What motivated you to participate in Miss Grand Kosovo and Miss Universe Kosovo ?

My motivation to participate in Miss Grand Kosovo and Miss Universe Kosovo came in March 2024. I had a strong feeling that my life was about to change that spring. It all started at a big Kosovar event in Munich, hosted by the famous presenter Labinot Gashi. During the event, the girls were called to the center of the stage, and the audience was asked to clap and vote for who had the best beauty and walk. The applause for me was the loudest, and in that moment, Labinot Gashi asked me in front of everyone if I would be interested in joining Miss Universe Albania & Kosova 2024. I was deeply moved and, at first, couldn’t believe it. But I accepted, and that led me to participate in Miss Universe Albania & Kosova. When the final came, I was incredibly honored to be named second runner-up and crowned Miss Grand Kosovo 2024.

What were the most memorable moments of this journey ?

I remember when we had the Grand Opening, and we presented ourselves on the red carpet. It was a moment I didn’t experience even in the finale. I was so emotionally touched as we walked down the red carpet, styled in the most beautiful dresses, and at the same time, I saw people standing in the rain outside their windows, cheering for us. Even though they were in the rain, they were so happy to see us, and that deeply moved me. I must honestly admit, after the opening, I cried out of joy. There’s even a video of that moment, where you can clearly see how moved I was. But it wasn’t just this moment that stood out. The camaraderie and mutual support among the contestants were also some of the most memorable experiences of this journey. Despite the intense competition, there was an atmosphere of respect and encouragement. It was incredible how we motivated and supported each other, especially in challenging moments. This team spirit and the positive energy among the contestants were truly inspiring for me.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during these pageants ?

The biggest challenge for me was staying true to myself. This became especially clear in Thailand when I suddenly had fans who admired me and gave me many gifts. It was a very overwhelming experience. There were also many moments when I had to step out of my comfort zone, whether it was performing in front of a large crowd, improving my walk, or handling the pressure and competition. I always say there’s no real competition because everyone has their own strengths and uniqueness, but the pressure of comparison was still noticeable and definitely affected me. The emotional ups and downs were also a big challenge. There were many highs, but they were often followed by moments of doubt or tiredness. I mean… wearing high heels, full makeup, fancy hairstyles, and long dresses every day is not that easy — even though it looks beautiful. On top of that, there were times when I felt alone, but I made friendships that still last today, and those are very special to me. In the end, it was all about personal growth — learning how to manage stress, always being in front of cameras, surrounded by fans, and at the same time, finding my inner strength and staying true to myself.

In your opinion, what makes a strong candidate in a beauty competition ?

A strong candidate is someone with personality and self-confidence. It’s important to know yourself well because this helps you show your uniqueness, which is also very important. When you love and accept yourself, you can share that authenticity with others and have a positive presence. Empathy is also key – it shows in how contestants support each other and interact with fans in a respectful and kind way. Another important quality is inner positivity. There are always challenges in a competition, and it’s important to face them with kindness, respect, and a positive attitude. A candidate with these qualities will be seen as not only strong but also inspiring.

Beauty pageants are often a platform for spreading a message. What is the cause you wish to promote ?

For me, it’s important to be a role model for young girls and women. I want to spread a message of self-love, confidence, and independence. We all have the power to follow our dreams, no matter how hard the path may seem. It’s important to believe in yourself and not let doubts or society’s expectations stop you. I also care deeply about mental health. In a world where many people struggle with mental challenges, it’s important to talk openly about these issues and raise awareness. Everyone deserves to love themselves and get the support they need to heal and grow.

Do you plan to continue in the pageant world or explore other fields ?

I don’t think so – two international beauty pageants in one year was enough for me, haha. But I’ve always said, ‘Never say never,’ because we never really know what the future holds.

Is there a message you’d like to share with young women who dream of entering beauty pageants ?

My message to young women dreaming of beauty pageants is to first complete your education and gain maturity, because without that, it may not be good for your personal growth. Believe in yourself and never give up. It’s not just about looks, but about being confident and true to yourself. Work hard, embrace what makes you unique, and stay focused on your dreams. You can achieve anything if you believe in yourself.