It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Jess Davis of New South Wales, 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, Jess, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m a 34-year-old former international model turned entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Mr Potato, podcast host, and soon-to-be published author. Originally from Adelaide, I spent most of my childhood on Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia. Now, I reside in Sydney with my husband and our two rescue dogs. I’d describe myself as a tomboy at heart, with a passion for the outdoors, yoga, fitness, travel, self-development, and diving into any creative or DIY projects. I’m a visionary at heart who loves anything that keeps me learning and inspired.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
Over the past six years, I’ve poured every bit of myself into building our business into a national and soon-to-be global food brand. I felt the need to reconnect with some of my former passions and create space for new experiences in my life. Entering Miss Universe Australia has been a way for me to reignite some of my past passions and prove that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or try something new. By doing so, I hope I can inspire others to do the same in their lives.
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?
The experience was incredible. The resort itself was second to none, from the rooms and facilities to the food and the restaurants, plus the picturesque beach it was positioned on—I couldn’t fault it. Our week was jam-packed with valuable workshops, photoshoots, cooking classes, and self-development & confidence programs. But for me, getting to know the entire Miss Universe Australia team and the other incredible finalists was the highlight. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
As mentioned above, the highlight for me was getting to know each and every one of the other finalists. It’s rare to have the opportunity to travel to another country surrounded by such amazing, like-minded women. I know that I’ve made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
Probably the few rounds of golf we played at the Hoiana Shores Golf Club! I discovered I might need a few more lessons before I can call myself a pro, haha.
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?
“Don’t give up. Keep pushing forward—keep learning, keep growing, keep dreaming, and working toward everything you’ve set your sights on. The perseverance you’re showing now will lead to success in the end.”
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
Well, aside from my age, what sets me apart is my unconventional path—I’m not formally educated and didn’t finish high school. Instead, everything I’ve learned has come through personal experiences and diving wholeheartedly into opportunities. I’ve learned that education isn’t limited to classrooms; it’s found in the experiences and challenges we embrace. Spending a significant part of my life living abroad from a young age and navigating the business world has shaped me with valuable wisdom and resilience. My fearless mindset and boundless curiosity for life have guided me through this journey, strengthening my ability to approach every opportunity with grace and enthusiasm. Plus, my non-traditional path has taught me that the most valuable lessons come from life itself, driving me to continually grow, innovate, and inspire others with my unique perspective and relentless drive.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
Last year, I ate nothing but potatoes for 30 days to prove that they can (and should be) part of a healthy diet—thankfully, I didn’t turn into a potato, haha!
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
If I could dive into any dream project beyond my current business, it would be creating a global initiative to empower women in underprivileged communities. Having grown up with a troubled childhood and lacking resources, I understand firsthand the importance of support and opportunity. I imagine a network of centres offering education, self-development, mental health support, and healthcare just for women. With these resources and a bit of mentorship magic, we could help break the poverty cycle, unlock potential, and create new paths for women to lead and flourish.
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’d choose to instantly be able to speak multiple languages fluently. Connecting with people from different cultures in their native language is incredibly valuable, and while I’ve picked up the basics of several languages, being fluent would be a real game changer.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Probably moving from my hometown of Adelaide to Sydney completely on my own at just 16 years old. It was a huge leap of faith, but it set the stage for everything that came after.
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
Plant-based Golden Gaytimes! Although I rarely feel all that guilty about it, haha.
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 teleport. I’d spend the day travelling around the world, visiting places I’ve always dreamed of, meeting different people, and experiencing various cultures. Plus, I’d pop in to surprise friends and family in different parts of the globe—no plane tickets or jet lag required!
Help Jess and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Jess, 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.
