I wore a crown, but purpose gave me a voice

Triona Uwem

Wearing a crown is often seen as a symbol of recognition, beauty, or status. But true influence comes not from titles, accolades, or appearances. It comes from purpose. In every stage of life, opportunities to inspire, educate, and serve arise, and the most meaningful contributions emerge when we act from intention rather than applause. Learning to translate visibility into impact is a lesson I have carried through both my pageant career and my work as an author and speaker.

Triona Uwem, author of Adventures of Relviana and founder of Queenspiration with HRH, has built a career that spans literature, motivational speaking, and entrepreneurship. Her six-time beauty pageant titles, including Miss Tourism Nigeria, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, and Miss Earth Nigeria, provided platforms to amplify messages of empowerment. Alongside this, her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and Talent for Writing certification from the United Kingdom’s Association of Young Poets have strengthened her storytelling and communication expertise. Her business venture, Lick Fingers, demonstrates her entrepreneurial vision and commitment to creating meaningful impact across multiple platforms.

From my experience, visibility alone is not enough. True purpose requires action, consistency, and service to others. Early in my journey, reaching the right audiences was a challenge, and many doors seemed closed.

Focusing on impact rather than recognition allowed me to connect with individuals on a deeper level, creating tangible change in communities and inspiring others to pursue their own purpose.

I live by two guiding philosophies. When life offers you a lemon, you can either maintain a squeezed face or make a refreshing lemonade and enjoy it with a smile, even adding ice cubes. If life does not offer a seat at the high table, hew your own wood and build a towering table with extra chairs. These lessons have guided my journey on stage, in writing, and through Queenspiration with HRH, enabling me to turn accolades into action and recognition into influence.

Purpose transforms visibility into meaningful legacy. Titles may open doors, but only action and service give voice to the impact we were meant to create.