Faron Medhi of Nebraska made waves in 2022 as she was crowned the Miss Teen USA winner, captivating audiences with her grace, intelligence, and undeniable presence. Hailing from an impressive background, Faron brought a unique blend of beauty and talent to the stage. With her radiant smile and magnetic personality, Faron effortlessly charmed the judges and spectators alike, leaving an indelible mark on the pageant world.
Beyond her striking appearance, Faron Medhi possesses a remarkable intellect and a passion for making a positive impact. As an advocate for various social causes, she utilizes her platform to raise awareness about issues close to her heart. Faron’s dedication to empowering young women and promoting inclusivity shines through her actions, making her an inspirational role model for aspiring leaders. With her title as the 2022 Miss Teen USA winner, Faron Medhi embarks on a journey that is sure to make a lasting impact on society and continue to inspire others for years to come.
Faron Medhi
I recently had the honor to speak to Faron for Pop Style TV to discuss her Miss Teen USA win amongst other interesting topics.
Karly B.: How does it feel to be the Miss Teen USA winner and represent Nebraska on a national level?
Faron Medhi: It is a dream come true to be Miss Teen USA. Since the age of 10 I dreamt of holding the title. I always looked up to the titleholders in the Miss USA system, and they impacted me so much that I knew I wanted to one day be that inspiration for others. While on the Miss Teen USA stage, I was full of so much pride and happiness to represent my amazing state of Nebraska on the national stage. Nebraska is my home, and I love everything about my state. I was grateful and excited to have such a unique experience and be able to represent the great State of Nebraska.
Karly B.: What inspired you to enter the pageant world, and how did you get started in it?
Faron Medhi: I started competing at the age of 9, my mother received a letter in the mail and wanted to enter me for fun. She did not expect me to catch the pageant bug, but as soon as I walked on the stage I fell in love with competing. I competed in a local pageant for a year before getting a coach. In the first meeting with my coach Robin Gifford with Springboard Girls, she told me that I would need to compete in Miss Teen USA one day. After learning about the system from her, I set a long term goal to become a national titleholder for the Miss USA organization.
Karly B.: How has your life changed since winning the Miss Teen USA title?
Faron Medhi: I don’t know where to start! The title has granted me priceless and fabulous experiences. I have met incredible people, and traveled all around the country. It is crazy to think about who I was before I won Miss Nebraska Teen USA and Miss Teen USA, I have become so much more confident! Being a titleholder grants the opportunity to grow and change so much in a positive way, over a very short period of time. I have become a more eloquent speaker, better at managing my time and being adaptable to situations that arise, to name a few. Because of this title I have exciting opportunities, I am able to impact a broader amount of people, and I have new role models and mentors in my life. It has given me the opportunity to share the message of self-worth to people of all ages and with various backgrounds.
Karly B.: What causes or social issues are you passionate about, and how do you plan to use your platform to raise awareness about them?
Faron Medhi: I am passionate about a wide variety of topics: self-confidence, social media pressures, comparison, education, women in STEM, diversity and inclusion, etc. My main passion focuses on self-esteem, especially among the youth. I am the author and illustrator of a children’s alphabet affirmations book titled “I am ABC’s” and with my title I have been able to speak to over 5,000 elementary students, teaching them about kindness, confidence, and speaking affirmations. I also speak to middle school students about societal pressures, social media, digital footprint, confidence, kindness, etc. On social media, I strive to be relatable and vulnerable, so people can come to my page and see I am just a normal girl! I hope to inspire others to stay true to who they are with my transparency online. I also use media interviews, podcasts, Instagram lives, etc, to talk about all of the other things I am passionate about to spread more awareness. I hope little girls are able to look up to me and see themselves in me, that I am representing all types of people.
Karly B.: What advice would you give to other young women who are considering entering the pageant world?
Faron Medhi: Take the risk and enter! The most beautiful thing about pageantry is the self-growth that is obtained from it. It also teaches life skills such as interviewing, intrapersonal skills, how to carry yourself with confidence and grace, and so much more! I have met some of my best friends through pageantry, and had such amazing and positive experiences. I would urge anyone to compete! It can be really scary to put yourself out there to be judged, but you learn so much about yourself in the process. Even if you don’t walk away with a top placement or crown and sash, you walk away with a unique experience, self-growth, friendships, lessons, connections, and confidence.
Karly B.: What do you hope to accomplish during your reign as Miss Teen USA, and what are your goals for the future?
Faron Medhi: During my reign as Miss Teen USA, I want to impact and help as many people as possible. I believe that is my job as a titleholder. I want to help other people realize their potential and find their confidence. I hope to inspire other people to chase after their dreams, and help them understand that nothing can limit them except their mindsets. Being the first Indian American and Nebraskan to hold this title, I hope to bring representation and inspiration for anyone who feels like who they are or where they came from might hold them back. Community impact is my biggest goal. For the future, I aspire to be a Nurse Practitioner, to continue to help those in need during my everyday life. Another goal is to compete for Miss USA one day and represent Nebraska again.
Karly B.: What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not competing in pageants?
Faron Medhi: In my free time, I love to dance. My mom owns a hip hop only dance studio, and I have been dancing since the age of 2. I took breakdance for 9 years and competed for 10. I have been assistant teaching dance from the age of 13 and started teaching my own classes at 16. I love spreading my passion for the art with my students while mentoring them. Aside from that, I am nationally signed with 4 modeling agencies, and love working in the industry. I also love to paint, make pottery, build legos, do my nail art, crochet, DIY projects, foster cats, travel, and spend time with my cats and family!
Karly B.: What is one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you?
Faron Medhi: I have 6 cats!! I am a BIG cat lover. My grandma lives on a farm in Nebraska and has kittens every year, so we take them and foster them. We have foster failures pretty much every year… sorry mom! I even took my big fat orange cat Cheeto to college with me. #crazycatlady
How do you stay motivated and focused during stressful times, like the pageant competition?
Faron Medhi: During competition, I lean on my loved ones and also the girls I am competing with! My loved ones give me reassurance throughout pageant week, and it is so special to bond with the girls at the pageant because we are all going through the same experience. I also love to put some music on and dance the nerves out. Janae, Miss Nevada Teen USA and I would always have some music blasting in our room. We listened to Stronger by Kanye West and a lot of 2000’s hits.
In other aspects of my life, time management is super important. Being a college student while also holding this title and traveling can be overwhelming, but I have an amazing support system to help me. My cats also help me de-stress, and I manage my to do list by doing things one at a time rather than being overwhelmed with the whole list. As a human, I have times when I don’t feel motivated or focused, but a good nap, some food and affirmations whip me back into shape!
Karly B.: What message would you like to share with people who are working hard towards a goal?
Faron Medhi: You can achieve anything you put your mind to. Don’t be self critical! Positive self-talk is so important when chasing your goals. Be confidently you. Do not let anyone else determine your value. Believe that with hard work your goals will be achieved. At the end of the day, the only limits are your mindset. Don’t let fear hold you back from opportunities, and always stay authentically you. You never have to fit into any type of box to be worthy and enough, and know that no placement at a pageant can change that. Be kind to others and yourself. You are amazing, you are worthy, you are able to achieve any goal. What you want can happen!!!
