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

My name is Indira Streckfuss, a 21-year-old from Perth, Western Australia. I recently graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and specialising in Entrepreneurship and Event Management. I currently work as the Administration Manager at the Perth Scoliosis Clinic, a role that holds personal significance since I have been a patient there since my scoliosis diagnosis at age 14. Working at the clinic allows me to give back and support others through their scoliosis journeys, which is deeply fulfilling.

Inspired by my personal experience with scoliosis and a passion for raising awareness, I have a start-up business called Embraced, an adaptive clothing range designed for children and adolescents facing similar challenges. I am dedicated to making a positive impact and advocating for early scoliosis detection.

In addition, I work in the wedding industry as a planner, stylist, and coordinator for a local Perth company, while also managing a freelance marketing business and overseeing multiple social media accounts.

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

Something that not many people know about me is that I have scoliosis. At the age of 14, I was diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, which led to two challenging years in a full spinal back brace that I had to wear for 22 hours a day. This experience taught me resilience, and now, almost four years out of the brace, I’ve realised that my scoliosis doesn’t define me. I aim to use the Miss Universe platform to share my story, reassuring others that scoliosis only makes you stronger. My goal is to educate patients, parents, and healthcare professionals about the importance of identifying scoliosis early to prevent children from having to undergo major spinal surgeries.

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?

Visiting Hoiana Resort and Golf was an incredible experience. We were fortunate to travel with VietJet, who ensured a safe and comfortable journey to Vietnam. The resort itself was remarkable, featuring a variety of restaurants and amenities, all complemented by the beauty and kindness of the staff. It truly felt like a place where you never need to leave, as everything is thoughtfully catered for. Additionally, meeting all the other National Finalists was a highlight. I cherished the opportunity to learn about their unique stories and connect with such an inspiring group of girls.

What would you say was the highlight of the trip?

The highlight of my trip to Vietnam was visiting Hearing and Beyond, a school in Hoi An dedicated to supporting and educating children with hearing impairments. The resilience and positivity of the children and the dedication of the staff were truly inspiring. I felt incredibly fortunate to learn some sign language and communicate with the children. Their joy and optimism, despite their daily challenges, provided me with a profound perspective on how fortunate I am.

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

Attending the full-day NIDA workshop was an experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone. Although I had never participated in anything like it before, it was an incredible experience. I felt challenged, but in a positive and enriching way. I learned numerous skills that I can now apply when presenting, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from some of the best in Australia.

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?

If I were honoured to win the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024, I would tell my younger self that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Looking back on my challenging journey with scoliosis, there were moments when I felt it would hold me back in life. I struggled to talk about it and was very self-conscious about my appearance. I wish I could reassure my younger self that everything would turn out okay and that the struggles would ultimately be worth it.

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

I believe my unique flair lies in my caring nature. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and building meaningful connections. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, providing support, or simply sharing a smile, I find great fulfilment in making others feel valued and understood. My ability to connect with people on a personal level allows me to create lasting relationships, and I believe this empathy and warmth are what set me apart.

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

Something that may surprise many people is that at the age of 17, I launched my first business, Sari the Label. Sari is a sustainable swimwear and activewear brand made from recycled plastics and ocean waste, regenerated into nylon. Starting a business at such a young age taught me invaluable skills that I now apply to my everyday life.

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

My dream project would be to fully develop and expand my start-up business, EmBraced. The inspiration for EmBraced comes from my own struggles with scoliosis. At 14, being told I had a spinal deformity was incredibly challenging, especially while going through puberty. One of the biggest difficulties I faced was finding clothing that fit over my brace. I didn’t want to be seen in public wearing the brace, and the limited clothing options that could cover it made me feel even more self-conscious. Most of my clothes had to be two sizes larger, and I even had to have pants and leggings custom-made to fit over the brace.

Currently, I work at the Perth Scoliosis Clinic, where young girls often ask me, “Indira, what did you wear when you were in your brace?” It was from these conversations that the idea for EmBraced was born. My goal for EmBraced is to create adaptive, trendy, affordable, and comfortable clothing options for children and adolescents who wear a scoliosis brace for up to 22 hours a day. At present, there are no other adaptive clothing options like this available for children and adolescents in braces in Australia.

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

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

I would love to master singing. It’s something I’ve always struggled with, and I often find myself wishing I could sing and perform confidently for others.

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

The most adventurous thing I’ve done so far has been applying for the Miss Universe Australia program. It has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone in numerous ways, and along the way, I’ve learned a great deal about myself.

Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?

I’d say my guilty pleasure is indulging in sweet treats, especially chocolate. It’s my little reward after a long day of work!

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

If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to time travel so I could visit my sister, who is currently living in London. After being separated for eight months, I would love nothing more than to see her again.

Help Indira and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference

Indira, 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.

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