Jasmine Gerhardt: ‘It’s not just about putting on a dress; it’s about making a real impact’
A model, human rights graduate and the current Miss Ireland, Jasmine Gerhardt has many strings to her bow. Keen to prove that being involved in beauty pageants is about more than just appearance, she’s done plenty of advocacy work, including for non-profit organisations such as Aoibhneas, who support women and children facing domestic abuse and another charity in Zimbabwe, helping orphaned with their literacy.
Beauty pageants were something I fell into quite young, but I love the person I’ve become through it.
My mam was a former beauty queen so it’s definitely a big reason why I competed.
I spent four years studying law and then completed a master’s in human rights and European Union law.
I plan on sitting for the New York Bar in July to become an attorney. I gained work experience with the Irish Innocence Project, which is part of a global initiative helping those who have been wrongly convicted seek legal advice. That was definitely my favorite work experience. My first real job was as a waiter in my parents’ restaurant.
Self-belief is so important.
I’m not the most confident person even now, but I’ve definitely improved in believing in my ability to achieve what I truly want. I also trust that there’s a higher power guiding it all.
There’s often a stigma around beauty pageants—that they’re just about appearance rather than advocacy.
But in reality, they’re a platform for meaningful work. The more I showcase my involvement in charity work and the causes I align with, the more people see that it’s not just about putting on a dress; it’s about making a real impact. My main responsibility in work is to make an impact in any role I take on—whether it’s as Miss Ireland or in my legal career. I love influencing and inspiring people to be the best version of themselves.
I’ve always looked up to Amal Clooney. She is everything I aspire to embody as a woman.
Being told “no” happens frequently in the modeling world, and I’ve learned it happens in other industries, too. But I’ve realised that the risk of regret is far greater than the risk of trying.
I wake at 8am – I’m an early bird, 98% of the time!
The first thing I do every morning is message my mam. She’s always awake, so I check if she has the kettle on! I start my day with a shower, a workout, and some gratitude practice. I also love dancing around to a great 70s song before heading out.
I can’t go to work without my diary.I like to make sure I have everything I need to get done noted down on paper.
On an average workday, I am very busy! I usually spend my days mingling at events and engaging with so many lovely people. I truly love it. When I start my workday depends on my schedule, which is flexible depending on what I have going on that day.
I usually spend the first portion of the day working out, jogging, practicing gratitude, planning my day, and getting to work.
But my absolute favorite way to start the day is with a coffee, sitting outside (if it’s not too cold) and just enjoying nature. Closing my eyes, listening to the birds, the wind, or, in Ireland’s case, a lot of rain—it truly grounds me. I rarely get through my working day without coffee. Coffee and I are soulmates; I’m sure of it!
I really love to cook.
For lunch, I love Italian food, but instead of just making pasta, I try to eat slightly healthier. I try to incorporate salads with some grilled chicken, or if I make pasta, it’s usually with a tuna and olive sauce for protein. My great-grandmother is Italian, and my parents own Italian restaurants, so most of our diet stems from our love of Italian food.
Good communication skills are essential, but so is being able to listen and accept others’ opinions.
It’s a difficult skill to master because people are naturally opinionated but being a great communicator who truly listens is crucial for any business to reach its full potential.
The best part of my day is coming home to my family and my dog. It’s a blessing I never take for granted.
The most challenging part of my day is not pressing the snooze button more than three times… I know, ridiculous!
I know it’s been a good day if I get all my tasks done, go to the gym, and feel content knowing I gave my utmost effort to everything I set out to do.
That feeling of fulfillment when putting my head on the pillow is what makes a day great.
I switch off from work by reading.
I usually end my day at 10pm, my ideal bedtime! Reading is something I’ve loved for a long time, and it always calms my mind. I also love going to the sauna, doing an ice bath, or taking a long walk. Before I go to bed, I’ll do my skincare routine with Biofresh—an amazing organic brand—then, I’ll write down my plans for the next day and either read a book or watch a nice movie. Depending on what I have going on, I like to set out my outfit in advance if it’s a big event. I also take time to relax the night before to make sure I’m fully prepared. I save time by being organised.
After a long work week, I destress by spending time with my family. I love sitting down for a nice dinner and catching up with everyone—my little cousins, aunties, and uncles.
I love going for a walk in Glendalough; there’s something truly powerful about connecting with nature to unwind.
The accomplishments I’m most proud of are earning my law degree, completing my master’s, and winning Miss Ireland.
The modeling and entertainment industry isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. One common misconception is that opportunities just come to you, but in reality, you often have to take the initiative so my advice would be to put yourself out there, reach out to brands, and make connections to create your own opportunities.
I’ve just finished working on my literacy project in Zimbabwe, where I integrated a creative storytelling kit into a learning center for orphans aged eight to 12.
The kit includes my own book, Sunny and the Safe Harbour, which explores themes of domestic violence and the importance of finding a safe space. It also provides interactive tools, cards, and literacy enhancers to help children create and develop their own stories, fostering creativity and self-expression. Each child takes the box home, allowing them to continuously add their dreams and aspirations, with the hope of one day fulfilling them.
Beyond Zimbabwe, I’ve had the privilege of expanding my charity work internationally.
In Bangkok, I met with the Irish ambassador and worked with Sister Louise Horgan’s Good Shepherd Centre, which helps refugee and orphaned children transition back into formal education. I also collaborated with the Hope Foundation in India, led by Maureen Forrest, where I witnessed firsthand how education transforms lives. As the first in my family to receive an education, I understand its power, and my mission is to continue advocating for it globally. Right now, I’m focused on preparing for Miss World and putting Ireland’s best foot forward on the global stage.
Photography courtesy of Jasmine Gerhardt.
