Pageantry Isn't About Outdoing Other Women: Miss Diva Supranational Sonal Kukreja

Sonal Kukreja, reigning as LIVA Miss Diva Supranational 2023, is set to represent India at the 15th Miss Supranational Grand Finale on July 6, 2024, in Poland. In an inspiring conversation with SheThePeople, Kukreja underscored the importance of fearlessness and limitless ambition for young women seeking to forge their own paths. She discussed the idea of breaking free from self-imposed boundaries, urging young girls to embrace risks and dream big. 

Sonal Kukreja's Journey and Cultural Influence

Hailing from the vibrant streets of Delhi and enriched by the rich cultural heritage of Jaipur, Kukreja reflects on how each city has contributed to her cultural upbringing. She shares, "Delhi has taught me authenticity and rawness, where people are unabashedly themselves. In contrast, Jaipur has instilled in me simplicity and kindness, shaping me into a graceful woman." As she transitions to Mumbai, she continues to evolve, drawing inspiration from her surroundings. Now, poised to represent India on a global stage, Kukreja embraces her diverse cultural influences as she prepares to compete in Poland.

Kukreja then shared insights into her unexpected journey into the world of pageantry, revealing, "The way it unfolded is quite a tale. Initially, I had no inkling that this opportunity would come knocking at my door. However, as I dove deeper into what the Miss Supranational pageant stood for, I realised that its values resonated deeply with my own. Their emphasis on holistic empowerment and celebrating individuality without conforming to traditional beauty standards struck a chord with me."

She added, "I've always been passionate about making a positive impact and contributing to the world in my own way. While I wasn't sure how I would achieve this, stumbling upon this path felt like a potential avenue to fulfil my aspirations. Step by step, I found myself moving in the right direction, ultimately leading me to this moment."

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Entrepreneurial Venture

In addition to preparing for the upcoming International Contest, Kukreja also shines as the founder of Unicas, a startup revolutionising India's financial sector with innovative crypto financial services. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "I recall spending time in my dad's office as a child, fascinated by the idea of bridging gaps and helping people through products or services. Witnessing my dad's impactful work inspired me to follow suit. After college, while working in marketing in America, I stumbled upon the concept of crypto. Partnering with a company specialising in B-to-B crypto services, we launched Unicas, a B-to-C platform in India.”

"Our goal is simple, to provide a secure platform for crypto transactions, offering opportunities for passive and active income, along with savings interest, to enhance people's crypto investments," Kukreja added. 

Expressing her admiration for women breaking societal norms and achieving financial independence, she emphasised, "I strongly believe that true independence for women stems from taking control of their financial well-being. I urge women to embark on this journey, regardless of the amount they start with. It's time to overcome the fear surrounding finances and investments, especially in India, where it's often seen as a male-dominated domain. I want to empower women to take the lead."

There's something incredibly empowering about women supporting each other. I've been fortunate to have a supportive network of amazing women who've helped me reach where I am today. They've instilled in me the confidence to believe in myself, nurturing me with love and care. Now, I aim to give back to the world, with finance being just one aspect of it.

The Power of Sisterhood

Reflecting on the profound impact of sisterhood in her life, she fondly shared, "I've been blessed with an incredible sister who's been my mother, mentor, and best friend all rolled into one. She's truly my soulmate for life, and that bond is something I carry wherever I go. While I cherish my relationships with my girlfriends, I've come to realise that in competitions like pageantry, it's not about outdoing other women. It's about striving to be the best version of ourselves. Through these experiences, I've forged many meaningful friendships, and that's what sisterhood is all about. Women have this unique ability to uplift each other, and the strength of that platonic connection is unparalleled. It's a feeling like no other."

While Kukreja draws inspiration from industry trailblazers who have shaped the landscape, she remains firmly anchored by the unwavering support of her family amidst her professional pursuits. "They are my cheerleaders, the wind beneath my wings. Their presence fuels my determination to push boundaries and pursue my dreams," she affirms.

Message to Young Women

In a poignant message to young women aspiring to carve their own path, Kukreja advocates for fearlessness and boundless ambition. She encourages them to shatter self-imposed limitations and embrace risks, emphasising the transformative power of daring to dream big and taking bold leaps of faith. Kukreja said, "When you get beyond that, that is when you experience real growth. So, let yourself get a taste of that experience, because it's magical."

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