Miss Represented Podcast: Episode 49 Summary Guest: Sóldís Vala, Miss Universe Iceland
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Host: Lisa Opie

Introduction

In Episode 49 of the Miss Represented Podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes Sóldís Vala, the newly crowned Miss Universe Iceland. The episode delves into Sóldís's journey from Iceland to the United States, her experiences as a young titleholder, her passion for promoting mental health, and her aspirations both within and beyond the pageant world.

Journey to the United States

Arrival and First Impressions
Sóldís shares her initial experiences upon arriving in the United States two days prior to the interview.

• Adjusting to the Climate:
  "I love the weather here. It's hot, but it's not like so hot. But I like the warmth here because it's kind of cold in Iceland right now though." (00:47)

Flight Amidst a Hurricane
Sóldís recounts the challenging flight experience during a hurricane, highlighting her ability to remain calm.

• Handling Turbulence:
  "It was kind of scary because there were some shaking in the plane. But only for like a couple of minutes. But I slept through most of the flight so it was okay." (01:40)

• Perspective on Turbulence:
  "You have to think like, it's just like driving in a car, like a little speedball." (02:03)

Life After Being Crowned Miss Universe Iceland

Immediate Activities and Preparations
Since winning the title on August 14th, Sóldís has been actively preparing for Miss Universe.

• Wardrobe Enhancements:
  "I have been to a dress boutique store and found two dresses that will add to my Miss Universe wardrobe." (00:47)

• Upcoming Plans:
  "I am going to West Virginia tomorrow and going to all of Oliveirios boutique, and there I'm going to find my competition dress." (03:07)

Photo Shoots and Wardrobe Choices
Discussing recent photoshoots and her preferences for competition attire.

• Color Choices:
  "I really want red color. Yes. I want to, like, go a little bit, like, out of the comfort zone." (03:22)

• National Costume and Pink Theme:
  "Today we were shooting for a Lady Code with the Code Creatives, and every single look was, like, pink." (03:53)

Promoting Mental Health through Sports

Personal Connection to Sports and Mental Health
Sóldís opens up about her own experiences with trauma and how sports became her sanctuary.

• Finding Peace in Sports:
  "I always felt like a relief and some peace when I was on the football field." (04:17)

Advocacy for Accessible Sports in Iceland
Highlighting her mission to make sports accessible to children, especially those dealing with mental health issues.

• Community Efforts:
  "I think it's so important for children to play sports, and not every parent can afford that. So I want to focus on helping children to exercise without, like, resources." (04:17)

Mental Health Challenges in Iceland
Discussing the prevalent issues of depression and isolation in Iceland due to its climate and geography.

• Addressing Winter Depression:
  "It's such an isolated country and it's like... dark and it's some. And it's sometimes hard, like, for some people in the winter, you get like, winter depression or something." (05:46)

Motivation and Goals in Pageantry

Inspiration to Compete
Sóldís shares her motivations for entering the Miss Universe competition, drawing inspiration from past titleholders.

• Role Models:
  "I looked up to many of the women that were competing... She stood up for herself... It's so much more than just how you look." (07:55)

Desire to Make an Impact
Expressing her ambition to make a significant difference in the world through her platform.

• Future Aspirations:
  "I have good insight on what I want to bring to the world... This is a really good platform to begin with." (08:38)

Breaking Age Stereotypes
As the youngest contestant, Sóldís discusses overcoming perceptions related to her age.

• Defying Age Expectations:
  "I want to show that age doesn't define capability. And you can do whatever you want even though you're young or older." (09:37)

Balancing Responsibilities and Mental Health

Managing the Demands of Pageantry
Sóldís talks about the intense schedule and how she maintains her mental well-being amidst the chaos.

• Staying Positive:
  "I'm just trying to think that everything happens for a reason, and I just try to do my best." (11:34)

• Endurance and Practice:
  "This has been a really long day. But I feel great. I had such a fun time." (02:44)
  "It's just a good practice for the competition." (11:54)

Future Plans

Educational and Career Aspirations
Sóldís outlines her plans beyond the Miss Universe competition, emphasizing education and diverse career goals.

• Academic Goals:
  "I'm still finishing. I have one year left in high school. I want to go to college." (14:55)

• Aspirations to Become a Pilot:
  "I want to learn to be a pilot. I want to go to school to go." (15:08)

• Embracing Multiple Dreams:
  "I want to be everything that you want to." (15:37)

Global Impact and Cultural Exchange
Her desire to travel, understand different cultures, and inspire children globally.

• Connecting with Children Worldwide:
  "I want to speak to children all around the world and just because... I want to inspire children to find themselves." (10:17)

Advice to Young Listeners

Message of Perseverance and Self-Belief
Sóldís offers heartfelt advice to younger audiences facing challenges.

• Encouragement:
  "Don't give up, because it will be okay. You will find your path to finding yourself." (14:16)

• Overcoming Negativity:
  "Stop thinking about what others think of you... block out all the negativity... stay with the people who love you." (16:14)

Sister Queens and the Pageant Community

Support System with Fellow Contestants
Discussing the camaraderie and support from fellow contestants, particularly her sister queen, Amelia.

• Travel Besties:
  "We are experiencing this all together, and it's so fun because we're travel besties." (17:13)

• Amelia's Role:
  "Amelia is starting to prepare herself now. She has a lot of time." (17:49)

Fun: This or That Segment

A lighthearted segment where Sóldís shares her preferences on various topics.

• Reels vs. TikTok:
  "I think I'm more in reels right now. They're so funny." (19:02)

• Shopping Online or In-Person:
  "I really like shopping online and get the surprise... But, yeah, shopping in person is also fun too." (19:44)

• Hair or Makeup:
  "Nothing beats a good hair day... but makeup, too. I'm going to say hair." (20:17)

• Platform Heels or Sandal Heels:
  "Platform heels... They have foam pads at the bottom so they're comfortable." (20:46)

• Europe or USA:
  "I love Europe... But in the USA, it's just like a whole another world for me." (21:29)

• Steak or Sushi:
  "Sushi. I love sushi. It's the best." (22:14)

• Road Trip or Fly:
  "Road trip because road tripping around Iceland, I love it." (22:32)

• Photo Shoot or Fashion Show:
  "Fashion show. I love the energy and the glam." (22:55)

• Crown or Sash:
  "Crown. I love my crown. It has like... it's so Icelandic." (23:29)

• Swimsuit or Gown:
  "Gown. I could not see myself in swimsuit." (23:47)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt appreciation between Sóldís and Lisa, highlighting Sóldís's resilience, dedication, and inspiring outlook on life and pageantry.

• Final Words:
  "I want people to stop thinking about what others think of you... just block out all the negativity." (16:14)
  "Thank you so much for having you. I had so much fun today." (24:53)

Follow Sóldís Vala

Stay connected with Sóldís Vala through her social media channels:

• Instagram: MissIceland.org
• TikTok: @Sultis_Ev (same as Instagram)

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 – 25:17

This detailed summary encapsulates Sóldís Vala's experiences, aspirations, and the insightful conversation with Lisa Opie, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the episode’s key themes and discussions.