It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Amy Lee from Victoria, one of the 28 remarkable and accomplished women from diverse backgrounds vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. The winner is set to be crowned in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth on the 5th of September.
So, Amy, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I try to describe myself not by what I do, but in terms of my values and how I connect with and impact other people’s lives. My mission in life is to inspire, empower, and motivate others to live and eat healthier, which is why I dedicate every spare moment to growing my authority in this area.
I am also the founder of a social media marketing and talent agency called Digiteyes Marketing here in Melbourne, and I run an online healthy recipe blog, amyleeactive.com. I am the author of the bestselling Nourish in 5 Cookbook, which supports OzHarvest Charity and shares over 100 five-ingredient zero-waste recipes.
One thing you should know about me is that I believe a positive mindset is everything. If you believe it, you can truly do it. You are the author of your own success story. 🙂
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
My inspiration and motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia was to become the most confident and empowered version of myself, and to inspire others, especially women and people of colour, to also be the best versions of themselves. Having grown up in an emotionally unstable family and being bullied in school for being of a different ethnicity, I struggled with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and insecurity. However, this also fuelled my motivation to reach my full potential and make a positive difference in the world.
I also wanted to connect with other like-minded women who share the same values and goals. Every day, I’m in awe and admiration of the other girls and am truly grateful to have made some of my closest friends through my MUA experience. Safe to say, my goals have been achieved!
And for any girls reading this and contemplating entering Miss Universe – if you want to challenge yourself to become the best version of you, then without a doubt, please do it.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietjet, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
Honestly, no single words can describe this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although it was intense and challenging at times, I had so much fun getting to know the rest of the National Finalists from around Australia. I will cherish the beautiful country of Vietnam and all the memories we made for the rest of my life!
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
It’s impossible to pinpoint just one highlight. I loved having fun and getting to know the girls and MUA team, experiencing the wonderful Vietnamese sights and hospitality, our official swim shoot with world-class creatives, visiting a children’s school for the hearing challenged, and learning that it is primarily funded by Victorians made me feel very proud of where I’ve come from.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
As a naturally introverted person, I typically am used to a lot of alone time, so it was challenging to be around a large group 24/7!
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson. Imagine you’re standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Always back and believe in yourself. You’re your number one supporter in this world. You only have one life, so make it count and never give up on your dream.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
My true point of difference is my ability to adapt to any situation that I am thrown into, along with my ambition, confidence, and drive to pursue my goals. Out of over 200,000 people following my health, nutrition, and fitness content online, 80% of them are Australian women. I believe this highlights me as an existing role model among women and adolescents, especially as an Asian Australian.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
That I’m a highly introverted person! I have to be extroverted for work and daily life, so people are often shocked when they find out that I’m most comfortable when alone.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I’d love to have my own global healthy cooking show on TV. I already do this online, and while everything is in the digital world now, traditional mediums have always been a life goal of mine. I’d love to represent women of colour in the media.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?
It would be amazing to instantly pick up any language of whatever country I’m in and converse with the locals!
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I entered a Muay Thai boxing fight in Thailand despite never having trained professionally before.
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
Always and forever, chocolate.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
I’m obsessed with travelling; it’s the one thing you spend money on that makes you richer. Being able to fly instantly from one place to another would be incredible!
Help Amy and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Amy, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2024 charities: Camp Quality and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
