We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rutvi Chauhan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, RUTVI thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Born and raised in a small town in INDIA, I moved to the UNITED STATES with big dreams and an even bigger determination to achieve them. As a PHYSICAL THERAPIST since 2010—first in Michigan and now in Texas since 2014—I’ve balanced my roles as a mother, wife, daughter, and professional with a relentless drive for growth. My journey into pageantry was fueled by a desire to combine the glamour of the stage with a powerful mission: raising awareness about domestic violence being inspired by FOUNDER DR KATHY TATUM of COLLABORATING VOICES ( an NGO for domestic violence survivors)
In 2024, I proudly represented the USA at MRS UNIVERSE pagaent in SOUTH KOREA after winning MRS UNIVERSE USA 2024 , earning the title of MRS UNIVERSE TOP6 and competing alongside 100 women from across the nation.
A three-time titleholder, I’ve used my platform to inspire young girls to break societal barriers, embrace their boldness, and chase their dreams fearlessly.
Alongside my reign, I’ve been honored with LIFETIME PRESIDENTIAL AWARD by President Joe Biden for my contributions during over 100 events and appearances, ranging from domestic violence advocacy to keynote speeches and charity galas.
Balancing life as a physical therapist, fashion model, actor, and mother of two, I remain deeply committed to empowering others to dream big and redefine their limits. For me, success is not just about achievements, it’s about inspiring others to rise.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Coming from a small town in INDIA and working as a full-time PHYSICAL THERAPIST in the U.S., raising 2 children would seem like more than enough. But deep within me was the unshakable desire to follow my childhood dream of pageantry and give back to the community.
In 2017, I stepped into pageantry and was crowned 1st runner-up. While I didn’t win that time, it ignited a fire in me to keep pursuing my passion. I began auditioning for modeling and fashion shows, and that persistence led me to work with renowned national and international designers.
2023 was the turning point in my journey. I competed in MRS UNIVERSE USA in Seattle, Washington, and WON the title. With this victory, I prepared for the global stage—the MRS UNIVERSE in South Korea—competing against 100 incredible women from across the world. Balancing my career, family, and pageant preparation was no easy feat. I worked full-time during the day, spent my evenings with my family, and sacrificed countless hours of sleep,practicing my walk, refining my speech, designing costumes, and curating every detail of my presentation from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
This journey wasn’t just about my effort; it was about a collective vision. My family, especially my in-laws, cared for my children while I was away. Sponsors, photographers, designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, and countless supporters believed in me and made my dream possible.
Standing on that stage in South Korea was more than a personal achievement, it was proof that determination, sacrifice, and a supportive community can turn dreams into reality. If my story inspires even one person to chase their dreams, I’ll know my work is done.
Special thanks to My Dream Tv, VALENCIA COUTURE, COLLABORATING VOICES, MIO MORA JEWELRY, CHHAYA Gotechha – hmua, Piel Saludable – skin care, Grand Dental- dental work, Blue treasure photography, Jewelry by Priyana, Kalith Tallison – videography, Suniel – videography and editing, grand sponsors, Beauty designer studio, all radio stations in Houston, news media, and to everyone who have supported with all their hearts n love for my MRS UNIVERSE pagaent
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most important things I had to unlearn was the difference between walking as a runway model and walking as a pageant queen. In the fashion world, your job is to showcase the designer’s creation—you maintain a poker face, avoid eye contact, and keep your walk sharp and neutral. But in a pageant, the focus shifts entirely. It’s no longer about what you’re wearing but about who you are within.
As a pageant queen, you need to exude personality, connect with the audience, and make eye contact with the judges. A warm smile and confident energy are essential, as your walk becomes a reflection of your inner strength, not just an outer display. For someone who had spent seven years perfecting the art of runway modeling, this shift required me to unlearn everything I knew and retrain myself to reveal the real RUTVI not just another model in a lineup. It was a challenging yet empowering transformation, one that allowed me to embrace my individuality fully.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond the formal training and knowledge I had, what truly set me apart was the LEARNER within me, the part of me that constantly observes, absorbs, and evolves. Every fashion show, every pageant, and every performance wasn’t just an event; it was a classroom. Each runway I walked became a practice session, a stepping stone to refine myself for the next opportunity.
I wasn’t just showcasing designs and heading home; I was LEARNING . I closely observed the professional models around me, women who had been training for this since their teenage years. Meanwhile, I entered the industry as a mother in my 30s, with one child at first, and later two. I had NO PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, no dedicated time or resources, yet I didn’t let that stop me.
I took ownership of my journey. I trained myself to walk in 6-7-inch heels, sculpted my body to be fit and toned, and prepared every aspect of what it meant to be a model. It wasn’t easy, but I leaned on my innate ability to observe and practice. EXPERIENCE became my greatest TEACHER, and I embraced every opportunity to better myself.
This combination of relentless self-discipline, adaptability, and the HUNGER to learn made all the difference. I believe that no matter where you start, with dedication and a willingness to learn, you can always rise to become the best version of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutvi_mrsuniverseusa?igsh=MWlsa2EycGZmOTIzdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Rutvi MrsUNIVERSEUSA
- Youtube: RutviChauhan 4486
- Other: Tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsuniverseusa?_t=ZT-8tRkKEbOwQd&_r=1
Image Credits
Valencia couture
Blue treasure photography
My Dream TV USA
Chhaya Gotecha
Beauty Designer studio
Mio Mora jewelry
Jewelry by Priyana
Kalith Talison