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When 23-year-old Hellen Dausen was crowned Miss Universe 2010(Tanzania) in that glamorous event this past May, nobody was really surprised. In fact, many would have questioned if she hadn’t won. She had impressed the judges and the audience with her confidence on stage, creativity, quick wits and above all, her looks. In short, she had all it took to win.
She has been described by some of the “insiders” of the world of beauty and modelling as the beauty with an incredible bone structure. To that, I could add; she is also confident, charming and knowledgeable.
Standing at 5′7″, Hellen is more than ready to represent Tanzania in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on 23rd August 2010. This will be the 59th edition of the pageant.
Recently, she took a break out of her busy schedule to talk to us. In this exclusive interview, she shares her views on a number of subjects including her success, her inner worlds, her preparations for the upcoming globally watched event and many more. Here is the full interview;
BC: Hellen, Congratulations for winning the Miss Universe Tanzania 2010 title. Welcome to BongoCelebrity. How are you?
HD: Thank you very much; I am more than fine and doing great so far.
BC: How does it feel or rather how did it feel to be crowned Miss Universe Tanzania 2010?
HD: I felt so great that day. I think great doesn’t describe it well…lemme look for another juicy word and will get back to that ha ha ha!
You know; when Maria Sarungi (the National Director for Miss Universe Tanzania) was announcing the runners-up and it was time to announce the winner of the title, she asked the crowd who they think should win…..and almost everyone stood up, hands up and screamed HELLEN!!!! Ha ha ha I almost ran off the stage. It was Amazing!
BC: Can you name the 3 qualities in you, which you think were /are important in grabbing the Miss Universe Tanzania 2010 title?
HD: Oooh yeah!!!
- Intelligence
- Hardwork
- Beauty and stage presence (ok that’s four!)
BC: People may define you in many ways. What matters most is how you define yourself. Do you agree with that sentence? If yes, how do you define yourself? Who is Hellen Dausen?
HD: Most definitely, I agree with that. And there is another saying that goes: “People may call you many names but what matters is which name you answer to”
I am a very strong, optimistic, smart woman I work so hard for anything I need. I am a Go-GETTER. I get what I want and when I want it ha ha ha ha ha , surprised huh? But that’s me!
I believe nothing comes easy and free, you really have to fight for it. Someone can do something for you or push you to do something but one needs to have inner motivation to succeed.
I am a very prayerful person. I pray all the time. I talk to God every minute. In this industry as much as one has talent, you need a bit of luck and definitely you need God too!
I love taking risks too and being out of my comfort zone once in a while and do something new and different.
I have a kind heart. I like helping people who are in need. And most of the times people mistake my kindness for weakness, that’s so wrong!
BC: I have read somewhere that you became a model by chance rather than by choice. Can you tell me how did that happen?
HD: Ooh yeah! One day I was at the beach with friends, and two ladies from a prominent magazine here in Tanzania asked me if I could be a model and take some pictures to appear in the magazine. They asked me to go to their offices and take some test shots and I said “Yes” because saying “No” was not gonna look good. When they left I turned to my friends and was like, who is a model??
Since then I started following up and started watching Fashion TV and buying magazines. That is how I developed my passion!
BC: When someone wins something as meaningful as the Miss Universe Tanzania title, a couple of things in their lives will most likely change. In your case, have you experienced any “change” in your life so far? If yes, how are you adjusting to it?
HD: Ooh Yeah! My life has changed in many ways; I have an image to protect and my personality too. Now I no longer think of myself only in many things that I do. I often have to think about the people around me and how they think of me. I think that’s expected in this case.
The attention I get whenever I get to some place is shocking at times. You know one day you are no one and the next day you wake up everyone knows who you are. LOL it’s strange at times.
But at the end of the day I have to be me, and it’s not that bad!
BC: As human, we sometimes have best moments and sometimes worst moments. Have you ever had a situation you’d label as “the worst moment in your life?” If yes, how did you overcome it?
HD: Yes! I have two worst moments in my Life, and it brings tears to my eyes and so much pain when I think of them. You can never question God or blame him for anything.
But I always look on the brighter side of the day. I believe things happen for reasons beyond our knowledge and I keep praying to God to keep me strong to go through the days.
I just leave things the way they are and live my life. Because I believe “The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside of us while we still live” (Norman Cousins)
And I can’t let anything in me die while I still live, not my faith, not my hope, not my dreams, not my goal because of these worst moments. That would be tragic!
BC: A lot of people say that Tanzania has had limited success in international beauty pageants because most of our contestants do not have a good command of the English language. Do you agree with them? If not, why?
HD: I strongly disagree with them. As you can see, many contestants who do not come from English speaking countries take part in these pageants and they take top positions and sometimes even win. It is my understanding that even last year’s winner of Miss Universe – Stephanie from Venezuela had to learn English AFTER she won the crown.
At the competition all they do is speak their language and they have a translator to do the talking in English. Although Swahili has not become widely accepted as an international language yet at many international forums but regardless of this, we Tanzanians, know enough English to communicate. It is a matter of confidence.
We should stop using English language as the barrier to success in international pageants and start polishing the queens on other aspects that matter the most!
BC: On the same subject of language, some have even proposed that contestants like you(from Tanzania) should start using Swahili instead of English when you go to the world stage and have a translator work with you. What is your opinion?
HD: Ha ha ha ha : If I am able to speak English then I think it’s a better idea to speak it because there are some gestures and facial expression that comes in handy with the message that I will be making that the translator would not be able to apply.
But if I were not able to speak English then I could have a translator work it for me, because I would have no choice at all, but Swahili is still regarded as ‘exotic’. I don’t think that beauty pageants is where this issue should be taken up, it first start at international forums and conferences where it can be a political statement.
Speaking another language does not deprive you of your identity at all that’s one thing people should know.
BC: Who is your role model and why? Is that the same person you’d say you admire most?
HD: My mom, she is a very strong and smart woman. She has always been there for me and all my other siblings. She has had the toughest experience in her life. She almost lost it all but the way she stood up and started to gather one piece after the other was amazing. I totally admire her! She is the best!
BC: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
HD: Wow Five years from now: Well I would have handed over my Miss Universe 2010 crown after living a year in New York at Trump apartments LOL! I will be involved in a lot of charity work and may be have an orphanage center also doing a lot of Modeling. That’s my passion.
BC: I have few things that I can’t imagine living without. One of them is my family. If I ask you to name three (3) things you can’t imagine living without, what would they be?
HD: The would be;
- God
- My Family
- My identity
BC: How are you preparing yourself for the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant? What message do you have for Tanzanians?
HD: So far the preparation is good; my manager Maria Sarungi keeps me up to date on any latest information she gets.
I go to the gym everyday; to perfect my body, I practice my stage walking skills (T catwalk) and I get to do fashion shows which help me to be more confident with the crowd.
I practise my communication skills and also have been reading a lot of literature on my country. I am grateful I have a wonderful Manager and a good team behind me. I am just lucky.
My fellow Tanzanians: I hope you have started praying for our victory this time! I believe things will be good and whenever you can, log in to the Miss Universe website and leave your comments and vote once the voting starts. Mungu Ibariki Afrika, Mungu Ibariki Tanzania.
BC: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know? Or any beauty secret you’d like to share with our readers?
HD: Have got a lot of that.
Beauty secret: Eat well, exercise every day, sleep not less than 8 hours, drink a lot of water and take fruits daily.
Ladies: never forget to cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin everyday of your life.
And have a day to relax, and visit a spa when you can or go to the beach.
Keep a positive attitude and surround yourself with positive people.
Sometimes Life is Not as Hard as we make it, you just have to know when and how to turn things around!
BC: Thank you for your time Hellen. You have my utmost support and I wish you all the best.
HD: The pleasure is mine. You are most welcome!!
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24 Responses to “ONE-ON-ONE WITH HELLEN DAUSEN,MISS UNIVERSE TANZANIA 2010.”
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BC japo mimi sio mpenzi wa maonyesho ya ‘U-miss’ kwakweli huwa naona kuna a lot of professionalism katika Miss Universe Tanzania kuliko Miss Tanzania. Hivi ni kwanini serikali au yeyote anayehusika wasimpe huyu bibie Maria Sarungi hii Miss Tanzania ili ainue vipaji vya hawa kina dada na kuondoa uhuni uliotapakaa kwenye Miss Tanzania ya akina Hashim Lundenga. Tangu nipo shule ya msingi namsikia Lundenga na kamati yake wakisema wanataka kuleta heshima kwenye hayo mashindano na mpaka leo hakuna mabadiliko. HEbu waachieni wanawake wasimamie mambo yao jamani.
Kwa kweli Tanzania bado tupo nyuma kwenye maswala ya urembo.
Kwa kweli Tanzania bado tupo nyuma kwenye maswala ya urembo. Madada zetu wanaoingia kwenye haya mashindano wanahitaji kuwa brushed a bit.Beauty, Intelligence, great personality ni vitu muhimu katika haya mashindano. Qualities ambazo most of our sisters are missing.Na wale wenye hizi qualities si rahisi kuwashawishi wafanye mashindano kama haya. Kwa jinsi nionavyo matokeo yetu we still have long way to go. Lakini tutafika tu.
HI HELLEN,
UNATISHA WANGU, YAANI WEWE NI BALAA. MIMI SI MFUATILIAJI SANA WA MASHINDANO YA UREMBO LKN HUWA NAPENDA SANA KUSOMA HABARI ZA WATU WALIOFANIKIWA HATA KAMA NI WAMEFANIKIWA KIDOGO, KWANI HUWA NAAMINI YEYOTE ALIYEFANIKIWA KUNA MAMBO ANAYOYAJUA AMBAYO MIMI SIYAJUI, HIVYO HUWA NAPENDA SANA KUSOMA INTERVIEWS MBALIMBALI NIKIONA ANAYEULIZWA ANAJUA ANACHOKISEMA. FOR REAL AM VERY IMPRESSED BY YOU HELLEN, WEWE UNATISHA NA IF GOD WISH UTAFIKA MBALI.
NAUNGANA NA KAMANZI MCHANGIAJI WA JUU, KWAKWELI IFIKE MUDA MARIA SARUNGI APEWE NAFASI, KWANI TUNAONA JAPO FRAVIANA MATATA ANAVYOFANYA NA ANAVYOIPEPERUSHA BENDERA YA NCHI YETU, LKN SIO SIRI TOKEA TUMEZALIWA HAWA MISS TANZANIA WANATUZINGUA TU HAKUNA YEYETO UKITOA NANCY SUMARI ALIYEFIKA MBALI NA AMBAYE MPAKA LEO ANAKWENDA MBALI ZAIDI, YAANI NI UJANJA UJANJA TU.
HELLEN MISS UNIVERSE NI MASHINDANO YA DONARLD TRUMP, DONARLD TRUMP NI MENTOR WANGU, I DO INSPIRE THE GUY VERY MUCH, TRUMP IS VERY STRONG GURU IN BUSINESS THE GUY IS MORE THAN YOU THING. KTK KUSOMA KWAKO MSOME TRUMP NA MAISHA YAKE YOU WILL GAIN SOMETHING ELSE. I HAVE LOTS OF ARTICLES AND VIDEO CRIPS OF TRUMP IF YOU LIKE I MAY SHARE WITH YOU. YOU MAY REACH ME THROUGH muddynice20@gmail.com KEEP IT UP UTAFIKA MBALI SINCE YOUR VERY TALENTED HALLEN.
MUDDY
hi Hellen, i so much advocate with what u a have drafted about yourself u were my school mate and was very kind an loving person u are cherished forever .. kip the gud job thumbs up 4 u,…. u are a star****
I LOVE THIS GIRL!! GO GIRL I SHOULD THINK UR THE MOST SMARTEST MODEL TANZANIA HAS YET TO ENCOUNTER!! ITS YOUR WHOLE PACKAGE OF BRAINS AND BEAUTY PLUS THAT SPICY CONFIDENCE OF YOURS THAT WILL SURE GET YOU THE CROWN!!! LOVE U ALWAYS!!!
tho a Kenyan,I’ll still pray and wish you the best in the forth coming beauty pageant(universe), your endeavors and may your dreams and desires come true. I agree with you that one may be called many names but what matters is the one she or he responds to.HELLEN,its always great seeing you come to the gym and leave rejuvenated,love your personality, attitude,and the great heart, keep it up and God unite Africa.
The interview was amazing.I think Hellen has the potential and will make Tanzania Proud.God bless u girl.
not much to say , but u are dreaming and u have what it takes to make it come true, eddi mag
I’m very proud of u bby gal!Keep doing ur thng n brng hme th crwn lyk i knw u will!
Kusema ukweli kabisa Helen sio mzuri kihivyo kama mtu umeshakuwa na exposure ya wasichana wazuri.Ni msichana wa kawaida tu, mwenye uzuri wa kiasi lakini anayo determination na akili kwa binti wa miaka 23.
Congrats my dear Hellen!i wsh u ol d bst thru out the way n am prayn tht God does smthn beyond measures n yo xpectations!u r soo intelligent,u hv a gud choice f wrds,brilliant method of answering qns….wow!u hv a perfect persinality!am so proud f u my x-xul mate!m wt u in pryrz…u wont let Tanzanians down i blv!!xoxoxo
Nakubaliana na wewe Mwamba, I can’t feel the vibes yet. Body kidogo imeenda shule, lakini uso mvuto zero au vipi bwana.
Dear Hellen,
One advise I would like to give you is to be down to earth no matter what. People do always fall for humble human beings.
Maan….its lovely to c u this far..am proud of u and this is Gods Blessing..keep it up and remember how we used to do it….practice is always perfect!!!Jah Love…
Hellen, you are one extraordinary woman who has got so much potential and so much opportunities awaiting for you in the future. You have what it takes, you are indeed one of a kind.
Keep doing what you do best, Putting God first, acknowledging the presence of your family support and true friends around you, you shall always remain blessed.
Like i have always told you, you are on your way my dear, and this is only the beginning.
Proud of you jirani.
Good interview Jeff keep the good work up.
keep it up girl!!
upo poa Mungu akusaidie. all the best watu wengine hatujuagi hata kama hayo mashindano hua yapo……
wow! One word, exquisite. You have truely marveled all of us (family). You are this cake that has all the ingredients, perfectly mixed, which are difficulty to find. The sensational beauty, incredible talent, and guess what is the icing, exceptional intelligence. A cake with such a caliber is almost impossible to find, but you are it. We all wish you all the best and continue to love, honor, and respect those who brought you to this world, keep you in this world, raise you, educate you, discover special talent in you, gave you the chance, told you that you can, continue letting you leave your dream, accept you, encourage you, genuinely scolding you to make you better, and God will continue to bless you even more. Be fantastically you all the time and all will be well. God bless you. Love sis Vi.
let’s wait and see, mi chichemi kitu.
Mamaaa upo juu
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cn’t beliv i came to knw that she wz the MU of Tz 2010 in this year, actually after kumuona kwenye babkubwa magazine which wz jct yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nywyz she z nyc vp alishinda au???