Marguerite Dieunie Kilama
Height: 5’10
Hometown: Laval, QC
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Marguerite Dieunie Kilama embodies the fusion of intellect, entrepreneurship, and multicultural vibrancy. Born in the rich cultural landscapes of Cameroon, she carried her zeal for learning across the ocean to Canada, where she chiseled her academic prowess and emerged as an entrepreneurial force. With a multi-lingual background in French, English, and Spanish, Marguerite navigates the global stage with an ease that belies her disciplined devotion to personal and professional excellence.
Marguerite’s academic odyssey is punctuated with stellar milestones. Honored on the dean’s list of excellence at the University of Montreal in 2012 and brandishing a Bachelor of Business Administration with honors from HEC Montréal in 2015, her scholarly efforts were recognized with a coveted tuition fee exemption scholarship from the Cameroon High Commission in Canada—an honor exclusively bestowed upon her for the Bachelor of Business Administration program of HEC Montreal in 2012.
An entrepreneurial spirit courses through her veins. In the span of 8 years, Marguerite has cultivated a thriving business trifecta, spanning wigs, fashion, and skincare, ascending to a triumphant 7-figure entrepreneur. Her sights are set on expanding her business empire, even as she inspires fellow dreamers to turn ambition into action. Not one to confine her talents, Marguerite has graced the film industry with her poise and presence in Olivier Godin’s “Les Arts de la Parole,” captivating audiences on Quebec’s silver screens. In the realm of fashion, she has brought life to catwalks, including the prestigious Black Expo Design festival, merging her love for style with the rhythm of the runway.
In the whirlwind of achievements, Marguerite grounds herself in the simple joys of life. Whether indulging her culinary skills to rival gourmet restaurants or gazing at the cosmos, her passions reflect a life lived with purpose and panache. Physical well-being harmonizes with her mental agility, finding a balance through regular pilates sessions.A woman of grace and grit, Marguerite holds steadfast to the principles of respect and humility. Shaped by her roots and siblings, she remains unfazed by the trappings of wealth, advocating for universal respect and equality. In her world, elegance in attire shines alongside the elegance of the soul. Marguerite Dieunie Kilama not only stands as a paragon for young women across the globe, but she also strides forward, a beacon of hope, intelligence, and relentless spirit, ready to inspire on the universal stage of Miss Universe Canada.
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Join Marguerite’s Journey
Support Marguerite Dieunie Kilama as she vies for the crown at Miss Universe Canada, where she will bring her multifaceted brilliance and compassionate conviction to the forefront. #TeamMarguerite #MissUniverseCanada
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I have so many interests! I love fashion, being well dressed all the time is so satisfying. I love anything beauty related especially skincare. That’s why I created my own skincare cosmetics brand, it’s very important to feel beautiful even when you don’t wear make up so skincare is a must. I love cooking, I like to challenge myself to cook meals at home, in a fine restaurant-style, with beautiful decoration. I enjoy watching astronomy or nature documentaries on TV. I would rather watch a documentary than a movie, a show or reality-tv show. I think it’s because I love learning. It’s almost as if I stop learning, my spirit dies. I love working out, I started Pilates a year ago and I absolutely love it! It made me have more balance and flexibility
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
Pilates
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Pilates
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My boyfriend, in 2 years of being together he made me realize my potential. I lacked true self confidence for the longest. I used to be very shy, afraid to speak up. But he made me realize that my path is truly out of the ordinary, one of a kind. He made me realize that I can be a true inspiration for others
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Definitely, building a 7 figure business. It was a dream of mine, I wanted to believe that I could achieve it. Then actually achieving it, still feels like a dream even though it is my reality now
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
Obtaining my tuition waiver scholarship in 2012. It is a scholarship program from the Cameroon High Commission in Canada which had been closed for 2 years before I applied. In fact, as a foreign student my tuition fees were around $16,000 per year but with this scholarship I paid $4,000 per year. Very few scholarships are awarded each year and I managed to get it on the first try. I had a GPA of 4.1/4.3 and I was the only student in the bachelor’s degree in business administration program at HEC Montreal in 2012 to obtain it. Without this scholarship I would never have been able to complete my studies because my parents had serious financial difficulties. I remember, I prayed every day for almost a year for this scholarship program to reopen, and finally God answered my prayer and I was able to apply for it
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition was to become an entrepreneur, to work for myself and create jobs for others. I had this dream of creating a business that I would be proud to get up for every morning. To be a boss that your employees would be proud to work for. So, in order to create it, I had to believe in myself. And let me tell you, everyone discouraged me especially when I resigned from the company I was working for. It wasn’t easy at all, I had no choice but to believe in myself, believe in my vision. And today it paid off because I’m living my dream, I’m living my dream life. So I plan to expand my business ventures and continue to grow my company.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
Thank God I a living my dream job, being an entrepreneur. Another thing I wish to do in this life, is to create a non profit organization to fund upcoming entrepreneurs and give them business advices, a form of mentorship. I never had a mentor in my life, I had to learn how to run a business myself, day by day. I believe I have so much teaching that can benefit others.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I grew up in a modest family with ups and downs. When I was born my father had a high position as general manager in an oil company in Cameroon. We were living in opulence at the time and then he was laid off. It was very difficult for all of us, the descent. We moved from a big house in a prestigious area of town (bonapriso) to a small apartment. Then few years later my father created his business, back to the top! He built a big house, was able to send my siblings and I to study in Canada. Before experiencing serious financial difficulties again. This is why I always wanted to create my own business so as not to see my life turned upside down overnight if I lost my job. Contrary to appearances, I am a person who is very careful with finances. I have been saving a lot since I was very little, even if I allow myself to live the life of my dreams, traveling, shopping etc now. I don’t take anything for granted and I always think about the future. My goal is to continue to live the life of my dreams for the rest of my life and build generational wealth. I am also very proud to be taking care of my family now.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I worked in the farm fields for a summer. Weeds had to be removed, and vegetables/fruits harvested. I preferred to do it rather than be supported by a rich man. In fact, before this job, I was recruited in a coffee shop as a barista. And very quickly the owner, a wealthy man, started to seduce me from the first week of work. It made me very uncomfortable, so after only 2 weeks of work I preferred to resign. I then looked for other jobs but couldn’t find any because I had just arrived in Canada. The only work I could find during my studies was in the farm fields. And I have never been afraid or ashamed to do this type of manual work, very difficult.
List any volunteering you have done.
I love volunteering, giving back to the community is very important for me.I believe that God uses some people to bless others. I have been living abroad for a little while and as expats we created a non profit organization called Force for Good. Every now and then we meet the local communities and bring gifts, supplies, we have activities like playing with kids, small football tournaments etc…
Also when I go back to Cameroon I like to visit orphanages, public schools, and bring them food, supplies. I even went to remote areas, in villages to bring toys, food, supplies and medication to population.
In Montreal, as Miss Cameroon Canada I worked with so many non profits organization, for example with “Les trempettes à Barrette” we gave food to homeless people in the streets. With another non profit organization in Montreal G12 we collected supplies for children in Africa. During one event I even hosted an art auction for the benefit of sick children in Africa.
What is your most unusual talent?
I eat very fast! I once won a food competition.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Visit the Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico. I am fascinated by ancient civilizations. And visiting this place was just magical. I also plan to visit the pyramids of Egypt. I have a theory according to which the world is cyclical, I think that technologically advanced civilizations existed before and have now disappeared. Because scientists even today cannot really explain how these pyramids were made and they are still in great condition today. This makes me think it could happen again. And the world would start again from 0.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In 10 years I wish to have an established real estate company, continue to grow my skincare brand internationally, be a proud mom and wife.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I was not born in Canada but I have become a proud Canadian citizen. What makes Canada beautiful today is its multiculturalism, so I hope to have the chance and the honor to become the next Miss Universe Canada.