Etta, one of the finalists in the UMK (Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu) competition, shares her emotional journey with alopecia after being diagnosed at the age of ten. In a podcast interview with Iltalehti's Viisupodi, she reveals that the condition led to the loss of all her hair, which deeply affected her self-image as a child. Etta describes feeling as though her femininity, beauty, and cuteness were stripped away from her, necessitating a complex journey of self-reconstruction.

The impact of alopecia on her childhood was profound, as Etta confesses that it forced her to look for her identity beyond external beauty. She reflects on the struggles of being a ten-year-old who suddenly no longer recognized herself in the mirror, leading to emotional turmoil and the urgent need to draw on her eyebrows or adjust wigs every day. This stark reality highlights the challenges faced by young individuals dealing with sudden changes in their appearance and self-esteem.

Etta's candid discussion is not only an insight into her personal experiences but also sheds light on the broader issue of how such conditions can affect children's mental health and self-identity. By sharing her journey, Etta aims to encourage others facing similar challenges to seek strength within themselves and to redefine beauty by prioritizing self-acceptance over societal standards.