Wellness Over Excess

In a world where influence is often measured in titles and visibility, Angelina Usanova stands apart for a different reason: her unshakable commitment to living with purpose. A global traveler since adolescence, she has woven together the lessons of diverse cultures, humanitarian missions, spiritual practice, and creative ambition to build a life that transcends the boundaries of the beauty industry. Whether advocating for children, championing environmental causes, or shaping the future of sustainable fashion through her brand Sésse, she approaches every project with a rare blend of authenticity and intention.

You’ve lived in different parts of the world since you were 17, spending years immersed in various cultures. How have these experiences shaped your identity and worldview?

The greatest gift of travel and exposure to different cultures at a young age is compassion. It’s impossible to live in so many places and not see that, at the core, we are all one humanity. I often think of The Map of Cultures and how, despite differences in traditions or languages, our dreams and our goals are deeply similar. These experiences have taught me that our challenges are shared, and so are our solutions — we rise only when we rise together.

When did you first realize that your journey would extend beyond beauty pageants into advocacy and social impact?

I would actually frame it the other way: beauty pageants became a platform to amplify the work I was already passionate about. Since childhood, I’ve been involved in environmental and humanitarian initiatives — it was always part of my identity. When I stepped into the pageant world, I realized how powerful it could be to bring attention to issues that matter and to inspire others to act. That was the true gift of the crown.

You often speak about authenticity as a guiding value. How do you maintain your inner balance while navigating the visibility and expectations that come with being a global public figure?

Balance is something I continue to struggle with — it’s fragile and constantly shifting. What helps me is honesty. At the end of each day, I ask myself: What are my values? Why am I here? Am I loving myself enough to listen to my inner voice? Staying connected to that guidance, even in the midst of external noise, is what allows me to keep walking in alignment.

Has there been a pivotal experience or mentor that helped you merge your personal growth with your public mission?

Yes — and in a very unexpected way. Years ago, I was studying in a yoga ashram, preparing for my teacher certification. I loved it so much that I wanted to stay on as a volunteer, dedicating all my time to practice. But the teachers told me I wasn’t meant to hide away — that I belonged in the “social world,” using my voice and presence there. It was a turning point for me. I understood that my mission wasn’t just personal growth but bringing those lessons into the public sphere.

The world of beauty and fashion is being challenged to become more ethical and sustainable. What does “sustainable beauty” mean to you today?

To me, sustainable beauty means beauty that doesn’t harm — not the planet, not our health, and not our future. It’s about using ingredients and methods that respect the earth, embracing transparency in production, and valuing wellness over excess. True beauty is harmony, and anything that destroys our ecosystems or our bodies cannot truly be called beautiful.

How can fashion — often seen as an industry of luxury and consumption — become a space for education, empathy, and change?

Fashion is one of the most powerful tools of self-expression, and that makes it a language everyone understands. If brands choose to tell stories of sustainability, inclusion, and empathy, they can shift culture in a profound way. Imagine if every collection was not just about trends, but also about teaching consumers the impact of their choices. Luxury then becomes not about excess, but about responsibility, creativity, and legacy.

Through your humanitarian work and your foundation, you’ve supported hospitals, children, and cultural programs. Which of these initiatives has touched you most deeply and why?

Every initiative has left a deep mark on me, but working with children — whether in hospitals, orphanages, or refugee programs — touches me the most profoundly. Children carry both the wounds of today and the hope for tomorrow. When I see their resilience, their creativity, and their ability to smile despite hardship, I’m reminded why I do this work. They inspire me more than I could ever inspire them.

Sésse is much more than a sportswear brand — it’s a statement of values. What inspired you to create it?

How involved are you in researching and developing eco-friendly materials and production processes?

I am deeply involved. I see it as the heart of the brand. It’s not always easy — sustainability requires more effort, more research, and sometimes more cost — but it’s the only way forward if we want to create fashion with integrity.