Talent, Tenacity, and TikTok: Ishadi Amanda’s Journey to Mrs. World

As we celebrate Women’s Month, it’s important to reflect on the incredible strength, resilience, and power that women around the world continue to show every day. From challenging societal expectations to redefining beauty standards, women are constantly rewriting the narrative of what it means to be truly empowered. In this digital age, platforms like TikTok have given women a voice to not only share their stories but also inspire others in ways that were once unimaginable.

For Ishadi Amanda, TikTok wasn’t just an app—it became a stage where she could transform her story, break stereotypes, and uplift others. From sharing her journey as a mother to embracing her true, authentic self, TikTok gave Ishadi the tools to empower women in ways that went far beyond entertainment. With a 141.5K follower-base and 2.7Mn likes, it was through this very platform that Ishadi connected with countless women who found inspiration in her message, and it ultimately helped her secure a spot on the global stage of Mrs. World, where she became the First Runner-Up.

Her story is a testament to the power of women supporting women, to the strength we gain when we rise together, and to the undeniable force of confidence, authenticity, and self-love. Ishadi’s journey, from TikTok videos to the Mrs. World stage, highlights the immense impact of embracing one’s uniqueness and using it to fuel both personal growth and the empowerment of others.

A Bond Beyond Competition: Women Lifting Each Other Up

For Ishadi, competing in the Mrs. World pageant was always a dream, but it was the bonds she forged along the way that made the experience unforgettable. “Competing at Mrs. World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but what made it truly special was the bond I formed with my roommate,” Ishadi shares, her voice filled with emotion. “The fact that we both reached the top together proves that success isn’t just about individual achievements. It’s about uplifting each other. There was no competition between us, just pure joy and mutual support.”

This shared journey to the top wasn’t just about two women standing together—it was about the realization that empowerment is rooted in solidarity. “Seeing her crowned while I stood beside her as First Runner-Up felt like a shared victory, a beautiful reminder that when women support each other, we all win,” she reflects.

The Power of TikTok: A Platform for Empowerment

Ishadi’s connection with TikTok goes beyond the occasional video; it became a space for her to share her truth, connect with others, and inspire millions. “Even before entering beauty pageants, I was active on TikTok,” she says. “No matter how many followers or views I had, I was always sharing my mindset and using my content to uplift women—whether through my journey as a woman, a mother, or simply as someone navigating life.”

For her, TikTok was more than just a platform for entertainment. It’s a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and meaningful connection. “TikTok isn’t just about entertainment; it’s also a platform to tell a story, to connect, and to inspire,” she explains. “I use TikTok to share my own story, to show that confidence isn’t about perfection, and to remind women that they have the strength to overcome any challenge.”

Ishadi’s TikTok videos became a safe space where women could connect, find strength, and be reminded that their uniqueness is their greatest asset.

Confidence, Empowerment, and the Strength to Define Your Own Path

For Ishadi, empowerment has never been about external validation or conforming to society’s expectations. It’s about finding your inner strength, knowing your worth, and using your voice to drive change. As a woman, a mother, and a role model, Ishadi’s message is clear: true confidence comes not from a crown or title but from embracing who you are—flaws, strengths, and all.

“Empowerment is not just about having a title or a platform,” she says. “It’s about having a voice and using it to inspire change. As a woman, I believe in standing up for my values. As a mother, I want to show my children that they can achieve anything through hard work and resilience. And as a role model, I want women to understand that confidence doesn’t come from external validation but from truly embracing who they are.”

Redefining Beauty and Representing Sri Lanka with Pride 

Throughout her journey, Ishadi faced societal stereotypes that suggested motherhood or marriage should hold women back from pursuing their dreams. These outdated beliefs didn’t just challenge Ishadi—they fueled her desire to prove that a woman’s potential has no limits, no matter her life stage or role.

“I’ve had to push back against many stereotypes, especially as a married woman and mother in pageantry,” she shares. “There’s this outdated belief that once you’re married or have children, your dreams should take a backseat. But why should motherhood limit a woman’s potential?”

On TikTok, Ishadi found a platform that empowered her to challenge these stereotypes and promote a broader, more inclusive definition of beauty. “I’ve also challenged traditional beauty standards, showing that confidence isn’t about perfection, it’s about owning your uniqueness,” she says.

By sharing her authentic self—motherhood, marriage, pageantry, and beyond—she inspired women around the world to break free from the pressures of traditional beauty standards and embrace their true selves. Ishadi’s followers have expressed their gratitude, telling her, “Because of you, I feel more confident in my own skin.” For Ishadi, these words are the most meaningful reward.

When she stood on the Mrs. World stage, she wasn’t just representing herself—she was representing Sri Lanka, its culture, and the powerful women who make up its heart. “It was a huge moment for Sri Lanka,” she recalls. “I knew that standing on that stage wasn’t just about me, it was about representing my country, my culture, and the strength of Sri Lankan women worldwide.”

Looking to the Future: Continuing the Empowerment Journey

Now, Ishadi’s journey is far from over. She plans to continue expanding her impact both online and offline, whether through speaking engagements, workshops, or collaborations that promote self-care and confidence and hopes to work with TikTok Sri Lanka to raise awareness about the responsible use of social media, particularly focusing on issues like cyberbullying and online safety for young users.  She is passionate about making social media a safe space where women can thrive without fear of harassment. “Social media is a powerful tool, but it’s essential to create a safe and positive environment where people, especially young women, can express themselves freely without fear of harassment.”

“This is just the beginning!” she continues with excitement. “I want to expand my impact beyond social media. Whether it’s through speaking engagements, workshops, or collaborations that promote self-confidence and self-care, I want to continue empowering women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their own unique beauty and power.”