Josephine Alhanko: Missosology's Beauty Talks

Before getting hold of the Miss Sweden title, "Jossie" had to undergo the grueling process of a revolutionized beauty pageant. Starting off as an actor holding two Masters' degrees in the sphere of Art History & Theater, she's a fireball in every sense of the word. Her country is definitely back (with a bang!) with this 25 year-old well-cultured Swedish charmer!

• What would your friends say to describe you?
I think they would describe me as funny, caring, sensitive, loyal, and outgoing. I love spending time with them and have a good time. I also think they would say that I get a lot done and have a thousand things going on at once.

• Tell something about your childhood dream.
I grew up as a little girl watching my aunt dance as a Prima Ballerina in the Royal Swedish Ballet. Even at a young age, I was transported by her performances to a different world- one of excitement, beauty and intrigue. Using her as an inspiration, I set out to be a ballerina because I wanted to give the same gift she has given to me and to others. While I realized it was going to be a lot of hard work and often painful, I wanted to provide a theatrical and musical escape for people from their everyday life.

• Can you share to us your beauty secret?
My beauty secret is to take good care of your body both physically and mentally. Healthy food, 8 hours of sleep a night and daily exercise is good for your body. Keeping a positive attitude and thinking is also just as important to keep in shape. I would also advise you to drink lots of fresh water.

• What is your favorite part of your body & why?
My favorite part of my body is my eyes. They are very expressive and are a rare color, blue-green.

• What's inside your bag right now?
My cell phone, my wallet a pen and some paper. I also have my keys, my sunglasses and some chewing gum.

• How would you define "beauty?"
Beauty is a complex thing. Beauty is who you are as a person. What you think and feel shines through. I think beauty has so much more to do with who you are and what your values are rather than just your looks.

• What were your reasons for joining the Miss Sweden pageant?
I joined the Miss Sweden pageant because I am passionate about my country and its history. I thought it would be a great opportunity to represent Sweden on an international stage and draw people's attention to issues that are important to me- women's health and safety. I have a great interest in our society and I want to contribute and help others. I also enjoy trying new things and challenging myself, and the Miss Sweden competition presented an opportunity for me to meet some new and very interesting people.

• How were you elected as Miss Sweden Universe? Describe the judging process.
It was a long process. At first, I had to take a personality test on the Miss Sweden homepage describing how I would react in a variety of difficult situations. After that, an interview was conducted from which 40 girls were selected from my region to have a one-day audition in Stockholm. We went through several intelligence and knowledge tests and more interviews with the judges. This process was the same in two other regions in Sweden. The girls that made it to the final spent an intense week together on an island in the archipelago. We attended classes held by the tourist organization in Sweden. I also learned how to handle stress and crises. We did presentations on a chosen subject in Swedish and English and much, much more. By the end of the week the winner was selected.

• What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown?
I am a down to earth person and have a sensible way of looking at life. I have a genuine interest in what I am doing and I pay attention to other people and the world around me. I am both levelheaded and strong and I think that being 25 years old has given me some life experiences that will be useful to me as Miss Sweden. I also have two Masters Degrees- one in Art history and one in theater which gives me an interesting lens to look at the world.

• Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest.
I'm trying to work out, but it's really tough because I'm still attending my classes in university. I'll graduate in a month. I'm improving my languages to seek a better communication with the other contestants. I'm completing my wardrobe, which is a tough job as well.

• Can you tell something that is so interesting or unique about you?
I love to write and think. I like to analyze things in life and try to put our society in a historical perspective. I am a little philosophical and I like to write my thoughts down and save them so that I can look back and know exactly how I felt at a particular moment.

• Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why?
I admire Yvonne Ryding who won Miss Sweden and became Miss Universe in 1984. She is really pretty and has done some positive things with her life.

• Describe your fashion sense and style.
I have a classic style. I like bright colors like blue, pink and red. I like to look at old fashion icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn for inspiration.

• How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe?
My country is very beautiful. We have four seasons. It is very cold and snowy in the winter and warm and nice in the summer. We have something called Nordic light which means that during the winter season, there are very few hours of sun, but in the summertime the sun hardly sets and the evenings are light and pretty. There is a warmth to Swedish people and they tend to be quite friendly. If you like activities, Sweden has it all- beautiful golf courses, many lakes and mountains for skiing.

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
I don't have anything against being on stage in a swimsuit. If the show does the swimsuit portion in an elegant, classy and stylish way, then I don't feel it is disrespectful. But, I have to say that I prefer the evening gown section of the competition because of the fantastic dresses.

• Supposed there is a Genie who happens to be mad at you for a wrong deed committed and his punishment is to turn you into an animal for a year. You can't plead to alter his decision but you get to decide what type of animal you would become, what creature would you choose and why?
I would choose to be a butterfly. They are beautiful, elegant and mysterious. They develop into an amazing creature and can fly high and glide on the wind. They are so wonderful to watch and have a magic air around them which evokes fairy-tale imagery.

• If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why?
I would eat chocolate cake and lasagna. Those are my favorite foods!

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
My motto is: You hardly ever regret things that you have tried but you will regret things you don't try. Take chances in life, as usually that is when you get rewarded. Try to always be positive and love those close to you to the fullest.

• Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Receiving two masters degrees.

• Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Sweden titleholder.
I think that by wining Miss Universe, you become a role model for many young women. That is important since the world needs people to look up to and be inspired. My responsibilities as Miss Sweden are to become a spokesperson for women's issues and to work to promote my wonderful country.

• Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms?
I would like to become Miss Universe so that I can continue doing important work for society and to help others that may not be as fortunate. I would like to be a person that can inspire others to develop themselves and follow their dreams.

• What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Sweden at Miss Universe 2006 pageant?
They will see a young woman fulfilling her dreams and having a good time making friends. I will do my best and hope that people will see that I have a lot to offer.

• Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology.
To my fans! Seize the day and see the opportunities that are in your life. Make the best of your life and reach for your dreams- they can come true!

Main > Beauty Talks > Miss Sweden Universe , Josephine Alhanko
	Before getting hold of the Miss Sweden title, "Jossie" had to undergo the grueling process of a revolutionized beauty pageant. Starting off as an actor holding two Masters' degrees in the sphere of Art History & Theater, she's a fireball in every sense of the word. Her country is definitely back (with a bang!) with this 25 year-old well-cultured Swedish charmer! • What would your friends say to describe you? I think they would describe me as funny, caring, sensitive, loyal, and outgoing. I love spending time with them and have a good time. I also think they would say that I get a lot done and have a thousand things going on at once. • Tell something about your childhood dream. I grew up as a little girl watching my aunt dance as a Prima Ballerina in the Royal Swedish Ballet. Even at a young age, I was transported by her performances to a different world- one of excitement, beauty and intrigue. Using her as an inspiration, I set out to be a ballerina because I wanted to give the same gift she has given to me and to others. While I realized it was going to be a lot of hard work and often painful, I wanted to provide a theatrical and musical escape for people from their everyday life. • Can you share to us your beauty secret? My beauty secret is to take good care of your body both physically and mentally. Healthy food, 8 hours of sleep a night and daily exercise is good for your body. Keeping a positive attitude and thinking is also just as important to keep in shape. I would also advise you to drink lots of fresh water. • What is your favorite part of your body & why? My favorite part of my body is my eyes. They are very expressive and are a rare color, blue-green. • What's inside your bag right now? My cell phone, my wallet a pen and some paper. I also have my keys, my sunglasses and some chewing gum. • How would you define "beauty?" Beauty is a complex thing. Beauty is who you are as a person. What you think and feel shines through. I think beauty has so much more to do with who you are and what your values are rather than just your looks. • What were your reasons for joining the Miss Sweden pageant? I joined the Miss Sweden pageant because I am passionate about my country and its history. I thought it would be a great opportunity to represent Sweden on an international stage and draw people's attention to issues that are important to me- women's health and safety. I have a great interest in our society and I want to contribute and help others. I also enjoy trying new things and challenging myself, and the Miss Sweden competition presented an opportunity for me to meet some new and very interesting people. • How were you elected as Miss Sweden Universe? Describe the judging process. It was a long process. At first, I had to take a personality test on the Miss Sweden homepage describing how I would react in a variety of difficult situations. After that, an interview was conducted from which 40 girls were selected from my region to have a one-day audition in Stockholm. We went through several intelligence and knowledge tests and more interviews with the judges. This process was the same in two other regions in Sweden. The girls that made it to the final spent an intense week together on an island in the archipelago. We attended classes held by the tourist organization in Sweden. I also learned how to handle stress and crises. We did presentations on a chosen subject in Swedish and English and much, much more. By the end of the week the winner was selected. • What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown? I am a down to earth person and have a sensible way of looking at life. I have a genuine interest in what I am doing and I pay attention to other people and the world around me. I am both levelheaded and strong and I think that being 25 years old has given me some life experiences that will be useful to me as Miss Sweden. I also have two Masters Degrees- one in Art history and one in theater which gives me an interesting lens to look at the world. • Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest. I'm trying to work out, but it's really tough because I'm still attending my classes in university. I'll graduate in a month. I'm improving my languages to seek a better communication with the other contestants. I'm completing my wardrobe, which is a tough job as well. • Can you tell something that is so interesting or unique about you? I love to write and think. I like to analyze things in life and try to put our society in a historical perspective. I am a little philosophical and I like to write my thoughts down and save them so that I can look back and know exactly how I felt at a particular moment. • Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why? I admire Yvonne Ryding who won Miss Sweden and became Miss Universe in 1984. She is really pretty and has done some positive things with her life. • Describe your fashion sense and style. I have a classic style. I like bright colors like blue, pink and red. I like to look at old fashion icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn for inspiration. • How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe? My country is very beautiful. We have four seasons. It is very cold and snowy in the winter and warm and nice in the summer. We have something called Nordic light which means that during the winter season, there are very few hours of sun, but in the summertime the sun hardly sets and the evenings are light and pretty. There is a warmth to Swedish people and they tend to be quite friendly. If you like activities, Sweden has it all- beautiful golf courses, many lakes and mountains for skiing. • What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women? I don't have anything against being on stage in a swimsuit. If the show does the swimsuit portion in an elegant, classy and stylish way, then I don't feel it is disrespectful. But, I have to say that I prefer the evening gown section of the competition because of the fantastic dresses. • Supposed there is a Genie who happens to be mad at you for a wrong deed committed and his punishment is to turn you into an animal for a year. You can't plead to alter his decision but you get to decide what type of animal you would become, what creature would you choose and why? I would choose to be a butterfly. They are beautiful, elegant and mysterious. They develop into an amazing creature and can fly high and glide on the wind. They are so wonderful to watch and have a magic air around them which evokes fairy-tale imagery. • If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why? I would eat chocolate cake and lasagna. Those are my favorite foods! • Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by? My motto is: You hardly ever regret things that you have tried but you will regret things you don't try. Take chances in life, as usually that is when you get rewarded. Try to always be positive and love those close to you to the fullest. • Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you? Receiving two masters degrees. • Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Sweden titleholder. I think that by wining Miss Universe, you become a role model for many young women. That is important since the world needs people to look up to and be inspired. My responsibilities as Miss Sweden are to become a spokesperson for women's issues and to work to promote my wonderful country. • Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms? I would like to become Miss Universe so that I can continue doing important work for society and to help others that may not be as fortunate. I would like to be a person that can inspire others to develop themselves and follow their dreams. • What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Sweden at Miss Universe 2006 pageant? They will see a young woman fulfilling her dreams and having a good time making friends. I will do my best and hope that people will see that I have a lot to offer. • Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology. To my fans! Seize the day and see the opportunities that are in your life. Make the best of your life and reach for your dreams- they can come true!
		FAST FACTS
		Name:	Josephine Alhanko	Age:	25
		Title:	Miss Sweden Universe	Height:	171 cm
		Occupation:	Actor and Masters in Art History	Weight:	51 kg
		Interests:	dancing, spending time with my family and friends, reading literature, going to cultural events and helping others

	Interview conducted by Nicholo Paulo Ventura. Special thanks to Fröken Sverige Organizers, Jossie Alhanko, Josefin Nilsson and to everyone who made this interview possible. BACK TO INDEX