«I love travelling, volunteering, competing in pageants and any kind of high adrenaline activities! I have run with bulls, skydived, raced cars, flown planes and rappelled down buildings.»
«Pageants have helped me tremendously with self-growth and with building confidence.»
«I try to always be genuine and stay true to myself.»
«It can be scary, but just do it! Yes, you might fail, but you 100% fail by not trying it at all! At least you have a chance by trying.»
«I want to show others that anything is possible. It doesn’t matter where you came from or what has happened in the past.»
She is an admirable woman, super cheerful, very active and with great energy and courage.
It is an honor to present from Canada Lily Ahonen, model, beauty queen, Ms. Regal World 2022 – Ms. Calgary 2021 – Ms. CosmoGlobe 2021, international professional makeup artist, actress.
Lily has Finnish descent, an example country for the world in equal rights, education and promoter of peace.
Welcome Lily Ahonen!!!
1.- Lily, you were born in Canada. What do you like about your hometown in Canada?
I was born in Calgary, Canada, and I’m a First Generation Canadian. I have dual citizenship for Finland. I love Calgary because the people are hard working and friendly.
2.- What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh a lot or does it give you a lot of joy?
I love travelling, volunteering, competing in pageants and any kind of high adrenaline activities! I have run with bulls, skydived, raced cars, flown planes and rappelled down buildings. I love to spend time with friends and family and meet new people.
3.- Make up Artist, Beauty Queen, Ms. Regal World 2022 – Ms. Calgary 2021 – Ms. CosmoGlobe 2021 , When do you decide to take your first steps in beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized influencer woman today?
I started entering pageants for the first time at the age of 40. I decided to enter to try to get over my fear of public speaking. My daughter was involved with pageants and I saw how much they positively contributed to her life in many ways. Pageants have helped me tremendously with self-growth and with building confidence. I have had the courage to go after my goals, and I have achieved many things which I previously had not thought were possible.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Lily each activity carried out as a person?
I try to always be genuine and stay true to myself. I think this is the most important thing you can do.
5.- What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?
I was absolutely TERRIFIED the first time I entered a pageant! I felt like I was going to faint right before it was my turn to go onto the stage! I was shaking so hard, and I’m sure the whole audience could see how nervous I was. But-I faced my fears and I did it. I’m very proud of myself for doing what I set out to do, no matter how hard it was. I was not focused on winning or anything like that. My goal was just to be able to get onto that stage and compete. That first time I was on stage, I felt like I wasn’t even there. It felt like I was watching myself from above and I don’t even remember doing it. That’s how nervous I was! And every time since then, it’s become easier and it starts to feel more natural to me.
6.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
Social media is very powerful and can have positive or negative consequences. I have been fortunate to have met pageant sisters from all over the world through social media. It can be a great way to connect people. Social media can also be harmful for mental health, through bullying or comparing yourself to others online. I think we have to keep in mind that things are not always as they seem on social media. We should be focusing on our own lives, rather than comparing ourselves against something that may not even be real or true. Online bullying can have lifelong consequences and has resulted in depression, anxiety and even in some cases, suicides.
7.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? Whats your favorite social media?
I like to share posts about my travels and volunteer activities. I often put a “Call to Action” on my posts, asking if people would like to participate in community service projects with me. My favorite form of social media is Facebook.
8.- What would you advise young people who have talent but do not dare to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?
It can be scary, but just do it! Yes, you might fail, but you 100% fail by not trying it at all! At least you have a chance by trying. Also, remember that failure is part of the process and it’s normal. It’s nothing to be afraid of. I think the number one job of parents is to support their child’s interests and to be their cheerleader. I think it’s also important to let your kids try many different things so they can find out where their passions lie. Also, to remember that your kids are their own people and to not try to force your own interests or wants onto them.
9.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?
I have learned how to become a better communicator, I have learned to be more resilient, prepared and focused. I have learned about how to look my best and carry myself in a more elegant manner. I have gained confidence and have overcome my great fear of public speaking.
10.- Lily, being a beauty queen for you has been easy? Were there obstacles? How did you overcome obstacles?
I didn’t know I could enter pageants at my age, when I was starting at the age of 40. It’s been a pleasant surprise that pageants have become more inclusive for all ages, abilities, sizes and genders. At times, I have felt intimidated by competing against women who were much younger than I was, who were in the same “Ms” age category. I overcome obstacles by just being myself. Whether I win or lose, I know I am learning, growing and being my authentic self.
11.- Worldwide, women have acquired a greater role even though there are societies where they are still abused. What is your opinion of the role of women in the future in these societies?
I think gender equality is very important and crucial. Finland is a very progressive country when it comes to women’s rights and I’m grateful that my father raised me in a way to believe I could do anything. I have a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology and also have completed part of my Private Pilot’s License; areas which were traditionally dominated by men. I was the only female during one semester of my Engineering program, and the only female in my flight Ground School class. I believe we all win when we have equal rights. I have hope that there will be continued progress in the future, but we still have a long way to go until this is achieved.
12.- Lily, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My motivation for everything is my daughter. I want to be a role model for her and show her what is possible in life. I am grateful for the life that I have. I grew up in poverty and have been on my own since the age of 15. I am proud of myself for overcoming countless obstacles and creating an incredible life for myself and my family. I want to show others that anything is possible. It doesn’t matter where you came from or what has happened in the past. Every day is a chance at a new start. I am grateful to have a supportive community of people who believe in me.
13.- Lily Do you like to travel? What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from Canada?
I have been to 43 countries. I’ve been to countries and islands in North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. I would love to travel to Turkey next. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Canada. Some of my favorites are Niagara Falls, Banff and Victoria.
14.- You and me (Jaime William) are going to play ping pong, I will tell you one word and you will answer with another word that comes to your mind.
– Marriage- family
– Children- everything
– Love- happiness
– Canada- paradise
– Travel- passion
– Abortion- controversial
– Dance- beauty
– Sing- joyful
– Europe-class
– America-freedom
– Sport- dedication
– Money- security
– Parents- protectors
– Dreams- goals
– Passion- fulfillment
– Madness- creativity
– Character- integrity
15.- Lily, these final lines are yours:
I believe that we can do anything we set our minds to, as long as we work hard and have support from people who believe in us.
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with Lily Ahonen – Canada
English language
Lily Ahonen Contact: Instagram – Email
Interview authorized in writing by Instagram – Email: Lily Ahonen – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Lily Ahonen – Perumira – Jaime William