Today we are catching up with Alana Deutsher-Moore of Queensland, one of the 27 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022.
So Alana, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
First, I’ll start with the basics: I am 20 years old and was born and raised on the beautiful, sunny Gold Coast. Growing up, I was fascinated with the modelling and fashion industry, leading me to become a part-time model.
I love working with so many like-minded Creatives from different walks of life to create something beautiful. Another passion of mine is Interior Design and Architecture; I currently work part-time for one of Queensland’s #1 Builders, which I am very proud of.
Working as an Interior Design Stylist and Electrical Consultant in such a fast passed industry from a young age has allowed me to learn quickly whilst I study a Bachelor of Creative Direction and Styling at a small University here in Queensland. Aside from my professional career, if I am not out on a walk or at the beach, I will hang out with my family and friends; they mean the absolute world to me.
We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
Like many young girls growing up, I really struggled to find where I fit in; I was quite an anxious child, which unfortunately stopped me from doing things that I loved.
One thing I did know, though, was that I loved modelling, specifically Victoria’s Secret. I would watch countless videos of what they ate, how they walked, how they talked, and what workouts they were doing, and I was determined to become one of their models. Unfortunately, this led me to lose my own sense of identity and individuality.
I was constantly comparing myself and feeling like I never quite fit the mould (which was a very unrealistic mould, to begin with).
This only lead to more anxiety surrounding the fear of being judged or not meeting people’s expectations. It was only after I watched my first Miss Universe Show that I realised the power behind the ‘essence of being you. Miss Universe, to me, became so much more than just a crown but a representation of leading your life with kindness, intention and true to who you are and what you believe in.
For years I found comfort in watching Miss Universe, knowing that my individuality is what makes me beautiful, and I should embrace it. By entering Miss Universe Australia, I hope to help other young girls feel comfortable being themselves and take up space to break those moulds.
I genuinely believe that to be yourself is the greatest power anyone can ever offer, and to help others realise that, well, I simply couldn’t think of a bigger blessing.
As part of the program, you recently spent time in our hometown of the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team; what was the experience like?
I couldn’t speak more highly of our National Finalist Trip, all the Contestants, the Crew, and the Location. Everything was incredible! I remember calling my Mum each night whilst I was on our National Finalist Trip and telling her, “I don’t feel like this is real life! Are you sure I am not dreaming?”.
I feel like the trip was not only an amazing experience, but it also helped all of us to gain more confidence and learn new things about ourselves that we didn’t even know. It was so beautiful to see girls from all over Australia, from all different facets of life, come together with one common ground – to do good and to positively impact others.
I continuously say that the trip was the best week of my life; even though it was in my hometown, it was incredible to visit the amazing Village Roadshow theme parks and participate in experiences, such as Snorkelling at Sea World, that I otherwise would never do. I can’t wait to go back again to Sea World Resort for the National Finals!
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
The highlight of the trip was meeting all the beautiful girls and spending time with the crew. A lot of us girls had been talking on social media prior to meeting, and it felt like we already knew each other, so to spend a whole week with them was so much fun!
The crew were also incredible, from the Creative Director, Photographers, Videographers, Makeup, and Hair to even the staff at Sea World; everyone made us feel so comfortable. I particularly loved being able to work with world-renowned photographer Jarrad Sang for our Official Swimwear Shoot with All About Eve Clothing. Not only does he create an amazing photo, but his energy was amazing, making it the most fun I have ever had on a shoot.
All in all, I left the trip feeling like I not only made amazing friendships for life, but I also made an extended family, my Miss Universe Australia Family.
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?
It is so beautiful to see each girl’s individuality and flair that they bring. For me, I think my unique flair that sets me apart from the other contestants is perhaps the fact that I started this program and this journey as a Miss Universe super fan.
As an 8-year-old, I remember begging my parents for a little crown after watching the shows; I was in love! As I got older, I remember seeing all the National Finalist Trips and was in absolute awe of all the girls and the experience they were given, so it was surreal to be one of those girls this year.
I think because I have been such a fan for so long, I have learnt to always speak from my heart and lead with kindness, as that was the representation I was given from the years of watching. It is unique to have a fan of the program from such a young age compete, and I feel like this ability to speak with my soul and with so much passion sets me apart.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Daria Varlamova; in your opinion, what are the most essential qualities that a Miss Universe Australia embodies?
I feel like Miss Universe Australia embodies a bit of every single one of us.
We all have a dream, we all have something that gets us out of bed, and we all have a fire inside of us that drives us to be better and fight for something that we believe in. Although only one girl gets crowned, I feel like a Miss Universe is a representation of all of us and the most important quality a Miss Universe Australia can offer is the ability to be the voice of many.
I believe that Miss Universe Australia shouldn’t just be represented by just one girl and a crown but rather one girl, a crown and an army of people behind her. Although Miss Universe Australia might be the image, she is the vessel for so many people who otherwise might go silent; she is the motivation for people to stand up for who they are and what they believe in.
Therefore, the best quality a Miss Universe Australia can embody is the embodiment of the essence of Australia and its people by speaking from the heart, with intention and purity.
Now travel is back on the cards; where is your favourite place to travel to?
Can I say everywhere!? I definitely have got the travel bug and love the idea of being able to immerse myself in different cultures and meet different people from such different walks of life. If I had to choose, though, I would love to travel to Europe, specifically Italy.
I learnt Italian for 12 years and although I can only remember how to say, ‘I like Gelato it is very yummy’, I would love to put my skills to the test and see if I can pick it back up again.
What is something people may find interesting about you?
Something interesting about myself is that when I was younger, I travelled around Australia in a van for just under a year with my family! I think that it is so important from a young age to gain an understanding of your own country and what it has to offer. I saw the abundance of beauty, history, people, and culture Australia had to offer, and I learned so much in that year of travel.
It is a goal of mine to do it again someday and experience it now that I am older.
I truly believe that if someone can, they should travel their home Country as you forget the beauty that is right on your front doorstep.
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
I am passionate about the effect of social media and various other media outlets and how they may make us lose our own sense of identity and individuality.
My whole advocacy is to help people find the power behind the ‘essence of being you. I believe that the unrealistic idealisations that social media stops us from being our true and authentic selves. Although social media is a great platform to grow, learn and create, I feel like without proper education on what is real and what is fake, then we can quickly start to compare ourselves to others.
I became victim to this growing up and would spend hours analysing the perfect images I saw on social media and comparing them to myself.
Only when I began to surround myself with positivity and only consume content that made me feel good, I started to release just how unrealistic the previous content I was consuming was. I would love to teach others how to stop comparing themselves to what they see on a screen and to step into their true, authentic selves.
