Today we’d like to introduce you to Rutvi Chauhan
rutvi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Rutvi Chauhan, and my journey is a testament to the power of resilience and opportunity. Growing up in a small town in India, I always harbored dreams of making my mark in the fashion industry. However, life initially led me down a different path. After moving to the United States to pursue my career as a physical therapist, I thought my passion for fashion would remain a dream.
But America opened doors I never thought possible. With the unwavering support of my husband and family, I was able to step into the world of modeling and pageantry, even after becoming a mother of two. Today, I am proud to hold the title of Mrs. Universe USA 2024, and I had the honor of representing the United States at the Mrs. Universe 2024 pageant, where I placed in the Top 6. My journey began with a first runner-up win at Mrs. Bollywood USA 2017, and it has only grown from there.
My story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter where you come from or the challenges you face. With determination and the right support, anything is possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle I faced on my journey was breaking the mindset that a mother of two, who has been a dedicated healthcare professional for 15 years, could still take a detour to pursue her dreams in modeling and pageantry. In the South Asian community where I come from, this path is not widely recognized or accepted, especially for women with established careers and family responsibilities. Convincing others—and even myself—that this dream was valid was a significant challenge.
Another major hurdle was time management. Balancing a full-time career in healthcare, managing a household, raising children, and preparing for pageants was no easy feat. But I didn’t do it alone. It was a team effort with my husband, parents, and in-laws stepping in to support me. Together, we made it work, proving that with the right mindset and a strong support system, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been practicing as a physical therapist for the past 14 years, with the last eight years as a supervising physical therapist leading a team of 15 physical therapist assistants. This leadership role is a significant milestone in my career, reflecting my dedication and expertise in the field.
While I primarily specialize in working with the elderly population and managing age-related conditions, transitioning to working with pediatric patients presented a unique challenge. Adapting to the distinct needs and conditions of younger patients required me to step out of my comfort zone. However, with time, experience, and a commitment to learning, I was able to overcome these challenges and expand my skill set to provide the best care for all age groups.
This journey has strengthened my ability to adapt and grow, both personally and professionally, reinforcing my passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe that 80% of my success is attributed to my hard work. Coming from a small town in India and making it to an international platform was no easy feat—it required relentless determination, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to my goals. I worked tirelessly to achieve what I have today, but I also recognize that luck played a vital role in my journey.
For me, that luck came in the form of meeting my husband, Yash. He reignited a dream I thought was lost—the dream of pursuing a career in modeling and pageantry. His immense support has been a cornerstone of my success, whether it was motivating me during my low moments, managing our household, or taking care of our kids while I was away in South Korea.
Along with Yash, I am incredibly grateful for my supportive in-laws and the Houston community, who have been instrumental in helping me reach where I am today. While hard work is the foundation of success, I truly believe that a little bit of luck—meeting the right people and having their support—can make all the difference. For me, Yash and my incredible support system were that stroke of luck, turning my dreams into reality.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Rutvi_mrsuniverseusa
- Facebook: Rutvi MrsUniverseUSA
- Youtube: Rutvi Chauhan
