My name is Nicole Aliou Compañ, I am 22 years old and I have been living in Madrid for almost a year now, although I was born and raised in Valencia, Spain. My mother is Spanish and my father is Beninese.

When I was 7 years old, I moved to Colombia for four years with my mother and, at the time, her husband, who was Colombian. That stage of my life had a profound impact on me because it allowed me to grow up in a diverse and multicultural environment. It gave me an open-minded perspective of the world and helped me develop a strong ability to adapt. At the age of 11, I returned to Spain.

When I turned 16, I studied aesthetics for two years, but little by little I discovered that my true passion lies in the world of fashion. I am currently signed with a modeling agency, and in addition, I am training independently in different areas of this industry, as my goal is to dedicate myself to it professionally.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, attending fashion events and exhibitions, and I also love to travel. At the same time, I have a more reflective side: I am passionate about physics and astronomy because they remind me of the immensity of the universe and the incredible fact of our very existence.

When did your interest in modeling begin?

My interest in modeling has always been a part of me, so I cannot pinpoint a specific beginning. I have always been passionate about watching models on the runway and observing how they conveyed so much style, confidence, power, and personality. Over time, I realized that I wanted to be part of that world.

Every time I participate in a modeling project, it feels like a journey within myself, because it allows me to discover new facets of who I am and to work on my emotions.

Is there a moment in your life that has marked you especially?

I have experienced several meaningful moments, but the one that left the deepest mark on me, teaching me a great life lesson, was having to start from scratch and build my own path on my own after going through traumatic experiences. This made me realize that the fear I felt was not my enemy but my ally. We all have the power to decide what to do with the fear that paralyzes us—whether to face it and act, or to remain waiting.

What advice would you like to share with the other participants?

My advice to the other candidates is that, although this is a competition, the truly beautiful part is enjoying every moment of this preparation process and the incredible experience we will live. It is essential to always remain authentic and true to who we are. The crown is incredible, but what will stay with us forever are the lessons and memories we create along the way.