The roles of women have always shifted – moving from nurturers to warriors, muses to creators – an amalgamation of resilience, grace, and ambition. Kylie Verzosa best reflects this metamorphosis. A model, beauty queen, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate, she has stepped into each role with both fierceness and vulnerability, staying true to herself while uplifting those around her. Unapologetically her.
There is something magnetic about Kylie – beyond the accolades and the luminous presence that commands attention. It’s in the way she carries herself, unafraid to take up space, to stand firm in her truth. From breaking barriers in beauty pageants to building a brand that empowers, her journey is one of constant growth – proving that transformation is the very essence of a woman in her power.
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Jewellery: Hearts On Fire
Kylie doesn’t confine herself to the roles she’s taken on – each title is merely a facet of the whole. “I’m just me,” she says simply, as if there was never a question to begin with. For Kylie, the focus isn’t on choosing one identity over another, but on showing up fully in whatever path she pursues. Her philosophy is straightforward: work hard, set goals, and pour everything into achieving them. There is no rigid blueprint, no predetermined course – just an unshakable drive to push forward, wherever life takes her. She moves with purpose, but not with expectation. For her, it’s about giving her all, then letting the rest unfold.
Shoes: Roger Vivier
Jewellery: Hearts On Fire
She isn’t one to stay in the same place for too long. “I’m constantly evolving,” she says, considering the many paths that have led her to where she is today. A year into running her own business and nearly a decade into acting, she keeps moving forward – open to whatever comes next. “As a woman, you can be anything you want to be,” she says, matter-of-factly. Transformation isn’t for the sake of change, but a natural progression – one shaped by experience and the belief that there’s always more to learn.
But Kylie’s drive extends far past professional success. Having spoken openly about her struggles with depression and anxiety, she launched ‘Mental Health Matters,’ a nonprofit dedicated to changing the conversation around mental well-being. In the Philippines, where mental health is still a sensitive topic, she knew there was work to be done in making people feel less alone. “It’s okay not to be okay,” she says – a simple yet powerful reminder that seeking help, whether through therapy, talking to a friend, or prioritising self-care, shouldn’t come with shame. For her, advocacy extends past raising awareness – it means equipping people with the tools to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Shoes: Roger Vivier
Ring: Psylish
Bracelets: L’Dezen By Payal Shah
In recent years, Kylie has witnessed a major change in how mental health is discussed – particularly in the Philippines. “I’m so, so happy,” she says, acknowledging how younger generations have become increasingly open about their struggles. This newfound honesty has created a ripple effect, fostering a sense of belonging, where people no longer feel isolated in their experiences. Conversations that were once met with silence are now unfolding freely, allowing room for healing. “It’s all part of life, and it just makes you stronger after.” For Kylie, this openness a crucial step towards a more empathetic world.
This belief in self-empowerment is also at the heart of ‘SOLÁ,’ the brand she founded to help women feel good in their own skin. “Mental health is all about feeling good about yourself,” she says, explaining how confidence and self-perception are deeply connected. To her, personal style is more than just clothing – it’s a statement of identity, a way to fully celebrate who you are. “If you feel good about yourself physically, it resonates with you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” Through SOLÁ, Kylie hopes to inspire people to take ownership of their individuality – believing that when you move through the world with confidence, it touches every part of your life.
Outfit, FREY. Jewellery, SHAMSEILI. Perfume, PAÑPURI.
On that note, Kylie may not shy away from the pressures that come with being in the public eye, but she won’t let them define her. She accepts the reality that not every day calls for a full face of makeup or a carefully curated outfit – some days, being herself means dressing down, stepping back, and living life without the weight of expectations. “I actually hate pressure,” she says, laughing, as if shrugging off the invisible burden many women carry. Instead of conforming to the demands of a picture-perfect image, she leans into self-assurance. She trusts that confidence comes from owning who you are – fully and unapologetically – through every moment and every kind of day.
Jewellery: L’Dezen By Payal Shah
Confidence is a process, not an instant achievement. It develops over time, shaped by both triumphs and setbacks, moulding – not confining – her. “Everything you go through makes you who you are today,” Kylie reflects. Rather than shying away from past struggles, she urges young women to own their path, to gain wisdom from their past, and to invest in their personal growth. Read, travel, take classes, surround yourself with the right people – strength comes from immersing yourself in the world. True self-assurance comes not from having all the answers, but from establishing a foundation so solid that no external pressure can break it.
Jewellery: L’Dezen By Payal Shah
Doubt isn’t a stranger to Kylie Verzosa. It lingers in the quiet moments, in the questions that creep in – am I good enough? Am I doing the right thing? But rather than letting uncertainty paralyse her, she learns to work through it, to trust in herself even when the answers aren’t immediately clear. “I still have those moments, every day,” she admits. Yet, she finds solace in surrounding herself with a team that keeps her grounded. That balance between external guidance and internal trust is what steers her forward. “When you trust yourself, I don’t think you can go wrong,” she says with conviction.
Away from the glamour, the high-energy sets, and the stress that comes with being a public persona, Kylie is, at heart, an introvert. It’s a side of her that isn’t always apparent, but one that deeply shapes who she is. She thrives in solitude, in the comfort of her routine – recharging so she can meet the world with full force. “I get my energy when I’m by myself, when I’m in my own space, doing the things I love,” she shares. For someone who constantly gives – to her career, her craft, and her causes – this quiet is what enables her to show up fully, to perform at her best, and to stay true to herself in a world that often demands otherwise.
Special Thanks: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
