Using her newfound status, the fashion designer who runs her own fashion clothing label R’Bonney Nola said she plans to continue promoting sustainable fashion. From a young age, Gabriel has upcycled pieces she found in thrift stores with her mother. “We would find used clothes and she would alter it to my size, or she would teach me how to tear something apart and make it my own unique thing,” she said. Inspired by the 2015 documentary called The true cost—which focuses on the environmental damage of fast fashion—Gabriel decided she wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem. Many of the outfits she wore during the competition were upcycled from used fabric. “I have a voice as a designer and I really want to use fashion for a greater cause, which is why I’m so passionate about it now.”

Before winning Miss Universe, Gabriel was the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks in EaDo, teaching sewing classes to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The ideal design house collects and reuses post-consumer clothing, scrap textiles and accessories diverted from landfills to create sustainable clothing. “I’ve been sewing since I was a teenager, but I’ve always wanted to do something charitable with my passion,” Gabriel said. “I don’t do the sewing classes in person anymore since I moved to New York, but now I’m kind of a global ambassador for them always sharing their message. Now that I’m home for a few days I want to dedicate a day to go back and get some projects in the works that I can share as Miss Universe.”

Her clothing brand, which skyrocketed in popularity after her win (all the clothes on her page sold out almost immediately), has also taken a temporary backseat to her role as Miss Universe, although Gabriel said she still creates pieces when she finds some time. Nevertheless, she is grateful for how the show has changed her life. “Pageantry is a job,” she said, adding a world of opportunities has opened up for her. “It takes a lot of discipline and hard work. I used to be a shy little girl with something of a direction, but not quite. Pageantry really helped me break out of that shell.”

Gabriel also emphasized how empowered the Miss Universe pageant made her feel. “Women can really put their best foot forward with a strong support system behind them,” she said, noting that her coaches and mentors helped boost her confidence. “Confidence at the end of the day will propel you forward. Your mindset is so powerful. It’s so important. When you believe in yourself and you have the positive [mindset]I promise you can do anything.”

While she enjoyed living in the bustling metropolis of New York City, Gabriel hasn’t had a car, so she misses being able to drive everywhere like she could in Houston (albeit without the terrible traffic). She also misses the warm Texas weather. “It’s kind of cold and just kind of comforting having family and friends there,” Gabriel said. She has also longed to return to her favorite restaurant, Nancy’s Hustle. “Well, I have a few spots depending on what I’m in the mood for,” she admitted, before mentioning some of her old haunts. “I’m a big fan of Gerry’s Grill. It’s a Filipino restaurant in Bellaire. I like to go to Bellaire to eat a lot of ramen, and there’s all kinds of good Asian food in that area, so I switched it up a lot.”

Returning to the Hilton Post Oak where she was crowned Miss Houston and Miss Texas in 2022 is a “full circle moment,” Gabriel said. “It’s such a great feeling to bring home a win for Houston and for Texas. It’s not just a win for me, but it’s a win for everybody.”