London Fashion Day — Season 6
November 1, 2025
LONDON FASHION DAY — SEASON 6
November 18, 2025
Shakira Leannee has a clarity about her that feels refreshing — direct, warm, and genuinely motivated by what she believes in. She didn’t enter pageants chasing a spotlight; she came because something in that world finally aligned with who she was becoming. A dancer’s discipline, a long-held curiosity, and a quiet decision to stop postponing her own ambitions — that combination shaped her path.
What stands out in Shakira is how naturally she connects purpose with action. Her work around period poverty isn’t a project for the stage — it’s something she cares about in a very real, grounded way.
Here, she speaks openly about the choices, doubts, and moments that defined her journey — and the confidence she built not from crowns, but from learning to trust her own voice.
What first drew you to the world of beauty pageants — was it curiosity, confidence, or a wish to make your voice heard?
I was first exposed to the world of pageants through the movie Miss Congeniality as a young child. I remember watching it fondly and being amazed by these beautiful women who wished to make a difference in the world. I aspired to make a difference too, and this piqued my curiosity. I had no idea how to get into pageants; however, later in life at 21, I began to regret not pursuing that dream of mine. I shared this with my mother, who coincidentally around that time found an advertisement for Miss Caribbean UK. Since then, I have been in love with the pageant world and have not looked back.
Competing for Miss Supranational UK must have been a defining experience. What moment from that journey still feels vivid to you today?
I think Miss Supranational definitely left a strong impression on me and my pageant experience. I feel they truly try to uplift you as a contestant and as a woman. I was under the Midland directors Cheniel Henderson and Felicia Vundla — they have been phenomenal. They not only cheered me on, but they coached me with my walk, interview, and outfits. Their support has been immense, and I could not have done it without them.
I also love the fact that the pageant really focused on getting to know you as a contestant and what is important to you, by allowing you to choose your own initiative/charity to focus on. Other pageants already have a chosen charity they want you to support, and whilst I have competed in ones that already have a charity, I feel this is more authentic for a contestant. These characteristics are a big reason I am planning on competing again.
You’ve spoken about your initiative focused on period poverty in the UK — what personal experience or story sparked your desire to take action on this issue?
I first came across the term “period poverty” whilst watching a documentary about homeless women. This then led me to extensive research to find out more. I realised this issue goes beyond homelessness and that many women suffer from period poverty; however, it is not spoken about. As a consequence, this has led to people not knowing about it and being unable to find where to get help. I want my initiative #girlpower to be a platform to help raise awareness and combat period poverty. Women should not be suffering in silence from something so natural.
Your background in dance adds a unique rhythm to who you are.
Do you feel that being a dancer has shaped the way you present yourself in pageants or in life?
I feel dancing has certainly given me the advantage of being disciplined. As a dancer, there are high expectations from everyone involved in rehearsals, as you all rely on each other. I think this has caused me to have high expectations of myself, and therefore I always try to give my best to the competition.
Many people still imagine pageants as simply about looks. How would you describe the reality behind the stage lights — the discipline, purpose, or personal growth involved?
Beyond the glitz and glamour, pageants are really about growing as a person. Regardless of whether you intend to grow, you will have personal growth.
Pageants have helped make me more articulate, confident, and organised. Being a beauty queen is basically like having a full-time job. You need to be professional at all times, punctual, have a passion for what you do, and have a clear vision for the crown.
You’ve mentioned that anyone can compete in pageants — what do you think truly matters most for someone stepping onto that stage for the first time?
I think giving it your best so you don’t have any regrets, being your authentic self, and also believing in yourself. The last one was super hard for me due to my dancing experience. At the beginning of my dance journey, I doubted myself, as some people did not believe I should be a dancer. This led me to not feel good enough. It was only when I started believing in myself that I realised I was talented. The change within myself caused me to become the dancer I am today.
Now I’m no longer the timid dancer at the back — I dance with confidence and grace at the front. So my advice is to believe in yourself even when no one else does. Although I did not win a crown at my first pageant, I did win my first crown at Miss Commonwealth International, where I gained the title Miss Commonwealth Caribbean 2021/22 representing Jamaica. If I had given up and not believed in myself, I would not have gone on to gain that crown or my last crown as Miss Supranational Cheshire 2025.
Looking ahead, what kind of impact would you like your platform to leave — not just in the pageant world, but in the way young women see themselves and their power?
I hope that it empowers women by making them feel heard, knowing they are not alone, and knowing that their period — something so natural — is not a barrier to their success. From research, I am aware that young girls are missing school because of a lack of sanitary products — this could affect the outcome of their grades. So I am hoping this will give young girls the future they deserve.