Well here in Queensland we’ve just wrapped up another sensational Summertime the weather is sparkling, and the search for the next Miss Universe Australia is heading our way with finalists being announced across the country now.
We thought we would kick off our home state interviews with Deni McDermott.
Congratulations on making it through to the state finals, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
I am currently 20 years old and have been living in Brisbane for around 16 years now. I’m in my last year of university at QUT studying a double major in Accounting and Finance. However, I also have a passion for nutrition /fitness, and would love to combine these two very different fields into hopefully owning my own cafe (as I also have an obsession with brunching with friends 😉 ) I have actually been at uni for 5 years now, as I started university when I was 16 but switched degrees many times as I was so unsure of what career path I wanted to go down. Part time though, I have been working as a model for about a year, which has been such a good experience where I have had the opportunity to meet so many new people and work with amazing brands.
We all have motivations, Mine usually revolves around coffee ? but what was your key motivation for entering the Miss Universe Australia competition?
It is such an amazing opportunity for young woman to empower and support one another. We are also given the ability to influence another young woman about important issues, which I think is really important in today’s society with the effects (both positive and negatives) about social media.
What part of the Miss Universe Australia program are you most looking forward to?
The events where we get to interact with the other girls, sponsors, and managers, so definitely the Queensland State Finals. No one is ever in the same room, so it will be amazing to finally meet everyone and meet some of the sponsors.
We are all unique so what would you say is something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?
I am just an average 20-year-old girl, so I think I can be very relatable. I have had ups and downs and experienced a lot of the same things other young women go through. So hopefully I can be seen as someone who is very understanding and approachable about any topic.
With the state finals, just a few days away, has your routine changed at all?
No, not too much, I have always loved nutrition and going to the gym. My job also requires me to maintain certain skin, nail etc. regimes constantly. However, I do find myself watching a lot more past pageant videos than usual haha.
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
Hopefully incredible bonds with young woman who share a passion for just living a healthy, happy life.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I’m not sure if this is funny to anyone but me, but I finished on the treadmill, and you always have to clean your machine after you use it. It was prime time in the gym, so there were about 30 people behind me, and I couldn’t remember what treadmill I used after grabbing the cleaning products so just ended up cleaning every machine in that row. I immediately left the gym haha.
How would your closest friend describe you?
Understanding and supportive but always running late.
Name five things you can’t live without?
Obviously my family and friends, coffee and avocado, and my dog.
What do you think a major issue is in society today?
I think social media for young woman. Obviously social media has opened so many doors for so many people, and it can have such positive uses. However, after hearing and talking with a lot of girls my age, it can have severe effects on the way they see themselves, as usually people only post the positives of their life (me included). It is so important though that these girls know we are all the same, we all have things we hate and love about yourself, and no ones life is perfect no matter how much it might look like that.
