Rising in Her Own Light. An Exclusive Interview with Miss California International 2026 Polina Malyha

She stepped into the spotlight with calm confidence and a heart open to possibility, and in a single unforgettable moment, California crowned a new symbol of inner strength, grace, and modern leadership. Polina Malyha, Miss California International 2026, represents far more than beauty, she embodies authenticity, determination, and the courage to begin again in a new country with nothing but ambition and belief in herself.

In this exclusive interview, Polina speaks with refreshing sincerity about transformation, discipline, kindness, and the quiet power of staying true to oneself. Her journey is a reminder that real beauty begins long before the stage lights, and true influence continues long after the crown is placed.

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▸ Polina, first of all, congratulations on winning the title. When you woke up the morning after winning Miss California International 2026, what thought made you realize your life had changed?

Thank you. I was genuinely delighted when I realized what had happened. It felt like a moment of clarity, an understanding that now I have the opportunity to show even more people that our true desires really can come to life if we put in the effort. We often underestimate ourselves and give up halfway, but believing in myself and having the support of the people I love gives me the strength to keep moving forward. When I woke up that day, I understood that I now carry a responsibility to show others that our greatest power lies in staying open and sincere in this world. I won because I was myself, without masks, with an open heart toward something new, and with the bright energy I choose to bring into everything I do.

▸ You represent a generation of women redefining confidence and femininity. What does modern beauty mean to you today beyond appearance?

My biggest wish was for the victory to go to a woman who is sincere in her intentions and truly beautiful in a complete sense. When I say beautiful in a complete way, I mean someone who is beautiful both inside and out. Just having a pretty exterior has never been a measure of a strong personality for me. External beauty is being well groomed, confident, and clear about one’s goals. Inner beauty is being honest with yourself, sincere with others, kind hearted, and willing to help. It is confidence without arrogance, femininity paired with an energy that naturally draws people in.

▸ Your journey spans countries, creative fields, and personal transformations. What was the most pivotal decision you ever made, the one that changed your direction in life?

From the moment I finished school and moved to another country, I knew it was time to start building my own story, my own version of a better future. I understood that I couldn’t afford many things at that time, but my desire to grow pushed me to constantly look for new opportunities. I tried life in Ukraine and Germany, but my real turning point was moving to America. Going on this journey alone, I told myself that I just needed to try, and if I didn’t like it, I could always go back. That mindset of try now so you don’t regret it later opened doors I never expected. I have been in this country only a year, yet my determination has already brought incredible results, and I know even greater things lie ahead.

▸ Many saw your grace and confidence on stage, but not the challenges behind the scenes. What was the hardest moment of your preparation, something the audience never knew about?

I already had experience with filming, performing, and dancing, so the stage felt comfortable for me. I wasn’t nervous, I simply wanted to enjoy the evening. I can’t say there were truly difficult moments, but I do remember two things. I worried that we wouldn’t have enough time to change into the wedding gowns during the wedding dress walk, and I avoided eating because I didn’t want to ruin my makeup.

But all of those little concerns vanished the moment we stepped out for the final walk and the winners were announced.

▸ Winning a state title requires emotional strength as much as discipline. What inner barriers did you have to overcome during this journey?

I consider myself emotionally strong. I moved to another continent and went through every stage of adaptation on my own. I knew I had to rely on myself, no one was going to come and rescue me. That resilience helped me stay grounded. I don’t get upset over small things, and I make decisions with clarity. I still have areas to improve in terms of discipline, but overall I am consistent and responsible. Because of this, I didn’t face emotional or mental barriers on my way to the title, I knew what I wanted and I stayed committed to it.

▸ Every victory reshapes a person. What was the biggest internal transformation you experienced from the first rehearsal to the moment your name was announced?

I truly believe that when a good person wins, they share that light with others. I see myself as someone who spreads positivity, which made me feel a responsibility to shine and uplift everyone around me. At the first rehearsal, I arrived full of excitement. Throughout preparation, I stayed open with the other contestants and helped whenever I could. During the final, I genuinely celebrated every girl who received a title, and later they celebrated with me. Our honesty and support for each other made this journey unforgettable.

“I don’t just talk about change, I embody it.
And that gives others the courage to step into their own transformation.”

Polina Malykha, Miss California International 2026 title holder

▸ Polina, your background blends creativity, resilience, and strategy. How do you balance the artistic and analytical sides of who you are?

Since childhood, I have always been a creative kid, but I also loved math. I would excel in calculations at school and then spend afternoons painting at art school. That creative analytical personality naturally led me to study architecture. Creativity shapes the way you see the world, while the analytical mind gives structure and strategy. Together, they allow me to approach everything with imagination while still calculating each step. Today, this balance helps me in finance and in content creation. It is one of my strongest advantages.

▸ As the new Miss California International title holder, you now become a voice for your local community. What impact do you hope to make in California during your reign?

I want to show more people that the most important thing is to remain human. No matter what heights you reach, you must not lose yourself or forget those who supported you. Many people do not see opportunities simply because no one ever taught them how to find the right information or ask for guidance. I always try to be that person. Anyone can reach out to me, and I am genuinely ready to help. I don’t act for recognition, I act because the energy you give returns to you as genuine people and opportunities.

▸ Success always involves sacrifice. What did you have to let go of in order to grow into the woman who could win this title?

Becoming who I am today required many sacrifices. Most of all, it required time, time spent searching for myself, building a career I love, and rediscovering my hobbies. I invested time into building meaningful connections, and I invested money into my education, from university to online courses to countless books. I made many mistakes, but I don’t regret any of them. Without those experiences, I would not be the woman I am now. I worked hard, consistently stepping out of my comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally.

“Our greatest power lies in staying open and sincere in this world.”

Polina Malykha, Miss California International 2026 title holder

▸ Polina, looking ahead, crowns are temporary, but influence lasts. What legacy do you want to build during your year as Miss California International 2026?

I want to show people that a woman can be not only beautiful, but also influential. My mission is to help people shift their mindset toward a better direction, to show that change can be safe and empowering. In every profession I pursue, I choose one goal, to help people elevate their lives. People listen to me because they see my growth and feel inspired by my example.

I don’t just talk about change, I embody it, and that gives others the courage to step into their own transformation.

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CLOSING STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER

In a world that often celebrates perfection more than authenticity, Polina Malyha reminds us that true beauty lies in sincerity, courage, and the refusal to hide one’s light. Her story is not just about winning a crown, but about elevating others through kindness, purpose, and vision. As Miss California International 2026, she steps into a role larger than a title, she steps into a calling. We look forward to witnessing the impact she will make on our communities, our young women, and our collective understanding of modern leadership.

Polina represents a new generation of leaders, women who rise not by competing with one another, but by lifting others with them. Her commitment to authenticity, her willingness to embrace growth, and her dedication to giving back reflect the true mission of the Miss California International program. This pageant is not merely an event, it is a transformative platform that shapes future community leaders, empowers immigrant and underserved young women, and creates opportunities that echo far beyond the stage.

The journey of Miss California International continues.

The next Grand Finale of Miss California International 2027, will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

▪To apply as a contestant, please use the link:
www.MissCaliforniaInternational.com/Apply

▪For sponsorship opportunities and all event information, visit official website:
www.MissCaliforniaInternational.com
or contact the organizers/producers by phone at (916) 519-6461.

▪Follow the official Instagram page for updates, announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content,
@Miss_California_International

Sergey Ivannikov
Publisher, New Times Magazine