NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Are ‘beauty’ and ‘brains’ the only categories women can be placed in, or can pageant girls transcend these labels and be defined with more complexity? Kyzariah Wilson and Makari Smith, both holders of their own crowns, gave insight to Eyewitness News as they seek to redefine what it means to be a young woman in contemporary society.
From Hesitant Teen to Confident Pageant Queen
“I am a lot more confident,” says Kyzariah Wilson of her pageant journey. Hesitantly beginning her pageant career as a young teen in the Miss Galaxy Pageant, she eventually won the Junior Miss Galaxy Bahamas title in 2020.
Wilson’s initial reluctance reflects a broader societal concern: the perpetuation of narrow beauty standards that can erode confidence and self-esteem among young women.
“I thought there was a stereotype. You have to be skinny; you have to be tall; you have to be more light-complexioned,” Wilson reflected.
“Regardless of her insecurities, winning the pageant opened her eyes to a changing industry. I was able to assure myself that just because these girls look like that or they act like that, doesn’t mean that I don’t have a chance of becoming a better version of myself.”
Wilson, now holding the title of Royal Imperial Beauties Southern Bahamas Teen, continues to use her three pageant platforms to promote anti-bullying, hyperhidrosis awareness (a condition that causes excessive sweating), and women empowerment.
Achieving Childhood Dreams and Embracing Public Speaking
Like Wilson, Makari Smith’s journey embodies a narrative of resilience and self-discovery. Crowned Miss University of the Bahamas in 2023, her journey fulfilled a childhood dream.
“I remember wanting to do stuff like that, but at the time, my parents didn’t have the money,” she recalled.
When she started university, still undecided, Smith met Chantel O’ Brian, Miss Bahamas Universe 2021, who encouraged her to join the University of the Bahamas pageant. As Miss UB, she completed many public speaking engagements, strengthening her skills.
“Naturally, I am a little socially awkward. It’s hard for me to maintain eye contact. But I think it gave me a lot of opportunities to work on those things,” Smith acknowledged. Recently, she demonstrated her public speaking prowess, gracing the stage as a guest speaker at the Bahamas International Church of Christ’s “We Thrive” conference held at the University of the Bahamas on June 9.
Wilson and Smith’s journeys emphasize the impact of pageantry beyond the traditional binary of ‘beauty and brains.’
Their growth through their experiences demonstrates a fusion of beauty, intellect, and confidence, challenging the often rigid categories placed on women.
