By: Alva Ree

Melisa Gun is carving out a different path in an industry often associated with fierce competition, glittering crowns, and high-stakes performances. Having participated in over ten beauty pageants and won them before embarking on her journey as a pageant creator, Melisa took a bold step. She transformed her experiences and learned from the mistakes she witnessed. She launched MS World, a pageant redefining the norms, shifting the focus from rivalry to empowerment, self-development, and lasting community.

In an interview, Melisa opened up about her journey, the vision behind MS World, and how beauty pageants, when approached in a positive light, can profoundly impact the lives of young women.

Q: Melisa, you’ve participated in many pageants. Could you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to create MS World?

Melisa Gun: Absolutely. My journey in the world of beauty pageants has been incredible, but it wasn’t without its challenges. I competed in over ten pageants and was fortunate to win them all, but during each experience, I saw areas that could be improved. Many pageants focus heavily on competition, sometimes creating a hostile atmosphere where girls feel like they’re constantly compared to each other. This experience made me realize that pageants have the potential to be so much more than just a contest for a crown.

After my success, I decided to launch MS World. I wanted to create a platform where women could support one another, build genuine connections, and find opportunities for personal growth. MS World is a pageant, but it’s also a lifestyle, a community for strong, powerful women who lift each other.

Q: What makes MS World different from other beauty pageants?

Melisa Gun: The core difference is that MS World is not about competition. Instead of pitting girls against each other, we focus on giving them opportunities to prove themselves, showcase their finest qualities, and grow in a supportive environment. We’ve eliminated the intense competitiveness often associated with pageants. In our program, the girls don’t just show up for the main event. They arrive a few days early, which allows them to participate in workshops, take various courses, meditate together, and get to know one another on a deeper level. This prepares them for the pageant and sets the foundation for friendships and a network of support that extends far beyond the competition.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where each participant feels valued and has a chance to shine through their physical beauty, talents, intellect, and compassion.

Q: Can you tell us more about these activities and how they impact the participants?

Melisa Gun: Sure. When the girls arrive, they enter a space dedicated to growth and self-care. We start with workshops covering various topics, from public speaking to personal branding. We believe each woman has unique gifts, and we aim to help her find her voice and confidently present herself.

Meditation is also a big part of our program. Pageants can be stressful, and meditation helps the girls center themselves and connect on a level beyond appearances. This shared experience of introspection and relaxation allows them to form authentic bonds. By the time the pageant begins, they’re not just contestants but friends, a team of strong, supportive women.

After the pageant, we hold events and workshops throughout the year, helping them develop professionally and personally. MS World isn’t just a one-time event; it’s an ongoing commitment to these women’s lives.

Q: That’s a beautiful approach. How has this focus on community and empowerment impacted the lives of MS World participants?

Melisa Gun: I’ve seen some incredible transformations. Many girls arrive with a limited idea of what they’re capable of. But they’re more confident, self-assured, and ready to take on new challenges when they leave. They learn to see beauty pageants not as a superficial competition but as a platform to demonstrate their inner strengths and values. They develop skills they never thought they’d need, like leadership and public speaking, which help them in their careers and personal lives.

One of our participants recently started her own business inspired by her experience at MS World. Another girl went on to become a motivational speaker. These women may have once felt limited by society’s expectations but are now breaking boundaries and achieving remarkable things.

Q: It sounds like MS World has created a sisterhood. Was that always your vision for the pageant?

Melisa Gun: Yes. My vision was always to create a space where women could find a sense of belonging, share experiences, support each other, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. MS World is a community—a sisterhood that stands as a powerful example of how beauty pageants can be a positive influence. Our participants come from all over the world, with different backgrounds and aspirations, but they leave with a sense of unity and mutual respect.

It’s heartwarming to see them staying connected long after the pageant ends. They collaborate on projects, attend events, and continue supporting each other’s dreams. We’ve become a network of women who genuinely want to see each other succeed.

Q: What would you say to young women who are hesitant to participate in beauty pageants because of traditional stereotypes?

Melisa Gun: I would tell them that beauty pageants have evolved. It’s not just about looks but character, resilience, and growth. MS World is here to break those stereotypes. We don’t judge women solely on physical appearance but on how they present themselves and their ability to connect, inspire, and lead. It’s about proving to themselves that they’re capable of much more than they might think.

To anyone considering joining, I’d say this: if you’re looking for a place to challenge yourself, learn, connect with like-minded women, and develop into a more robust version of yourself, MS World is the place to be. We are building a new generation of empowered women who support each other and strive to impact the world positively.

Q: What’s your ultimate goal for MS World and its participants?

Melisa Gun: My goal is to create a legacy of empowered, confident women who understand their worth and potential. I want MS World to be known as more than just a beauty pageant; I want it to be recognized as a movement celebrating women’s resilience, intelligence, and kindness. We’re building a community where each woman can grow, thrive, and shine in her own way. The world needs strong, compassionate women, and I’m proud to play a part in helping them rise.

Summary

Through MS World, Melisa Gun is redefining beauty pageants as platforms for growth, friendship, and empowerment. She’s building a new generation of women who see beauty not as a competition but as a community of strength and support. In a constantly changing world, MS World is a powerful testament to what beauty pageants can become—a sisterhood for the empowered.

Published by: Holy Minoza