Miss Represented: Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [Episode 60]

Summary

Miss Represented Podcast Summary: Episode 60 with Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor

Release Date: August 6, 2025

In Episode 60 of the Miss Represented Podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor, Miss Universe Iceland, for an engaging and insightful conversation. The episode delves into Helena's journey in pageantry, her upbringing in Iceland, her passion for psychology, and her preparations for the upcoming Miss Universe competition. Additionally, listeners enjoy a fun "This or That" segment, showcasing Helena's personal preferences.

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1. Preparing for Miss Universe

Helena shares her current activities following her crowning as Miss Universe Iceland, detailing her road trip to select dresses and build her wardrobe. She expresses excitement about finding her evening gown locally in West Virginia, praising her sponsors for their support.

Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [01:29]: "I have found the evening gown. It's beautiful."

Helena is actively preparing her walk and practicing diligently to ensure she shines on the Miss Universe stage. She highlights the importance of discipline, especially with swim week approaching and other commitments like shooting.

2. Pageant Journey and Experiences

Reflecting on her first foray into pageantry, Helena recounts her participation in Miss Universe Iceland 2023, where she earned the title of Miss Supranational Iceland as the first runner-up. This achievement propelled her to compete internationally at Miss Supranational 2024 in Poland, marking her deepened love for pageantry.

Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [03:10]: "I went to Miss Supranational 2024, and that's kind of where I just started to love pageantry."

Her experience in Poland was enriching, from the beautiful venues reminiscent of Iceland's landscapes to the vibrant culture and cuisine. Helena cherishes the friendships she formed, especially with her best friend from Ecuador, whom she maintains contact with despite the geographical distance.

3. Growing Up in Iceland

Helena paints a picture of her childhood in Iceland, emphasizing the nation's safety, strong sense of community, and the myriad of experiences it offers despite its small size.

Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [05:59]: "Iceland is an amazing place to grow. It's a very safe place, and you get to experience so many things."

She highlights the supportive environment that fosters personal growth and the close-knit community that characterizes Icelandic society.

4. Pursuing Psychology and Mental Health

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Helena's academic pursuits in psychology, inspired by her own battles with anxiety during childhood. Her commitment to mental health is evident as she aspires to use her knowledge to help others.

Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [06:27]: "I want to use my power to help others as much as I can. And the first step to that is, I think, learning psychology and studying it."

Helena discusses her future academic plans, aiming to complete her bachelor's degree and potentially pursue a master's in clinical psychology or marketing. She underscores the importance of mental well-being, especially in challenging environments like Iceland's harsh winters.

5. Legacy and Inspiring Young Women

Helena is passionate about leaving a positive impact, particularly for young women in Iceland. She emphasizes the importance of chasing dreams and not being afraid to aim high, drawing from her own experiences in pageantry.

Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [09:33]: "It's so important for our girls to know to chase their dreams and to not be afraid to dream big."

Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how striving for one's goals can lead to fulfilling achievements.

6. Advice for Aspiring Pageant Contestants

Drawing from her experiences, Helena offers heartfelt advice to those hesitant about entering pageantry. She encourages individuals to push beyond their comfort zones and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [11:09]: "The best advice I can say is just to push yourself out through the wall or through the box. It's the best thing you can do."

7. Life in Iceland and Must-Visit Places

Helena shares her favorite spots in Iceland, recommending natural landmarks like Guttfoss and Diamond Beach. She reminisces about her time on Vede island, a serene location she cherished working at a coffee shop during her youth.

Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor [12:16]: "I would always tell them to see Guttfoss and Geyser. It's a geyser and waterfall. Beautiful place."

Her descriptions highlight Iceland's breathtaking beauty and the unique experiences the country offers to both residents and visitors.

8. "This or That" Fun Segment

The episode concludes with a lighthearted "This or That" segment, revealing Helena's personal preferences:

• Heels or Sneakers: Heels

  Helena [13:32]: "I'm a heels kind of girl. I love wearing heels. It makes me feel extra confident."

• Instagram or TikTok: Instagram

  Helena [13:53]: "I like TikTok. I like to watch them. But I'm still trying to figure out how to make the videos there and everything."

• Early Mornings or Late Nights: Both

  Helena [14:16]: "Sometimes I'm awake super early and sometimes I sleep the whole day and have the night evening."

• Beach Vacation or City Adventure: Beach Vacation

  Helena [16:04]: "I really love the beach... coming here I can go to the beach. It's so pretty."

• Coffee or Tea: Coffee

  Helena [16:22]: "I'm a coffee person. I worked as a barista for a few years and still do. So coffee all the way."

• Texting or Phone Calls: Phone Calls

  Helena [17:02]: "I feel like you can connect way better with a person... phone calls all the way."

• Hosting or Attending an Event: Attending

  Helena [17:19]: "Probably attending."

• Netflix or Reading a Book: Netflix

  Helena [17:26]: "I have to say Netflix there."

• Summer or Winter: In-between

  Helena [17:42]: "I like summer... but winter in Iceland is like a fairy tale with the snow and everything."

• Sweet or Savory: Sweet

  Helena [18:13]: "Probably sweet."

• Solo Work or Team Collaboration: Collaborating

  Helena [18:19]: "I think you can do spectacular things when a lot of people get together."

• Speak to Younger or Future Self: Thank Younger Self

  Helena [18:29]: "I would probably tell her to not be afraid and just try your best to do your best."

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Connect with Helena Hafþórsdóttir O'Connor:

Follow Helena on social media to stay updated on her Miss Universe journey and personal endeavors:

• Instagram: @helena.oc
• Miss Iceland Official: missiceland.org

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This episode offers a comprehensive look into Helena's multifaceted life, blending her ambitions in pageantry and psychology with personal anecdotes and advice. Her authentic storytelling and motivational insights provide valuable lessons for listeners aspiring to achieve their dreams while maintaining mental well-being.

Transcript

[Lisa Opie]

Dive into summer with Vizkaya Swimwear. Stylish, comfortable, unforgettable. Make a splash with Vizkaya Swimwear. Discover your beauty with Lady Code Cosmetics. Bold colors, flawless finishes. Unleash your confidence with Lady Code. Hello, and welcome back to Misrepresented. I'm your host, Lisa Opie. And before we introduce today's guest, we have to thank Pinkapple Dresses for dressing us as in these lovely bandage dresses today. So without further ado, I'm so excited that we have Miss Universe Iceland, Helena o'. Connor. So, Helena, we were talking a little bit before we started about how to pronounce your real Icelandic last name. How do you do it?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

So it's Helena Haftorstoftesch o'. Connor.

[Lisa Opie]

I could never do that.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

No. So it's like Hafthor and then daughter Haftors.

[Lisa Opie]

I love how the Icelandic do their last name.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's always daughter or son. It's adorable.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. So if you have a brother, then your last name would be different from you?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Yeah, yeah. So my brother would be Hafterson.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. So give me a little roundup of everything you've been up to since you were crowned Miss Universe Iceland.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

So I'm on my road trip now, getting dresses for Miss Universe and getting my wardrobe. I'm preparing. Preparing my walk. And there's a lot of. A lot of fun stuff on the way.

[Lisa Opie]

That's awesome. Any hints on your. Have you found the evening gown yet?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I have found the evening gown.

[Lisa Opie]

I'm so excited.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's beautiful.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay. I cannot wait to.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's gonna be fun. Very elegant. Beautiful.

[Lisa Opie]

And you got it here in the States?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Yes, in West Virginia. All the various boutique. Perfect.

[Lisa Opie]

You have the best sponsors.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Yeah. They are amazing. They're so nice.

[Lisa Opie]

So how do you like America?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I love it here. I always think it's so great, and it's amazing to do some shopping, and it's so nice to have some nice weather as well.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, definitely. What are you stocking up on while you're here?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Stocking up on makeup, outfits, outfits, getting new heels. Yeah, everything, mostly.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. And are there any, like, restaurants that you love in America? Like, some people like Chick Fil? A and they just want to go to Chick Fil?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

A. Chick Fil? A? Chick Fil? A and Crumble are probably one of my, like, top restaurants here in the. In the States.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, awesome. Oh, my gosh.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I love it.

[Lisa Opie]

We're being strong because swim week is next week, and she has her pageant coming up, and we're shooting, so trying to be disciplined, not eat. So tell me about your preparation for Miss Universe. You said you're coaching. Who's your coach?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Manuel coaching me for this because she.

[Lisa Opie]

Went to Miss Universe herself, so she.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Knows she's an amazing coach.

[Lisa Opie]

That's awesome. And what's your favorite part about Miss Universe?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

There's so many things. This has been a dream for me for so long, and I think it's just such a great way for girls to. To show, like, who they are and to represent themselves.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, definitely. So we're actually in the presence of an icon. Because you've already competed internationally, which is major, at Miss supernational. Walk me through that whole experience.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

So I competed in Miss Iceland or Miss Universe Iceland 2023. And I got the title Miss Supernational Iceland, which is the. The first runner up. And this was my first pageant. I didn't really know a lot about pageantry, but so I went to Ms. Supranational 2024, and that's kind of where I just started to love pageantry, and I understood what it meant to be a queen.

[Lisa Opie]

Wow. Like, what did you learn?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

And I loved it so much. Just the presence and getting to walk, meeting the other girls. There's so many things that I absolutely loved about it.

[Lisa Opie]

I can't believe it was your first pageant and you got first runner up, and then you went to international.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

So you didn't have a lot of, like, stage practice.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

They didn't have a lot of stage practice at all. But I tried to practice as much as I can, and it helped me a lot, especially for where I am today. Yeah, definitely.

[Lisa Opie]

And Supranational was in Poland.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's in Poland, yes.

[Lisa Opie]

What was that like?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It was so beautiful. The weather is similar to Iceland, so it's. It's a little bit more warm, though. But it's very nice. Very beautiful. Good culture. The food was amazing as well.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

And we got to travel to Krakow and a lot of places.

[Lisa Opie]

Wow. So supernational is one pageant I'm not very familiar with. So you need to tell me everything that happened.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It was so nice. And I went in July, and the competition was later in July, and it was just a whole other experience to get to enjoy that.

[Lisa Opie]

It's more modely, right?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's more modely, yes, definitely. We stayed in a hotel. It was a ski hotel. Really beautiful, though.

[Lisa Opie]

Wait, I didn't know they had skiing in Poland.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

So it was kind of in the. In the hills.

[Lisa Opie]

Wow.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

But it was such a Beautiful place. And I had the nicest room with, like, a beautiful scenery outside, and it was gorgeous. But we got to travel a lot and do a lot of experiences.

[Lisa Opie]

That's awesome. I love nature, so I feel like it would help me not be stressed to compete if you're in the mountain.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

No, it helped so much every day. I did my makeup, like, on the porch. It had, like, area.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, wow.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It was so nice just to take a deep breath, do my makeup, relax before the day started.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. So when you got there, did the pageant meet your expectations, or was it.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Like, more than my expectations? I think I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I did that the first time. But I met so many amazing girls and friends that I still talk to to this day. And, oh, my gosh, it was such a lovely experience.

[Lisa Opie]

Which country was your best friend for that pageant?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Ecuador. Oh, my goodness.

[Lisa Opie]

Do you guys still stay in touch?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

We still stay in touch. It's a hard, though, for me to travel. It's a long, far away. But, yeah, she's amazing.

[Lisa Opie]

Wow. Okay, so we're gonna change the subject a little bit. What was it like growing up in Iceland?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's been really nice. I think Iceland is an amazing place to grow. Yes. It's a very safe place, and you get to experience so many things.

[Lisa Opie]

I think there's a sense of community. Right.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Because everything is so safe. Yeah, it's a sense of a community. Exactly. So it's such a small place, but it's beautiful. And growing up there helped me to learn to so many things.

[Lisa Opie]

I love it. So tell me about why you chose to pursue psychology.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's always been very close to my heart to be able to help others, and I used to experience a lot of anxiety when I was a child. When I was a kid. Yeah. And I spent a lot of time getting help getting from, like, psychologists, reading, and just focusing on my mental health. And I'm a lot better now. I'm very good. But. But it was kind of at that moment where I was like, okay, I know that I want to use my power to help others as much as I can. And the first step to that is, I think, learning psychology and studying it.

[Lisa Opie]

That's awesome. And what do you see yourself doing it, like, maybe 10 years from now?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

10 years. I want to be done with my bachelor's degree and hopefully a master's. I'm not sure if I'm going to do a clinical master or if I'll go into marketing or something else.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, maybe both. Right. We could do everything. So mental health is really important, I feel like, especially in pageantry, but also especially in Iceland.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Definitely it's very cold in Iceland, and it's. Especially in the winter time. It's dark during the. A lot of the day and the night. But I think the most important thing is to take care of your mental health. And I personally like to journal that has helped me so much. My grandmother always used to say to me, like, if you're not going to tell somebody, you should at least tell it to the stones. And you would. It's nice. And you'd find, like, those stones and you can tell them what's bothering you and get your feelings out. Because I think it's so important to open up and get everything out.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so true. Oh, my gosh. And in pageantry, do you have any advice for girls that are getting ready for a pageant? How can they manage their. Or how are you managing your mental health?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think it's just so important to take good care of yourself. Take good care of your body, of course, as well. But like I said, kind of just try to be in the moment and experience things because things will always go the way they should. I believe, like, the universe has everything in store for you, 100%.

[Lisa Opie]

So Miss Universe has been evolving a lot. You know, it's very different, and I feel like it's not the same Miss Universe that I grew up with. So what are your expectations going into Miss Universe?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I'm super excited. But, yeah, it doesn't. Definitely has changed a bit, but I'm hoping it's going to be really nice. And I have big hopes for the stage this year of the production.

[Lisa Opie]

Yes. Because it's in Thailand. That's so fun.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Great venue. I think it's going to be stunning.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. What are you the most excited about?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I'm so excited to try the food in Thailand, but also just to meet the girls and to experience this universe.

[Lisa Opie]

Is there anything you're going to do differently that you learned from Supra?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think I want to try to be more of myself. I try. I think in Supra, I was so stressed about being like, the pageant girl, like the typical. But I think the most important thing is to be yourself.

[Lisa Opie]

That's the best advice. Honestly. Like, everybody says that, but it's because it's true. Yeah. That's literally how you win. Okay. So you're gonna leave behind a legacy as Miss Universe Ice Plan, because you're inspiring so many young Women tell me more about that.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

So I think it's very close to my heart to be able to help others and especially young women growing up in Iceland where there's not a lot of opportunities. We're a really small community and like this experience is amazing for me, getting to go out and stuff like that. But I think it's so important for our girls to know to chase their dreams and to not be afraid to dream big. That's one of the most important things. And when I competed first in Miss Iceland, I was of course aiming for the Miss Universe title. But I think the universe had the supernational in store for me and that kind of prepared me for this title.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. I feel like God's timing is always there. So what inspired you to compete at Miss Universe Iceland? Did you know some of the queens?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

So Miss Universe Iceland 2022 is my best friend. And I saw her going to pageantry and I saw how much she benefited from it. She grew just like a flower and it was amazing following her through her journey. And when she finished her title I was like, okay, this, this is something I'll try and see. It was different for me. I never done anything like that before.

[Lisa Opie]

And she's the one that just got Miss Earth.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Yeah, she's Miss Earth air now.

[Lisa Opie]

So close. She did amazing. I loved working with her because she was like, do whatever you want and I turned her hair black.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

No, she's amazing.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, that's so fun. So do you have any advice for people that are watching that want to compete in a pageant but they're too scared?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

The best advice I can say is just to push yourself like out through the wall or through the box. It's the best thing you can do. And to not be afraid to challenge yourself.

[Lisa Opie]

Yes. And do you think younger girls, do they have a more challenging childhood in Iceland or do you think it's the same?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think it really just depends. It can be an amazing place to grow up in, but there's also some difficulties. But I think everywhere in the world you have a difficulties. Yeah, I think so.

[Lisa Opie]

But Iceland, I feel like is so like free.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It is.

[Lisa Opie]

And it's very like advanced and open minded because I've been there and I love that.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think it's beautiful.

[Lisa Opie]

It's just such a small island.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's a small community. It's safe. It's a great place to grow up. Definitely.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, definitely. I love Iceland. I remember was it always like very touristic or did the Justin Bieber music video, do you remember did that blow everything up and change everything?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think it has been. At least from what I remember. It's been very touristy for a long time. Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

Where is like, if someone was going to Iceland, what are the three places they have to go to?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Well, I would always tell them to see Guttfoss in Geyser. It's like a geisha and waterfall. Beautiful place.

[Lisa Opie]

Is it? How far is it from Reykjavik?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I'm not sure. I think it's like two hours maybe driving. It's not too far away. My favorite place is it's a tiny little island called Vede and I used to work there at a coffee shop when I was way younger. But it's a beautiful place. There's only one house there and you have to take a little ferry to get there though. But it's only five minutes from Reykjavik and then the ferry.

[Lisa Opie]

Wow. I want to go to Diamond Beach.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I've been to Iceland. Beach is gorgeous as well. Oh, you have to go there. That's one of the top one places as well.

[Lisa Opie]

Have you been?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Yes.

[Lisa Opie]

Is it freezing?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Depends. But it's kind of windy and always a bit cold. But you just dress up well and it's going to be okay.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. And you're used to it. Yes. How is Miami treating you?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Very well. I'm not used to the heat though. It's very humid.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, it is. We're like struggling with her hair when I was doing your hair today. But it's doing good behaving and we're going to change everything up. I'm so excited.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It's going to be amazing.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, so we're going to wrap it up with our this or that portion of the show. It's my favorite part. So the first one is heels or sneakers?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I'm a heels kind of girl. I love wearing heels. I think they're so pretty. And especially being in pageantry. It's heels all the way.

[Lisa Opie]

Of course. And she's wearing heels right now. You guys can't see I'm wearing a good sneaker though.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

But I love wearing heels. It makes me feel extra confident.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, I mean, you're Miss Universe accent. You have to Instagram or Tick tock.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Oh, I'm Instagram all the way.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, me too.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I like TikTok. I like to watch them. But I'm still trying to figure out how to make the videos there and everything.

[Lisa Opie]

It's so hard, right? And I've worked so, so hard on a video on TikTok and it doesn't do anything.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Exactly.

[Lisa Opie]

I get like 10 views.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Oh, it's the same here. But Instagram I love and I've been on that platform for such a long time.

[Lisa Opie]

That's awesome. Early mornings or late nights?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think it really depends. I'm kind of in the middle. I think you can have amazing early mornings, but super fun late nights as well. I'm kind of a like a both person.

[Lisa Opie]

I was like, if you do both, can you sleep?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It just depends. Sometimes I'm like awake super early and sometimes I sleep the whole day and have the night evening.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh my gosh. I have a question about living in Iceland. When it's dark like all the time, do you sleep more?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

It kind of depends. I don't think I sleep more, but like the must have. At least for me. I have like total blackout curtains. So in the summer when the sun doesn't really set, I use them. And in the winter I have like. I think it's called a daytime like clock that produces like natural daytime light when it's like to try to wake you up. So I try that to try to keep my like body rhythm.

[Lisa Opie]

That's awesome. I remember we went to Iceland for a photo shoot and it was when it was like really long days.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Yeah. So we're in the summer. It's bright almost the whole day.

[Lisa Opie]

The sun doesn't go down. So we're shooting outside and shooting outside and shooting outside. And I looked at the time and it was like 11pm and the sun was still out. So we're still shooting. It's a great place for photo shoot. Pageant stage or behind the scenes.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think pageant stage. It's such. It's so fun and I don't know, I think nothing can compare to the feeling of being on the stage.

[Lisa Opie]

It's so true. Do you get nervous?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I think everyone gets nervous. Of course it's a little bit. But I kind of like use it as fuel.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. The adrenaline and they get more excitement.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Excitement. It's just a mixture of so many emotions and you just have to focus on the positive ones and do your best.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. That's good advice. Beach vacation or city adventure?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Probably beach vacation. I really love the beach. And especially in Aston, you can't really. It's like the weather isn't like tan, beachy. So coming like here I can go to the beach. It's so pretty.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. And in Miami you have both. It's the city and the beautiful beach. Coffee or tea?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Oh, I'm a coffee person. I worked as a barista. For a few years and still do. So coffee all the way.

[Lisa Opie]

What's your favorite coffee? What's your order?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Probably espresso macchiato, but sometimes I do flat white. Okay. Regular milk?

[Lisa Opie]

Regular milk? No, like, syrups. Like vanilla or caramel?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Not really. If I'm in a great mood. Want something sweet? I do vanilla, but otherwise it's just regular.

[Lisa Opie]

I always do, like, a fairy drink. I put everything in there. But I find that in the States.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

When I go to, like, Starbucks, I try, like, fun drinks. But usually when I'm back home, it's more classic.

[Lisa Opie]

It's more serious. She means business. Texting or phone calls?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Phone calls all the way.

[Lisa Opie]

Really?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I feel like you can connect way better with a person. And it's like, if it's short text messages, I don't mind, but phone calls all the way.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

And I feel personal. Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

And you get everything done faster.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Exactly.

[Lisa Opie]

Hosting or attending an event?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Probably attending.

[Lisa Opie]

Love that. Netflix or reading a book?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I have to say Netflix There.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. What's your favorite show right now?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I've currently been watching you the last season and I completely hooked on it.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. I need to start.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

But a good book is always nice.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. Summer or winter?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I'm so in the between both. I like summer. It's beautiful and stuff. But winter in Iceland is like a fairy tale with the snow and everything. And you can, like, cuddle up and be cozy with that with, like, a comforter and stuff. That sounds so pretty.

[Lisa Opie]

Is there always snow on the ground, like, all winter?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Usually, yes.

[Lisa Opie]

I love snow. I do like snow. I think I'm a winter person. Don't think I'm weird.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I love that. But the summer and the snow sun is amazing as well.

[Lisa Opie]

That's true. Sweet or savory?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Probably sweet, I think. Okay.

[Lisa Opie]

Do you like to work solo or collaborate with a team?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Probably collaborating. I think you can do, like, spectacular things when a lot of people get together.

[Lisa Opie]

Would you rather speak to your younger self or your future self?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Thank the younger self.

[Lisa Opie]

What would you say?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I would probably tell her to not be afraid and just try your best to do your best.

[Lisa Opie]

And what if you were talking to your future self? What would you say?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

I don't know. I would like to know, like, what she does and stuff. But I will know that eventually. Like, you can't really control the future and whatever happens will happen.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. So what are you doing between now and Miss Universe? I know you're prepping, but any, like, key moments that you're looking forward to?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

The road trip now, like, preparing my wardrobe and getting my headshots done, and this is probably, like, the most important thing. And then I go back home to Iceland, and it will be full of practices, walking practices, interview and everything.

[Lisa Opie]

Do you do a lot of appearances, too, in Iceland?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

A few, yes. But we still have a lot of things unplanned and figuring out what we want to do.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. Well, thank you so much for coming on. I had so much fun getting to know you. I love the Miss Universe Iceland queens. You guys are so nice and so pretty.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Thank you so much for having me. Amazing.

[Lisa Opie]

Of course. And where can our audience follow you on social media?

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

So it's hello and then oc or miss iceland.org o r g. Awesome.

[Lisa Opie]

Thank you so much.

[Helena Haftorstoftesch o'Connor]

Thank you so much. Yay.