Mara Julia van Collenburg @maraxjuliax
Born to Be Me @borntobemeofficial
Mara Julia van Collenburg @maraxjuliax
For Perumira Magazine, it is an honor to present Mara Julia van Collenburg, a woman whose story transcends titles and redefines the meaning of beauty, strength, and authenticity in today’s international pageant world. At 29 years old, born in Brazil and raised in Schiedam, the Netherlands, Mara embodies a rich multicultural identity shaped by resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to truth. She is a Miss Unity Netherlands 2026 Finalist, Miss Mama Modelo Latina 2025 – 2nd Runner-Up, and Mrs Netherlands Europe 2022, distinctions that reflect not only elegance, but depth of character and purpose.
Beyond the spotlight, Mara’s professional life is deeply rooted in care and responsibility. She works as a pedagogical professional at various daycare locations, guiding and supporting children from ages 0 to 12. Her daily mission is to help children feel safe, confident, and free to express themselves—values that align seamlessly with her personal journey. In nurturing young minds, Mara reinforces the belief that self-worth and acceptance must be cultivated from an early age. Alongside this meaningful work, she is also active as a model and hostess with BePrettyModels, gracefully balancing motherhood, career, and advocacy.
Mara’s modeling journey began in 2016 with her very first photoshoot, a moment that marked a turning point in how she viewed herself. Where insecurity once lived, she suddenly saw purity and self-respect. Her entry into beauty pageants in 2017, however, was not without challenges. Standing outside traditional beauty standards, particularly regarding height and rigid expectations, she often questioned whether she truly belonged. These doubts, rather than stopping her, became fuel for growth. Being part of Miss Unity Netherlands 2026, a platform that celebrates diversity and inclusion, represents the reclaiming of a space she once believed was never meant for her.
What truly distinguishes Mara is her courageous choice of visibility. Born with a congenital difference, she grew up learning how to hide—physically and emotionally. Today, that same difference is the foundation of her advocacy. Through honesty, softness, and strength, she transforms vulnerability into connection. She does not aim to represent perfection; she represents reality. Her message is clear and powerful: your difference does not disqualify you—it connects you.
Deeply inspired by her love for animals, her lifelong passion for horse riding, and above all, by her four-year-old daughter, Mara’s life philosophy is rooted in courage, compassion, and presence. Through her platform Born to Be Me (@borntobemeofficial), she uses social media consciously, creating a safe space that encourages self-acceptance, awareness around congenital differences, and emotional empowerment.
Mara van Collenburg stands as a voice for those who once felt unseen. Her journey reminds us that beauty is not found in fitting a mold, but in daring to show up as you are—and inspiring others to do the same.
1.- Mara, tell me about the city where you were born and raised. What do you like about your hometown?
I was born in Ivaiporã, Brazil and adopted when I was just five months old. Before my adoption, I was placed in a children’s home at a very young age. I don’t have memories of growing up there, but Brazil represents the beginning of my story.
I was raised in the Netherlands by incredibly loving parents and from the very start I felt safe and at home. That unconditional love gave me stability and space to grow into myself. I don’t know my biological parents and there is very little information about my biological family. At this stage in my life, I don’t feel the need to search yet. My focus is on creating stability for myself and especially for my daughter. I’m open to the idea of meeting them in the future, when the timing feels right.
2.- What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh a lot or gives you joy?
Horse riding has been part of my life since I was five years old and it has shaped me deeply. I’m an active rider in dressage, show jumping and for the past almost three years, I’ve also been riding cross country.
Cross country taught me courage, trust and commitment. You approach obstacles knowing fear is present, but you go anyway. That lesson translates directly into life. I have two horses, a puppy, and two cats. Animals give me peace and help me stay grounded.
My greatest joy is my four year old daughter. Her laughter, honesty and curiosity remind me daily of what truly matters.
3.- Miss Unity Netherlands 2026 Finalist – Miss Mama Modelo Latina 2025 2nd RU – Mrs Netherlands Europe 2022. When did you decide to take your first steps as a model and in beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams today?
My journey began in 2016 with my very first photoshoot. I was insecure at the time, but when I saw the photos, something shifted. I didn’t see flaws. I saw purity. For the first time, I felt proud of myself.
In 2017, I entered the world of beauty pageants. At that time, I constantly questioned whether I was good enough. I don’t fit the traditional ideal beauty queen image. I’m shorter than most contestants and many pageants still have strict minimum height requirements. For a long time, that made me feel like I didn’t belong.
That’s why being part of Miss Unity Netherlands 2026 means so much to me. It is a platform that truly values diversity and shows that there is space for many kinds of beauty. Achieving my dreams today feels emotional. It feels like reclaiming space I once thought wasn’t meant for me.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Mara in each activity carried out as a beauty queen and model?
My unique stamp is that I choose to be visible as I am. My story isn’t something I leave behind. It’s something I carry with purpose.
I was born with rudimentary postaxial polydactyly, a congenital difference that affected my hands. Growing up, this was something I felt deeply insecure about. I was bullied, stared at and learned very early how to hide parts of myself physically and emotionally. I became very good at covering my hands, but also at shrinking myself.
For a long time, I believed that to be accepted, I had to hide what made me different.
Today, that same difference is the foundation of my advocacy. I choose visibility not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. I stand for breaking shame around congenital differences and for creating spaces where people don’t feel they have to hide to be worthy of love, beauty or success.
In everything I do, modeling, pageantry and public presence, I bring honesty and softness together with strength. I don’t aim to represent perfection. I aim to represent reality. My message is simple but powerful. Your difference does not disqualify you. It connects you.
If someone looks at me and feels less alone, more accepted or more confident to show up as they are, then my work has meaning. That is my stamp.
5.- What is the main virtue that any woman must have to be an international model?
I believe the most important virtue is self acceptance paired with inner strength. The international modeling world can be beautiful, but it can also be demanding and narrow in its standards. If you don’t know who you are, it’s easy to start shaping yourself to please others.
An international model needs the strength to stay grounded in her identity, even when she feels different. True confidence doesn’t come from fitting the mold. It comes from knowing your worth and continuing anyway. When you accept yourself fully, you become unshakable.
6.- Are you aware of being an influential woman for thousands of girls who want to be models? How important is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
Yes, I am aware of that and I carry it with a lot of responsibility. I don’t see influence as being admired. I see it as being relatable.
I want girls and women to look at me and think that maybe there is space for them too, even if they don’t fit an ideal image. Especially those who feel different, insecure or unseen. If my journey shows someone that they don’t have to hide or change themselves to be worthy, then that influence truly matters to me.
7.- What was your feeling the first time you modeled in front of a video camera? What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?
The first time I stood in front of a video camera, I felt exposed and vulnerable. Everything felt visible and that was intimidating. Over time, I learned that being seen can also be empowering.
At my first beauty pageant, fear and excitement existed side by side. I was nervous, but also proud for daring to be there. That moment taught me that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear. It means moving forward despite it.
8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
Social media has an enormous influence on how people see themselves. It can amplify insecurity, comparison and unrealistic expectations, but it can also be a powerful tool for connection, awareness and healing.
That’s why I choose to use social media consciously. Through my platform Born to Be Me, I focus on self acceptance, reflections and empowerment. I want social media to feel less like pressure and more like a safe space where people are reminded that they don’t have to hide or be perfect to be worthy.
9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? What’s your favorite social media?
I like to interact with my followers in a real and respectful way. I appreciate honest reactions, shared experiences and meaningful conversations more than quick engagement. When people feel comfortable enough to share their story or ask a question, that matters to me.
Instagram is my main platform, especially through my page Born to Be Me. With this platform, my goal is to raise awareness around self acceptance and congenital differences and to help break the shame that often surrounds them. I want people to feel less alone and more confident in showing who they truly are.
My focus is not on perfection or numbers, but on creating understanding and impact.
10.- 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?
To young people, don’t wait until fear disappears. It won’t. Fear is often a sign that something matters. Take the step anyway, even if it feels uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from trying.
To parents, your support can shape your child’s entire future. Even if you don’t fully understand their dream, believing in them gives them the courage to believe in themselves. Sometimes support is not about having all the answers, but about standing beside your child while they discover their own path.
11.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?
Fashion and beauty pageants taught me discipline, resilience and perseverance. I learned how important it is to keep showing up, even on days when self doubt is loud.
But the most important lesson is that authenticity and kindness always leave a stronger impact than perfection. Titles and trends fade, but how you treat people and how true you stay to yourself will always define your legacy.
12.- Mara, being a model for you has been easy? Were there obstacles? How did you overcome obstacles?
It hasn’t been easy. My biggest obstacles were insecurity, shame and feeling like my differences made me less worthy or not enough.
I overcame those obstacles by choosing visibility over hiding. By turning my story into purpose instead of letting it silence me. Growth came when I stopped asking for permission to exist as I am and started trusting my own voice.
13.- Have you thought about being an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
Yes, I’m open to acting. I’m drawn to storytelling and emotional expression, especially when stories reflect real human experiences.
I’m interested in the entertainment industry when it aligns with authenticity and purpose, when it allows space for depth rather than surface level perfection. Meaningful stories are what truly stay with people.
14.- 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 believe the future belongs to women who are visible, educated and connected. Real change happens when women support one another across cultures, backgrounds and differences.
In societies where women are still silenced or abused, progress begins by creating safe spaces, access to education and economic independence. When women are empowered, entire communities benefit. Unity and compassion are essential for lasting change.
15.- Mara, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My greatest motivation is my daughter. She reminds me every day why it’s important to live honestly, courageously and with compassion and to lead by example.
My family is my biggest support. Their love, belief and stability have carried me through every stage of my life. I’m deeply grateful for my parents and for the safe foundation they gave me, as well as for the family I’m building myself.
I’m also grateful for my health, my journey and the opportunity to turn my experiences into something meaningful for others.
16.- Mara, 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 your country?
I returned to Brazil when I was around eight or nine years old and traveled through the country for three weeks. We visited Manaus, Curitiba, the capital Brasília, Salvador in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, my birthplace Ivaiporã, spent nights in the jungle and crossed briefly into Argentina to see Iguazu Falls.
Brazil was overwhelming in its beauty and diversity. Emotionally, the most meaningful places for me were my birth village and Rio de Janeiro. Walking through my birthplace felt special, but not like home. It taught me that home is about safety, not geography. I would love to return to Brazil again in the future.
From the Netherlands, I recommend experiencing the coast and dunes, the open countryside, and the everyday rhythm of cycling through villages and nature. I also appreciate the contrast between historic cities and modern design, and how structure and planning shape daily life here. Growing up in the Netherlands gave me a strong sense of stability, which I will always carry with me.
And then there is Gambia, a country that truly changed my perspective on life.
I traveled there when I was 18 years old through a school project supporting a primary school. Seeing poverty up close was confronting in a very real way. It made me realize that if my life had taken a different turn, my own reality could have looked very similar. That realization stayed with me.
We helped at the school, slept there for one night and witnessed what real community looks like. One moment that deeply impressed me was when a teacher bought a donkey for the poorest family of the school, so they could continue working on their land. Despite having very little, the children showed an incredible amount of joy and resilience.
In Gambia, where many homes are built from clay and reed and can be washed away by a single rainfall, I saw how fragile daily life can be. That experience changed how I look at stability, safety and the life I was given. It strengthened my appreciation for the opportunities I have today.
If there is one place I want to return to one day, not as a tourist but with purpose, it is Gambia. That experience continues to shape how I see life and my responsibilities within it.
17.- 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: Partnership
Children: Miracle
Love: Home
Travel: Freedom
Abortion: Choice
Dance: Release
Sing: Soul
Europe: Diversity
America: Energy
Sport: Discipline
Money: Tool
Parents: Safety
Dreams: Direction
Passion: Follow
Madness Percentage: Courage
Character: Integrity
18.- Mara, your last words or final tips
“If the door is open, I’ll walk through it,” a quote by Toni Ann Singh, Miss World 2019, perfectly reflects how I live my life.
When an opportunity presents itself, I believe you should give it one hundred percent, even if it feels scary or uncertain. Because in the end, the only real regret is not the things you tried, but the chances you didn’t take.
And above all, never hide who you are. Your difference is not your weakness. It is your story, your strength and your power. You were born to be you. 🌸🦋
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with Mara Julia van Collenburg – Brazil – Netherlands
English language
Interview authorized : Mara Julia van Collenburg – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Mara Julia van Collenburg – Perumira – Jaime William
About Me
Jaime William
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Perumira Global Talent Magazine is an international publication celebrating beauty, art, and empowerment through exclusive interviews with top models, beauty queens, and creative professionals from around the world. For over 11 years, Perumira has been a stage where talent meets inspiration — sharing authentic stories, achievements, and experiences that redefine success and elegance.
Founded with a passion for storytelling and cultural diversity, Perumira connects readers across continents, showcasing rising stars and established icons who lead with creativity, intelligence, and heart. From the glamour of global pageants and fashion runways to the voices of empowered women transforming industries, the magazine highlights authenticity, resilience, and purpose.
More than a magazine, Perumira is a global movement that promotes visibility, confidence, and innovation in every form of talent. With a growing English and Spanish audience, Perumira continues to inspire new generations to believe in their dreams, embrace their identity, and shine on their own stage — because every story deserves to be seen and celebrated.