Chanique Rabe Aspiring to Inspire

Chanique Rabe made history when she scooped the Miss Supranational 2021 crown in Poland last weekend.

It was a proud moment for Namibia, which became the first African country to win the beauty pageant since its inception in 2009.

Dressed in a gorgeous silver gown, the 24-year-old Rabe confidently outdid other beauties representing countries such as Puerto Rico, South Africa and Venezuela.

Rabe, who was born in Windhoek, has obtained a BA honours degree in fashion and is currently a fashion designer with her own clothing brand.

She was also Miss Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool, Miss Teen Namibia and Miss Teen Continents 2015.

Rabe is the owner of Junior Sewing School, a sewing training programme which equips pupils with the necessary skills to become tailors once they matriculate.

“I love with everything in me, and have an innocent personality, yet I always stand strong in my beliefs and values. I have a passion for teaching underprivileged young people skills, as these kids are my biggest inspiration. I believe gratitude and positivity are a choice, and living a grateful life is my best attribute,” she says.

Rabe says growing up she did not see herself as a beauty queen. She used to be very shy, and wore glasses and braces as a teenager.

She describes herself as an early bird.

“I like to see the sunrise. I love to eat breakfast. I have a soft personality. I am determined to complete everything I do. I never ever do a half-job. I like to have quiet moments in which to be thankful for my life, achievements and future. Before I go to bed at night I always pray and spend time with God,” she says.

Rabe says she is proud to be part of the ‘Supra family’.

“The organisation truly resonates with my morals and values. Supra supports their family and inspires them to be aspirational and inspirational from day one. This motto should be every woman’s way of life. Since I started my Supra journey, I have been inspired by a new motto: ‘Aspire to inspire before we expire.’”

While participating in Poland, the organisation went out of its way to make the experience unforgettable, she says.

She says the contestants toured throughout Poland and had the opportunity to get to know the country and appreciate it.

“The culture is different, the weather is rainy, and it’s green there. English is not widely spoken in Poland. I am excited about the win for Namibia and the fact that such a small country won. We don’t have a big pageant industry and audience. I am so proud to be Namibian and to have the opportunity to promote my country,” she says.

Rabe plans to expand her projects locally and internationally with the help of the Miss Supranational organisation.

She says the pageant world is extremely important and has helped turn her into a stronger, confident woman.

“The time and preparation leading up to the actual contest has taught me so much about myself. It gave me the opportunity to really grow as a woman, to develop strong beliefs in my values and morals, to find my passions, and to generate the confidence to live out my dreams. At pageants I hope to not only learn as much as possible about everyone I meet, but to learn even more about myself,” she says.

Rabe urges Namibians to participate in international pageants as she believes the country’s authenticity and diversity deserve to be heard, seen and promoted.

“As a third-world country with limited resources, the potential of our pageant industry, the beautiful and strong Namibian woman and our capabilities are often overlooked. I honestly believe Namibia’s name deserves to be heard on every international stage,” she says.

Rabe has established Junior Sewing Schools in the north and in Windhoek.

“At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I reached out to unemployed seamstresses for the manufacturing of much-needed masks. I quickly realised what a huge impact this opportunity had on these women and that if they did not possess sewing skills they may not have been able to work during this pandemic. I realised that the majority of our young people may never have the opportunity to learn a pactical life skill like sewing,” she says.

Rabe says she aims to inspire those with grateful hearts to take whatever life skill they have and transfer it to their community’s youth.

“These children have truly made my journey super special, and have inspired me to constantly work and grow these projects. My biggest inspiration in life is the never-ending gratitude of the kids from my Junior Sewing Schools. As I am from a third-world country, education is something most children only dream of.

“That is why the simple act of teaching sewing skills to boys and girls has changed my life. The way their faces light up when they learn something new, their grateful hearts and willingness to learn, and seeing their hard work and determination has taught me many new things,” she says.

Rabe says the pandemic has been challenging, but has taught her about the importance of planning ahead.

“I have learnt to improvise and keep myself grounded, relaxed and ready for anything. This was a huge lesson, which I can definitely take with me for the rest of my life.”

She advises others to always be thankful for what you have.

“Thankfulness is not limited to life’s pleasantries. It is a choice you can make– even when facing what you perceive as dark situations. Being thankful means you accept yourself and where you are in the moment.”