IN the pageant world, people often speak about ‘the weight of the crown’, but only a Queen who has worn it truly understands the depth of that weight: its beauty, its pressure, its responsibility.
Behind the glamour, a Miss Fiji must navigate constant public scrutiny while carrying herself as an ambassador for her people. The pride of communities and the joy in children’s faces remind her to stay brave, grounded, and dignified.
For Jessica, the years since she received her crown have been humbling, a journey shaped by circumstance, reshaped by resilience, and sustained by gratitude.
“I remain incredibly grateful for every opportunity that came my way, and for the chance to connect with the beautiful people of Fiji,” she reflects.
Her path to the Miss Fiji crown began long before 2019. It started at the Hibiscus Festival, Fiji’s “Mother of All Festivals,” where rigorous schedules, rehearsals, appearances and public expectations taught her endurance and grace. These lessons would shape not only her reign, but her outlook on life.
“This journey has shaped me, grounded me, and reminded me constantly of the strength, warmth, and generosity that define our nation,” Jessica says.
Among the memories she cherishes most are the countless people she met—their stories, kindness and cultural depth.
“I have crossed paths with so many beautiful-hearted individuals who’ve shown me the depth of veilomani, veitokoni, vakarokoroko, yalomalua, and marau that live so strongly within our culture.”
As the Miss Fiji 2025 contestants selected their research topics this week and prepare to step into the demanding weeks ahead, Jessica’s own memories came flooding back.
“I still vividly remember standing amongst the queens vying for Miss Fiji 2019,” she recalls.
“Looking across the room, I saw pride, passion, and the weight of the communities each young woman carried on her sash. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of humility and honour simply to stand beside them — women who came together with the common goal of celebrating our people, our stories, and our heritage.”
These, she says, are moments that never leave you.
Now, as the 2025 contestants enter their final stretch before pageant week begins next Thursday, Jessica offers heartfelt advice:
“Embrace this journey wholeheartedly. Allow yourself to learn from every step. There will be highs and lows, but within each moment lies an opportunity to grow, to appreciate, and to discover your own strength. Stay open-hearted, stay grounded, and allow the experience and the people you meet to shape you in meaningful ways.”
With excitement and deep gratitude, Jessica prepares to finally crown her successor — six years after she first stepped into the role.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to represent Fiji, even in ways both big and small,” she shares.
“I am grateful to the committee, the media team, the Samson Lee Fiji team, and every amazing person who has supported me along this path.”
“Vinaka vakalevu for allowing me to be part of this legacy. I carry it with deep gratitude.”
After handing over her crown the current Miss Fiji plans to continue to contribute in ways to uplift young women in the community.
“I would love to stay connected to the pageant family, support incoming Queens where I can, and continue growing both personally and professionally in the years ahead,”
As Fiji’s social media lights up with excitement and commentary—every photo, every introduction, every moment shared—the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee continues to highlight this year’s theme: “Think Before You Click.”
A timely reminder that even as contestants take the stage, they also navigate a digital world where kindness, accountability and empathy matter just as much as confidence, talent and poise.
The Miss Fiji Pageant 2025 begins on December 11 (Thursday) and concludes on of December 13 (Saturday).
The newly-crowned Queen will go on to represent Fiji at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Nadi on February 2026, when Fiji proudly hosts the region.
Tickets are now available on TicketMax. Simply scan the QR code.
A new reign will begin soon, a legacy continues and as Jessica prepares to pass on the crown, her journey stands as a reminder that true Queenship is not defined by how the crown sparkles but by how gracefully it is carried.
n Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti is Miss Fiji Pageant Media Liaison Officer
