Today we’re chatting with Isabelle Chan from Queensland, 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?
Sure! I am 21 years old currently living in Brisbane, however by no means am I a city girl. I was born and raised on the Gold Coast where I spent most of my time at the beach, in the valley and riding horses. I’ve always naturally been drawn to the countryside and absolutely anything to do with animals, especially horses. I grew up as a competitive gymnast until the age of 8, then transitioned to horse riding at 9 years old. Now I have founded an equine business as a coach/trainer helping others develop their skills and partnership with their own horses. The rest of my time I work in the mental health industry assisting people to gain access to necessary treatment through their superannuation. I love anything that keeps me busy and on my toes with something different coming my way each day.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I had in fact never heard of the program until early last year when I stumbled across a finalist’s Instagram and ended up following along her journey. I found it captivating not just in what opportunities came with the program but the personal development that was there for the taking. I questioned myself if I was “ready” and “prepared” for what would follow if I did get through. What inspired me to take the leap was the fear of letting my doubts get in the way of potentially the best time of my life. I wanted to make myself comfortable being uncomfortable and that I have stuck to throughout this whole journey.
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?
The experience, simply put, was incredible in every way. I’d never been to Vietnam before, making it that extra bit exciting. Hoiana Resort is easily one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever stayed at. The sheer size of it seemed like it never ended and don’t get me started on the delicious food! Also, having a full week to meet and grow relationships with all the other women a part of this program was amazing and so much fun.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
For me the highlight of the trip was the visit to Hearing and Beyond in Hoi An. To be able to immerse into their lives for even a short snippet is something I will always cherish. Seeing the positive impact Miss Universe Australia and ToyBox Australia has had on these children’s lives is nothing short of spectacular. I feel so fortunate to have been able to experience this visit and that heartwarming feeling from sharing endless amounts of smiles, laughs and many hugs with them all.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
Unnecessary the Label absolutely nailed the brief! I felt so confident and myself in their swimwear for my shoot. Everything from the quality, cut and security to the colours, range and aesthetic is what I’m sure a lot of us women are after. Being able to be styled in their black one-piece for my official swimwear shoot was an experience I’ll always remember, feeling my absolute best!
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?
She would be most proud of my ability to embrace the unknown with excitement. From a very early age, as a true perfectionist with a lot of drive, it generally counteracted each other at times. Being a part of Miss Universe Australia has tested my once “force of habit” to not do anything new unless I knew exactly what was going to happen, what I needed to do and how to do it perfectly. My younger self would be proud of this, seeing I have now opened so many more pathways and insight to learn more about myself and how far I can go accepting the unknown and making the most of every moment.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
I would say that throughout this program and meeting so many other talented, driven and strong women, what sets me apart is my own version of success and what that means to me. For me, what sets me individually apart is that I have visualised and proved to myself that through strong-willed determination, I can push the limits and achieve great things. My mindset is that “it is what you make it”; I have made this year my year filled with purpose, goals and an open mind. Reflecting on this, personally for me it’s your perspective that differentiates you.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
Something people may find interesting about me is that I am currently studying to become an Equine Photonic Therapist. I like to say it’s the method of acupuncture but without the needles. I look forward to incorporating the holistic approach further into my work with horses. On another note, as something potentially more surprising, is that I am a blend of Australian, Chinese and Finnish background!
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
A dream project of mine is founding an Equine Assisted Therapy Rehab Clinic. For many reasons this is my answer: my passion for horses, knowing the positive and grounding impact they can have on people; my advocacy for mental health, which has grown even more during my time working in the industry, in particular with teens. To be able to blend these two worlds into one to benefit those who need it most would be incredible. Establishing an equine therapy facility with a special focus on adolescents would hold a life-changing effect for those in need. I had an inspiring conversation with an owner of a rehab clinic where I was enlightened about “Bottom-Up” trauma therapy. This would be the core value of the programs, guiding individuals to reconnect to their physical sensations through dual awareness within the safe environment of EAT.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
The song that brings out true joy in me every time has to be ‘Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera’ (childhood favourite).
What does confidence mean to you?
Having confidence is having your own back. You should always back yourself and what you believe in and I see confidence as a tool you can harness to better express this.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
I would happily swap lives with Bella Hadid. She is quite an inspiration to me, not only for her modelling career but her involvement and passion as an equine enthusiast herself, especially now in the Western discipline which I would love to experience.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
It’s quite simple, but I am a lip gloss fanatic. I will always have a minimum of three different options in there.
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
Window all the way!
Help Isabelle and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Isabelle, 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.
