Breaking barriers and challenging norms, Jane Dipika Garrett made history as the first plus-size contestant to grace the Miss Universe stage, representing Nepal in the 2023 competition.
Her journey, marked by personal struggles and triumphs, has become a beacon of inspiration for many.
Now, in an essay penned for Insider, 22-year-old Garrett has revealed what led to her entering the competition, as well as the impact she has had on others.
Born in the United States to a Pennsylvanian father and a Nepali mother, Garrett's childhood was a blend of cultures. Despite moving to Nepal at 10 and facing isolation at her international school, her dream to be on the Miss Universe stage - kindled by Olivia Culpo's win in 2012 - never faded.
"I was like, 'I want to be on that stage, I'd love to do that.' That moment really, really inspired me," she wrote.
Garrett's path wasn't easy. Battling bullying, depression, and anxiety, she endured difficult teenage years, grappling with self-harm and anorexia. It was her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and borderline personality disorder during lockdown that became a turning point in her life. "I had severe health problems and gained 30 pounds," Garrett shared. "But in the hospital, after a life-threatening moment, I realized I had a purpose – to inspire millions to love themselves."
"I used to compare myself to others. But now I love my body, I love it so much," she proudly declared.
Speaking about her PCOS journey, she revealed: "I've also had a lot of hormonal problems throughout my life, but I didn't know what was going on for a long time. I always had irregular periods, mood swings, depression, a lot of body hair, and I would gain weight very easily. It made me feel insecure about myself. I would compare myself to other girls and feel like I wasn't skinny enough."
Embracing her body and journey, Garrett -who is also a nursing graduate - decided to enter the Miss Universe Nepal competition not just for the crown but to gain experience and confidence. "I didn't think I would win; I just joined to embrace myself and represent real-sized beauty," she said.
Her win as Miss Nepal was more than a personal victory; it was a moment that redefined beauty standards. "It felt amazing to represent curvy, plus-sized women around the world," Garrett reflected. "It was a trailblazing moment for me."
Garrett's preparation for the Miss Universe competition was rigorous, involving extensive training and personal involvement in organizing her outfits. Her experience at the event was nothing short of exhilarating. "Miss Universe was wild. My favorite part was interacting with girls from different countries and experiencing different cultures," she recalled.
Her advocacy for mental health and hormonal issues shone brightly on the Miss Universe stage. "I wasn't afraid to discuss these topics. It's important we don't discriminate against those with mental health or hormonal problems," Garrett emphasized.
The response to Garrett's presence in the top 20 and during the swimsuit competition was overwhelmingly positive, with the audience showing immense support. "I felt very empowered and like I was changing society's standards," she said.
Post-Miss Universe, Garrett has received numerous messages from people inspired by her journey. "I've gotten so many messages from people who said they were inspired by me," she revealed. "They felt seen, represented, and empowered. They felt like they could love themselves again."
Garrett's participation in Miss Universe 2023 marks a significant shift in the beauty pageant industry, challenging the traditional norms of beauty and size. Her story is not just about breaking barriers but also about the power of self-love and acceptance. "I hope other women are inspired to be confident in their skin," Garrett concluded, symbolizing a new era in beauty pageants where diversity and inclusivity take center stage.