Derya Koc is all set to represent Turkey at Miss Grand International 2022 which will be held in October this year, in Indonesia. As she prepares for her international stint, Derya talks about goals, ambitions and guilty pleasures in an exclusive interview with Angelopedia.
Q. How does it feel to be Miss Grand Turkiye 2022 and the representative of Turkey in the upcoming edition of Miss Grand International?
A. It feels great to represent Türkiye considering that the last time Türkiye competed at MGI was 2016. That was their only and last time joining MGI. I feel very honored and humble. And it’s even more exciting to compete at the 10th anniversary.
Q. Can you tell our readers a little more about your pageant journey?
A. Sure. I already joined some pageants nationally and internationally like Miss Supranational. So, I am not new in this business. Hopefully I could gain a lot of experience and beautiful friends. But I really wanted to join MGI in the last couple of years.
Q. How do you plan to represent your country at Miss Grand International and debut your country’s win at the pageant?
A. My plan is to reflect my countries hospitality and kindness to the people. I really feel like Türkiye has to be represented in beauty pageants. Turkish women are really powerful and confident. And I want to represent this. I will give 100 percent for this.
Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?
A. It’s the trust in myself. The fact that I am a woman makes me aware that I can become anything I want. Sometimes the way is hard but giving up is not something for me. I always stay my self. No matter if I fail or not. The thing that makes me proud is to know that in fact there is no failure - just lessons we can learn. So you have to keep going. That’s life.
Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?
A. my guilty pleasure would be definitely buying certain pieces more than once. I really have to be careful with hahaha.
Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?
A. If I could be visible for one day I would listen to secret conversations of successful managing directors/CEO‘s to understand their kind of work.
Q. If you are granted three wishes right now, what would you ask for?
A. My 3 wishes would be:
- Health for my family and friends but also for those who are sick
- winning the MGI crown
-better conditions for women and children all over the world
Q. Who is your role model, if any, and what values of his or her do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?
A. My role models are people who came from poor conditions and still made it big with hard work and determination. They show me that nothing is impossible.
Q. There are so many people who are inspired by your journey and take keen interest in your life. What would you like to say to them?
A. First of all, I want to say that I am humbled by those who see me as an inspiration. I will do my best to keep inspiring you and to make you proud. We are in this together and I carry all of you deep in my heart.