How Simone Gardner unwinds - Miss Grand Ja talks representing Ja, independence and downtime joys

For Simone Gardner, the journey to the Miss Grand International stage goes far beyond the pursuit of a crown.

The attorney-at-law, media personality, entrepreneur and advocate departed Kingston on September 17 for Bangkok, Thailand, where she is representing Jamaica as Miss Grand Jamaica 2026, with the Miss Grand International final set for October 10.

Since arriving in Thailand, Gardner said the experience has been unlike any other.

“Thailand has been remarkable so far. I was welcomed with open arms not just by the MGI staff and contestants, but also [by] the people of Thailand. The first official welcome ceremony happened on Wednesday, and we are preparing for the swimsuit competition next,” said Gardner.

As she competes among contestants from around the world, Gardner is carrying a message centred on empowerment, independence and the power of choice, particularly for women.

“My core message is about encouraging women to exercise the power of choice; to know their worth and to build lives that are not dependent on someone else’s permission,” Gardner told Living.

She hopes to help women build greater independence, especially in relationships. “I want women to know that partnership should add to their lives, not erase who they are,” she said.

“I want every woman to understand: you can love someone deeply and still have a voice of your own. You can build a family and still have your own identity. You can ask for help and still be strong. And you can leave a situation that diminishes you and build something different.”

Part of her identity

The opportunity to represent Jamaica internationally holds deep personal significance for Gardner.

“Jamaica is a part of my identity and the foundation of who I am,” she said. “To represent Jamaica internationally means carrying on the legacy of the most resilient way-makers in history.”

She takes pride in representing a small island with a global reputation for achievement and resilience.

“The spirit of achievement is in our DNA, and so I feel incredible pride knowing that I’m a part of a culture that demonstrates greatness in all its forms, especially as such a small island on the map,” she said.

Representing Jamaica internationally is also the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

“I’ve always wanted to represent my country internationally, and now that the moment is finally here, I plan to give it everything I have in honour of that dream.”

The road to Thailand, however, has not been without its challenges. Gardner said one of the toughest aspects of preparation has been remaining grounded while navigating the pressure and uncertainty of representing her country on an international platform.

Those challenges have taught her an important lesson about resilience.

“I’ve learned that I don’t have to control every circumstance. I simply have to control how I respond to it.”

With a talented field of contestants, Gardner intends to stand out by remaining authentic to herself.

“I believe originality is the most memorable and outstanding quality one can possess in any instance, not just in pageantry,” she said. “So I show up as myself no matter the cost.”

Regardless of the competition’s outcome, she hopes to continue creating accessible legal education for women, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse or financial dependence and unsure where to begin. She also hopes the international experience will create opportunities to bring together her background in law, advocacy, communication and public service on a larger platform.

Away from the pageantry and public attention, Gardner finds grounding in simple moments, particularly those spent at the beach.

Given a day without cameras, pageant duties or obligations, she said she would spend it swimming, reading, dancing, listening to music and enjoying good food with the people she loves.

“No heels, no make-up, no schedule, no posing, just me being me,” she said.

“I think sometimes the most luxurious thing in life is being completely unobserved and having the freedom to simply enjoy the moment.”

o’brian.wynter@gleanerjm.com