A mother, professional makeup artist, and trailblazer, Aniqa Alam broke barriers by representing Bangladesh at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico. Her participation marked an important moment – not just for the pageant – but for the perception of motherhood and professional aspirations. Balancing the responsibilities of raising her young son with the demands of an international competition, Alam demonstrated that motherhood and ambition can coexist

By Ayman Anika

Beyond the pageant stage, the talented makeup artist and philanthropist is committed to making a tangible difference. Her philanthropic work focuses on eradicating hunger and women’s empowerment, reflecting her belief that social responsibility is an essential part of personal success. Her journey highlights the importance of using platforms and opportunities to advocate for meaningful change.

On a chilly evening, MWB sat down with Aniqa Alam to discuss her experience at Miss Universe 2024 and what lies ahead.

First of all, congratulations!  How does it feel to be back in Bangladesh after representing the country on such a prestigious global stage in Mexico?

Thank you so much! It feels absolutely surreal to be back. Representing Bangladesh on the global Miss Universe stage was an experience unlike anything I ever imagined. It was a whirlwind of emotions – challenging, exhilarating, and life-changing all at once.

There were moments of glamor and fun, of course, but also immense challenges that tested me in ways I had never been tested before. Stepping into such a prestigious competition without much preparation or expectation was daunting, but I gave it my all. Now that I’m back, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for having had the opportunity to showcase Bangladesh on such a prominent platform.

What were the most memorable moments for you during your time at the Miss Universe competition?

The Miss Universe competition was filled with countless memorable moments, but what stood out most was the incredible diversity. There were women from over 130 countries, each bringing unique perspectives, languages, cultures, and life stories. It was fascinating to interact with such an array of professionals – doctors, journalists, mothers, makeup artists, and more – all under one roof.

One of the most unexpected highlights for me was sharing a room with another contestant. Growing up, I had never shared a room with a sibling or roommate, so I was initially hesitant.

But it turned out to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. Sharing the same journey and supporting each other emotionally created a bond that felt like having a sister, something I had never experienced before.

The friendships and connections we built during those intense days remain invaluable. We all stayed together, worked hard, and supported each other, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Let’s rewind a bit to your early years. Growing up, did you ever imagine yourself becoming Miss Universe Bangladesh one day?

As a child, I was always fascinated by the glam world. I dreamed of becoming a model or an actress when I was a kid. However, those aspirations were shut down early on by family who did not approve of such a choice for their darling daughter.

Over time, those dreams seemed to fade, but it’s funny how life works, isn’t it? Many years later, those aspirations found their way back to me in the most unexpected manner. The opportunity came about because the National Director of Miss Universe Bangladesh had to select someone worthy of the crown who had the ability to represent Bangladesh on such a prestigious platform.

When we met to discuss it, a video call from the Miss Universe organization coincidentally occurred and they saw me and were very excited to have me represent Bangladesh. That moment felt like fate stepping in – it was almost as if everything aligned to bring back those childhood dreams in a way I couldn’t have imagined.

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how dreams, even when buried, have a way of resurfacing. Becoming Miss Universe Bangladesh was not something I had ever actively envisioned growing up, but now it feels like the culmination of a lifelong journey of resilience, self-discovery, and glamor.

What inspires you the most?

I find inspiration in the strong women around me – my friends and my family. These women, in their strength and resilience, motivate me to aim higher and do better. I am deeply passionate about women’s empowerment, and seeing women excel in various fields pushes me to contribute and inspire others through my work as well.

If I were to name one individual who has profoundly inspired me, it would be Princess Diana. She was not only a devoted mother but also a trailblazer who worked on causes that others hesitated to address. Her compassion, grace, and ability to leave a lasting legacy while maintaining a glamorous persona are qualities I deeply admire. She reminds me of the balance one can achieve between making an impact and embracing individuality.

Who supported you the most during this period during your preparation for Miss Universe?

My husband was my biggest support system during this journey. When the opportunity came, I was a little hesitant due to the lack of time and experience. I was excited but also overwhelmed and scared about the challenges I would face. He was the one who convinced me to take the leap, helping me believe in my abilities and encouraging me every step of the way. His faith in me empowered me to pursue Miss Universe.

Additionally, my parents and in-laws played a vital role by stepping in to care for my son, Avien, while I prepared for the competition. Their support gave me the peace of mind to focus on representing my country on such a grand stage.

It was a collective effort, and I am immensely grateful for the strength and encouragement they provided during this transformative period.

Balancing your role as a mother to your two-year-old son, Avien, while preparing for Miss Universe must have been extraordinary. How did you manage these dual responsibilities?

It was incredibly challenging, as the longest I had ever been away from Avien before this was about five to seven days, and the Miss Universe experience required nearly 20 days apart. That was the hardest part of this journey. Being a very involved mother, I am used to knowing every detail of his life – what he’s eating, where he’s going, and what he’s doing. Relinquishing that control and relying on my parents and in-laws to care for him was difficult.

Despite missing him terribly, I reminded myself that this sacrifice was for a greater purpose. I hope that when Avien grows up, he sees that his mother took this step to do something meaningful for the country and finds inspiration in it. Interestingly, I think he was stronger than I was during this time – it impacted me more than it did him.This experience also reinforced my belief that motherhood is not a limitation but a strength. Being a mother teaches adaptability and determination, which empowers you to conquer challenges and reach for bigger goals, so your child learns to do the same one day and also so that other moms believe that motherhood is just the beginning.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave, both as Miss Universe Bangladesh and in your personal life?

I want to inspire others to create a positive impact in the world. Whether it’s improving the quality of life for those around us or uplifting others, I believe we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place.

As a mother, I hope to instill in my son the value of helping others. Beyond my family, I aspire to inspire women to embrace their strength and believe that motherhood is not a barrier but a badge of honor – a proof of their resilience. I want them to see that they can achieve anything, no matter the challenges they face.

On a broader scale, I hope to champion causes like “Zero Hunger,” focusing on eradicating the basic yet profound issue of hunger. It’s a mission that aligns with my personal eorts of feeding the less fortunate and teaching my son about charity. Through this, I want to leave a legacy of compassion, empowerment, and meaningful impact.

You studied political science at Loyola Marymount University, USA and even worked at the Los Angeles Mayor’s office. How did those experiences contribute to the person you are today?

Studying political science was initially a decision influenced by my father, who believed in pursuing a strong academic foundation before exploring creative fields like fashion or makeup artistry. While I wasn’t sure how it would shape my future, I am incredibly grateful for that path. It opened my eyes to the intricacies of global interactions, diplomacy, and the power of communication in improving lives.

My time at Loyola Marymount University was transformative. I became deeply invested in learning and aimed to excel academically, earning a 3.8 GPA and graduating cum laude. Those years instilled in me a love for knowledge and a desire to serve others. Working at the Los Angeles Mayor’s office further reinforced the value of service and the potential to create change through meaningful initiatives.

These experiences also inspired me to work on causes like “Zero Hunger,” reflecting my belief that even small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes. My background in political science and public service helped me approach this journey with a deeper understanding of responsibility and impact, shaping the person I am today.

Preparing for Miss Universe must have been intense! What was that preparation like?

Intense would be an understatement! The preparation process was a whirlwind from the moment I accepted the opportunity. I suddenly realized the sheer magnitude of work required, and it felt as though every hour of the next 14 days was devoted to getting ready for Miss Universe.

To start with, I made fitness a priority. I wanted to be in the best shape of my life, so I dedicated a significant amount of time to working out. My routine included gym sessions and walking an hour each day on an empty stomach to ensure I stayed active and disciplined. This was paired with grooming classes where I learned the nuances of walking on the runway in heels for 3 to 5 hours every day – an essential skill for someone like me, who is not a professional model.

Beyond physical preparation, there was a tremendous amount of creative and logistical work involved. Photo and video shoots were a key part of the process, as the Miss Universe Organization required several visual materials to be submitted before the event. This included running from one shoot to another and coordinating with photographers and videographers – all on short notice.

Outfits were another crucial element. I had fittings to finalize my national costume, the finale gown, and numerous other looks for various occasions during the competition. This involved working closely with designers, ensuring everything was perfect, and balancing the logistics of packing for almost three weeks abroad. Shoes, jewelry, and accessories for every look were meticulously curated, which meant constant shopping and organizing.

Even the final press conference before I left was a significant moment, and though I hardly prepared for it, I gave it my best and was grateful for the positive reception. It was after this press conference and how well it was received that it started to feel real and I felt confident in my ability to represent Bangladesh with grace and pride.

But still, what most contestants prepare for over a year – or at least six months – I had to compress into just 14 days. It was non-stop. It was undoubtedly overwhelming, but as they say, diamonds are made under pressure, and I embraced the challenge with everything I had. Looking back, it was one of the most intense yet rewarding experiences of my life.

So, were there any difficult questions?

Interestingly, I wouldn’t say there were any particularly difficult questions. One of the key parts of the Miss Universe journey was a closed-door interview before the preliminary night, where all contestants were interviewed by a panel of nine judges.

For me, most of the questions revolved around Bangladesh, as there hadn’t been many participants from my country before. The judges were curious, and it gave me the perfect opportunity to share and highlight the beauty, culture, and uniqueness of Bangladesh.

I absolutely loved that experience. Talking about my country and sharing pieces of my identity was incredibly fulfilling. The interview felt like one of the best parts of the entire competition – it was personal, meaningful, and gave me a chance to connect with the judges on a deeper level.

Rather than finding the questions challenging, I found them engaging. It was a privilege to represent my country and let the world know more about Bangladesh. That moment of being able to articulate my pride and passion for where I come from will always remain one of the highlights of this journey.

From public service to becoming a professional makeup artist, your career path has been so diverse. What inspired you to make these transitions?

My journey has always been guided by a pursuit of fulfilment and staying true to myself. While working and interning in public service, I realized there was a part of me that felt unfulfilled. I strongly believe that happiness is essential for doing greater good in the world – a happy person is better equipped to inspire and help others.

During that phase, I reflected on my journey and acknowledged that I had achieved my father’s dreams and followed the path my education had prepared me for. However, it became clear that it was time to prioritize my own passions and aspirations.

Makeup artistry had always been something I was deeply passionate about, a skill I believed I excelled in. It felt natural to explore this passion further, so I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue it professionally.

I enrolled in makeup courses in Los Angeles, which helped me refine my skills, and upon returning to Bangladesh in 2017, I started my own business. It was an incredibly rewarding experience. The joy I felt in helping women feel confident and beautiful, especially on their wedding day, was unmatched by anything else I had done.

Empowering women through beauty became more than just a career – it was a mission. I believe that when women feel confident in their appearance, they are empowered to achieve great things in their lives. This philosophy has been my driving force, and I am deeply fulfilled knowing I can contribute to their confidence and happiness.

When you’re not wearing the crown or advocating for change, how do you like to unwind and relax?

I consider myself a very chill person, and unwinding for me often revolves around spending time with the people I love at home and doing the things that bring me joy. My absolute favorite activity is spending time with my child.

Playing with him allows me to reconnect with my own childhood. It’s like finding a piece of the past that I didn’t fully appreciate when I was younger because, as a child, you’re so focused on growing up. Now, as an adult and a mother, I get to relive those moments of innocence and joy through him, which is truly special.

I also have a deep love for traveling. If it were possible, I’d travel every month! Exploring new places and cultures excites me, but with the responsibilities of work and motherhood, I can’t do it as often as I’d like. Still, whenever the opportunity arises, I jump at the chance to embark on an adventure.

Shopping is another way I like to unwind. Whether it’s browsing online or visiting stores, I enjoy the process – it’s almost therapeutic!

Movies are another big part of my relaxation routine. I love watching films, even on my own. But what’s even better is gathering a group of girlfriends for a fun movie night with chick flicks, popcorn, and plenty of laughs. Those moments of carefree joy are some of the best ways to unwind.

Ultimately, whether I’m traveling, spending time with my child, indulging in some retail therapy, or enjoying a good movie, these simple pleasures help me recharge and find balance in my busy life.

What are you currently reading?

I love reading – but I don’t always get the time to do so. However, recently in order to avoid too much screen time before bed, I’ve started reading again every night and sometimes I just can’t put a book down. In fact, just before you came in, I was so engrossed in a book that I lost track of time!

Right now, I’m reading Verity by Colleen Hoover, and it has completely captured my attention. It’s such a thrilling and intense story that I find myself hooked, turning page after page, eager to see what happens next.

I enjoy a variety of genres. Autobiographies are a favorite of mine because I love delving into the lives of fascinating people and learning from their experiences. At the same time, I’m a hopeless romantic, so I have a soft spot for fiction, especially love stories. They speak to the dreamer in me and remind me of the beauty and complexities of human connections.

What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I hope this is an interesting fact. It’s definitely interesting to me. So, something people might not know about me is that I have a deep passion for exploring mental and physical well-being. I can easily spend hours in a day researching topics related to wellness, whether it’s discovering a new workout routine, experimenting with a healthy dish for my family, or learning about habits that promote overall well-being. I learn from my research and implement it in my life for weeks or months or sometimes, forever, which is why my daily health or beauty routine just gets longer and longer and I never get bored at home.

What would be your regular beauty routine?

For me, beauty isn’t just about external care; it’s about nurturing yourself from within with good food, exercise and beauty treatments as well. I believe in getting monthly facials to keep my skin glowing and weekly massages to keep my body thriving. These facials and massages not only rejuvenate the skin but also provide a moment of relaxation and self-care. Equally important is eating healthy and staying hydrated to nourish the body from the inside out. I’m a firm believer in the idea that true beauty flows from within.

Another cornerstone of my routine is staying active, specifically walking. I aim for at least 10,000 steps a day, which is one of the simplest yet most eective ways to keep both the body and mind healthy. The beauty of walking is that it doesn’t have to be confined to one session – it can easily be incorporated into daily life. Whether it’s a morning walk, a quick stroll after lunch, or pacing during a phone call, it’s all about finding creative ways to stay active throughout the day.

In essence, my beauty routine is about consistency, balance, and making health a priority. By focusing on these elements, I ensure that I feel and look my best.

What does your daily fitness routine look like?

My fitness regime is centered around maintaining a balance between nutrition, hydration, and exercise. My day starts with a glass of lime water infused with ginger. It’s a simple yet effective way to kickstart my metabolism and energize my body for the day ahead.

I practice intermittent fasting, which means I don’t begin eating until around 2 or 3 PM. This approach has worked well for me, helping me stay disciplined while allowing my body the time to reset and rejuvenate. When it comes to my meals, I focus on a balanced intake of macronutrients. I include some carbohydrates in my diet because they’re essential for energy, but I prioritize protein. Chicken is a staple in my meals, and I also try to incorporate fish because of its nutritional benefits.

Healthy fats are another key component of my diet. I enjoy avocados and occasionally use coconut milk in creative ways to add variety and flavour to my meals. Fruits like kiwis and dates are my go-to for natural sweetness and essential vitamins, and I make a conscious eort to incorporate them into my routine.

Now that Miss Universe 2024 is behind you, what’s next?

With the Miss Universe 2024 journey now concluded, I am eagerly looking forward to taking on several new ventures that align with my passions and aspirations. A significant focus will be on philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the realm of women’s empowerment. I am committed to leveraging my platform to advocate for and implement initiatives that uplift and support women in various capacities.

In addition to my advocacy work, I am excited about the prospect of launching my own makeup line. This venture stems from my deep-seated passion for beauty and artistry, and I aim to create products that resonate with a diverse audience.

Collaborating with the Miss Universe product line is also on the horizon, and I am enthusiastic about the innovative possibilities this partnership could yield.

Modeling is another avenue I intend to explore further. However, I plan to be selective, choosing to work with brands and companies whose values and missions I genuinely believe in. This approach ensures that my engagements are authentic and meaningful.

Overall, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what the future holds. These endeavors not only align with my personal interests but also provide avenues to make a positive impact, and I am eager to embark on this next chapter.

Fashion Direction & Styling: Mahmudul Hasan Mukul | Photographer: Naymul Islam | Make-up & Hair Style: Md Hossain | Assistant Stylist: Arbin Topu | Wardrobe: Sanaya | Jewelry: Jarwa House