Crystal Kiffin: Resilient, driven, empowered

CROWNED Mrs Universe Jamaica 2024, 23-year-old runway model Crystal Kiffin isn’t just about pageantry and fashion, she’s also keen on women’s empowerment and community upliftment.

Kiffin recently organised her very first fashion show as a way to bring light, pride, and opportunity to her community, and her journey through pageantry has helped her evolve in the modelling industry, to now owning her very first agency, Kiffin Model International.

Hailing from Hanover, and raised by a single parent, Kiffin tells All Woman that she has faced and overcome incredible odds, but became all the more resilient for it.

“Growing up in a small rural community taught me how to be resourceful, strong, and grounded,” she said. “I’ve faced struggles that could have broken me, but instead, they built me. My family, my dreams, and my belief in a higher purpose constantly push me to rise above every challenge.”

Today she’s the proud owner of two successful businesses, “all built from the ground up with no hand-outs… just determination, vision, and faith”.

“I define success as something you earn through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It’s not always about material gain, it’s about the moments when you feel truly accomplished, knowing you’ve overcome obstacles and stayed true to your purpose,” Kiffin said.

Purpose filled, this young woman is most proud the successful show, a true test, she explained, of her determination and focus.

“I handled everything, from planning and co-ordinating to securing designers and models,” she boasted. “Seeing it all come together was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. It reminded me of how capable I am when I set my mind to something.”

Pageantry is an industry Kiffin has been enamoured with since she was a girl, getting excited for TV each time pageant season came around.

“I would sit there telling myself that one day I’m going to be on that stage, wearing a crown, and representing my country,” she recalled.

However, in 2023 her father became ill and passed away in a short span of time, a death that hit her hard, left her broken, depressed, and struggling to find herself again.

“In the middle of that pain, I remembered that little girl with the dream. That’s when I made the decision to enter Mrs Universe Jamaica. It wasn’t just about the crown anymore, it was about healing, stepping into a new environment, and doing something bold to lift my spirits. And I’m so glad I did.”

Kiffin said the experience was truly unimaginable; participating pushed her beyond her limits in the best way possible. And through networking and shared experiences, these bonds transformed into a new kind of family.

“It was a journey of growth. I met incredible women who quickly became more than just friends; they became sisters and a powerful support system…

“The pageant challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, helping me gain confidence and maturity along the way. Mrs Universe Jamaica shaped me into the woman I am today — resilient, driven, and empowered. It wasn’t just about the crown; it was about finding my voice, embracing my journey, and rediscovering the motivation I needed to keep moving forward,” she said.

Since the pageant, Kiffin says life has been a powerful continuation of purpose.

“I’ve been deeply involved in community work and have had the honour of sharing my story at various seminars, where I speak on my personal growth, and the transformative journey I’ve been on,” she said.

“Right now, I’m in full preparation mode as I get ready to represent Jamaica on the international stage in South Korea. I’m committed to showing up as a strong, confident representative of my country and everything the Mrs Universe Jamaica title stands for.”

Kiffin said she chose women’s empowerment as her advocacy, because she knows what it feels like to lose yourself in pain, self-doubt, and fear — but also what it takes to rise from that.

“After losing my father in 2023, I went through one of the darkest periods of my life,” she said. “But in that pain, I discovered a deeper strength I never knew I had.

“That journey made me realise how many women silently carry similar battles. I wanted to become a voice that tells them, ‘you’re not alone, and you are powerful beyond measure’. Women’s empowerment isn’t just a passion, it’s personal. I want to help women rebuild their confidence, step into leadership, and find healing through community, just like I did.”

The Old Harbour High alumna says the journey she’s now on, having organised the Run Di Catwalk fashion show on March 30, is what’s currently motivating her, through creating a platform to help aspiring models step into their purpose.

“Run Di Catwalk represents everything I stand for — confidence, empowerment, and purpose. Being part of something that uplifts others through fashion and self-expression keeps me focused and inspired. It reminds me that I have a platform to make a difference, and that motivates me to show up stronger every single day not just for myself, but for the people I’m meant to impact,” she said.

She added: “Pageantry gave me the confidence to lead, mentoring new talent, guiding young women through their first runway experience, and watching them grow truly fills me with pride. Run Di Catwalk isn’t just a show, it’s a movement, a space where people feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Helping others discover their confidence through modelling has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.”

Today, a typical day for Kiffin starts with prayer and affirmations — setting the tone spiritually and mentally before anything else.

“It helps keep me grounded and focused,” she said.

Most weekends, you’ll find her at the beach, just soaking up the calm and enjoying some time by the water.

With two daughters and a fiancé, and a small circle of close friends who’ve become like family, Kiffin said she truly cherishes each of them they’ve all played a big part in my life and who she has become.

“My family means everything to me. I was raised by a single parent, so I really value the love and support I grew up with,” she said.

Crystal Kiffin

Crystal Kiffin

Crystal Kiffin

Crystal Kiffin