Anne JKN

There is no better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.

Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip is a 43-years-old, Thai trans- businesswoman, media entrepreneur, CEO of JKN global group and a proud mother of two.

Anne was born as a male, at a very early age of 5, she had realised that she was not comfortable in her own body, and that she wanted to be a woman. When she used to dress up in gowns and did make up, she used to feel confident and her best self.

But her transformational journey was not all roses, she studied in an all boys school. She was bullied in school for being a queer and for being different and even assaulted by her teacher. It was not easy for her at home as well, she first told her sister about it and was supported by her sister but she couldn't tell her parents for the longest time. She had to hide her truth and live a false double life all her childhood.

Eventually, she dropped out of school and she had to work many odd jobs, like working at a gas station. She was inspired by her parents to learn english. She helped run her parents' video distribution company. Later on, She earned a certificate in real estate development and a Director's Accreditation Program.

Her knowledge and experience of business led to the formation of JKN Global Group in 2013. Her company has more than 15 subsidiary companies and more than 50 products including beverages, cosmetics, health and wellness products and many more. She also owns JKN-CNBC and JKN digital terrestrial TV called JKN 18. She also got the licence to host the Thai version of Project Runway and Shark Tank.

She is the recipient of several accolades, including the Asian Media Woman of the Year award 2019, and was also named on Forbes's list of richest transgenders in the world in 2020. Today she is the richest transwoman in Asia and third richest in the world. She is also the founder and director of “Life Inspired for Transsexual Foundation”, LIFT charity organisation which advocates for transgender rights in Thailand.

In October 2022, Anne bought the Miss Universe organisation, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants and became the first ever woman and transwoman to own the organisation in the seventy year long history of Miss Universe. Along with preserving the legacy of Miss Universe, She seeks growth and progress by bringing in more inclusivity, welcomeness and empowering more women across the world. Miss Universe will be a platform for passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions.

Anne said that "from now on Miss Universe is going to be run by women, owned by a trans woman, for all women around the world to celebrate the power of feminism." We saw her vision come to life at Miss Universe 2022, it was hosted by women, judged by women and it truly is empowering for all the women and transwomen to break the barriers of difference and not fitting in the box.

The Miss Universe 2022, saw many influential, impactful and effective evolutions under the ownership of Anne JKN and we can't wait to see how the brand moves forward under her leadership and the transformation it brings for the next generations.