My name is Dimitra Alex Markou, I am 23 years old and I am from the beautiful sunshine city of Bulawayo.
How did you get into beauty pageants/modeling?
I joined a friend for a casting in 2011 and unexpectedly ended up being cast as one of the main models for the fashion show. The experience was truly magical and I found myself in a dream industry, I couldn’t wait to do it all all again. I then signed to a local agency – ‘AM Model Management’ and continued my modeling journey alongside my studies and environmental work. In late 2012, I was approached to participate in the Miss Earth Zimbabwe pageant. The journey leading up to the night was remarkable as I found a way to merge my two passions and to create positive difference in Zimbabwe on a greater platform.
Who/what cant you live without?
My mom, as it has always been us two. She is my best friend and my superhero. Life wouldn’t be the same with our her.
The most important lesson has life taught you
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we all have the power to make a difference and an impact.
How would your friends and family describe you?
A spontaneous and adventurous spirit with a zest for life and love.
What are your favourite songs?
Scared to be lonely – Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa ( acoustic version )
ABBA – Dancing Queen ( all time favorite )
When are you happiest?
3am – when the world is quiet and I have a bottomless mug of coffee.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Growing up I went through a kaleidoscope of career choices and aspirations.
During my Grade 7 year, I was asked to write down what I wanted to be when I was older. I excitedly wrote a long list and was then told I could not do all these things and had to pick one. Disappointingly I explained, we have one life to live, best do it right and live it to the fullest. Still trying to conquer the list.
If you could give up anything for a year what would it be and why?
Social media.
Society has become so absorbed into a new technological and online bubble, that we tend to ignore what is really surrounding us. A detox would be good I reckon?
Just need to find the will-power.
What is your greatest achievement?
Winning the title of Miss Earth Zimbabwe 2012 and representing our country in the 3rd largest international pageant where I then received 3 awards amongst the 84 delegates.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Coffee. Enough said.
What are you most fond of about being Zimbabwean?
Zimbabwe has truly stolen my heart. I recently graduated and moved back home after 3 years. One thing I was most excited about returning to was the people. I have never met such happy, soulful individuals in my life. Regardless of any negativity or constriction.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to be models/beauty pageants?
Do it with passion and grace and you will never be disappointed.
We all start somewhere.
How would you like to be remembered?
The girl that overcame obstacles with passion and enthusiasm to make a difference.
Social Media
Instagram – @dimitraalexx
Twitter – @dimitraalexx
