Hello everyone, I’m Valentina, and I’m 20 years old. I was born in Colombia, but I grew up in the Basque Country, Spain.
Growing up between two cultures has allowed me to learn from both and carry a little piece of each one with me. This blend has shaped the way I see the world and has made me the woman I am today. Without a doubt, it is one of my greatest strengths.
Representing Spain at Miss Europe Continental is a great source of pride for me. It is the country that has watched me grow and where I have learned values such as passion, commitment and perseverance. Carrying its name in this competition is a responsibility that I embrace with great excitement. I want to represent Spain while staying true to myself, showing my values, my story and the journey that has brought me here.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, which would you choose and why?
I consider myself a dreamer, authentic and someone who enjoys taking care of her appearance. I love setting goals for myself and working hard and consistently to achieve them; that is why I always try to push beyond my own limits. I like staying true to my values and showing myself exactly as I am, because I believe authenticity is what truly makes us unique. I also enjoy taking care of my appearance because, to me, beauty goes far beyond looks. It is also a way of expressing who we are, reflecting self-assurance, confidence and the attitude with which we present ourselves to the world.
What small daily habits make you feel better?
I believe that small habits are what truly make a difference. One of the most important ones for me is taking care of my diet. I love cooking and trying new recipes because, to me, eating well is not about restrictions, but about finding balance. That is why I try to nourish my body with the same care with which I nourish my mind. Another activity I truly enjoy is reading. Every book gives me something different, whether it is an idea, a new word or a different way of understanding things. I always finish a book feeling that I have learned a little more. And there is one little ritual I never give up: creating a peaceful space when I get home. Keeping everything tidy, lighting a candle or putting on some soft music helps me reconnect with myself and find my balance again.
Is there a hobby or passion that not many people know about you?I am quite a private person, so this is probably a side of me that very few people know. I really enjoy dancing, roller skating, cooking and writing. Each of these hobbies reflects a different part of my personality. Dancing makes me feel free, roller skating brings back the excitement of childhood, cooking is my way of showing love to the people around me, and writing helps me turn my thoughts into words and reflect on the things I experience.
How did your passion for photography and the fashion industry begin?
I believe my passion for fashion has always been a part of me. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to decide how to dress, how to style my hair and, above all, feel that I could express my personality through my appearance. I have always been quite independent, and I remember often preferring to make my own choices. Then came the magazines. I loved looking at every photograph, memorising the campaigns and even imitating the poses. Without realising it, I began to fall in love with the camera and understood that photography, just like fashion, is also a way of telling people who you are without needing words.
Who is the person who supports you the most, and what do they tell you when you are going through a difficult time?I am lucky to have two people who are essential in my life: my partner and my grandmother. My partner is my greatest source of support in everyday life. He always encourages me when things do not go as I had hoped and reminds me to believe in myself more. I am a very perfectionist person, and although that helps me give my best, it also means I can be very demanding of myself. He brings me a sense of calm and helps me see things from a different perspective.
My grandmother is one of the pillars of my life. Since I was little, she has taught me to see her as a mirror, learning from both her successes and her mistakes. But what I value most about her is her unconditional love, her patience, her advice, her little gestures and the peace of mind that comes from knowing she is always there for me.
What is the most valuable lesson your parents have taught you?
My story with them taught me that we cannot always choose the circumstances we find ourselves in, but we can choose the person we decide to become. Today, I deeply value the people who stand by my side, and I try to build relationships based on affection, trust and being present for one another. Because, in the end, what we sometimes miss the most often becomes what we most wish to offer others.
What truly makes you happy?What truly makes me happy is loving wholeheartedly. I believe it is one of the things that defines me the most. I am a very affectionate person, and it makes me happy to be able to care for, listen to and be there for the people I love. To me, sharing love, time and little gestures is one of the most beautiful ways to say thank you for having them in my life.
How important is self-confidence compared to physical appearance?
To me, appearance can open conversations, but confidence is what creates connections. We live in a society where, many times, more importance is placed on how we look than on who we are. I believe the real challenge is building a sense of confidence that does not depend on a mirror, but on our principles.
A self-confident person radiates an energy that goes far beyond appearance, and that is much harder to forget than a pretty face.
Was there a specific moment when you realised you wanted to take part in a beauty pageant?
This world has always been somewhat present in my life, even since I was little. My mother took part in beauty pageants when she was young, just like my grandmother. Although their experiences were not at an international level, listening to their stories sparked my curiosity and made me dream of experiencing something similar one day. Over the years, I discovered that editorial modelling was the field I identified with the most and where I genuinely enjoyed myself. Even so, I have always been a very curious person. I like stepping outside my comfort zone, trying new things and not limiting myself to just one path. I believe that only when you dare to experience different things do you discover your full potential.
What does representing Spain on an international stage mean to you?
To me, representing Spain means much more than wearing a sash or competing. It is an opportunity to give a voice to the values I believe in and show that true beauty is also reflected in empathy, hard work and good manners. I would like people, when they think of my participation, to remember more than just an image. I want them to remember an authentic person who represented a country with humility, commitment and, above all, with her heart.
If you had to describe Spain through an image or an emotion, what would it be?
If I had to describe Spain through an image, it would be a long, leisurely meal shared around the table. It is the sound of a table full of conversations, laughter and people enjoying the moment. Nobody is in a hurry to get up, and conversations go on for hours. To me, this represents Spain beautifully: the importance of enjoying time with the people we love. I believe that, in a world where everything moves so fast, this ability to slow down, share moments and make others feel at home is a very beautiful part of our way of life.
What do you hope people will remember about you after meeting you?
More than remembering what I do, I would like people to remember how I make others feel. If someone feels listened to, valued or simply a little happier after sharing a moment with me, that is more than enough for me.
What do you hope to learn from this experience, regardless of the outcome?
The result will only be one part of this experience. What I truly want to take away from it are the experiences, the people I will meet and everything I will discover about myself along the way. There are lessons that cannot fit into a crown, and to me, those are the ones that matter most. If I come away with all of that, regardless of the result, I will already feel like a winner.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I have never been able to answer these questions with a specific place or profession in mind. Over time, I have realised that life always finds a way to surprise you and that, quite often, the most important moments happen when you stop trying to control everything. That is why, rather than thinking about where I will be, I think about the person I want to become. I would like to be a woman whom my present-day self could feel proud of: with a big family, living close to the sea, surrounded by the people I love, and without having lost my curiosity, excitement or desire to keep growing.
In the end, I do not dream of a perfect life. I dream of a life that feels like my own, of knowing that I was brave enough to live it the way I truly wanted, without letting fear make decisions for me. I believe that would be my greatest achievement.
FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/valentinagmoreno_/
