that made every moment worthwhile.”
Beyoncé: “Returning home was honestly bittersweet. I was sad to leave the life that I had became familiar with in Vietnam but I was also excited to be returning home to my family for the holidays.”
11. What are you more confident about now than you were before this journey?
Maliqué: “My voice. Not just how I speak, but what I stand for. I’m more secure in my purpose, my advocacy for young girls, and the message I carry as a woman representing empowerment and freedom.”
Beyoncé: “Although my goal was to inspire others through my journey I honestly grew and evolved tremendously during my time spent in Vietnam.”
12. What’s one thing you wish people understood about pageantry at this level?
Maliqué: “It is not just beauty and gowns. It is discipline, emotional strength, public responsibility, advocacy work, media training, and constant self-development. It is a full-time commitment to becoming the best version of yourself publicly and privately.”
Beyoncé: “I believe that the biggest misconception of pageantry at that level is that it is only a one day or two day event and it is mainly based off of beauty stage performance and attire, but competing at an international level is much more complex. I had the honor of staying in Vietnam for just about a month and the experience was a compilation of charity events, challenges, training, and character development all before we ever set foot on a stage. I really wish that more people knew that pageantry isn’t just based on beauty, but purpose, power and allowing women to use their to make a change.”
13. Right now, at this moment what are you most proud of?
Maliqué: “I’m most proud that I showed up as my authentic self. Not a manufactured or perfect version. But a woman who is growing, evolving, and using her platform with purpose, especially to empower and protect young girls and build something meaningful beyond the crown.”
Beyoncé: “I am proud of how much I’ve evolved. From the 16 year old girl that entered her school pageant to the 22 year old business woman that I now am. Not only has pageantry grown and molded me but it has also given me the platform to inspire and mentor others and that is what I am most grateful for.”
