London – Jane Dipika Garrett is Miss Nepal, an American Nepalese beauty pageant title holder, and body positivity advocate.
She recently competed in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant.
Jane Dipika Garrett is the first plus-sized woman to compete and place in the top 20 at Miss Universe.
London-based Dimathalia Rizk from The Bulrushes spoke to Jane Dipika Garrett in an exclusive interview about her journey from Miss Nepal to Miss Universe.
Dimathalia Rizk asks: Obviously, you broke barriers and stereotypes in the process. So how did you prepare to get on the stage, and how were you feeling?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “It was a very difficult journey, but very rewarding – working 16 hours a day practicing and training for Miss Universe.
“I only had six weeks between winning Miss Nepal and getting ready for the Miss Universe pageant.
“I really tried to utilise my time; it was challenging but rewarding at the same time.
“I had anxiety and stress because of the lack of resources; Nepal is not very pageant-equipped.
“I was also overthinking a lot, and I think that was the hardest part for me.”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: How did you feel when you came out on stage?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “My heart was beating so fast – at this point I had tunnel vision and just focused on channelling all my energy from within.”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: You made it to the top 20! What was your reaction?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “I broke through a bunch of barriers; I got huge cheers from the crowd, and the whole experience felt very positive.”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: How do you have that confidence? Where does it come from?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “I had confidence, but for my low self-esteem, I had to work on myself, especially when it came to self-love, to really not be afraid of what anyone else thinks about me and what I do. I just embraced who I am!”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: You suffer from PCOS. Tell us a bit more about this condition and how you cope with it.
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “It is a hormonal condition where the ovaries produce a lot of testosterone instead of estrogen.
“This can cause a high amount of insulin in the blood, which leads to irregular periods, hair loss, more hair on the body, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, and body pain.
“It’s a difficult condition because it’s lifelong, and you have to keep managing it and adhere to a strict lifestyle, which is very challenging.”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: You are a mental health advocate. What are you doing to advocate for mental health?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “I use social media to talk about my mental health. I talk about my struggles and how I overcame them.
“I take part in workshops as well as panel discussions.
“I’m really eager to start a podcast to talk about these issues women face around the world.”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: Body positivity – what does it start with?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “Embracing what you have is all about your skin and the body you have – having a healthy, balanced lifestyle with your body, mind, and soul.”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: What is your message to women and girls around the world who are struggling to be themselves and love their bodies?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “Look within and forgive yourself. Don’t care what people think – like their opinion or what society says – that bothers you or makes you want to change because you do not need to change anything; you are beautiful as you are.
“Don’t look outside for validation; look within. And this is where you find your inner essence.”
Dimathalia Rizk asks: What are your plans for the future?
Jane Dipika Garrett answers: “I would really love to continue with international modelling and perhaps pursue acting.
“Start a business soon related to self-love, like a clothing brand, or even start a podcast.
“There’s so much I want to do, but at the same time, I want to make sure I can continue travelling around the world and inspiring more women.”
*Photo credit: Jane Dipika Garrett
