Hey! My name is Yasmeen and live in Surrey and I will be representing England. Beyond the runway, I am a psychologist with a deep passion for understanding people and helping them embrace their inner strength. Modelling allows me to express creativity, while psychology grounds me in empathy and purpose. Being a psychologist and a model allows me to embody beauty which isn’t just about appearance, it’s about strength, connection, and grace.
– How did your passion for beauty pageants begin?
As a child I loved everything glamorous and my favourite things to watch were beauty pageants such as Miss World and Miss Universe. Beauty pageants were very much an interest but never did I think about ever being in one. Later on in life, during completing my PhD, I also worked part time as a beauty model in makeup schools. It was here, during a shoot that I was talking to a makeup artists who worked in beauty pageants and shared how much philanthropy was central to pageantry. So I went home and researched! I quickly learnt that beauty pageants were more than a celebration of beauty and I was drawn to how pageants empower women to share their stories, inspire others, and stand for something meaningful. That combination of glamour and advocacy really spoke to me so I applied for my first ever pageant and became a national title holder travelling to Mexico for the grand finals.
– What inspired you to participate in a pageant for the first time?
What inspired me most was seeing other women, many facing personal or health challenges, step onto the stage with confidence. I wanted to do the same, to show that all dreams are achievable. Pageantry gave me the chance to merge my love for fashion and beauty with my desire to inspire resilience in others.
– What has been the most exciting or meaningful moment in your journey as a Miss/model so far?
One of the most meaningful moments was when someone reached out to tell me that my story motivated them not to give up on their own goals despite health struggles. Since the age of 17 I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism which has taught me resilience and the importance of self-care. When this lady reached out to me about her own journey with thyroid disease, it reminded me that our journeys can uplift others, and that’s more rewarding than any trophy or title.
– What does it mean to you to represent England at Miss Europe Continental?
Representing England is an incredible honour. England is known for its cultural diversity, elegance, and strength and I hope to embody all of that. It’s a chance to
show the world not just English grace, but also the spirit of perseverance that defines our people.
– How do you plan to best represent English culture and values during the competition?
I plan to represent English culture through authenticity, kindness, and confidence qualities that reflect modern England’s diversity and openness. Whether through
my fashion choices or my words, I’ll aim to highlight the balance between tradition and modern empowerment.
– What are the values that best represent you as a woman?
Resilience, empathy, and integrity. I believe true beauty comes from how we face challenges, treat others, and stay true to ourselves. These values guide me not
only in pageantry but in every part of my life.
– Do you have a role model or someone who inspires you in the world of fashion or in life?
I deeply admire models who have been open about their health challenges yet continue to thrive in the industry, women like Gigi Hadid, who also lives with
thyroid disease, have shown me that our vulnerabilities can become our strengths. They remind me that the runway isn’t about perfection, it’s about courage.
– What is your long-term goal beyond beauty pageants?
My long-term goal beyond beauty pageants is to continue using my platform to inspire resilience and self-belief in others. As both a model and a psychologist, I want to promote the idea that beauty and strength begin within; that confidence is something we build through self-acceptance and perseverance. Ultimately, I hope
to create initiatives (and already have started through hosting workshops this year) that support women facing physical health and mental health challenges, helping them see that no diagnosis or obstacle can limit their dreams.
– What do you hope to experience and share during Miss Europe Continental?
During Miss Europe Continental, I hope to experience the unity and empowerment that come from bringing together women from so many different backgrounds, each with their own story and strength. I hope to represent England with grace, positivity, and authenticity, while building friendships that celebrate diversity and
womanhood.
– If you could send a message to your younger self, what would you say?
I would say to my younger self: ‘Be patient with yourself. Your challenges will one day become your strength. Don’t ever doubt your light, it will guide you even
through the hardest times.
– Do you have a dream you’ve kept in your heart, something you’ve always wished to achieve?
My dream has always been to empower others. Being able to do this as a psychologist has given me a small glimpse into huge impact it has. I believe empowering others is important because it creates a ripple effect, when one person believes in themselves, they inspire others to do the same. I believe that helping others and connecting with others is what brings the heart
TRUE happiness, so it is my biggest dream to do that everywhere I go. Even small ways to empower others can be simply sharing your story or even through
showcasing my modelling shoot to inspire others to connect to their sense of fashion.
FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM: Â www.instagram.com/yasmeen.j.xoxo
