Today we’re chatting with Ivy Prempeh from Western Australia, 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’m 24 years old and I’m from Perth, WA, however, I have Ghanaian and Scottish heritage. I’m a model and social media coordinator.
I believe the most valuable thing you can have in life is a relationship with God.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I joined Miss Universe Australia as a way to challenge myself. When I researched more about it, I noticed that there have only been two previous POC who had won the title. This inspired me as I’m motivated to keep making strides for people of colour in the industry.
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?
Vietnam was truly a blessing for me. It was a great experience for all involved. I felt like I was able to learn and grow so much in such a limited time. The MUA team did a great job at planning activities and events to make sure we were able to get the most out of this trip.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight for me was the NIDA Course and visiting the kids at Hearing and Beyond.
The workshop really allowed me to get vulnerable and open up in a way I hadn’t done before, and being able to give back to a local charity and seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, the genuine excitement they had to meet us was definitely a feeling I won’t get over.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
Firstly, shout out to Unnecessary the Label. Having been in many different swimsuit brands, it felt great to be able to put on pieces that genuinely flatter every body type.
The experience was enjoyable. I would say one of the best shoots I’ve been a part of. The entire team made me feel so comfortable, and I definitely think you can see that in the photos. Not only are they great at their craft, but they’re also amazing people.
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?
Younger Ivy would be so proud seeing the way I’ve been able to overcome the challenges minorities in Australia face and becoming a person who is confident and bold about my faith.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
I would say the thing that’s the most unique about me is what I see about my purpose. That is to display the Kingdom of God and to be an example to those who are seeking a relationship.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
Something most people don’t know about me is that I’m a professional sports photographer. I think people expect to see me in front of the camera, so when they see me sitting on the sidelines, they are surprised.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
My dream project would be diversifying the industry in Australia to be more inclusive to people who look like me. I would want to host a series of events that highlight the many different shapes, sizes, and cultural backgrounds we see within Australia.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
Rain – Sunday Service.
I pretty much start every day off with this song.
What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me is the ability to believe despite the opportunity to doubt.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
Honestly, I feel like God has made us all so different and unique that we shouldn’t want to swap lives with anyone else. I feel like I’d be showing a lack of appreciation to God if I were to pick someone other than myself.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
Easy. Lip balm.
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
Both. Expert tip: right before you leave, ask the flight attendant for an empty row. Nine times out of ten you’ll get one.
Help Ivy and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Ivy, 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.
