Championing self-image for women

Ezza Noni Hadjeli, Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia — All Nation Borneo ambassador, talks about how she helps turn low self-esteem women into confident ones through the pageant platform and step out of their comfort zone.

Discipline is the key

Physical appearance really shouldn’t matter, but it often does — even when we don’t realise it.
 
The way we dress, style our hair, our facial expression, and even our posture all factor into our overall appearance — they often introduce us to the world much before we reach out with a handshake and formally introduce ourselves.
 
For a woman, her self-image often impacts her confidence in public.
 
Women’s self-esteem is often elevated and increased when they think they look good, and this favourable self-perception can result in more confident behaviour.

Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia — All Nation Borneo Ambassador, Ezza Noni Hadjeli.

Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia — All Nation Borneo Ambassador, Ezza Noni Hadjeli.

Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia — All Nation Borneo Ambassador, Ezza Noni Hadjeli.

 
Self-image matters
Ezza Noni Hadjeli, the first runner-up for Queen of the World Malaysia 2023, recognised the significance of physical appearance for women and thus always emphasised the need to take care of one’s image, particularly for women who lack support from their partners or families or who lack confidence due to their appearance and body shape.

“Taking control of our appearance can be empowering. The act of grooming, choosing outfits, and practicing self-care can give us (women) a sense of control over how we present ourselves to the world.
 
“Appearance plays a key role in first impressions. When a woman knows she looks her best, she will feel more confident in new or challenging social situations.
 
“In my opinion, a woman’s appearance is the primary factor that gives her greater confidence when it comes to interacting or socialising with others.
 
“At my current age of 43, I am still able to look attractive; it is also not impossible for women out there to look good if they really strive to achieve it,” she explained.
 
Sharing her secrets, this beauty queen of Malay-Chinese-Kedayan descent stated that the most important quality for any woman to possess is discipline.
 
According to her, women must be disciplined in taking care of their health, which includes eating habits, exercising, or doing any activity that can make them sweat, as well as improving their knowledge of inner and outer beauty.
 
“Since I was a young girl, I enjoyed watching well-dressed and charming ladies; this has indirectly inspired and influenced me to always look neat and beautiful wherever I go.
 
“I was in my 20s when I really started to take care of my appearance. I think that having a healthy body is one of the most crucial aspects of looking good.
 
“That’s why I take great care of my nutrition — as the famous quote says, ‘you are what you eat’ —nutrition from the foods we eat provides the foundation of the structure, function, and wholeness of every little cell in our body, from the skin and hair to the muscles, bones, digestive, and immune systems,” she explained.

Elaborating, this mother of six stated that if women are truly interested in changing themselves for the better, they should have the courage to venture outside of their comfort zone and work on their appearance and body size.

For women who have low self-esteem, she said forming friendships with other women who can lead them in a better direction can help them create new, unique and confident identities.
 
Beauty with a purpose
This Sarawak-born beauty queen is still passionate about pursuing her goals of supporting marginalised women, kids with disabilities, and the value of education for kids.

According to the winners of Ratu Rania 2013 and Mrs Sarawak 2014, in addition to providing assistance and direction to women dealing with issues or pressures from life, she also wishes to alter their ways of solving problems so that these women can overcome their personal challenges and navigate fearlessly into the future.

Ezza stated that she is more than happy to assist women who wish to step outside of their comfort zone in securing employment, particularly in the business sector.

The beauty queen is also dedicated to supporting underprivileged kids with disabilities by giving them monthly support in the form of educational supplies.

Speaking about the value of education for kids, Ezza, who currently resides in Melaka, mentioned that she frequently talks to other parents about her personal experiences of parenting.

“As a mother, I always make sure I have time for my kids and give them ample attention. I’ll make an effort to participate in all of their school activities and accompany them anywhere they want me to.

“Alhamdulillah, all my children have so far consistently achieved excellent grades in both their academic and extracurricular activities.

“As long as I’m still breathing, I won’t let them experience the lack of love, education, and attention,” said this full-time housewife.

She went on to say that parents can also learn about their kids’ academic achievement by getting involved with the parent-teacher association at the schools where their children go.

Not only does it let parents know how their children are doing academically, but Ezza said it also helps teachers solve non-academic problems at school.
 
Special award
In recognition of all her accomplishments and efforts in assisting those in need, Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia Borneo 2024 director Kimi Tomas appointed Ezza as Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia — All Nation Borneo ambassador during the beauty pageant’s finale night on June 30.

In the meantime, Ezza expressed her gratitude to Kimi, who saw and recognised all her efforts.

“I hope Kimi will keep promoting the modelling and pageant industries, spreading awareness of Borneo beauties throughout the world,” she said.

Ezza is currently preoccupied with assisting her husband with opening a restaurant in addition to managing their ongoing projects and businesses.