Nova Stevens – Miss Universe Canada 2020 Finalist
“I’ve always been interested in acting from a young age. However, I’ve always done modeling as it was what I was introduced to first… I have been acting for about 4 years now.”❤️
«I was discovered at the age of 12 by a model scout, however I didn’t really pursue modeling until my later teens/early twenties; partially because I focused more on school and athletics at the time.»
«Achieving my goals and dreams not only proves to me but other young black girls that anything and everything is possible. That your skin is not a a hinderance rather a badge of honour.»
«Young girls need to see women like themselves in areas they want to excel in. By seeing these women, they too can see themselves and will have the drive and motivation to chase their dreams; because they know it’s possible.»
«My first Pagaent was really fun! I had a great time! My first time was when I competed for Miss Universe Canada in 2014. I actually made top 12 that year and had a great time! I was even one of three nominated for “Miss congeniality”
I say go for it! When you don’t try you lose 100% versus when you try, there’s a 50% chance you’ll succeed. You don’t want to have regrets in life of the things you didn’t try.It’s ok to “fail” because the word is an acronym for “first attempt in learning” so always try!
She is a woman with a powerful voice who has shown the world that she is not afraid to use that power. Which is her voice. Though strong she also has a sweetness to her at the same time. Let’s talk about that smile; her smile illuminates all spaces.
My guest was born in Kenya but Canada adopted her as one of their most beautiful daughters.
It is an honor to present Nova Stevens – Model, Actress, Spokesperson, Mentor, Miss Universe Canada 2020.
Nova gives me a spectacular interview where we will know everything about her.
1.- Nova, you were born in South Sudan but you currently live in Canada. How do you feel in Canada?
I was actually born in Kenya. My background is Sudanese. My feelings towards Canada are nothing but gratitude. I am so grateful and feel extremely blessed to call Canada home. Canada has given me a second chance at life and opportunities I would’ve never had, had I grown up in South Sudan.
2.- What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh a lot or does it give you a lot of joy? I have a myriad of things I enjoy.
Living in Vancouver, I am able to go to the beach for some fun in the sun; as well as go for a nice swim after a beautiful hike with friends. I also love traveling because it allows me to experience different cultures in close proximity. Exercise is important to me and I actually enjoy doing it; It allows me to release tension, build more strength, increase my energy and improve my overall mental state. I like to start my day with gratitude and stating affirmations ending with a meditation . What makes me laugh you ask? You’re going to be surprised with this one. I absolutely LOVE April fools! I truly think laughter is the best medicine and I love making people laugh. My friends and family try to avoid me during April fools because they have no idea what joke I will play on them. One time, I had a photographer friend of mine edit my photo to make it look like I had a breast augmentation. Everyone believed it! I had everything think it was real! We all had a great laugh about it.
3.- Are you Actress. Why did you decide to embrace this profession? What do you like most about your profession.
I’ve always been interested in acting from a young age. However, I’ve always done modeling as it was one what most available to me at the time. People see me and assume “model” which subconsciously made me pursue modeling more than acting growing up. I have been acting for about 4 years now. I have booked a few commercials and minor roles on television. Still waiting for my big break.
4.- Super model and Miss Universe Canada 2020 National Finalist, When do you decide to take your first steps as a model and beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized woman today?
I was discovered at the age of 12 by a model scout, however I didn’t really pursue modeling until my later teens/early twenties; partially because I focused more on school and athletics at the time.
As for Pageants, at first it was a fluke that turned into a dream and goal of mine. I’ve watched Miss Universe since I could remember, however I never saw myself competing at that level because there weren’t any women I saw that looked like me on the Miss Universe. A part of me wanted it, but not seeing representation subconsciously made me believe that it wasn’t possible. Seeing Zozibini win assures me that yes, I can!
Achieving my goals and dreams not only proves to me but other young black girls that anything and everything is possible. That your skin is not a a hinderance rather a badge of honour.
5.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Nova in each activity carried out as a person?
As I reflect on my journey; I would say I am very resilient. I have overcame many obstacles in life while remaining positive and not letting my past determine my destination. Confidence is something I’ve always had even from a young age. I always remind myself that you must exude the things you want others to see in you. Which is why confidence and self love are important to me. I can’t expect others to love me if I don’t love myself. Lastly, kindness. I truly stand behind the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you want kindness, you must give kindness in return.
6.- Whats is the main virtue that any woman must have to be an beauty queen?
This answer will be similar to the one above. I believe a queen should be confident in who she is and what she believes in. A queen should also be resilient because it’s not always easy being a queen. Lastly, she needs to be a kind queen that expresses love to herself and others.
7.- Are you aware of being an influential woman for many girls who want to be beauty queen? How important is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
It makes me happy that I have aspired other young girls to dare to dream and pursue passions that women of colour are underrepresented in. This is why winning is very important to me, it solidifies the important of representation. Young girls need to see women like themselves in areas they want to excel in. By seeing these women, they too can see themselves and will have the drive and motivation to chase their dreams; because they know it’s possible.
8.- 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?
My first fashion show, I remember having butterflies right before walking on the runway. Once I got on that runway, I blacked out. I don’t remember how I felt during the show, only to snap back and not know how I did.
My first Pagaent was really fun! I had a great time! My first time was when I competed for Miss Universe Canada in 2014. I actually made top 12 that year and had a great time! I was even one of three nominated for “Miss congeniality”
9.- What do you think about the power of social networks today?
Social media is a very power tool when used accordingly. We have the ability to reach the masses and share information within seconds! On the other hand, it can also be a dangerous tool. Social media has made it easier for cyberbullying. Here are some alarming stats from www.bullyingcanada.ca
- Canada has the 9th highest rate of bullying in the 13-years-olds category on a scale of 35 countries. [1]
* At least 1 in 3 adolescent students in Canada have reported being bullied recently.
10.- Whats your favorite social network?
I find it hard to keep up with all the different networks. My favourite I would say is Instagram. It’s simple and easy
11.- 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?
I say go for it! When you don’t try you lose 100% versus when you try, there’s a 50% chance you’ll succeed. You don’t want to have regrets in life of the things you didn’t try. It’s ok to “fail” because the word is an acronym for “first attempt in learning” so always try!
To parents that do not support there kids. I say, let your kids live life according to them. You’ve already have yours, let them have theirs
12.- Have you thought about being a TV Presenter? Do you like the entertainment industry?
Absolutely! I think the entertainment industry is a great platform to have. A goal of mine is to have my own talk show one day discussion issues that were to afraid to talk about
13.- 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?
In an ideal world, a woman running a big corporation shouldn’t be a big deal as it should be a norm. Unfortunately, we are not there yet. This is why it’s important to have women in leadership roles because diversity is good for all businesses. Young girls seeing other women succeed in areas that are often male dominated allows them to not only dream bigger but to see their dreams as possibilities. Representation matters.
14.- Nova, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My motivation is creating change and challenging the status quo. 1) I want to show the world the true beauty of canada which lies within our diverse backgrounds and multiculturalism. Canada is a nation of many different faces. I’m here to show you that i too am one of those faces. I am Canadian. 2)I’m always preaching to those around me to never give up and keep trying; so I felt it was essential for me to also take my own advice. Chasing your dreams may be hard at times, sometimes you’ll want to give up. You most keep going because in the end, when you reach that goal you’ll be glad you did. “It always seems impossible until it is done” Nelson Mandela
15.- Nova What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from Canada and South Sudan?
Majority of my modeling was in Europe, Paris and Milan. I absolutely love Europe! My favourite I would say would be Italy. The food, the culture, the fashion, the people. I haven’t made it to any of the Asian countries like the Philippines, Japan to name a few. I would also love to explore South America and my native country of South Sudan.
Canada is very beautiful, especially British Columbia where I live. Maybe I’m biased but the first place you should visit in Canada for your first time should be British Columbia. You’ll thank me later. I haven’t been to South Sudan so it’s hard for me to tell you what to do. I am hoping to go there next year to see my family for the first time in 22 years! Hopefully I’ll be able to answer that question on my return.
16.- 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 – Love
– Childrens – 4
– Love – Unconditional
– Canada – Home
– Travel – Joy
– Abortion – Personal
– Dance – Rhythm
– Sing – Music
– Canada – Opportunity
– South Sudan – Family
– Africa – Mother Land
– Sport – Basketball
– Money – Security
– Parents – Far
– Dreams – Miss Universe
– Passion – Change
– Madness Percentage – 10%
– Characte r- Charming
17.- Last words
I want to encourage not only women but people all over the world to use their voice. Melinda Gates once said “a woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.” You’re voice is the most powerful tool you posses. When you use it, it can invoke change. When you don’t use your voice you can cause harm to yourself and others. That being said I want to use my voice to fight against hate, injustice and inequality towards BIPOC among other causes dear to my heart.
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with Nova Stevens – Kenya
English language
Nova Stevens Contact: Instagram – Email
Interview authorized in writing by Instagram – Email: Nova Stevens – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Nova Stevens – Perumira – Jaime William
Jaime William
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