It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Elizabeth Kalash of 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, Elizabeth, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

My name is Elizabeth, also known as Lilly. I have owned an eyelash and brow studio in Melbourne, Victoria, for the past eight years. I would describe myself as a vibrant individual who is always laughing and being the jokester, but I also have a warm nature and am highly empathetic.

What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?

What inspired me to join the Miss Universe Australia journey was a “you’re only this young once” approach and a desire to work more on my confidence.

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?

It was such a beautiful experience from start to finish. The hospitality from both Vietjet and Hoiana Resort & Golf was unmatched. The attention to detail and constant care taken for each and every one of us was extremely thoughtful. I can definitely say that I felt like I was at home, even though I was in a different country, and that was very comforting.

What would you say was the highlight of the trip?

Oh, there were honestly so many highlights from this trip. Each and every day was filled with laughter, socialising, and fun events. The biggest highlight was the little party we had at the beach club at Hoiana Resort & Golf after we completed our individual photoshoots. It was a chance for us to celebrate, laugh, and share moments with each other, and also to have a dance.

Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?

I believe the whole experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. The moment I felt most challenged was during the NIDA workshop. We worked on our posture, speech, tone of voice, and communication skills. Although I was already conscious of these aspects, the challenges set out for us allowed me to learn a great deal. I didn’t feel confident going into the workshop but left embracing all the new things I had learnt.

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?

For all those times you thought, “What is my purpose?” YOU are your purpose, and you’ve just proven it to yourself and everyone around you.

With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?

I believe (and have also been told by my beautiful clients) that I have a gravitating nature where people feel safe and comfortable in my presence, able to lean on me or find the encouragement they need.

What’s something about you that people might find surprising?

I’m not a great fan of chocolate and have never broken a bone in my body (touch wood).

If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?

It would be to assist the younger generation in understanding sexual health, by either creating a platform or an app where they can receive fact sheets and have a safe space to connect with others without feeling shamed or alone.

We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?

How to play the piano. It’s a calming yet beautiful instrument, and a grand piano would look stunning in a home (one you can actually play).

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

As someone who is claustrophobic and afraid of elevators, I’m proud that one of the most adventurous things I’ve ever done is making it to the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.

Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?

I would eat poutine every day of my life if I could.

If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?

It would be the ability to grant wishes, one per day. I would use it to help myself and others I love when they need it most, whether they are struggling mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Help Elizabeth and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference

Elizabeth, 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.