Interview with Debbie Nelson: Chameleonic Confidence, Crowns, and Parisian Couture

Surrounded by the hum of espresso machines and muffled conversations, Debbie Nelson, the effervescent Ms. Senior Universe 2024, sipped her coffee with a smile. Draped in effortless elegance, she is far more than a pageant queen; she’s an actress, an adventurer, and a fierce advocate for women over 50. Fresh from the runways of Paris Fashion Week the night before, Debbie’s presence is magnetic, has embodied grace, strength, and an unwavering confidence.

“I’m having a blast,” she beams, her energy lighting up the room. “I’m somewhat of a chameleon in life,” she laughs, reflecting on her varied roles both on and off the stage. “One day, I can be in my blue jeans, riding horses, or catching rattlesnakes—yes, I’ve done that! And the next, I’m in my little black dress at the club or getting all glamorous with a crown and banner, feeling like a queen.” It’s this adaptability that makes Debbie not just a queen of pageantry, but a queen of life.

At 66—though you would never guess—Debbie is far from slowing down. Her participation in Paris Fashion Week is not just about walking a runway but making a statement for women of all ages. “We all thought we’d be invisible by now,” she muses, “but people are looking up to us, admiring our presence. They always say, ‘At your age,’ but I see that as a compliment. We have so much wisdom and life experience to share.”

A Legacy in Acting

Before stepping into the world of crowns and sashes, Debbie's roots were firmly planted in the arts. Acting, for her, was a way to cultivate the confidence that now fuels her pageantry. “When you start acting, especially at a young age, you become more self-assured in front of an audience. I’ve carried that with me into every part of my life, from school cheerleading tryouts to my first job interviews,” she shares.

Although Debbie prefers television and commercial work to the stage, she has always been drawn to the spotlight. “I love being on stage, but I don’t do it often enough,” she admits with a playful smile. “When I do act, I have a blast. I think it’s important for everyone, especially young people, to perform or at least speak in front of groups. It builds that self-confidence that carries you through life.”

This lifelong commitment to confidence-building is something she instills in her own children, encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones. “Get in front of an audience, even if it’s just for a school project or a speech,” she advises. “You’ll be surprised how much it shapes your self-esteem.”

Ms. Senior Universe 2024: A New Role

Becoming Ms. Senior Universe 2024 was not just another accolade for Debbie; it was a new chapter, a platform to inspire. “Winning the title has given me a voice,” she explains. “I want to show women, especially those over 50, that life doesn’t end when you hit a certain age. In fact, it’s just beginning.”

For Debbie, pageantry is far more than gowns and crowns. It’s about self-expression, empowerment, and breaking societal norms. “I think society expects us to fade into the background once we hit a certain age, but that’s not me,” she says passionately. “I’m here to tell women that it’s okay to still want to have fun, to feel attractive, and to live life to its fullest—whether you’re 50, 60, or 70.”

Her participation in Paris Fashion Week was a personal triumph. “It’s my first time as a senior in such a high-profile event, and it’s been nothing short of magical,” Debbie says. She reflects on the shift in how older women are perceived in fashion. “I used to think I’d be overlooked or dismissed, but the reality is, people are paying attention. They admire that I’m out here, not letting age define me.”

Fashion as Empowerment

Paris Fashion Week, an event long dominated by youth, has seen a subtle but important shift in recent years. Debbie’s presence on the runway challenges the traditional beauty standards often associated with the event. “Fashion is not just for the young,” she says, her voice filled with conviction. “It’s for everyone who has a story to tell, no matter their age. And we, as older women, have incredible stories.”

For Debbie, fashion is an extension of her chameleon-like nature. “I can feel just as powerful in a pair of boots and jeans as I do in an evening gown,” she says. But being on the runway in Paris? That was a new kind of power. “I felt like I was representing not just myself but every woman who’s ever felt like she had to shrink into the background as she got older.”

A Message for Women

As our conversation draws to a close, I ask Debbie what message she hopes to convey through her work in pageantry, fashion, and beyond. She takes a thoughtful pause, her eyes lighting up as she begins. “I want women to know that life is not over after 50. This is the time to enjoy all the hard work we’ve put in. We’ve raised families, built careers, and now it’s our time to shine.”

She continues, “We still have so much to offer—to ourselves and to others. I hope my journey inspires women to embrace their age, to step into the spotlight, and to live fully, no matter what stage of life they’re in.”

As we part ways, I can’t help but think how fitting it is that Debbie’s next stop is a birthday celebration. At 66, she is not slowing down—if anything, she’s picking up speed. And with her energy, charm, and fierce determination, there’s no doubt that Debbie Nelson is a force to be reckoned with, both on the runway and in life.

"We’ve earned our crowns," she says with a smile, "Now it’s time to wear them proudly."