Miss Universe Latvia 2026 Lasma Kuhtarska Beauty Begins with the Life We Consciously Create

From the forests and traditions of Latvia to the Miss Universe stage in Puerto Rico. Lāsma Kuhtarska’s story is not defined only by external achievements. It is shaped by motherhood, entrepreneurship, nature, traditions, a more conscious way of living, and the ability to find herself again after difficult chapters in life. Now, that story continues on one of the world’s biggest beauty pageant stages.

Lasma, your story includes so many different interests. Nature, family, entrepreneurship, music, bonsai, conscious living. What connects all of these things?

I grew up surrounded by nature- beautiful Latvian landscapes that change every season. Being so close to nature I learned that the most beautiful things in life do not happen overnight. They need time, patience and care.

Today, I see the same principle in many areas of my life. Not only motherhood, but also entrepreneurship and relationship with myself.

The art of Bonsai teaches it the best. A small tree requires attention, patience and presence. You cannot force it to grow faster. It reminded me that my growth cannot be rushed either.

You are a mother. Has motherhood changed the way you see life?

Definitely. Motherhood has been one of the greatest teachers in my life.

There was a moment everything turned upside down. I found myself a single mother and had to start everything from zero.     I had to rebuild more than my life; I had to rediscover myself.

Over time, I realised that finding yourself again can begin with simple things. I started creating more order around me — organising my home, giving everything its place. And somehow, I was doing the same within myself. My interests were mirrored by what I was missing inside. 

Has this period of your life also given you a different understanding of femininity?

Yes. Today, I believe more than ever that femininity is not weakness.

Gentleness is not weakness. Kindness is not weakness. Caring for others is not weakness.

There is strength in staying gentle while knowing your boundaries. In starting again without becoming bitter. And in continuing to grow when life gives you reasons to stop.

You also have a strong professional side. You are involved in fintech and entrepreneurship. How does that experience fit with the world of Miss Universe?

I like the fact that my life does not have just one dimension. Entrepreneurship has taught me to think in a structured way, take responsibility, make decisions and understand that having an idea is not enough. You also have to be able to make it happen.

The stage requires something different. Knowledge alone is not enough there. You need to communicate, stay calm, react quickly and remain true to yourself.

I don’t think these worlds are as different as they might seem at first. Both require discipline, hard work and the ability to take responsibility for the result.

Miss Universe is a powerful platform for making your voice heard. What would you personally like to speak about through this platform?

I care deeply about conscious living, especially how we care for ourselves, our children and the environment we create at home.

My own journey taught me that when we become more aware of ourselves, we can also become better parents. Through my charity work, I want to help make this conversation more visible — because protecting children is not only about changing what happens to them, but also about supporting the adults around them.

Latvian traditions also have an important place in your life. You are learning to play the kokle. Why is that important to you?

Traditions give me roots, but they also remind me who I am.

I am learning to play the kokle because I don’t want Latvian culture to be something I simply know about. I want to experience it, understand it and carry a small part of it forward — especially for my daughter and for the generations that come after us.

To me, knowing your roots is not about living in the past. It gives you a stronger sense of who you are when you step into the future. And that is something I want to carry with me to Miss Universe.

And now you will have to share this story with an international audience. How are you preparing for the Miss Universe final in Puerto Rico?

I am preparing on many levels — from the stage, mental and physical preparation to my wardrobe and presentation. But for me, the most important preparation is learning how to communicate clearly and stay grounded in different situations.

I don’t want to arrive in Puerto Rico and become someone else just because I am on a stage. I want to bring the woman I have become through my experiences — my values, my story and the causes I believe in.

With what feeling are you heading to Puerto Rico?

With a deep sense of responsibility, but also with curiosity and gratitude.

Because  I will not be only representing myself. I will be carrying Latvia with me — our nature, our traditions and that strength I associate with our people.

I want everyone who meets me in Puerto Rico to become curious about Latvia. To see that our country with my eyes, my love for life there, because it may be small, but there is a lot of depth and beauty within it. 

I also cannot wait to see all other cultures!! Never have I seen such diversity in one place. 

I think no one ever feels ready or knows all the answers … I for sure don’t. 

But sometimes you don’t need to see the whole road ahead.

You only need enough courage to take the next step.

Thank you for the interview, Lasma! The whole Amberzine Team wishes you good luck at the Miss Universe final in Puerto Rico!