In a full house in Event Centre Vinkeveen, Ashley Brown, Miss Grand Noor Holland was crowned Miss Grand Netherlands 2024. She will represent the Netherlands at the 2024 edition of Miss Grand International in Cambodia and Thailand.
Ashley is no newcomer in the world of dutch pageantry and made her appearances on dutch television as a singer in programs like “The Voice Kids” and ” I can see your voice”
But who is Ashley? we asked her 10 questions.
Who is Ashley Brown?
Hi!, Im Ashley Brown. I am 20 years old and I live in Amsterdam. In my free time I love to go to the gym and spend time with my loved ones. My biggest passion aside from pageantry is singing, songwriting and performing.
Why and when did you enter the world of beauty pageants?
When I was little I always used to watch toddlers and tiaras, I loved it so much! That’s where my interest in pageants began. I used to think this was not really a thing in The Netherlands. So when I found out what it was, I got so excited! So I entered the world of beauty pageants in 2023. It started with Miss Beauty of Noord-Holland, which I won, and then Miss Beauty of The Netherlands (Miss Earth Netherlands). I loved my first pageant experience and it helped me gain experience. After that I really began to look for a pageant that suits me personally, a pageant that screams my name, soooo… I entered Miss Grand Netherlands! This was an experience I will never forget. One of the greatest moments in my life. When I won, my dream came true!
Miss Grand Netherlands has a large fanbase abroad especially since last year with Melissa. How are you going to live up to the expectations of the fans?
The fanbase of Miss Grand International is INSANE! So many fans, so many supporters. Melissa was a phenomenon, she really set the bar high! I get so much inspiration from Melissa, and she is a great mentor. But we are two very different people, so I am also going to do things my own way. I think it’s very important to take inspiration from people like Melissa, and incorporate that in your routine, but always, in your own way. I will give it my all, prepare myself 110%, and am going to enjoy every minute of MGI. I think it’s very beautiful when you see that someone really enjoys being on stage, working hard and inspires other people with their confidence, and I am confident that I can and will do exactly that.
How are you preparing for the international pageant? What area do you need to work on the most?
Preparations for me are honestly so fun! I am practicing my speech, and my catwalk. Practicing with posing is also really important. I bought a suitcase full of new clothes for MGI (I love shopping, so this was great). I am on a diet, and working out and making sure I take all my vitamins. I am also learning about Cambodian and Thai culture and trying to learn some words! I think these things are all equally as important for me, because only with the full package, you can become the best version of yourself.
In daily life the dutch people don’t experience war, but the Netherlands have to deal with conflicts abroad as they did in the past. What can you tell the visitors of Miss Holland Now about this? Although the Netherlands enjoys peace in daily life, it remains connected to the impact of conflicts abroad. Our country reflects on its own experience of war, particularly during World War II, with May 4 as National Remembrance Day for those who died in the war, and May 5 as Liberation Day, celebrating freedom. Today, the Netherlands plays an active role in international peacekeeping and provides refuge for people fleeing war. There are also frequent demonstrations, against war and genocide. Through these actions, the Dutch honor both their history and their responsibility to help others.
What makes you a typical dutch woman and how will you use that in the international pageant?
As a typical Dutch woman, I value direct communication and equality. Growing up, I learned the importance of being open and honest in expressing my thoughts, while also respecting the opinions of others. This straightforward approach allows me to engage with people clearly and come off as genuine (which I am). Equality is another core value, as the Netherlands promotes fairness and equal opportunities for all. My direct communication style will help me connect meaningfully with others, while staying genuine, also in speech while my belief in equality will guide me to represent not just my country, but the importance of fairness and unity.
Besides being a beauty queen you are a aspirational singer, how will you use your voice and your singing at the international pageant?
Singing is my biggest passion. When I could talk, I started singing, and performing. This experience is going to help me at MGI. I have been on stage since I was a little girl. I love it and it’s where I feel at home. This helps me to come off as a confident woman, showing that the stage is where I belong, and where I feel the most me. The best version of myself comes forward when I am on stage, and that is a great quality to have in a pageant! And ofcourse my singing talent will help me at the Miss Grand Voice competition. My ability to write songs also helps my ability to write speeches. In songwriting I am really creative, trying to keep people engaged, while at the same time speak to people’s emotional side. This is exactly what you need to be doing while writing, and presenting a good speech at MGI.
Miss Grand is quit known in the dutch pageantry world, but not outside the world of pageantry. What will you do to change that?
On my social media platforms, I have multiple sorts of audiences. There’s people who follow me for my singing, and people who follow me for my journey to MGI. When I post covers, and own written songs like the one I wrote for my advocacy, I bring these audiences together. They learn about my other side and get interested. For example, when I sang at Miss Grand Netherlands, people who follow me for my singing skills, also are directed to the MGI pageant, and gaining interest in MGI. When I combine my interests, I will make MGI more known outside the world of pageantry.
What is your life’s motto and how are you living it?
My life’s motto is that there is literally no limit on what you can do. Your life is your own blank canvas and you can paint it however you like. You only ever experience your own life, so everyone needs to do the absolute best to have the best experience you can possibly imagine. Your own happiness should be priority #1. Everytime there is a choice in life, pick the one that brings you the most joy. Keep feeling, imagining and acting like the best version of yourself and send that energy out in the world. So there is no choice, but to become that person. I cannot have a conversion with someone who says ‘you need to be realistic for your future and just choose the most secure and safe option’. For me even my wildest dreams ARE realistic! And everyone should feel that way.
How about Ashley in 10 years
In 10 years I hope I can say that I won MGI 2024 ofcourse! Hoping to be a successful singer and songwriter, and inspire and bring joy to people with my songs. And also gained experience from all over the world. The world is too big to have lived in only one country my whole life!
Thank you so much Ashley for taking the time in your busy preparations for Miss Grand International
Photography: Studio TND fotografie
Dress: Naaz Luxury Collection
Crown: baroQco
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