LYSHANDA Moyas says she is walking away from the global stage with her head held high, her confidence intact and her spirit glowing brighter than ever.
After weeks of electrifying appearances, gruelling schedules and an avalanche of international attention, the 26-year-old beauty queen says she is “proud, fulfilled and grateful” for the journey that has placed her firmly under the spotlight.
But in true Lyshanda fashion, bold and honest, she has shut down all whispers about her quitting modelling or immediately chasing another beauty crown.
Instead, she’s hitting a reset button and choosing herself.
“I’m proud of what I represented,” she said, flashing the infectious smile that won hearts across Thailand.
“Miss Universe was an incredible ride. I grew, I learnt, I pushed myself.
“And, now, I’m simply taking time to breathe and focus on me.”
While fans expected her to announce her next big world stage, Lyshanda is refusing to be rushed.
She has not hinted at leaving modelling, nor has she teased any upcoming pageant plans.
If anything, she is taking back control of her journey — her pace, her direction and her vision.
In Thailand, Lyshanda was more than a contestant.
She was Zimbabwe’s comeback story – a radiant, unfiltered burst of culture, confidence and charisma.
Whether she was gliding across the runway in national costume or giving cameras that signature smoulder during the preliminaries, she commanded attention.
And, even though she didn’t walk away with the crown, she left with something far more powerful – global respect.
“The world saw me, the real me,” she said.
“That’s the biggest win.”
Behind the glamour, she revealed that the journey came with intense pressure: early-morning call times, high-stakes rehearsals, charity work, and non-stop public scrutiny.
But instead of crumbling, Lyshanda says it toughened her, sharpened her mindset and reminded her of the powerhouse she is becoming.
“It was beautiful chaos,” she laughed. “But it made me stronger.”
Now back home, the model who dazzled the world says she is shifting gears.
No pageant talk.
No future crown speculation.
No ‘‘what’s next?’’ anxiety.
Lyshanda is choosing a refreshing, grounded path focusing on herself, her well-being and her growth.
“I want to refill my cup,” she revealed.
“I want to show up for myself before I show up for another big platform.”
And while she’s hitting pause on pageant speculation, she’s stepping harder into a space she calls her “sweet spot” of commercial fashion modelling.
Forget the tiara for now, Lyshanda wants billboards, brand campaigns, fashion editorials and visuals that speak directly to audiences beyond the runway.
“Commercial fashion allows you to tell stories visually,” she said.
“It’s expressive, emotional and powerful.
‘‘I want to build myself in that space and explore my versatility.”
Industry insiders say this is exactly where Lyshanda’s strength lies.
Her face photographs are like a dream, her presence translates effortlessly on camera and her style is relatable to everyday consumers – key ingredients for commercial modelling success.
Already, some regional brands are said to be eyeing her for future collaborations, riding on the massive visibility she gained at Miss Universe.
But for now, Lyshanda just wants to slow down, soak in her achievements and reconnect with family and supporters who stood behind her throughout the whirlwind journey.
She says every cheer, every message, every flag raised for her carried her through the toughest moments in Thailand.
“I felt Zimbabwe with me every single day,” she said.
“And I hope my journey tells another young girl out there that dreams do take you places if you dare.” – HMetro
