More than just a crown

A few years ago, I never imagined I would be standing on a pageant stage wearing a crown and representing Washington (USA).

If somebody had told me that earlier in life, I probably would have laughed. Like many other women, I went through phases where life became more about responsibilities, adjusting to changes, and simply getting through each day. Somewhere in between all of that, I slowly stopped doing things just for myself. What surprised me was that creativity found its way back into my life when I needed it most. Fashion had always been something I enjoyed, since from childhood even when I was younger. Not in a luxury or designer way, but in a creative way. I loved putting outfits together, mixing affordable pieces, experimenting with colors, and finding confidence through personal style. Over time, I also became interested in sustainable fashion and thrift styling because I liked the idea of giving things a second life instead of always buying new and support them . During a period when life felt uncertain and repetitive with same routine. I started spending more time creating content around fashion and styling online. At first, it was simply a hobby and a creative escape from daily stress. I was not trying to become famous or build a perfect image. I just missed feeling connected to myself. And Slowly, those small creative steps changed my confidence, and many more.

I also began volunteering with nonprofit related projects connected to community events, social media, and fashion styling. Being around and networking with creative people again reminded me that growth can happen at any age. Sometimes we think opportunities only belong to younger people, but I no longer believe that.

In October 2024, I won the title of Mrs. Universe Washington 2024- 2025 . Even now, it still feels unreal when I think about it.What made that moment emotional for me was not the crown itself. It was everything behind it the self doubt, the rebuilding, the quiet moments where I questioned myself, and the decision to keep going anyway. Pageantry taught me something unexpected. Confidence is not always loud. Sometimes confidence is simply showing up when you feel nervous, insecure, or unsure of yourself. These days, I still enjoy the simple parts of life the most. Styling outfits, attending local events, supporting small businesses, creating social media content, and spending time with my husband and our dog, Zeus. Those everyday moments matter more to me now than trying to appear perfect online. Family support always there with me. One thing I have learned in my 40s is that reinvention does not have an age limit. Women continue changing throughout life, and I think that’s a beautiful thing. Sometimes we rediscover old passions, and sometimes we discover completely new ones. For me, this journey was never really about fashion or pageants alone. It was about reconnecting with parts of myself that I had ignored for a long time.

I still don’t have everything figured out, and honestly, I don’t think anyone truly does. But I have become more comfortable trying new things without worrying so much about whether I fit into someone else’s expectations.

If there’s one thing I hope other women take from my story, it’s this - it’s okay to begin again. It’s okay to grow slowly. And it’s okay to create a new version of yourself, even later in life. Sometimes the biggest changes start very quietly.

Note - This article was personally written by the author with AI assisted editing for grammar and words.

Anita Purandare