Today we’re chatting with Anastasia Chryssafis from Victoria, one of 28 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2026 crown, to be decided on August 26 at Palladium, Crown Melbourne. In a first for the pageant, this year’s national final will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network.
So Anastasia, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
As a qualified florist, my business journey began with my love of flowers and has grown into importing premium tropical blooms from Vietnam into Australia, supplying florists with unique and high-quality flowers. More recently, I’ve expanded into the Australian-made skincare industry, combining my passion for beauty and wellness with my commitment to supporting local products.
Outside of business, horses are a huge part of who I am. Western riding has taught me resilience, discipline and, most importantly, perseverance. I believe life is about having the courage to pursue what matters to you, staying grounded in your values and remaining authentic, even when the path ahead isn’t always easy. My background has given me a strong connection to family, culture and tradition.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I am a firm believer of the saying “if not now, then when?”
I am currently in the position to be able to dedicate myself to this incredible experience and I wish to positively influence others. I have observed past winners of Miss Universe Australia and what has inspired me the most about them is how they have been given an opportunity of a lifetime and were able to use this widely viewed platform to enhance positivity, to encourage, and give guidance to young women. To raise awareness and support in an abundance to help those in need. To be their voice. I wish to do the same and service others beyond myself by continuing to support extraordinary charities such as Toybox Australia.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam and stay at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh. How was that experience for you?
For me, Vietnam felt like coming home. I hold Vietnam very close to my heart, as I’ve been travelling there since I was six years old. Having the privilege of returning as part of my Miss Universe Australia journey was incredibly special and something I didn’t take for granted.
Every time I return, I see the country growing and evolving. I’ve watched businesses expand, cities develop and communities flourish, but what has always remained constant is the incredible spirit of the Vietnamese people. They are some of the most diligent, hardworking and resilient people I’ve ever encountered, and I have so much admiration for their determination and work ethic.
But what makes Vietnam truly special to me is its people. There’s such a genuine warmth and kindness in the way Vietnamese people welcome and treat others. There’s a beautiful sense of hospitality and respect that you feel everywhere you go. No matter how many times I visit, I’m always reminded of how generous people can be with their time, their smiles and their kindness.
To be able to experience all of that again, surrounded by such incredible women and staff who I can now call my friends, was something I’ll always be grateful for. To be able to share my experience with them was quite exciting and humbling.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
One moment from the trip I will never forget is my time with David & Yuge Bromley. I felt a very strong connection with them during our photography session for our individual paintings; it was a truly special and ethereal experience that I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. It was an honour and an outstanding opportunity to work with them to create something unique to me and to David’s style of painting.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
One word. Outstanding.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Lexie Brant. What is one belief or perspective that you’ve changed your mind about recently, and what caused that change?
One belief I’ve changed my mind about is that I have to control the outcome of everything.
I’m naturally someone who likes to know where I’m going and what the plan is. But I’ve learned that sometimes you can do everything right and life will still take you somewhere you didn’t expect. I’ve become much more comfortable with trusting the process. Sometimes the path you didn’t plan for ends up being the one that changes your life.
What sparked this change for me was when I first started building my career, I thought being independent meant handling everything on my own and proving that I could do it without anyone else’s help. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realised that the strongest businesses aren’t built by one person doing everything. They are built by knowing your strengths, recognising where you need support and surrounding yourself with people who bring something different to the table.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
I like to prove that femininity, creativity and quiet strength can coexist. Through floristry, I celebrate life’s biggest moments and through my experiences in life, I believe I embody that beauty isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating something meaningful with the gifts you have been given. I am who I am, I say what I mean and mean what I say, with the ability to connect well with others it has become one of my strongest points of difference. I’m also of Greek heritage and I ride horses at a high level, that’s pretty uncommon!
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
I would love to return back to Vietnam before Christmas.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I wish to take my horse riding to the next level. Horses are an integral part of my life, and I’m passionate about reining. There’s something about working with a horse that demands patience, discipline and trust. I’d love to reach a milestone in my riding this year that I can genuinely be proud of. I have purchased a yearling colt, I am beyond excited to begin our journey together from the ground up into the saddle when he is ready to commence work.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Vienna” – Billy Joel
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
A silly selfie of myself in a cowboy hat with one of my horses.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
The best piece of advice I have ignored is, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
I actually think sometimes you should.
If you believe strongly in something, I think it’s worth giving it your full attention and seeing how far you can take it. Of course, you need to be intelligent and calculated, but I don’t believe you should be so afraid of failure that you never fully commit to anything. Have courage and be brave enough to put everything you’ve got into one dream and trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
I can walk into almost any space and immediately know how I’d make it look better with flowers. It’s completely useless if you’re asking me to do maths, but give me a room, some flowers and a little creative freedom, and I’m your girl.
Where to Watch, Anastasia on the Miss Universe Australia National Final
The Miss Universe Australia National Final is being broadcast live on Seven Network on August 26, 2026. The live red-carpet coverage will begin at 7:00pm AEST, followed by the National Final at 7:30pm AEST on 7plus. The program then airs on Channel Seven following The Front Bar.
