Canay Sagbasan: The 1st Runner Up at Miss Great Britain Kent will take her shot at the Runway
Hailing from Kent in the United Kingdom, Canay Sagbasan is more than a rising star in the world of pageantry.. she’s a passionate changemaker determined to redefine what beauty, influence, and purpose look like in today’s world.
Her debut into pageants was nothing short of inspiring. In her very first pageant competition, she was named 1st Runner-Up at Miss Great Britain Kent 2025. Just a week later, her drive and authenticity earned her a sponsorship for Miss Universe Beauty UK 2025 which is a a bold leap into the national spotlight. But for Canay, the accolades are only part of a deeper mission.
“I don’t want to just be a ‘pretty face’ or just a body,” she says. “I want to have a mission. I want to have a purpose.”
Canay is focused on building a platform that uplifts others especially young girls by showing them that strength, success, and self-worth aren’t defined by appearance alone. Her desire is to influence a generation to know their value, their potential, and their inner beauty. “You can do anything you set your mind to,” she insists, and her journey so far is proof.
Crowns, Confidence & Community
Canay’s accomplishments continue to multiply. She recently earned the Miss Charity Award at the Miss Great Britain Kent and Sussex Superheat for raising the most money out of 40 contestants. Her passion for service doesn’t stop there: she volunteers with Citizens Advice, Oxfam, and also gives her time as a certified Level 1 gymnastics coach... a sport in which she has not only competed nationally, but also represented the Southeast region internationally.
She was honored with a Citizen’s Award at just 11 years old, and has received several recognitions for academic and athletic excellence. These achievements reflect her deeply rooted purpose: to serve, to lead, and to inspire.
“My greatest accomplishment is starting pageantry,” she explains. “It allowed me to self-reflect and learn a lot about myself. It put me in a position to put myself out there and I ended up winning the crown and title.”
She’s already been featured on Made in Kent Radio and continues to seek new platforms to amplify her message.
On a Mission with Fashion
Canay’s dreams extend far beyond the pageant stage. With aspirations of walking in Fashion Week, landing modeling campaigns, and growing within the global fashion community, she’s set on using her presence and her voice for good. She wants to break molds and defy standards, especially when it comes to representation.
“I’ve never been the tallest of people,” she shares, “but I want to represent shorter women and show girls they don’t have to feel pressured to look a certain way.”
Whether it’s on a catwalk or in a courtroom, Canay is proving that beauty and ambition are not mutually exclusive. When she’s not modeling or attending castings, she is a second-year law student and works part-time at Becks and Clates, one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies in Yorkshire. Her schedule may be full, but her heart remains committed to purpose and progress.
Finding Purpose, Living Faith
At the center of Canay’s journey is a powerful personal foundation: her faith.
“Purpose is what you have in your heart to do,” she reflects. “I found my purpose within my faith... leaning into knowing myself in Christ.”
Her perspective is as grounded as it is inspiring. To Canay, purpose isn’t something fixed but it’s discovered through service, resilience, and authenticity.
As she continues to climb, Canay Sagbasan is not just creating a name for herself but she’s lighting a path for others to follow.
Follow Canay’s Journey:
Instagram: @canaysagbasan
TikTok: @canay_sagbasan