MOA SANDBERG TALKS MISS UNIVERSE SWEDEN

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

You are officially this year's Miss Universe Sweden. What went through your mind as you stood there, glitter falling over you, and you hear your own name?

Wow, it was quite a tense, tingling, wonderful, feeling throughout my whole body. Like running a marathon and actually crossing the finish line, tears were streaming from happiness! My whole life felt so crucial in just the few minutes until I heard my name. I took part in beauty pageants at an early age but put it on hold for seven years to focus on a sustainable career for the future. But with each year that passed it stayed in the back of my mind that, "You can take the title if you want", and this was what I wanted to do this year. My future is about people and this title was and is the cherry on top, for me to be able to reach out to the people I want to connect with.

How long have you been modeling, when did you model for the very first time?

My very first job was when I was seventeen years old, I was scouted by Stockholms-gruppen and Mikas when I was fourteen, but I never dared to make contact because I was so shy. But puberty and all the traveling did their thing and I blossomed! So I started in the beauty-industry where I went straight to the pageon finals and took home the wins, which later transitioned into high fashion-modeling at the age of twenty when I wanted to make the industry my primary career.

Are you with any agencies now or is that door currently open?

That door is nicely ajar! I want to collaborate with the right people since beauty and high fashion are two completely different genres, so it has felt good not to feel tied down as I obviously always have different projects going on (laughs).

It's worth mentioning you're not only Miss Universe Sweden but also this year's Miss Personality Sweden. It’s often been said that true beauty comes from within, but you seem to be beautiful inside-out?

Beauty, to me, is daring to be yourself, it is one of the most beautiful things I know, to come to terms with yourself, with your highs and lows. To know your purpose in your own life, to dare to invest in your hobby and take initiative with the knowledge you have. To dare to question and dare to help others. We are all unique in our own ways, and the day you are no longer ashamed of that you’ve conquered life itself! I think that is why I am standing here today after eczema, psoriasis, severe dyslexia, and I have been called a hippie because of my hobbies and philosophies, having overcome all that is something I am extremely proud of today!

You weren't always as confident showing the world who you are?

Oh, no absolutely not! I was extremely shy as a child, speaking up in class was pure hell I remember. Then about three years ago I dared for the first time to wear a tank top during a severe flare-up of my skin condition. So, I’ve really grown to become confident, in what I once saw as "shame" or this question I had about myself, "Why am I so different?". I’ve never felt as secure in myself as I do today.

How is it navigating the modeling world while admittedly still being on the introverted side. In your case, we’re talking about a long and successful international career, with appearances on catwalks in famously intense fashion cities like Milan and Dubai. Do you actually find it easier navigating those larger settings, feeling more at ease than in smaller, more intimate, ones?

That is absolutely true. I'm more introverted than extroverted. I do not really see it as a hindrance in my career since I have never been the type who seeks attention, what can feel conflicting though is when, for example, you’ve received a nice invitation to the opening of Michael Kors and Milan Fashion Week, where it’s a full crowd of mingling people. Then I’d rather stand with people I know having deep, interesting conversations than small talk with someone I don’t know. If I’ve been booked for a big job with a team of eighteen people I can speak up and be completely center-stage while a stranger on the train can't become my best friend. Now with the next crowning coming up I will be coaching and leading a whole group which I am really looking forward to. If it were another context I think I would retreat like a little snail! (laughs) So to sum up the topic Miss Universe broadcast live worldwide with 2.7 million viewers is not a problem, but mingling and taking space anywhere else is a no thank you! (laughs) Now I am laughing a bit at myself, this is a little weird, isn’t it.

It is tradition for last year’s winner to return as the host of the event the following year. How do you feel about the idea of stepping into that role next year, being on stage and leading the show. Would all that be within your comfort zone?

It’ll definitely be a challenge, since I haven’t done it before, as long as it’s not a classroom and is a big presentation, I think I can manage it with a breeze! I like personal challenges and I see hosting as something beautiful, since it'll be the last thing I do under my crown.

Representing Sweden, what would you say are the best things about us, what is it the rest of the world shouldn’t miss out on?

Miss Universe is definitely a platform that brings nations together through our roots, and as our representative I've really pointed out and highlighted what we Swedes might take a bit for granted! I’ve proudly presented our nation as a highly privileged country that has come far on many fronts. Sweden has a high-quality standard of living while also having well-educated people thanks to our government. Which are really the foundation of a sustainable nation. Our sustainability in both education and the support we receive in specific situations, like study techniques, and that we don’t incur massive debt if we need emergency surgery, many countries do not have this access and you could put yourself or your loved ones in debt for life! Our gender-equal Sweden has also shaped us as people, as we know how to care for one another and the environment. If we see a dog on the loose our first thought is "Where’s the owner!?" which many of my pageant sisters were surprised by! It’s a freedom to be able to open the window in the morning and just breathe fresh clean air and hear birds chirping. Unless there’s a snowstorm.

Had you been to Israel before competing?

I had never been to Israel before, and I must say, what a welcome! Before departure, I even got to meet our Swedish Ambassador to Israel, Novo Kulman, who held the event 'Army of Lovers in the Holy Land'. I got an insight into Israel’s history and mentality. It was a good opportunity for me to spend more time with people who actually grew up in the country itself. I had tons of questions for everyone, and my excitement was through the roof to soon thereafter getting to experience the country for myself. Though since I had packed days including quarantine time down in Israel, unfortunately I didn’t get to see or experience that much, but the little I saw along with my solo one-day trip has put Israel high up on my list.

What did you do?

I went snorkeling, saw dolphins, I did morning yoga on the beach and I floated in the Dead Sea, I never thought floating could be so fun! I actually looked at hotels and flight tickets to stay for two more weeks to fulfill my goal of getting my diving-certificate. Unfortunately, it did not go through so you will see me there again soon with extra food, nature, local people and lots of fish.

You've worked very closely with fashion designer Aviad Herman and of course his partner Sarit for the Swedish themed dress?

The wonderful Aviad and Sarit, what a dream team! This national costume is a royal tribute to our beloved kingdom. It honours our diplomatic relationship between Sweden and Israel which turns seventy years this year, and also marks the 70th Miss Universe World competition! It is heavenly blue with a trailing yellow cross down the back, and with a crown on the head and a nice brooch with a portrait of our young king placed on the left boob, that's an actual memorable quote from Aviad when I joyfully tried on the costume for the first time, "Moa, when you talk about your costume please say that you will have your king on your heart, not on your boob!", to which I responded, "Hmm, good point"!

Does the finals work very similar to how the competition work back home. Do you compete with that one dress or do you go through many different categories?

The Miss Universe competition works just like it does at home only more advanced and intense! You are in another country for two weeks, sometimes a month, together with all the other nations while a jury is with us all the time during different activities and press conferences. There are interviews and quite a bit of training ahead of the big manifestation that is the final day. You get a roommate who is usually someone geographically close to your own country and a "supervisor" who helps you stay organized. This year it was Top fifteen which was then cut down to Top ten. Then down to Top five, Top three, and finally the winner was crowned!

How have you found the experience of being Miss Universe Sweden, especially during those first few weeks, which I understand can be hectic?

Oh I hardly knew my own name those first few weeks! (Laughs) I had one month to prepare, a lot was at stake so I just had to sit down and list all the must-dos with full focus, everything that wasn’t on the list simply had to wait, then it was just to pack the bag and go to represent my country! My time as queen so far has been overwhelming and it is only now I am starting to reflect and feel comfortable with what has happened, and the time ahead, it’s been fun, intense, and above all educational weeks and months. Now it feels like I am swimming on my own, with all the knowledge to be able to deliver the year in full holding my crown in my hand. I feel great today, and feel both powerful and proud at the same time, I'm now happy to be able to influence and inspire others for the better!

Did you never feel nervous at all, or did you not have time to be?

(Laughs) I sure did! I was so nervous during the Sweden finals it was almost painful. The minutes before the first two entrances were shaky, but then everything let go when it was time for Top five. What was absolutely nerve-wracking were all the thoughts and feelings flying around. It felt like all those years of experience, both professionally and personally, were coming to a close. This is it, this is the final exam. I last competed in 2014. Now, it had been years of constant thoughts that I could take home the big title if I wanted to, and suddenly I am standing there on stage!

What about during the world finals?

I didn’t feel a single nerve of nervousness which surprised me considering how the home final went, but also not really, I already felt like I had won the big picture and getting to experience this phenomenon is beyond anything I could be thankful for in my life. I told myself during the final night that no matter what happens tonight, the universe is with me, always. Then it was 3, 2, 1, "showtime". You go girl.