For Cheryl Sambadzai, the road to the Miss Universe Zimbabwe stage was more than a beauty pageant experience—it was a journey of growth, resilience and self-discovery.
Reflecting on her experience, Cheryl describes the competition as something completely new that demanded dedication, discipline and months of preparation. Every rehearsal, training session and appearance challenged her to step outside her comfort zone and develop new skills.
“I learnt a new skill along the way, which is always exciting,” she shares. “I have profound respect for pageant queens, and learning how to walk and talk like one only increased this respect.”
One of the most memorable aspects of the journey was the friendships she built with her fellow contestants. The shared experiences, support and sisterhood created lasting bonds that made the competition even more meaningful.
As someone with a background in filmmaking, Cheryl also found joy in the creative side of pageantry. Photoshoots became a highlight of her experience, allowing her to reconnect with a passion she has always loved while expressing herself in front of the camera.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Cheryl openly speaks about the financial demands that come with competing and the emotional pressure of being evaluated in a highly competitive environment.
She admits that receiving external ratings that may not reflect the effort invested can affect one’s confidence. The constant comparisons that naturally exist in competitions can sometimes create feelings of inadequacy or helplessness, even for individuals who are generally self-confident.
Despite these obstacles, Cheryl believes perseverance and authenticity are the keys to success.
Her message to aspiring models is both encouraging and practical:
“Be audacious enough to go for it, remembering to stay true to yourself. If you’ve never done it before, maybe your first time is your best time! On a practical level, do your research, position yourself and execute your goal.”
When asked about her national costume, Cheryl revealed that it was inspired by “a nation on the rise,” a concept that reflects hope, progress and the limitless potential of Zimbabwe. The striking design was brought to life by the talented Hanzu, whose creativity transformed the vision into a powerful statement on stage.
Cheryl Sambadzai’s story is a reminder that pageantry is about far more than crowns and titles. It is about personal growth, embracing creativity, overcoming challenges and having the courage to pursue opportunities while remaining true to who you are. Her journey stands as an inspiration to every aspiring model and young woman daring to chase her dreams.
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