Looking Back: 30 Years Since Michelle McLean Won Miss Universe

It’s been 30 years since Michelle McLean was crowned Miss Universe – on 9 May 1992, in Bangkok, Thailand – and till today she’s still committed to fulfilling her promises to the children of Namibia.

“They are our future leaders. I have stayed true to that commitment. So, although it has not always been easy, it has always been a joy.

“Today 30 years back for me, it still just feels like when I won, although so much has happened over the years,” McLean says.

“I remember just being amazed that my name was called out. The first thing I thought about was my mom telling me to clean out my cupboard and put my things in storage when I left Namibia to go to the pageant, because I wouldn’t be coming back for a long time. I had a silent chuckle to myself that she was right,” recalls McLean.

Three decades later and McLean is still passionate about coaching and mentoring both men and women, not only in the beauty and modelling fields, but in the business arena too.

“It’s my passion to see men and women succeed and fulfill their potential,” she says.

McLean says she has been privileged to be able to leverage the Miss Namibia and Miss Universe titles to establish the Michelle McLean Children Trust, which is a great passion of hers.

“Together as a team, we have been able to raise over N$40 million for thousands of different initiatives in Namibia in education, medical care, bursaries, food and clothing projects that uplift children and women throughout Namibia.

“It also enabled me to be a global ambassador for Namibia until today.”

Looking back at her crowning day always brings back memories of great excitement and anticipation, she says.

“Although it looks glamorous, I have never underestimated or taken for granted the hard work of being an ambassador. I try to be a catalyst for change and encouragement for a better future for the youth in communities throughout Namibia,” she says.

McLean says she experienced many disappointments in her life before winning the title, but she has learned that life does not necessarily give you what you think you want, but what you surely need.

Her advice for all Namibians is that once you get an opportunity, be grateful for it and make the most of your situation in the most positive way possible, not only for you, but for your family, community and the earth.

“I wanted to be a ballerina, but was told I was too tall and didn’t have the ability. Then I wanted to be a racing car driver, once again, I was too tall to be competitive and it cost a lot of money to get into that arena, which I could not afford.

“It’s all about positivity and the best intentions to be the best version of yourself every single day, even if there are disappointments and setbacks. Stay positive and focused on your goals and your dreams,” she says.

McLean describes herself as naive when she won Miss Universe, and says she’s had to learn some hard lessons along the way.

Today’s title winners have access to more resources, as well as incredible tools like social media, to reach a bigger audience and make a greater impact, she says.

“As an ambassador for your country and as a spokesperson for sponsors/clients and our country, it’s important that this is used with respect, as there is a great responsibility attached to it.

“I think this kind of influence in the world has escalated because of social media. Now more than ever when in the public eye, you have to have the right mentorship and guidance on how to promote yourself as a title-holder and as a person in a high-profile position, to utilise it for the good of social responsibility initiatives, and our country,” she says.

Although McLean now lives in Miami, Florida, with her husband, Gary Bailey, son Luke, three stepchildren and four grandchildren, she still comes back home to Namibia often.

“We are a very close family, all of us in America, my family that lives at Swakopmund, as well as my sister in Ireland. Time spent with family is most important for us. Any spare time is always spent travelling to see each other. Since we live in Miami, being on the beach in the sun, fresh air and beautiful warm water is all the tonic you need for a beautiful life.

“Every now and again we go out on a boat in the Biscayne Bay in Miami, and just enjoy being out in the ocean. Then when I get to Namibia, I’m on safari and in the bush where I feel at home, together with my family. The smell of the raindrops on the dry desert sand is my ultimate. I love to walk and explore. When I am at home and have the opportunity, I could cook all day and have family around. This is my love language,” she says.

“The Miss Namibia and Miss Universe platform gave me an opportunity to go into television and media as a host, motivational speaker and MC for international events, and then as an entrepreneur I started a business in property, jewellery, media training, brand activation marketing and the Michelle McLean University, which is a coaching platform for women and men of all ages.

“I’m now a consultant for the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, representing Namibia internationally for investment and tourism and I’m the global brand ambassador for one of the most successful businesses in Namibia, the Ohlthaver and List Group.

“The proof of the power of winning a Miss Namibia and Miss Universe title is that now 30 years later I still have many opportunities to engage in, especially in the business sector, tourism and conservation and to promote Namibia in a positive way,” she says.

McLean urges other women with a dream to always be true to who they are.

Over the years, she has learned that anything worthwhile in life doesn’t come easy, but requires hard work and preparation.

Although, she says if you’re not having fun doing it, then it’s probably not your passion.

“Always follow your heart and be determined and disciplined, while being compassionate. Climbing the ladder of success is not about reaching your final goal at any cost, it’s about the integrity of who you are and the journey on the way. Always remember to stop and smell the roses and to try and be in the present moment, even though times can be challenging and stressful,” she says.

Practising gratitude every day has also helped keep McLean-Bailey focused and appreciative of all she has, and not only all she wants.