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 Demy Van Der Heide’s future plans, and past struggles.

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

I feel honored to be a delegate and get the change to represent the Netherlands as Miss Grand Netherlands 2018.

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

That you should not judge a book by its cover and that you should treat the people the way you want to be treated.

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

The thing that keeps me going are my family and friends. They support me with every choice I make.

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

I want to achieve beside the crown, that the people will get to know me, who I am and what I stand for in life: Equality, love and friendship.

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?

The one thing I consider as my life goal is to enjoy every moment of my life with the people I love.

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

I want to represent myself as an independent woman who stands for love and equality.

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?

My idols are two people who have inspired me for a long time now... my parents! I learned a lot from them and they taught me how to fall and get back up. They taught me to always be myself and not let anybody tell me otherwise. That is what I want to pass on to the next generation; Stand up for yourself! Everyone is an individual and you have your own voice and opinion.

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

If I could be invisible for a day, I would like to give people strength so they won't give up, especially in the hard times.

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

The memory I would like to share with all of you is the first time I went on a vacation outside Europe, and saw my grandmother and grandfather for the first time. I was 13 years old at the time.

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

My advocacy is: I stand for gender and race equality. Everybody is the same and they must be treated the same.

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

My guilty pleasure is to dance when I hear good music. I can't control myself and have to dance. "Dance like nobody's watching".

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

If I was granted 3 wishes, I would wish there would be no more war and starvation in the world. I would love to see that more people will spend their time with the people they care about. And as my final wish, apart from everything; I just want people to be happy. There are lots of things I would love to do. From helping the poor to the rich; I want to help people improve themselves and their lifestyles.

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

My message to all the people at Angelopedia is; thank you for taking the time to read my interview. I re-ally appreciate it. I hope you have got to know me a little bit now. "Love like you've never been hurt and live life like it's heaven on Earth"!

Lots of love and hugs