Samirah Wijnhoven @samirahwijnhoven
1.- Samirah, tell me about the city where you were born and raised. ,What do you like about your hometown?
I was born in Valkenswaard. When I was young, I had a great time there. My sister Naomi and I were always outside, we loved playing outside. We were almost always outside. But when I got older and went to secondary school, I didn’t like it there anymore. I was bullied and didn’t dare to go outside for a long time. Then I really found my niche in Eindhoven and Veldhoven, where I had many friends and felt completely at ease again. Now I live in Eindhoven myself.
2.- What are your hobbies? what makes you laugh a lot or gives you joy?
What I like doing most in my spare time is taekwondo, which is really my passion. I have been practising this sport for 11 years and have also competed in competitions. What I also enjoy is gaming on the PlayStation with my boyfriend and spending time with friends. For example, we go to the movies together, to the sauna, to the gym or go shopping.
3.- International Model – Miss Beauty of Noord-Brabant 2025 Finalist . When did 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 influencer woman today?
I always looked up to girls competing in beauty pageants. It was always my dream and I hoped I would succeed one day. I was always too shy and insecure and dared not take the step. Last summer, when I did a course at a clinic, I came out stronger and more confident, with more self-love. Therefore, I finally dared to take that step to follow my dreams without fear. I remember how I used to look up to the girls in pageants, and now I hope to be an example for girls who don’t actually dare, but would like to, so that they also find the courage to take the step.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Samirah in each activity carried out as a beauty queen and model?
I think what makes me unique is that I was once that girl who didn’t dare, and always looked up to the girls who did compete, who had the confidence to take that step. Now I am that girl standing there beaming, proud and confident.
5.- Whats is the main virtue that any woman must have to be an internacional model?
For me, the most important thing is to just stay yourself. Something I really had to learn in the clinic. The best thing is to be yourself, because then you shine the most. Other than that, it doesn’t really matter that much to me. If you are shy, but still really want it, take that step! Even within the Miss Beauty Noord-Brabant programme, you gain a lot of self-confidence and develop yourself further.
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 definitely aware of that. Because for years I myself was that girl who looked up to it. That is precisely why I am very conscious about it and want to show others where I am coming from, how I was afraid at first, but am now going for my dreams. I hope girls, through my story, will also get the courage to take that first step towards their dream.
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?
I found the first time in front of the camera really exciting. All sorts of things were going through my head. Am I standing correctly? Should my head be lower or higher? How should I pose? I didn’t know exactly what I was doing and that was scary. But it was also immediately a great development for me, because I could really look critically at the photos and see what needed to be improved next time. The second time, I already felt much more confident in front of the camera and that was clearly visible in the photos.
8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
Oh wow. The power of social media is really huge. I get to share a lot on my social media and get an awful lot of messages from photographers and also a lot of follow requests from other girls, and I love that so much. It’s great that my friends and family can fully follow my process for Miss Beauty on social media, everyone is so involved in watching and sharing the things I post.
9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? Whats your favorite social media?
I post most about Miss Beauty on my Instagram page. There, I show what I am up to and what I often do. Through my social media, I also raise money for Simavi. I also like TikTok and occasionally post something there. But most of it can be found on my Instagram. I made special highlights so everyone can see what I’ve been up to.
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?
I did not dare to do it myself at first and had to learn to love myself and be confident enough to do it in a clinic. I am happy to share my experiences. Small things that already worked for me were, for example, compliments in the mirror. Stand in front of the mirror every morning and evening, look at yourself and say something positive about yourself, something you like or love, or something you are proud of. This creates positivity and self-confidence, which is an important first step. What I advise parents is to believe in their children, even if they may not like it themselves. It is their child’s dream and parental support is crucial for the child’s development.
11.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?
What I have learned so far is that everyone has their own story, and I think that is something very beautiful. In the beginning, I was afraid I would be ‘different’ and wouldn’t fit well in the group. But everyone is super sweet and very supportive of each other, and that really makes me feel good and nice.
12.- Samirah, being a model for you has been easy? Were there obstacles?How did you overcome obstacles?
In the beginning, I really had to find my own way between the beauty pageant and my personal life. I wanted to be less involved in social media and spend more time with the people who were important to me, especially since I had just returned from the clinic. But I realised that this is also part of it and important, so I really had to find a balance between the pageant and my private life.
13.- Have you thought about being an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
Coincidentally, this question comes now. I have always found something along these lines interesting, but have never done anything with it. Right now, I don’t see that in my future, but it’s definitely something that interests me.
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 that every woman deserves equal rights worldwide and that every woman should be treated fairly. This is indeed not the case everywhere, and that touches me very much. Fortunately, we have been given a wonderful cause this year, namely Simavi. This cause represents girls and women who have to walk dangerous routes every day to get drinking water. I have already raised money by handing in bottles and cans, and I also did a 6-kilometre sponsored run in heels. Furthermore, I am still busy raising money for this cause. STOP SEX FOR WATER!
15.- Samirah, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My motivation is to be a voice for girls who don’t feel good enough and therefore have problems with themselves. I want to show that things can be different, if you work hard and pursue your dreams. So I am grateful every day that I got the chance to go to the clinic, because now I can live my life in a positive and loving way, for myself and for the people around me.
16.- Samirah, 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 would love to travel to Australia again, because my family is from there and I want to see what it’s like there. It also just seems like a beautiful place. I haven’t been on holiday very often and never far away, but I do have fond memories of going to Greece every summer when I was a kid.
What would I recommend visiting if you come to the Netherlands? I would recommend summer and then taking a trip through the countryside by boat. Also, the tulip garden in the Netherlands is really beautiful.
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 – commitment
Children – love
Love – passionate
Travel – family
Abortion – grief
Dancing – expression
Singing – joy
Europe – home
America – opportunity
Sport – fit
Money – useful
Parents – supportive
Dreams – follow
Passion – important
Madness – balance
Character – positivity
18.- Samirah, your last words or final tips
Finally, what I want to tell everyone is: follow your dreams. Be kind to each other, spread positivity and most importantly, always stay yourself.
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with Samirah Wijnhoven – Netherlands
English language
Interview authorized : Samirah Wijnhoven – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Samirah Wijnhoven – Perumira – Jaime William