Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 took a rocking start with twelve finalists. However, due to an unfortunate turn of events, one of the finalists, Deborah Van Hemert, had to back off. Now, only 11 finalists remain as the coronation night nears us.

The 11 finalists are enjoying every bit of the pageant and are working hard to get closer to the crown. The reigning queen Miss Grand Netherlands 2017, Kelly Van Den Dungen is also spending time with the delegates, giving them tips and sharing her own experience with the girls. The candidates of Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 also had a chance to enjoy an official photoshoot with the reigning queen.

But, it’s time we get to know each and every one of them personally. So here is Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 finalist Ashley Van Bree’s future plans, and past struggles.

Q. How does it feel to be a delegate of Miss Grand Netherlands 2018?

It feels really exciting and this will be a great adventure for me, this is the first time for me I'm doing a beauty pageant.

Q. What is the best lesson you’ve learnt, that has shaped your life?

That I never regret a day in my life, the good days give me happiness, the bad days give me experiences, the worst days give me lessons and the best days give me memories I will always hold on to. 

Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?

My mother: she's my everything. I wish she was here with me, I wanna make her proud. She told me not to sit down and enjoy life and that she loved me, and that's what I do. She's always with me in my heart and I will always miss her.

Q. Other than the Miss Grand Netherlands crown, what do you want to achieve from this competition?

That I learn to have more confidence about myself and that I can mean something for the world.

Q. We’re sure that this competition is just another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you consider your life goal?

I want to become an international model and make a living off of that.

Q. How would you like to represent yourself at the national stage at Miss Grand Netherlands 2018?

This is a great adventure. This teaches me who I am. That I can be confident enough to do this, this is a dream come true. So I will show the best of myself and enjoy this adventure with the other finalist girls.

Q. Who is your idol, and what values of theirs do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?

I don't have an idol, but to the next generation I want to teach that life is short, that you have  to live the life you want and follow your dreams, work on the future that you want. Life is a big adventure so enjoy the ride.

Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?

That I can do my own thing, a day of no worries and struggles. I do everything what I want to do, so I want to learn more about the pageant. So If I was invisible for one day I would want to watch what a beauty pageant is about, and learn something more about it. But that's not something you have to be invisible for, you can watch and learn even if you are not invisible.

Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

My special childhood memory is Christmas time, this was the only time in the year that we sat at a table with the family and talked with each other till 2'o clock at night about everything. These we're special moments in the year.  I look back on this, with love and is a memory I will care always with me.

Q. What is your advocacy, can you tell us more about it?

I'm concerned with animals because they are powerless and need love, I'm concerned with the war because all the people in the world deserve happiness and love. 

Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

I'll love different styles of music like reggaeton, hardstyle, the oldies but the most I like is panflute music because this gives me peace and time to think.

Q. If you are granted 3 wishes right now, what would you ask for?

If I was granted 3 wishes, my first wish is to have one more day with my mother so I can tell her that I love her and that she always be with me.

My second wish is that everyone in the world deserves happiness and love, including myself. Life is a big road so enjoy the trip and discover the world with pleasure.

Equality between black and white, rich and poor, man and woman, this is my third wish.

Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans at Angelopedia?

I will thank all the supporters, always believe in yourself and you can do it.