Gaselesire Jade Phalanyane, a vibrant 21-year-old from Gabane, Botswana, is fast becoming a name to watch in the world of pageantry and modeling. Behind her radiant smile and elegant poise lies a story of courage, resilience, and unwavering ambition. Her journey into the world of modeling began in 2022, the same year she entered tertiary education. But Jade’s fascination with the runway had been growing in her heart for years.
“I’ve always been a very shy, yet curious little girl,” she shares. “Growing up, I would watch international modeling competitions, fashion documentaries, and pageants. I was in awe of how confidently those women walked and carried themselves. It was like they were born for the spotlight—and deep down, I wished I could be like them.”
Despite her growing passion, fear often held Jade back. The thought of stepping into an audition room triggered panic attacks. “Every time I wanted to audition, I’d freeze. I let fear control me.” But in 2022, something shifted in her mindset. With the mantra “If not now, then when?” she summoned the courage to sign up for her first pageant. To her surprise, she was crowned 2nd Princess.
That moment changed everything. “It was my first time, and I already placed! I was overwhelmed with emotion. I cried. It felt surreal, yet validating. It confirmed what I had always felt deep inside—I belong in this space.”
Jade credits her authenticity to her upbringing in Gabane, a village known for its strong cultural values and community spirit. “My background has played a major role in the kind of model I am today. I stay true to myself. I’m not just walking on stage to win a crown—I walk with purpose, with my community in mind.”
Being raised by strict African parents presented its own challenges. “They didn’t understand why a girl had to walk in bikinis in front of strangers,” she laughs. “Explaining that pageantry is more than just beauty—it’s about leadership, community, and confidence—was not easy.” But over time, her parents saw the bigger picture. “They watched me transform. They saw my dedication and passion. Now they’re my biggest supporters.”
For Jade, pageantry is more than just glitz and glam. It is a calling. “My passion didn’t just push me to enter pageants—it drove me to experience everything about it: the discipline, the mental growth, the service to others.”
Her inspiration stems from Botswana’s very own Mpule Kwelagobe—the first black woman to win Miss Universe in 1999. “Mpule was everything I aspired to be. Her strength, her intellect, her ability to stand tall among the world’s most beautiful women—she made it all seem possible. I owe a lot of my ambition to the trail she blazed.”
Jade has faced her share of struggles, from misunderstandings about the industry to personal rejection. “A lot of people think pageantry is just about beauty, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” she asserts. “It’s about public speaking, confidence, community impact, and a deep level of self-awareness.”
Despite the challenges, Jade remains grounded and focused. “Every ‘no’ I get, I take as a stepping stone to my next ‘yes.’ I’ve developed a thick skin and a strong heart.”
What helps her stay centered is her emphasis on mental wellness. “Mental health is everything. I’ve learned to prioritize myself—through meditation, spending time with people who lift me up, and simply taking breaks when necessary. Pageantry can be mentally exhausting, so I make sure to nourish myself emotionally.”
She also places value in community-based pageants that promote service and mentorship. “I choose my pageants based on how they treat their queens and how much they value giving back. I want to be part of organizations that are making real change, not just putting on a show.”
As she looks ahead, Jade has big dreams—not just for herself, but for her community and fellow young women. “I want to mentor aspiring pageant girls. I know how scary it can be to step into this world. I want to be the support system I wish I had when I started.”
She also plans to use her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, including mental wellness, youth empowerment, and women’s rights. “This platform is powerful, and I want to use it wisely.”
Outside of pageantry, Jade is exploring the fashion and entertainment industries. She is also a passionate makeup artist. “Makeup is another form of art and self-expression for me. I’d love to grow my brand in that space.”
To young women who want to follow in her footsteps, Jade offers this heartfelt advice; “Believe in your worth, and never let anyone dim your light. This industry will test you, but remember your ‘why’. Education is key, so keep growing. Be professional, be kind, and be ready for every opportunity. Celebrate your wins and learn from your setbacks. Most importantly, inspire others. That’s what truly makes a queen.”
From a shy girl with panic attacks to a confident beauty queen with a purpose, Jade Phalanyane is the embodiment of courage, authenticity, and brilliance. Her journey is a powerful reminder that when you walk with intention, the world takes notice. And for Jade, this is only the beginning.
Takudzwa Joylene Chigura 
Celebrity World