Nelli Auriola from VALOR Partners is currently realising her long-held dream. She is one of the ten finalists in the prestigious Miss Finland competition, and on Saturday 14th September 2024, during the grand finale, the winner of the Miss Finland 2024 title will be crowned.
Nelli Auriola has followed the Miss Finland competition with her family since childhood and has always dreamed of participating. However, gathering the courage and self-confidence to submit her application took time.
The Miss Finland competition is essentially a contest of representation, emphasising positivity, authenticity, and strong self-esteem. This prestigious competition, which receives significant public attention, has been held almost annually since 1931. The winner of the Miss Finland title gets to represent Finland on the global stage at the Miss Universe competition, watched by hundreds of millions of viewers.
Based on online applications, 50 candidates were invited to the preliminary selection, from which 20 were chosen for the semifinals. Since May, Nelli’s journey in the Miss Finland competition has continued alongside her work, filled with training sessions and events. Over the past month, the ten finalists have been touring Finland in the dedicated Miss Finland Bus, performing and meeting the public and fans.
“The Miss Finland competition today is an incredibly comprehensive educational experience, focusing on much more than just external beauty,” Nelli explains. “Finland is a pioneer in providing a diverse and extensive training for all participants.”
Teamwork to manage work duties
The tight schedules of the competition and managing work responsibilities have gone surprisingly smoothly, thanks to the excellent support from her colleagues, who have helped with work tasks during the tour. Nelli works as the office and communications coordinator at VALOR Partners and has been able to handle some of her duties remotely.
“I am immensely grateful to VALOR for all the flexibility, support, and encouragement I have received,” Nelli says.
“From other competitors, I have learned that this is not something to be taken for granted. VALOR has been extremely fair and understanding in supporting my pursuit of the Miss Finland dream.”
Nelli has been touched by how genuinely interested her colleagues are in the competition and how much support she has received. At VALOR, the Miss Finland competition has been met with nothing but positive and enthusiastic responses.
“At first, I was slightly nervous about how our business consultants would react to the pageant, but I had to throw away my preconceptions right from the start,” she notes.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
The Miss Finland journey has given Nelli far more than she ever expected. It has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will likely never happen again.
“I have had the opportunity to perform, develop my skills, meet new people, visit some of the most beautiful destinations in Finland, and make new friends,” she says.
Before the competition, Nelli wondered how she would manage spending 24/7 in the Miss Finland Bus surrounded by other people. However, she has learned to adapt to the lively tour life, opened up to new friendships, and fully embraced the Miss Finland bubble.
If Nelli’s great dream comes true on Saturday and she is crowned the next Miss Finland, her life will change overnight.
“In practice, winning will surely mean many interviews and press meetings at first, and from that moment, preparing to represent Finland in the Miss Universe competition taking place in Mexico in November,” Nelli reflects.
Before the grand finale, there are still a few exciting days left to prepare and enjoy the thrill, surrounded by her fellow contestants. At VALOR, we are cheering on Nelli all the way – Go Nelli go!
On behalf of VALOR, warm congratulations on your achievement and success in the Miss Finland competition: Media Favourite and Best charity project. We are, however, pleased that Nelli is returning full-time to work.
Picture credits:
Nelli in red
Photographer: Laura Iikkanen
Make up: Meri Leiviskä
Hair stylist: Maija Kaunisto
Stylist: Aleksandra Kantola
Dresser: Serina Suvila
Outfits & jewellery:
Artistiasu
Liisa’s Garage Glamour
Danjana Fashion
AK Wardrobe
Location: Le Bloom
Nelli in green
Photographer: Laura Iikkanen
Make up: Meri Leiviskä
Hair stylist: Isabella Kantola
Stylist: Aleksandra Kantola
Outfits: GANT
Location: Hotelli Siuntio