Online ReporterTafadzwa Zimoyo recently in Bangkok
BEAUTY queen Lyshanda Moyas has arrived back home after representing the country at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, carrying with her a deep sense of pride, accomplishment and renewed clarity about her future in the modelling world.
The 26-year-old beauty queen says her participation on one of the world’s most prestigious stages was not only a career milestone but a personal awakening that has reshaped her focus, strengthened her confidence and broadened her ambitions.
Fresh from the fast-paced world of international pageantry, Lyshanda returned to Zimbabwe to a warm and emotional welcome from supporters, family and industry players who followed her journey closely.
Reflecting on her experience, Lyshanda who finished in top 30 at Miss Universe, said she is proud of how she represented the nation and equally grateful for the overwhelming support she received from back home.
“I am extremely proud of what I was able to put out there as a representative of Zimbabwe,” she said.
“Miss Universe was more than just a competition to me, it was a learning curve, a chance to grow and a chance to see the world through a different lens. I gave it my best, and I’m grateful that the world saw me, heard me and embraced me.”
Her time in Thailand put her under intense global scrutiny, but she embraced each moment.
From rehearsals to interviews to high-pressure preliminaries, Lyshanda carried herself with poise and consistency, impressing both fans and fellow contestants.
While she did not advance to the final rounds, her impact was strongly felt, especially among international audiences who admired her calm aura, authentic personality and polished runway execution.
One Bangkok fan who had been following her activities throughout pageant week remarked that Lyshanda “looks like a Victoria’s Secret model,” praising her effortless runway presence and magnetic appearance.
For many observers, this was a reflection of her ability to blend seamlessly into the demanding environments of high-calibre modelling.
Lyshanda says she was particularly moved by the kindness she received from supporters abroad. “It was humbling,” she said. “People from different countries cheering you on, stopping you for photos, telling you that you’re inspiring them; that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Looking back, she described the journey as demanding, but deeply rewarding.
The routines were rigorous: early-morning call times, strenuous choreography, non-stop engagements and strict preparation schedules.
Yet, she said these challenges sharpened her discipline and helped her understand the level of commitment required at the international level.
“Every moment was a lesson,” she said. “I met incredible women from around the world, all driven, all passionate, all with different stories. Sharing space with them pushed me to grow and reminded me that the world is big, competitive, but full of opportunities if you show up ready.”
Now back home, Lyshanda is taking time to reset before stepping into her next phase.
She is not rushing into any major decisions, nor is she allowing public expectation to determine her pace. She has made it clear that she has not hinted at quitting modelling, nor has she outlined any immediate plans to compete in another pageant.
Her focus, she says, is on reconnecting with her roots and mapping out her next chapter with intention and maturity.
“I believe in being fully present in every chapter of my life,” she explained. “Right now, I want to centre myself, grow professionally and personally, and focus on areas of modelling that speak to the woman I am becoming.”
Her next steps will pivot strongly toward commercial fashion modelling— a sector she believes aligns with her strengths and long-term aspirations. Lyshanda says her Miss Universe experience reinforced her passion for visual storytelling, brand communication and fashion that reaches wider audiences beyond the runway.
“Commercial fashion is powerful because it connects brands to people,” she said. “It allows creativity, emotion and identity to come together. I’m excited to explore that world more and to refine myself as a model who can deliver beyond the runway.”
Industry insiders say this shift is natural for her, given her expressive features, camera confidence and ability to adapt to varying brands and styles. Already, several regional creatives have expressed interest in collaborating with her as she embarks on this new artistic chapter.
For now, Lyshanda is embracing the comfort of home resting, reconnecting with family and reflecting on a journey that has elevated her both personally and professionally. She says Zimbabwe’s support played a vital role in sustaining her spirit throughout the competition.
“I felt the love from home every single day,” she said. “That support carried me, it strengthened me, it reminded me who I was representing.”
As she settles back into her routine, Lyshanda hopes her journey becomes a blueprint for young Zimbabwean girls, who dream of entering modelling or competing internationally.
“I hope my journey inspires another young Zimbabwean girl to dream boldly,” she added. “This was not an ending. It was a powerful beginning.”
