The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 28.
We are chatting with Keava Hopper, from SA who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
Hi everyone my name is Keava Hopper I am 21 years old, and I’m currently studying disability studies as I would love to work with children with disabilities in the future. I’m now working as a flight attendant as I absolutely love travelling and bringing people to their loved ones.
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?
Our MUA Bali trip was incredible. Honestly, every single moment of the trip was just breathtaking. All 3 of the hotels were AMAZING, picture-perfect moments. I feel so fortunate and grateful to have been apart of such a marvellous trip. I feel as if the experience helped me grow as a person and defiantly improved my confidence.
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
This is a tricky question… But I would have to say the Sari Hati visit to the Alila resort Ubud. Sari Hati is a school in Ubud who support children/adults with mental and physical disabilities. This was very close to my heart as I have grown up around people with physical disability and my brother has Down Syndrome. It was amazing to spend time with them and to see what they have been up to at their school. The children from Sari Hati were so happy and positive which was really great to see. I will definitely go and visit them every time I visit Bali & I will also donate to them every time I am there. Such a beautiful school.
So now you’re home and having undergone the best prep we can think of you know the sun, surf and Bali …. it’s not long till the national finals in Melb… how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before finals week commences?
After meeting everyone in Bali and really had the time to get to know them I am so excited for Melbourne to be reunited with my Miss Universe Australia family. Of course, I have a few nerves and butterflies in my stomach, but I think I am more excited about coming up to our Melbourne trip.
In the next couple of weeks, I am going to be training hard and eating well so I can get out on the stage and feel like I’ve given it my all and I’m confident in my self.
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
Every single one of the girls deserves to win the crown. But the reality is there, unfortunately, is only one Miss Universe Australia. I think coming into this competition I stayed true to myself and I was genuine throughout the whole thing. I have a great personality and a healthy lifestyle, I also believe I am very approachable and personable. I think these traits of mine will set me apart from the other girls.
Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?
100% fitness, if I ever wake up feeling a bit down about anything id get up go to the gym and that ALWAYS puts me in a great mood. f45 would have to be my passion; i go every day even twice a day. Music is another thing that motivates me, nothing like a great song while you’re getting ready to put you in a fantastic mood.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
I have an Irish background. My whole family is Irish.
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
I am lucky enough to have done a lot of travelling already. However, I would have to say my favourite place in the world is my home (wherever that may be), but as long as my family and friends surround me, that’s when I can truly wind down and relax with the people I love the most.
The Miss Universe program has a long and proud history and focuses on helping women become the best versions of themselves, how do you think your experience so far will help move you forward in life?
It truly is inspiring being around so many self-motivated, self-driven, empowering women. It has pushed me to try my best in everything I do and never to give up. It is very common nowadays for young women to have self-love issues and the Miss Universe Australia program has indeed shown to all of us that we are all beautiful in our own ways and we DO deserve to be there competing for the crown. Moving forward in life this experience is really going to help me pursue things in life I never thought I could do before the program.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I LOVE laughing, and I don’t like to take life too seriously. So every day something funny happens to me.
Name five things you can’t live without?
1. Family, of course. I’d be very bored by myself
2. Potatoes, hands down my favourite food.
3. Dogs, they just make me SO happy
4. F45, my second home.
5. Instagram
How would your closest friend describe you?
I just asked my two best friends, and they said, ” the best words to describe Keava is caring, passionate, driven, funny, considerate, encouraging, loving, genuine, spontaneous, honest person.
What is your opinion on Miss America removing the swimsuit section in the competition?
I think this is a big move to make, but I’m not against it what so ever. It takes a lot to walk on a stage in a bikini in front of strangers, especially if you are not confident. But at the end of the day, it is apart of the competition, and it is a good way for the judges to see how the women walk in a bikini. So I think each to their own, its good to make a move and be different.
Keava is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey, Please consider donating by clicking here
The Above Tittle Image is Provided by Perrywinkle Photography
