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Chantell Davis, who was announced as one of the top 10 finalists in the Mrs Universe SA 2024 pageant in October, believes that pageantry can be a form of ministry that not only plays a pivotal role in uplifting women, but also in helping them see beauty within themselves.
The mother of twins steals not only the limelight when she ambles across the runway, but she is also grounded in her Christian faith.
However, life has not always been rosy for Davis, who has battled drug abuse, was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome—a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges—and had to witness the separation of her parents, while also being in a state of confusion about what career path to follow.
"I grew up in a typical household where my parents got divorced when I was a teenager. So we became part of the statistics where I longed for a dad," she said.
"As a teen living in Cape Town, going through the normal teen stages, I became very rebellious."
Davis shared how, as a young woman, she also yearned for a woman mentor, who could help her establish her self-confidence.
"As a 16-year-old, I was always comparing myself with all these beautiful models and girls on cover magazines and music videos, and I just thought I didn't measure up, didn't have boobs and had a skin full of acne."
After she moved overseas and worked in a casino, Davis battled with drug abuse. Not too long after that, she met her husband, a pastor, and she gave birth to twins despite being diagnosed with the syndrome.
"Even when I was married and we opened a church, I was still a broken woman, not sure how to find my feet in this big world. One day, the lord came to me and said, 'I am going to raise you up to become the voice of the nation and a beacon of hope'," she said.
Writing her book three years ago called Royal Comeback, in a space of three months, put her life into perspective, which led to her turning point. She said:
For Davis, who lives in Somerset West, real beauty stems from a person owning their story and fully showing up as they are.
"Writing the book was such a pivotal thing for me because I remembered the dream I had when I was a child, modelling across the room with a handbag and the dream was squashed when someone said I think I have it all."
While she was busy with the book, she imagined what it would be like if she chased her childhood dream.
"Restoration boosted my self-esteem levels and led me to a journey of self-forgiveness and that’s a big part of my ministry—to help other women discover themselves, their purpose and what they carry uniquely in this life," she said.
She added that when a woman felt real beauty, she wouldn't be intimidated by another's beauty. The cause she'll promote during her campaign is #Respecther, which aims to uplift, empower and counsel young men to heal in an effort to curb gender-based violence.
"When I was placed on a big stage to speak or to motivate a large group of women in East London, I could not do it; my mouth went dry and my legs were shaking. I had nausea, I ran off the stage, fell on my knees and said I couldn't do this, Lord. I remember when the lord told me that I couldn't do it because I was focused on myself. I have placed my word in your mouth and the sea of people in front of you are not looking at you but at me."
The pageant will take place on 15 March 2024 in Sandton, Johannesburg.
