Stage lights shine brightly. 

Crowns glisten under the spotlight. 

The announcer’s voice rings out, calling a name. Applause erupts. 

A sash with the words “NAM Texas Jr. Teen” is draped gently across her shoulder, followed by “National Top Model” just months later at Nationals. 

It’s a pageant dream for some, but the reality for junior Anisha Nayar.

“I was completely stunned,” Anisha said. “One moment, I was standing at the edge of the line with all these other beautiful girls, just admiring the crowd, and the next, I heard my name called. I was hit with a sudden surge of emotions and didn’t even realize what had happened until my friend next to me hugged me. As I was crowned, I was in absolute awe. Seeing my friends, my parents, and the crowd filled me with so much joy and pride. It was an unbeatable feeling, unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.” 

Although refining these skills is important, a large part of pageantry is about building the confidence needed to compete. 

“The biggest challenge for me was finding the confidence to step into the world of pageantry,” Anisha said. “Although people often told me I was a good fit, I struggled with the fear of not living up to those expectations. I overcame this by choosing to believe in myself and embracing courage.”

However, Anisha’s mindset wasn’t developed alone. Her family’s support, encouragement, and presence were crucial to her success as she moved from winning at the state level to earning national recognition.

“I was super excited and positive about [Anisha entering the pageant world],” Riti Nayar, Anisha’s mother, said. “I provided all the resources that she needed to give her best shot at it. She always calls me her ‘momager,’ as I was always by her side, trying to think ahead about what she could need next—whether emotionally, physically, or financially.”

Her brother, Armaan Nayar, was also a pillar of support for Anisha. 

“The role I played for support in Anisha’s pageant journey was mainly to provide moral support,” Armaan said. “I was there to calm her nerves and take her mind off the stress of the competition. Anisha looks up to me and feels happiest when I’m near her, as her older brother.”

From the audience, Armaan was filled with a similar emotion of pride as he watched his younger sister claim the crown. 

“I got up from my chair, screamed, and burst into laughter when she won,” he said. “My nerves were so high, and I felt so proud of her.”

As Anisha’s win sank in, her mother reflected on how the journey had brought them even closer.

“We were always close,” Riti said. “I try to be a friend to her, and she shares everything, from makeup to boys to school life. It’s been incredible watching her grow, not just as a pageant queen, but as an individual.”

Watching Anisha take the stage, her father felt an overwhelming sense of pride, knowing how much dedication and effort had led to this moment.

“As a father, there’s nothing quite like watching your little girl chase her dreams, and having the honor of standing beside her in that moment was truly priceless,” Anisha’s father Vikas Nayar said. 

For Saanvi Sreejit, a junior at UT Austin, mentoring Anisha was a rewarding experience that brought back memories of her own beginnings in pageantry.

“I remember being a young girl who knew nothing about pageantry but had the passion for it, and I really saw that in her as well,” Saanvi said. “She’s already so naturally talented and so willing to learn, which made it really enjoyable to train her. Even with my packed schedule, I’d drive back on weekends so we could practice. I’m so proud of her, and all the hard work was so worth it.” 

For Anisha, the journey wasn’t just about the crown—it was about the deeper connections she made

along the way.

“There’s a unique sisterhood that comes with pageantry,” she said. “To me, NAM isn’t just a pageant where girls come together to compete—it’s a place where I can showcase my true and best self. This is the kind of pageant that empowers young women with great minds to share their passions and speak about platforms and causes that matter to them.”