Today we are catching up with Karri Nicholas of Queensland, one of the 29 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2021.
So Karri, Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in Perth, then grew up on the Gold Coast, which is where I call home – I love to live a coastal lifestyle. I own a digital marketing company that I’ve run successfully for the past seven years, and I’m fortunate that it allows me to have career freedom and enjoy my other passions.
Since a young age, I’ve also modelled and have completed overseas modelling contracts throughout Asia, which helped me gain a multitude of life experiences and confidence.
I have a huge passion for animals which dates back to my childhood where I would ride horses, volunteer for wildlife organisations, and now translates into me working casually as a veterinary nurse.
We all have motivations, mine usually revolving around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering the Miss Universe Australia competition?
I do love a good iced long black; however, my key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia was something more deep-rooted. For a large portion of my life, I have constantly been breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries within my career and personal life.
Miss Universe Australia is more than just a beautiful face, and by entering, I wanted to be a leader of just that. I want to prove that as a woman, you can be strong, confident, kind-hearted, beautiful, intelligent and determined all at the same time. I’m exceptionally grateful to be a finalist in Miss Universe Australia as I genuinely believe that being a positive influence can change someone’s life for the better.
As part of the program, you recently spent some time up in our hometown of the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team; what was the experience like?
I felt so nostalgic the whole week as I got to experience Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild as an adult! It was quite ironic that I was so close to home, yet I found it really special to share those moments with the other ladies and show them my own backyard.
I was lucky enough to be chosen as a passenger in the Sea World Helicopter and got to see the Gold Coast on a picture-perfect day. It was a jam-packed week full of activities, photoshoots, interviews and being able to have fun together.
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
It’s not very often that you’re introduced to a large group of incredibly inspiring women who can all bond so closely after spending just a week together. We had the most phenomenal time, whether it was riding rollercoasters, snorkelling, holding snakes, playing golf, sunset cruising or kissing seals. I know that I have made friendships for life, and I will carry these memories forever.
If you win the title of Miss Universe Australia, you will receive the prestigious Minespec Parts Education and Business grant worth $20,000; what would you do with the grant and why?
Firstly, I am so appreciative of Minespec Parts for their generosity and belief in others. I believe that knowledge is power, but shared knowledge is far more powerful. I have the vision to create my own podcast that allows me to network and interview inspiring individuals to share their life experiences and my own.
As humans, we crave connection and thrive when we can relate at a more intimate level. Considering a large number of the population spends their time listening to podcasts when commuting to work, studying, travelling, working out, relaxing (the list goes on), I want to fill that space with positive and motivating talk. In addition, I see my podcast expanding into live events and publications that can be accessible to the public.
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the competition, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?
I’m frequently confronted with others telling me I have done so much for a 24-year-old, and I guess it’s true! But, by modelling overseas at 16, I learned how to become strong-minded and know when and how to stand up for myself.
I learnt my value and confidence by becoming a business owner at 18 and was pitching ideas to boardrooms full of corporate men. I was resilient when I built a swimwear label on my own at 20, and I let myself be vulnerable when I dived headfirst into the medical field at 22. With those life experiences, I know that I am ready for anything that is ahead of me.
Who inspired you to enter in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
My first interaction with Miss Universe Australia came about when I met Rachael Finch on a plane in 2009, just after she was crowned the title. Rachael made an effort to talk to 12 year old me and left an indelible impression that has stuck with me to this day. Since making the decision to enter, I was inspired to also be that kind and positive influence for others to continue the snowball effect.
The last eighteen months certainly have been challenging for all of us; what would you say has been something you’ve gained or learned from the whole experience?
It has been an incredibly difficult time for many of us, and my heart reaches out to those who have been affected in one way or another. I am continuing to learn how to be present. There have been times where I have felt anxious about the future, and I have to remind myself to enjoy the now, appreciate the small things in life, and live with happiness as my main focus. I believe it has forced a lot of us to slow down, and the silver lining can be seen as spending more time with loved ones, with our pets and putting our health as a priority.
What is the first thing you hope to do as soon as restrictions are lifted?
Family is very important to me. My parents have been overseas for the past two years, and I have other family members situated across Australia, so I’ll be spending as much time with them as possible and catching up on missed time. I can’t wait to hug my Mum and Dad! It will be a very joyous time when everyone can be together again.
Final 5 Questions
Favourite Place to Travel To?
100% Japan – as soon as I can go back, I’ll be there! Also, I’m a bit of a nerd and love the gaming arcades.
The highlight of the last year?
Taking the leap and entering Miss Universe Australia. Being announced as a National Finalist was an incredible achievement.
What is something people may find interesting about yourself?
I have done stunt training which includes learning wirework, falling from 20 metres, getting lit on fire, being hit by cars and all the crazy things you would see in Hollywood movies.
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
Eradicating online hate speech. Being a public figure on social media, I see a lot of bullying, cancel culture and discrimination. Social media isn’t going anywhere, so we need to build better ways to manage it and keep the community safe.
One piece of advice you have for us all?
Don’t be afraid of failure, and always believe in your abilities. If you stay true to yourself, you’ll be just fine.
Thank you to
Minespec Parts are proud to be partnering with Miss Universe Australia, Working to empower and support women not just through the Miss Universe Australia pageant and their $20k education and business grant, but through many platforms with various activities across Australia all furthering and supporting women in the workplace.
