Fresh from winning TOP MODEL 2026 at the Miss Teen Universe Competition in Cambodia, Tobagonian Chanique Marcelin is reflecting on the experience and what she described as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
She sat down with TTT News to share how the competition challenged her to step outside her comfort zone, strengthened her confidence and inspired her to continue pursuing a career in modelling.
“It was really something that I had to dig deep in and step forward and be out of my comfort zone. It was an incredible experience, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
For Marcelin, the competition was also an opportunity to showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s culture on an international stage. One of the categories featured a national costume competition. Although she did not win the top costume award, she said the experience left a lasting impression.
“I got to display the steelpan; it had a lot of our national birds on there, our national flower, and they were asking me questions about where I came from and what my national costume represents and it represented Trinidad’s soul, Tobago’s spirit, so just having a costume that represented who I was and where I came from made a huge impact out there.”
Her costume also opened the door for Marcelin to engage with students at a school.
“I actually had a visit to the Invictus International School, where I donated my international costume to their school, and I had the opportunity to share a little bit of Trinidad and Tobago at their school, and it was amazing. The children were so warm and welcoming, they listened really, really well.”
She also enjoyed learning about and experiencing Cambodian culture.
“The people are very warm, welcoming. Their food is incredible. It is far different from Trinidad and Tobago food because our food was more heavy, their food is very light, and our flavour is very impactful; their flavour is completely different to ours, their culture is amazing.”
While the competition came with its challenges, Marcelin said the experience taught her the importance of resilience.
“I reached the pageant due to some passport issues a day or two late but that did not stop me. I was not giving up, I had to go out there, and even with a late arrival, I was able to make an impact because the youths of Trinidad and Tobago need a voice; they really need a voice and someone who can inspire them to be different.”
Marcelin entered the modelling industry at age 15 after being scouted by Coco Velvet modelling agency. She went on to compete in pageants and developed a love for the industry, along with a passion for fashion.
She is now preparing to continue her modelling journey at Jamaica International Fashion Week later in November.
“I know with my newfound title, that is the perfect opportunity for me to represent my country, my culture, who I really am because modelling is really a passion for me, and to be able to have this incredible opportunity and represent where I come from, I have no words for that, it is just something I am really passionate about.”