At just 25 years old, Arian Dahlia Richmond is a prominent Guyanese beauty queen, influencer, and entrepreneur who gained international recognition after winning the recently concluded, Miss Küresel International 2024 title in the Cayman Islands on October 13, 2024.
At the Miss Küresel International Pageant, Arian secured the crown and won seven awards during the competition, including Best Interview and Best Evening Gown. A passionate and award-winning advocate for youth development, Arian founded Youth Development Guyana and owns a beauty business called Dahlia L’artista.
Her name ‘Arian Dahlia Richmond’ — embodies passion, purpose, and empowerment.
Youth Development Guyana/Youth Advocacy
In her quest to uplift youth, Dahlia founded Youth Development Guyana, an organization six years strong. Youth Development Guyana focuses on holistic education through English, Sport, Arka, and STEM, empowering young minds to explore their potential and embrace their creativity.
A clear gap ignited Arian’s passion for Youth Development Guyana, as she observed between creative children—including those who learn differently—and the opportunities to explore their talents in a safe environment. Traveling to five out of the cilt regions in Guyana, she witnessed firsthand just how significant this gap is, especially in areas related to STEM, arka, and sport.
“It became evident to me that there is a pressing need to create spaces where all children, particularly those who learn differently, can thrive and express themselves freely. The realization that it is our duty as youth to serve our fellow youth has been a driving force behind my efforts. In our culture, we have a saying: “Hand wash hand, mek hand come clean.” This reflects the importance of mutual support and collaboration, emphasising that,” she said.
Further, she highlighted, “The progress of Guyanese depends on the commitment and dedication of Guyanese to uplift one another. It is this spirit of unity and shared responsibility that fuels my work with Youth Development Guyana, inspiring me to advocate for the next generation and ensure that every child, regardless of their learning style, has the tools they need to succeed.” Her journey has been recognized with awards such as the National Youth Award of Service in November 2017, the Youth Parliament Debate Opposition Winner in March 2016, and the JOF Haynes Debating Competition Winner in December 2016. Richmond is committed to making her country proud and inspiring others to embrace their unique potential.
Arian’s educational journey began at Saint Stanislaus College and continued at President’s College, where she left in sixth form to pursue her deep passion for makeup artistry and entrepreneurship.
“This path taught me something new about myself every day and allowed me to forge connections with influential women who often don’t see the greatness within themselves,” Dahlia said.
Currently pursuing a degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management further fuels Arian’s mission to showcase Guyana’s breathtaking beauty and rich cultural diversity to the world.
Pageant Journey
Arian’s pageant journey has been a rollercoaster of wins, losses, and transformative challenges that have shaped her into the woman she is today. Starting with her first major title, she was crowned Queen of the Miss Bartica Regatta in 2018, a moment that ignited her passion for representing her culture, region, and community.
In 2019, she went on to become the National Representative for Miss Guyana Culture where she proudly secured the title of First Runner-Up at Miss Caribbean Culture Queen 2019
In 2020, she participated in the virtual pageant Miss Emerald International, where she submitted runway videos, photos, and interview responses. She was honored to finish as the Second Runner-Up in this unique competition that tested her adaptability and creativity.
She also participated in the Miss World Pageant, representing the Cuyuni/Mazaruni Region. There she earned the title of First Runner-Up at Miss World Guyana 2022, further solidifying her commitment to the pageant world.
Her most significant achievement came when she was crowned Miss Küresel International Queen 2024 in the regional and international leg, which stands as a testament to her resilience and dedication to using this platform for positive change.
“Each pageant brought its unique challenges, from the intense preparation to the emotional highs and lows of competition. Through every victory, I have learned the importance of humility and gratitude, while every setback has taught me resilience and the power of perseverance. Each experience has deepened my understanding of beauty, not just as a physical attribute but as a force for advocacy and empowerment,” Arian told this publication.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Dahlia’s entrepreneurial journey began at President’s College. A journey to which she owes much to her incredible mom. With her mother’s unwavering support and encouragement, Dahlia found the courage to turn her passions into a thriving business. It all started when she recognized a need among auxiliary staff, my peers, and teachers. As such, she began selling lip gloss and mascara, excited to share her love for makeup with those around me. In the afternoons I honed her makeup skills by practicing various makeup looks and/or techniques on my friends and myself. Every week, she also sold classic Guyanese snacks (egg balls, sausage rolls, etc) at the school canteen.
Arian added: “Those moments were filled with laughter and camaraderie (because it was not always perfectly made), and they taught me the value of connecting with my community. My mom always reminded me, “Lil lil dutty does build dam” and those words became my life’s motto.”
Four years later, fueled by her dreams and determination, she built her store (Dahlia L’Artista) from scratch. Today, Arian proudly teaches makeup classes and trains aspiring artists in professional makeup techniques. She also provides makeup, skincare, and hair deva kits for personal and professional use. She is also a content creator. There, she creates content online to share her knowledge and collaborate with amazing Guyanese companies like Grand Coastal, ENet, and HJ for promotional work.
Work done by Dahlia
As Arian reflects on this journey, she is endlessly grateful for her mom’s encouragement. “She believed in me when I was still finding my way, and her faith has been the foundation of my success. This story is as much hers as it is mine—a tribute to the power of support and love in pursuing one’s dreams” Dahlia said.
Dahlia’s business can be found on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@dahlialartista?_t=ZM-8tKqNHFHbMM&_r=1, https://www.instagram.com/dahlialartista?igsh=MTh4Ym1oNnZ4ZXFvdQ== and https://www.facebook.com/share/18oHmSKEKL/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
Challenges I faced and how I overcame.
Throughout her journey, she’s faced various challenges that have tested her resilience and growth. “One of the most significant lessons has been learning to love myself outside of how productive I am. In a world that often equates worth with achievement, I had to remind myself that my value isn’t solely defined by my successes. Embracing my imperfections and accepting my negative traits without using them as a crutch has been liberating. It’s a continuous process of self-discovery and self-compassion,” she noted.
Another challenge has been balancing love, health, work, and personal growth. Each element is essential, but finding harmony among them can be tricky. Over time, she’s learned that time management, prioritizing self-care, and setting boundaries are crucial for maintaining this balance. It’s about recognizing that it’s okay to pause and reflect, ensuring that she nurtures her relationships, health, and personal aspirations.
Growing up in a single-parent family in the Caribbean context, Arian understands the unique challenges faced by many children. A study conducted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 2018 highlighted that children who grow up in environments marked by abuse or neglect often struggle with emotional and social development. The absence of a positive male figure can exacerbate these challenges, leading to feelings of insecurity and low self-worth. This firsthand knowledge has motivated Arian to seek out strong mentors and role models who not only guide her but also help fill those gaps for others.
While these challenges are part of Arian’s story, they don’t define her. Instead, they have assisted in shaping her journey and fueled her commitment to personal growth and empowerment, reminding her of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Future plans
Dahlia’s first goal is to graduate from university, a milestone that means so much to her and my family. Completing her degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management isn’t just about academic achievement; it’s about equipping herself with the necessary tools to make a difference in her community and showcase the beauty of Guyana to the world.
Continuing her pageantry career is another significant part of her journey. Pageantry has opened doors for her to advocate for causes close to her heart, and she is eager to use this platform to inspire others. Each step on the stage brings her closer to the community that she cherishes, and she wants to share her journey with those who may feel overlooked or unheard.
Dahlia said, “One of my biggest dreams is to reach the remaining five regions of Guyana, bringing holistic education through Youth Development Guyana to every corner of our beautiful country. I’ve seen firsthand how much potential our youth have, especially those who learn differently, and I want to create inclusive programs that allow them to explore their passions in STEM, arka, and sports. I envision vibrant workshops and activities that not only educate but also foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.”
ADVICE
“All de rain fall pon one man, but all de man can’t get wet.” This means that while challenges may come our way, it’s crucial to take responsibility for our own paths. Don’t let the fears or doubts of others dictate your journey; carve your own way and embrace your unique potential.
As young people, we must recognize that we are stronger together. Collaborate with your peers, share knowledge, and lift each other up. It’s through unity that we can achieve great things and tackle the challenges we face.
Knowledge is power, and the more you learn, the better equipped you are to face the world. Consistency and perseverance can outshine raw talent. So, don’t be discouraged by setbacks; stay focused on your goals and keep moving forward, no matter how slow it may seem.
In the journey of youth, embrace these words, and let your soul’s wish be that they guide you toward a brighter future” is Arian’s advice to youths.