Shyaml Punekar
Ms Oregon World Petite for 2022 – 23
Mrs India OR USA 2019
Ms Photogenic India OR USA 19
Model, Makeup artist, Choreographer
Software Engineer
Founder – WamGlammz
USA
Two things one must possess to reach high magnification and prosperity in life?
Confidence
The ability to stay the course
Two things that inspired you to choose the field of beauty and lifestyle in your professional career?
The opportunity to empower others
The fusion of creativity with technology
Two things you always remember for your initial performances at ramp walk?
Maintaining poise
Staying focused on the audience
Two achievements as a successful Model in an international level?
Gracing the runway for renowned fashion brands
Appearing in high-profile global campaigns.
What were two major challenges you faced in achieving your title in Asian and American beauty pageants?
Cultural differences
Maintaining consistent self-confidence
Navigating the expectations and standards of different cultures required adaptability and understanding. Additionally, staying confident throughout the intense competition and handling the pressure of representing diverse backgrounds added another layer of complexity to the journey.
Two things that inspired you to start your new venture “ WamGlammz?”
The desire to simplify access to beauty and lifestyle services
The potential to empower individuals through self-care and confidence
Two best features of your new venture “WamGlammz?”
Seamless Booking Experience: With just a few taps, you can easily book appointments with top-rated makeup artists in your area. The app offers real-time availability, secure payment options, and the ability to read reviews from other users, making the entire process smooth and hassle-free.
Lifestyle – Strategies for Success
Two messages for upcoming beauty talents to achieve their goals, facing criticism and not getting support from family and friends?
Stay True to Your Vision: Criticism is inevitable, but don’t let it shake your confidence. Your passion and unique perspective are your greatest strengths. Focus on your goals, and remember that every successful person has faced doubt at some point.
Find Your Own Support System: If family and friends aren’t supportive, seek out mentors, peers, or communities that believe in you. Surround yourself with those who understand your journey and can lift you up when times get tough. Keep pushing forward; success will come with persistence and resilience.
Two things about people that vex you?
Social Stigma Around Widowhood: Widows in many parts of the Indian community face deep-rooted biases, and their participation in Asian beauty pageants is often judged harshly. There’s a cultural notion that widows should adhere to certain “reserved” or “sober” roles, which excludes them from being celebrated for their beauty, confidence, and individuality. This stigma can make it challenging for widows to participate freely without facing societal judgment, which is unjust and outdated.
Exclusion and Social Isolation: Some parts of the community, unfortunately, corner or ostracize widows by not inviting them to social gatherings or events like potlucks, reinforcing the idea that they don’t “belong” in certain spaces. This discriminatory treatment is not only painful but also further marginalizes them, making it harder for these women to regain their confidence and live a fulfilling life. It’s a reflection of a biased mindset that limits widows from participating in normal, joyous aspects of life, including fashion and beauty events.
Two decisions of your life you never regret ?
Moving to the USA: Leaving my home country allowed me to serve international communities, broaden my perspective, and make a global impact.
Entering the Fashion and Beauty Industry: It’s given me a platform to challenge norms, embrace creativity, and inspire confidence in others while promoting diversity and individuality.
Two priorities for your social work as an internationally recognized beauty queen?
Gratitude
Empowering others
Two things that motivates in your difficult times?
Purpose: Knowing that my actions have a deeper meaning and can positively impact others keeps me focused and driven, even when challenges arise.
Personal Growth: Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. The thought of emerging stronger and wiser helps me push through tough times.
Two values of life your parents have given you ?
The importance of education
Cultural Values and Moral Ethics
Two things you do for your happiness?
Family time for joyful connections Engaging with loved ones creates a strong bond that fosters love and support. Whether it’s sharing meals, playing games, or simply talking, these moments are invaluable.
Volunteering and serving the community. Equally important is my commitment to volunteering and serving the community. Helping others not only brings smiles to their faces but also fills my heart with joy. Engaging in community service allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
Two things you do for your fitness?
Meditation for inner piece
Embracing Traditional food for nourishment Equally important is my commitment to traditional food. Embracing nutritious, culturally-rooted meals fuels my body and nourishes my soul. Traditional dishes often include fresh, whole ingredients packed with essential nutrients.
Two goals you want to achieve in life?
Create Job opportunities for low income families and survivors, empowering men and women are interconnected and vital for societal progress. By working towards these objectives, we can cultivate a brighter, more equitable future for all. Together, let us strive for lasting change and uplift those in need.
Two of your favourite Quotes?
A lion walks alone. He does not need a pack of wolves to follow him – by Amit Abraham
Don’t Run away from the challenges, Run over them – by Enzo Ferrari
