Today we’re chatting with Isabella Czarnocki from New South Wales, one of 30 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2025 crown, to be decided on August 15 at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.
So, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am 20 years old, living in Sydney, Australia. I’m a part-time model and a full-time third-year student of interior architecture at the University of Technology, Sydney. I’ve always wanted to work in both creative industries. Since I was little, I’ve wanted to be a model, and over the years I’ve had the good fortune to work with some incredible companies. However, interior architecture has been a big passion of mine since I was young. I enjoy spending time with my family, close friends, and our family dog. Nothing recharges me more than the sun and water, therefore beach days are my favourite. I also love to travel with my mum and discover new cultures and destinations. I enjoy the new and the simple, whether it’s trying out new cuisine or simply taking in the atmosphere of a new place.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I’ve always admired the Miss Universe Australia program, but I never felt quite ready to take the leap until this year. I signed up because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, gain more confidence, and create new friendships and unforgettable experiences. It’s all about learning, evolving, and applying those lessons to become the best version of myself.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
Going to Vietnam was probably one of the best trips I’ve ever had, it was truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed, Vietnam blew me away with its energy, warmth, and beauty. It’s always a place I wanted to visit but never had. Staying at the Hoiana Resort felt like a dream, it was honestly surreal! A beautiful place to rest, reset, and connect with the other girls. I walked away with incredible memories and even deeper friendships. Forever grateful for it!
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight of the trip for me was definitely the NIDA Intensive course as well as all our lunches and dinners! The food was delicious and the staff within the resort outdid themselves each time when it came to preparing and cooking the food. The NIDA course was such an inspiring experience to work with industry professionals and push myself outside my comfort zone. I learned so much about presence, storytelling, and self-expression, which I know I’ll carry with me well beyond the program. It was confronting and emotional, but it was so worth it and I’m so proud of not only myself but the rest of the girls for getting through this together. I am also forever grateful for the support we received during our session.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
I was quite nervous going into the swimwear shoot. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself and didn’t really know what to expect, especially with it being such a high-profile moment. But as soon as I arrived, Soph, the hair and makeup team, Jarred, and Matthew created such a calm and supportive energy. They really helped me feel at ease and comfortable in my own skin. By the time we were shooting, I felt way more confident, and I actually started to enjoy the process. Hearing that Soph liked the photos and that they turned out well meant so much to me as it was really reassuring and made me proud of myself for pushing through those nerves.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Zoe Creed. If your younger self could see you today, not just on this stage but as a person, what do you think she’d be most proud of, and why?
I believe that my younger self would be proud that I never gave up on becoming the woman I always dreamed of being. I think she’d look at me and see someone who’s resilient, grounded, and truly showing up as herself. I’ve worked hard, personally and professionally, to get to this point, and I think she’d be proud that I’ve done it without losing my sense of self. She’d also be proud that I didn’t let the negative opinions of others define me. I’ve learned to block out the noise and not let those voices get into my head. Instead, I’ve focused on my own path, stayed true to who I am, and led with kindness and quiet confidence. That, to me, is something worth being proud of.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
What sets me apart is my ability to balance self-confidence with humility. I’m incredibly driven in everything I pursue, as when I commit to something, I give it my whole heart and put in 100%. But I never lose sight of what truly matters: kindness, empathy, and collaboration. I believe real strength lies in lifting others as you rise. I’m not just here to compete, I’m here to evolve, to push beyond my comfort zone, to discover new sides of myself, and to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. I genuinely want to connect with others, celebrate their wins, and leave a positive, lasting impact. I’ve always believed that staying grounded in your values is what truly makes someone stand out. That’s how I was raised, with gratitude, integrity, and a deep respect for others.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
Something people often find surprising about me is that I speak another language. Polish is one of the hardest languages to learn, but I can read, write, and speak it fluently, despite being born and raised in Sydney! For my HSC, I even finished Polish as an elective. I’m quite proud of it and it plays a significant role in my cultural identity. I adore how it helps me stay connected to my heritage and my family, particularly my parents and grandparents in Poland.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I’d love to design a wellness and cultural retreat space for women. It would be focused on healing, creativity, and connection. Somewhere between a sanctuary and an experience, where women can feel truly seen, supported, and inspired to reconnect with themselves and with others. But on a more personal note, another dream project of mine would be to design and build a home for my mum. She’s done so much for me, raising me on her own as she has sacrificed a lot for me, supported, and loved me unconditionally. I would love nothing more than to give her a space that reflects all the comfort and care she’s given me. Her dream home would be a place where she can feel at ease, happy, and safe. That would be the most meaningful project I could ever take on.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
Blessings by Clementine Douglas. It instantly grounds me and reminds me to be grateful for the present moment. I’ve always loved house music, and this track gives me all the summer vibes. It takes me straight back to our Vietnam trip, the hot weather, the energy, the sisterhood. It’s uplifting, feel-good, and one of those songs that just makes everything feel lighter.
What does confidence mean to you?
I’ve always believed that confidence is something you build, not something you’re born with, and that true beauty starts from within. To me, confidence means accepting that growth happens at your own pace, allowing yourself to have bad days, and still showing yourself love and grace, especially in a world that’s constantly pushing comparison. Social media can be overwhelming, but I think the first step toward real confidence is self-love. It’s about embracing your journey, loving your imperfections, and knowing that confidence doesn’t need to be loud, it’s an energy. It’s the first thing people notice before you even speak.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d love to swap lives with a Victoria’s Secret model, someone like Candice Swanepoel. I used to look up to her so much as a young girl, as she has confidence, strength, and elegance in such an empowering way. It would be incredible to experience what it’s like to walk in such an iconic show, but more than that, I’d love to see firsthand how hard she works behind the scenes, such as the discipline, the preparation, and the mindset it takes to perform on such a global stage. It would be such an inspiring glimpse into a world I’ve admired for years.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
I couldn’t pick one so here are two! Firstly, a powder puff and a portable charger… always. One keeps the glam alive (especially my go-to Nikkia Joy powder puff), and the other keeps me functioning throughout the day or night. Both are non-negotiables!
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
Ooo, this is a tough one because I love the views, however I also move around a lot. I’d say window seat! You can never take enough photos or videos, and for long flights, you get the upper hand when it comes to sleeping! (pillow on the window is elite travel behaviour haha)
Help Isabella and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Isabella, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2025 charities Camp Quality, Ocean Heroes and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
