Lily Ahonen is a nurse and foster parent in the specialized foster care program, caring for medically fragile children. She also holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology. She loves to travel and has been to over 40 countries. Lily enjoys activities like running with bulls, car racing, rappelling down buildings for charity, and skydiving. She loves flying and has finished half of her private pilot’s license.
Lily is Ms. Calgary 2021, Ms. CosmoGlobe 2021 and Ms. Western Provinces North America 2021.
She is the programs manager for APAR Initiative, a program that helps youth to develop STEM and leadership capabilities, and an ambassador for Gems for Gems, an organization that assists survivors of domestic violence. She has volunteered with many other organizations such as Love with Humanity Association, Calgary Immigrant Support Society, Engineers Without Borders, One Woman, Kinettes, and more. She is a sustainer member of the Junior League of Calgary.
She is an author in a compilation book which was published in July 2020. She has spoken on podcasts and televised interviews. She is the recipient of the Life Changing Humanitarian Award from the True Beauty Foundation in 2019. She is a living organ donor, having donated her kidney to a childhood friend in August 2019 and an advocate for organ donation.
Lily is an actor and model. She has been in many movies, (including Bollywood film “Sanam Re”), commercials, TV shows and a music video. She has been a hair model, has been in local runway shows and will be walking in NYFW in 2022. Lily is also an internationally certified make-up artist and is currently working on launching her line of cosmetics, called “Marigold Beauty”.
Q: If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people who believe in you, and your goals and dreams. Support is critical to building confidence. Be your true authentic self, rather than trying to please others.
Q: What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?
My goal is to launch my cosmetics company in 2022. Marigold Beauty is targeted towards the pre-teen age group. I am an internationally certified make-up artist and this is something that I have wanted to do for many years. I am so excited to start a business that will not only provide a fun experience, but also give back to the community. We will donate a portion of proceeds to organizations that help with issues that matter to young people, while bringing awareness to these issues and providing information on resources.
Q: Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
My mantra is to never give up. Failure is a normal part of life and we can always get back up and try again. It’s never too late to start over and pursue your dreams. Sometimes it takes a few tries, and that’s okay.
Q: What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
My daughter motivates me in everything that I do. I want to be a good role model for her, and show her what’s possible with hard work and dedication. I want her to see someone who lives life to the fullest; someone who follows her dreams, even with the possibility of failure.
Q: What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work?
I am a nurse, a volunteer and a makeup artist. My main priority in life is to help people. I love to make people feel beautiful; both the inner and outer beauty. I want to be an advocate and a support to others. I want to connect people and build community.
Instagram: @blondvagabond
Facebook: Lily Ahonen
