Introduce yourself briefly: Who are you? What do you do in life?
I’m a 29-year-old simple country girl from a small village in Estonia, surrounded by forests, fields, and a river. But it was exactly that tiny village where my biggest dreams began. Coming from a family of 12 children, you can imagine how often I had to compete for the bathroom, how much I dreamed of having my own room and having beautiful things. The things I didn’t have before continue to inspire me to this day, and I truly believe that because of that, I’ve achieved more than I ever thought possible.
I studied adult education and training at university, which opened doors for me in both – the public and private sectors. From picking cucumbers, working in service, forestry, event management, education, and healthcare. I’ve now found my way to the beauty industry. So my journey has been beautifully diverse. I love so many different things, and I believe that in life, you should try everything that’s possible, because how else will you ever know what’s truly right for you?
What motivated you to participate in this beauty show? How do you feel about having to represent Estonian beauty on an international stage?
A few weeks before my participation was confirmed, I told my friends that I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and do something that would bring excitement – and that little butterfly feeling. And as always in my life: when you ask, the answer often comes quickly. So
when this opportunity came my way, I took it as a sign. It means a lot to me to represent Estonia on an international stage, because Estonian women are known for their beauty, strength, and independence. I’m proud to be one of them. Growing up taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of dreaming big. I want to inspire others to believe in themselves and to see beauty in heart, humor, and character — not just in how we look. But above all, I’m simply and sincerely grateful to have this opportunity and I hope to carry Estonian values with grace and humility.
Do you believe that fashion is a way to express yourself? If yes, how do you do it?
Oh, if there’s one thing I truly love, it’s clothes, fashion, and jewellery. Every time someone mentions an upcoming event, I instantly know what I’m going to wear – and people often ask how I decide so quickly. Honestly, there’s some kind of inner instinct or “fashion sense” in my mind that I can’t quite explain. I truly believe that some outfits reflect who I am – they express my identity without me having to say a word. But I wouldn’t say I wear anything extravagant – it’s actually quite simple pieces, but I combine them in a way that feels right to me. Sometimes I’m not sure if what I wear shows how I truly feel, or just reflects the mood I’m in, I’m still trying to figure that out myself. So yes, I believe that fashion is definitely a way to express yourself.
Besides modelling, do you have any other passions? Do you have hobbies?
There was a time when I did more projects where I got to present products or take part in photo shoots, but these days I find myself enjoying sunsets, reading some great books and dancing bachata. I’ve been learning to dance for a few years now, and I’m still in the process. I just genuinely love the music and the vibe. I think it’s the perfect hobby for me because I’m really bad at sitting still.
What advice would you give to other candidates?
I encourage everyone to be authentic and avoid comparing themselves to others, because each of us is uniquely special in our own way — but one thing we can do is learn from each other. I hope we all enjoy this competition, build new friendships, embrace the girls’ activities, and make the most of this experience. After all, how often in life do we all get to be in the same place at the same time?
Tell us about your future projects.
Over the past few years, I’ve been working really hard on my “Gerda’s Own Home” project, and now that it’s complete, I don’t have any major projects on my calendar at the moment, just staying open, curious, and ready for whatever comes next. But in the more distant future, I do have a business project that’s been living in my mind and heart for years- something with a deep social purpose, focused on bringing warmth, care, and emotional support to people in moments when it’s most needed. It’s still too early to share more, but I truly hope to bring it to life one day.
IG – Gerda-Liis (@gerdaliisv) • Instagram
