Fay Fernandes, who originally hails from Assolna, was recently crowned the first Miss Goa International 2026 in London. In conversation with NT BUZZ
KALYANI JHA | NT BUZZ
Currently studying accounting and finance, Fay Fernandes stepped into the world of modelling earlier this year with the aim of stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something new. She quickly realised that this was something that she genuinely enjoyed. “I think there is something really powerful about allowing yourself to have different ambitions and discovering different sides of who you are,” she says.
Excerpts from an
interview:
What made you decide to participate in Miss Goa International?
What really drew me to the competition was the opportunity to represent a place that is so close to my heart while also pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful that I took that chance, because it opened a door to a side of myself I hadn’t discovered before.
How did you prepare for
the competition?
I watched videos online and practising at home, particularly focusing on my walk, posture, and stage presence. My best friend also helped me throughout the process by giving me feedback and constantly encouraging me. Mentally, I focused on staying positive, trusting myself and reminding myself to enjoy the experience rather than put too much pressure on
the outcome.
What were some aspects of the competition that you
particularly had to work on?
One of the biggest areas I had to work on was my dance, as I joined quite close to the competition and had only about a month to choreograph and prepare my performance. I overcame it by practising consistently, staying focused and reminding myself not to aim for perfection, but to give the best performance I could. It taught me that with determination and discipline, I can adapt even when time is limited.
Overall, each round challenged me in a different way and helped me become more confident and versatile.
Who or what has been your biggest source of encouragement throughout this?
I put my trust in God from the very beginning and truly believed that whatever the outcome was, it would be part of His plan for me. My faith gave me a sense of peace, strength and confidence throughout the competition, especially during moments when I felt nervous or uncertain. Alongside my faith, two of my greatest sources of encouragement have been my mum, Janery, and my best friend Zerin. My mum has always encouraged me to work hard, stay grounded and embrace the opportunities that come my way, while Zerin has been there to motivate me, reassure me, and celebrate every step of this journey with me.
What responsibility comes with wearing this crown?
Wearing this crown comes with the responsibility of representing the title with grace, humility, and purpose. I want to be a positive role model, especially for young people and show that success is not only about what you achieve, but also how you use your position to uplift and help others. For me, the crown is a reminder to stay true to myself, give back where I can, and represent Goa with pride.
Now that you hold the title,
what do you hope to use this
platform for?
I want to use my platform for something meaningful and encourage young people to believe in themselves, step outside their comfort zones and never feel limited to just one path in life. I also believe that having a platform comes with the opportunity to give back. I have decided to donate a portion of my cash prize to support those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal. Seeing the loss and hardship so many families are experiencing has really touched me, and I feel that even a small contribution can make a difference. For me, wearing this crown is not only about personal achievement; it is also about using the opportunities that come with it to show compassion, raise awareness, and positively impact others wherever I can.
What are your plans after winning the title?
I would love to continue pursuing modelling and explore more opportunities within acting and pageantry as well. At the same time, I remain committed to my academic goals and my passion for accounting.
What did this journey teach you about yourself?
This journey taught me that I’m much more capable than I realised. Stage fright has always been something I’ve struggled with, so standing on a stage and performing in front of an audience was a huge challenge for me. Throughout the competition, I learned to push through those nerves rather than let them hold me back. Winning the title showed me that confidence doesn’t necessarily mean having no fear it’s about having the courage to face that fear. I’ve come out of this experience believing in myself so much more, and that is something I’ll carry with me
beyond pageantry.
