Rosie Minako’s journey into the world of modelling and pageantry is nothing short of inspiring. It began in the most unexpected of ways, through a scam on the streets of London. “I got recruited on the street for a photoshoot, and they convinced me to pay for a portfolio,” Rosie recalls with a chuckle. While the experience was disheartening at the time, it turned out to be the spark that ignited her passion for modelling. “It was a funny twist of fate. Sometimes, what seems like an unfortunate situation is just life pushing you in the right direction.” What started as a scam paved the way for Rosie to build a successful career, transforming obstacles into stepping stones.
From those uncertain beginnings, Rosie’s career blossomed. Her dedication and perseverance opened doors to opportunities that many only dream of—competing on international stages, walking runways in the world’s fashion capitals, and gracing the covers of prestigious magazines. But her rise in the modelling and pageantry world wasn’t without challenges. Rosie’s journey required immense hard work and resilience, as she navigated an industry that demands perfection at every turn.
Competing in pageants like Miss Universe, where she represented Great Britain on a global stage, introduced Rosie to an entirely new level of pressure. Pageants required more than beauty, they demanded grace, intelligence, and resilience under constant scrutiny. “Pageants demand constant vigilance. You’re always under the spotlight, always being watched, and there’s little room for error,” she shares. “It’s a different kind of challenge compared to it.” For Rosie, the biggest difference between the two lies in the level of intensity. “In pageants, you’re not just judged for your looks but for your behaviour, your thoughts, and your every move. As a model, there’s more room to relax backstage and enjoy the moment.”
Yet, Rosie has always found ways to thrive. Whether competing in a pageant or walking the runway, she remains committed to her craft. She believes that success in modelling and pageantry requires the same foundational values—dedication, authenticity, and the ability to bring your best self forward. The glamorous images of models strutting down runways often conceal the hard work behind the scenes, but Rosie’s journey sheds light on the grit and determination required to truly succeed.
Outside of her modelling and pageantry career, Rosie has cultivated a passion for entrepreneurship. During the pandemic, when modelling opportunities were scarce, Rosie decided to channel her energy into building something aligned with her values. This led to the launch of her vegan hair and beauty brand. “It all started with a book,” she shares. “I wrote The Oriental Secrets to Luscious Hair and Hair Growth, and that led me to create my own line of vegan hair products, supplements, and accessories.” Her venture grew rapidly, and today, Rosie’s brand has expanded into luxury perfumes and is sold in stores in Chelsea, London, as well as overseas in the Middle East and Asia.
For Rosie, this entrepreneurial journey is deeply personal. Her brand reflects her beliefs in sustainability, self-care, and mindful living. “Fashion doesn’t just have to be about looking good—it can also be about being kind to the planet,” she explains. Rosie advocates for sustainable choices in both fashion and beauty, emphasising the importance of quality over quantity. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, she focuses on timeless, high-quality pieces that are both chic and environmentally conscious.
Self-care is another cornerstone of Rosie’s philosophy, particularly when it comes to beauty and hair care. She attributes her luscious locks to a consistent routine passed down through generations in her family. “For me, hair care is about consistency and lifestyle,” she says. “I’ve always followed a strict routine passed down from my grandmother. Black sesame, black beans, almonds, and walnuts are part of my daily diet to maintain healthy hair.” This blend of nutritional wisdom and disciplined self-care has kept her feeling and looking her best, both inside and out.
Rosie’s dedication to self-care and sustainability is not just about personal well-being; it’s also about creating a positive impact. Her beauty brand is an extension of her values, offering products that are not only effective but also kind to the planet. “I want to create something that people love but also feel good about using,” she explains. This ethos has resonated with her customers, many of whom have embraced her products as part of their own self-care routines.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Rosie has taken on a mentorship role in the pageantry world. As a judge for pageants, she now helps shape the future of aspiring contestants. This role has allowed her to give back to an industry that has given her so much. “Judging requires a deep understanding of what the pageant represents and choosing someone who embodies those values,” she shares. For Rosie, it’s about looking beyond physical beauty to find contestants who have the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Reflecting on her own journey, Rosie acknowledges the many challenges she has faced along the way. From dealing with the pressures of public scrutiny to navigating the competitive world of modelling and pageantry, her path has been anything but easy. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that obstacles are simply opportunities in disguise. “If not now, then when?” she asks. “We only have one life, and if there’s something you truly want to do, don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment.’ Start now.”
This mindset has been a guiding force for Rosie throughout her life, helping her push through challenges and stay focused on her goals. Whether she’s walking the runway, mentoring aspiring pageant contestants, or building her beauty brand, Rosie approaches every endeavour with determination and a desire to leave a positive mark.
Looking ahead, Rosie Minako’s career shows no signs of slowing down. Her entrepreneurial ventures continue to grow, with plans for further expansion in both products and markets. At the same time, she remains passionate about her work in modelings and pageantry, using her platform to inspire others and advocate for sustainable living.
Rosie’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to one’s values. From an unexpected start in London to international success, her journey illustrates that with hard work, authenticity, and a little bit of faith, anything is possible. Through her work, Rosie not only inspires others to follow their dreams but also encourages them to do so with purpose, kindness, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
