28.4 C
Manila
Monday, July 7, 2025

My Summit International Pageant Journey: Kharen Laoutas

What does beauty mean to you, and how do you see it in others?

To me, beauty isn’t just about how someone looks, it’s more about who they are and how they make others feel. It’s in someone’s laugh when they’re really happy, or the way they light up when they talk about something they’re passionate about. I see beauty in kindness, in confidence, the beauty within. I see beauty in people who are just unapologetically themselves. It’s in the small things too, a thoughtful gesture, a moment of honesty, or just the way someone carries themselves with quiet strength. Real beauty feels natural, not forced.

If you could give one message to young girls growing up today, what would it be?

If I could tell young girls one thing, it would be this: You are enough, exactly as you are. Don’t let the world convince you that you have to shrink, change, or compete to be worthy. Your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your kindness is a strength, not a weakness. It’s okay to take up space, to say no, to be bold, quiet, curious, loud! whatever feels true to you. Trust yourself, give yourself grace when you mess up, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. You don’t have to have it all figured out, just keep showing up as yourself. Your voice, your dreams, and your story matter, more than you know.

How do you balance self-confidence with humility?
I believe self-confidence is about knowing your worth, and humility is about knowing you’re not above anyone else. I stay confident by believing in myself and my goals, but I stay humble by listening, learning, and remembering that there’s always room to grow. To me, it’s not about being the best, it’s about being your best and the best version of yourself while lifting others up too.

In a world that often promotes external perfection, how do you maintain inner peace?

I try to stay grounded by focusing on what really matters, like how I treat others and how I feel about myself on the inside. Social media and outside pressure can be a lot, but I’ve learned to take breaks, reflect, and remind myself that perfection isn’t real. What brings me peace is being true to myself, staying grateful, and surrounding myself with people who support me for who I am.

What personal quality are you most proud of, and how has it shaped your life?

I can personally say that the quality I’m most proud of is resilience. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but I’ve learned to bounce back, stay positive, and keep moving forward. Whether it’s a small setback or a big challenge, resilience has helped me grow stronger, stay focused on my goals, and support others going through tough times too. It’s shaped me into someone who doesn’t give up easily, and who believes that every struggle has a purpose. For some, I call them, a blessing in disguise.

If you had one year and unlimited resources to help your community, what would you do?

If I had one year and unlimited resources, I would dedicate it to empowering women in my community, especially those who feel unseen or unheard. I would create a women’s empowerment center that offers free skills workshops, mentoring programs, and creative outlets like dance, music, and art to help women express themselves and discover their strengths.

My goal would be to inspire women to believe in their own potential, to show them they are capable, powerful, and worthy of every opportunity. I’d bring together mentors, educators, and artists to build a space where women feel supported, uplifted, and prepared to lead. Because when women find their voice and lift each other up, the whole community rises with them.

Describe a moment when you failed — and what it taught you about yourself.

I don’t recall a major failure that stands out but as a model, we often audition or cast for fashion shows, and I remember not being selected for a couple of shows I was really excited about. It felt like a setback, but it taught me to accept feedback, stay confident, and keep going. Like the saying, or the song goes: you dust yourself off and try again.

Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms
Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms
Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms

Who is a woman you admire deeply, and why?

A woman I admire deeply is my mother. She’s the strongest, yet most kind and loving person I know. Since I was a child, she’s been my rock!always there with unconditional love, support, and quiet strength. She’s shown me what it truly means to lead with grace and resilience. I hope to be even half the woman she is one day, because that alone would be something to be proud of.

If you could change one thing in the world right now, what would it be — and why?

I know it sounds cliche, but If I could change one thing in the world right now, it would be to bring peace to the many places suffering from conflict and war. I know it sounds idealistic, but world peace isn’t just a dream—it’s a need. So many innocent lives are affected every day, and I believe if we could replace division with understanding, we could create a world where people feel safe, respected, and united.

Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms
Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms
Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms

What kind of person do you think does well in the pageant?

I think the person who does well in a pageant is someone who’s authentic, confident, and purpose-driven. It’s not just about beauty, it’s about using your voice, embracing who you are, and inspiring others. A strong contestant leads with heart, lifts others up, and stays true to her values, on and off the stage.

Tell us about a time something amazing happened during a pageant?

The pageant is yet to take place in March 2026, but my journey so far has already been amazing. I’m having the time of my life preparing for the big event, and one of the most special parts has been connecting with my fellow contestants. We’ve started bonding, sharing laughs, and supporting each other along the way. It’s truly inspiring to be surrounded by women who uplift one another, and that, to me, is already something amazing.

Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms
Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms
Click to read book description. Available on Spotify and online book platforms

What do you dream of doing in the future, still in pageant world or not?

In the future, whether I’m still in the pageant world or not, I dream of using my voice and platform to inspire and empower others, especially women and young girls. I’d love to be involved in mentoring, mental health advocacy, and creative programs that help people express themselves confidently. No matter where life takes me, I want to make a meaningful impact and continue growing into a woman who leads with purpose and heart.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -spot_img

Latest Articles

Join us today!

Get access to exclusive content

Are you ready to take your experience to the next level? Unlock a world of exclusive benefits by joining our premium content community. As a member, you'll gain access to a wealth of valuable resources, tailored specifically for you.