The glory days of Norway at Miss Universe seem to be a distant past but this does not deter the nation to hope for a comeback. Norway is historically strong at the pageant recording 17 placements and a big victory back in 1990. Efforts to revive its golden years are hampered by misplaced feminism, political correctness and declining public interest on pageants.
This year, the task to make Norway visible at Miss Universe once again, rests on the shoulders on Helene Abildsnes. Recently, Missosology sat down with this beautiful blonde lady. Here’s the excerpt of the exclusive interview:
Congratulations on being crowned as Miss Universe Norway 2019! When was the moment when you actually realize that you are a beauty queen now?
Thank you. The moment I actually realized I was a beauty queen was long before I became Miss Norway. I don’t think you need to be Miss Norway too feel like one.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you?
I am a chocolate lover and can eat a plate a day. I also enjoy playing the piano, I don’t think anybody know that about me. My brother gave me a piano for my confirmation. Sometimes I like to sit down by myself and learn new songs.
How would you describe Norway to your fellow contestants?
High mountains, deep fjords, magnificent scenery and magnificent landscapes in Norway. Norway is a country where a lush pine forest extends upwards and develops into an adventurous mountain landscape. From deep inland pits of fjords, we can move out towards a beautiful archipelago, with small islands and islets. There is everything from winters in the north, where all hours are dark, to roasting, bright summer days in the south.
We have a very nice nature. We have four seasons that are very different. We have the winter which is cold white and beautiful, then we have the spring where the flowers spring out and the good air. We also have the summer where we have the opportunity to enjoy the nature by walking in the mountains and being by the sea. Autumn with its whimsical weather with storms and rain. Nature changes colors to yellow red and orange.
What is your beauty secret?
Cleanse your skin morning and evening. I usually go without makeup to give my skin a break. My beauty tips for feeling better without makeup are and refine the brows, color lashes black and pale teeth. For my hair to be healthy I use coconut oil and massage into the scalp and hair, let it sit for a few hours and wash out. Then the hair got a lot of moisture and looks so nice.
What made you to decide and participate for the Miss Norway competition?
I needed a new excitement in my life. After I finished school, me and some friends decided to have a gap year to travel and experience the world. I have always loved the model profession and have always wanted to try blogging and social media, but I never ventured and it turned out that I loved it! This was also a great opportunity for me to promote issues I care about such as the environment, animal welfare and ethical trade.
What were your current preparations for your international competition?
I have so many ideas. I work hourly every day with my preparation and it is everything from interviewing exercises I find online to practicing on the catwalk. I plan with my dress designer on what dresses to make and I need to make a presentation video. I really want to be as well prepared as possible. I try and talk to former people who have worked with mentally prepared for something, so I can work with getting mentally prepared for Miss Universe.
What would you say to other Norwegian girls that would like to participate in a beauty competition?
Do it! You will grow so much in just one year you attend and not least get to know yourself better. These are life experiences you will never forget and can be a great door opener if you want to enter this industry. Don’t let fear stop you, I was really scared when I signed up and thought I was never going to make it. But something happens to you as a person along the way. Suddenly you look at yourself differently and gain self-confidence and gain faith in yourself.
If you become the next Miss Universe, what will you do with the crown and title?
This is hard to answer because there is so much I want to do. But what stands out to my heart is animal welfare, the environment and the well-being of the textile worker. I hope I can travel around and inspire others with my lifestyle. I am a vegetarian and passionate about the environment. The world is not what it once was and we are destroying the planet with our lifestyles and we have to change our way of life. We must save the climate before it is too late, I will fight for the climate, the animals and the textile workers.
What qualities do you think will enable you to shine at Miss Universe?
I believe it is my confidence and belief in myself. I love to go Catwalk and stand on stage and I enjoy every second of it. This makes me very happy and makes me smile. I am the person who lives in the present and am very patient.
And finally a message to all of your fans out there.
Follow your dreams and never give up. People have advised me on so many things I want to do. People advised me not to become an automated, join Miss Norway, travel backpacking and many other things. And I have to say it was difficult sometimes and go against what others said. But at the end of the day, it’s your life and you have to make the most of it while you can.
And I want to say to all of you who have supported me on this journey that you are absolutely wonderful! So many nice messages I’ve received from you and I really appreciate it. Thank you very much, you are the best!
Special thanks to Jesse Ambrosio for facilitating the interview. Missosology wishes Helene all the best at Miss Universe 2019! Missosology.Org
