Hi! I’m the 17 year old Kaley van Greune from the diverse and vibrant South Africa. I’m passionate about living a life filled with purpose and serving others.In my free time I enjoy playing team sports and going to the gym , teaching me the importance of teamwork and discipline. I love expressing myself through performing , allowing myself to channel my energy and creativity. Pageantry is a way for me to connect with others using visual storytelling. I believe in kindness, it’s the only language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
How would you describe yourself as a person with three adjectives?
⁃ curious
⁃ hardworking
⁃ warmhearted
What does fashion represent to you?
Fashion to me is a form of self – expression. Usually , the first thing you notice about someone is what they’re wearing. It’s an extension to present and express yourself. In addition , it can also be a way of storytelling. Each look creates space for different characters and personalities to come alive.
Is there a moment in your life that has particularly marked you?
When I was 13 years old and just started entering the modelling world , girls at my school had told me I’m not pretty enough to be a model. At that time , I believed them. I based my worth on what others thought of me. I continued struggling to get somewhere noticeable in pageantry , but I used that as fuel to better myself. Two years later , I had the opportunity to walk in New York Fashion Week (2024) and win Talent America Model of the Year (2023) as well as Show Your Talent Overall Model (2024). This taught me that with hardwork and determination, anything is possible! It taught me resilience and that losing doesn’t always mean losing. Most of the time , when we lose things , we gain things too. I learnt how to use criticism to my advantage. With this I want to say , don’t let anyone decide what you are and what you are not. You have the right to prove them wrong.
What do you expect to gain from the experience of Miss Europe Continental?
As Miss Europe Continental is an international pageant , I’m excited to connect with girls all around the world. I believe we all have something to teach others. I believe the experience of Miss Europe Continental will further teach me the importance of hard-work , and help me grow as a person – bettering my self confidence , public speaking skills , and discovering more about myself and my capabilities. Miss Europe Continental will allow me to create a platform to advocate about causes I’m passionate about like global warming and gender-based violence, helping me to make a positive impact on a global scale. Most of all , I expect fun and memorable experiences behind the scenes and on the stage.
What advice would you like to share with other participants?
You are always right where you are supposed to be , and nothing is accidental. Life unfolds with a rhythm that often reveals itself in hindsight. When you accept that every moment has purpose , you free yourself from anxiety. See your challenges as lessons , rejections as redirection , and pain as a catalyst for personal growth. Embrace the present moment fully and know that each of your steps are part of a greater plan for your life.
