Today we’re chatting with Kristina Stojanovski from Victoria, 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 a fashion designer based in Melbourne. I run an activewear brand called INTUS with my partner, where I focus on creating pieces that empower women to feel strong, confident, and ready to take on their day. I believe fashion is more than just what we wear, it’s a powerful form of self-expression and a reflection of our inner strength.
Alongside my brand, I work part-time as a model. I love connecting with new people and brands, and I see every shoot as an opportunity to grow both creatively and professionally.
Outside of work, I’m a passionate creative. I love drawing and painting, especially portraits, as a way to express myself. Staying active is also an important part of my lifestyle. I make time each week for movement, whether through Pilates or simply keeping my body moving to feel my best mentally and physically. And of course, I always value spending quality time with my fur friends.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
What inspired me was watching the incredible contestants each year and thinking to myself, why not me? I felt it was time to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in a new way. As someone who can be quite introverted, I saw this as an opportunity to grow, to connect with new people, build meaningful friendships, and learn to feel confident even in uncomfortable situations.
I’m so glad I listened to myself, because through this journey I’ve made some amazing friends from all over Australia. I truly believe the Miss Universe Australia program offers so much personal and professional development, and I know this experience will only have a positive impact on my life.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
I absolutely loved every moment of it. I was truly in my element. Warm weather, an incredible team, and a swimwear shoot? It combined so many things I’m passionate about. As someone who’s obsessed with swimwear and also a fashion designer myself, I can genuinely say the Unnecessary the Label range is crafted to perfection, from the design to the fit and detailing.
It’s not every day you get to work with such a talented and inspiring team, and I feel really grateful to have been part of something so creative and empowering.
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 entire experience was incredible. Everything ran so smoothly, Staying at the breathtaking Hoiana Resort, I’ve never seen a resort so grand in scale; it took me almost the whole week to find my way around! Every part of the hotel had its own unique charm, and the staff were incredible.
One of the highlights for me was definitely the buffets, they were absolutely next level. The entire trip felt like such a luxury, and I’m so grateful to have experienced it as part of the program.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight of my trip was definitely visiting the children at Hearing and Beyond. After a full week of early mornings and learning, spending time with these incredible kids was the perfect way to end the experience. Seeing firsthand the children we are raising funds for, playing simple games with them, and knowing we were brightening their day was truly heartwarming.
I wish we could have spent an entire day with them. Despite their disabilities, they are some of the happiest, smartest, and most beautiful children I’ve ever met. Learning sign language from them was one of the most rewarding and unforgettable moments of the trip. Saying goodbye was incredibly tough, but I’m so grateful for the time we shared.
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?
Without a doubt, my younger self would be most proud of my growth in public speaking. Growing up, I was always shy, quiet, and worried about what others thought of me. I never imagined I could confidently get up on stage and even speak a full sentence. I struggled to even answer questions in class.
Now, while public speaking can still be nerve-wracking at times, I’m proud to say that I can face it with confidence. My younger self would definitely be in awe of how much I’ve learned and grown through this experience, both on and off the stage.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
An obvious difference is definitely my height. I’m probably the shortest in the group, but I actually see that as a positive because it highlights the wonderful diversity we have in the program. But honestly, what I think really sets me apart is my energy. I always try to keep things positive and light, even when things get challenging. I like to be the kind of person who can lift the mood and make people feel comfortable just by being myself.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
My dream project would be to help clean up the planet and protect the animals affected by pollution. I’d love to lead a global clean-up initiative that focuses on removing waste from oceans, beaches, and natural environments, while also creating safe spaces for wildlife to recover and thrive.
It would also include educating communities on how to live more sustainably, so we can create long-term change and a healthier planet for future generations, both people and animals.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
Something people are often surprised to learn about me is that I’m actually quite introverted. Because I model and run a fashion brand, people assume I’m naturally outgoing, but I’ve really had to grow into that confidence over time. I also love drawing and painting, especially faces, which is something I do to unwind and express myself creatively outside of fashion. It’s a quiet passion that not many people see, but it’s a big part of who I am.
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
Valerie by Amy Winehouse. It instantly lifts my mood. It takes me back to my 2019 Euro trip, and every time I hear it, I’m transported right back to those memories.
What does confidence mean to you?
To me, confidence means showing up as your true self, even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s not about being perfect, but about trusting who you are and believing you’re enough just as you are.
As a fashion designer, I’ve always believed that what we wear can be a powerful tool in how we carry ourselves. The right outfit doesn’t just change how others see you, it changes how you feel about yourself. Clothes have the ability to boost our mood, express our personality, and give us that little extra courage when we need it most.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
My bag is like a cave. I carry everything in there! But if I had to choose, I can’t live without my face powder and my daily vitamins.
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
Absolutely aisle seat. I will beg for it if I have to. I love the freedom to get up whenever I need without climbing over anyone or feeling like I’m disturbing someone. It just makes the whole flight experience so much more comfortable for me.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d love to swap lives with a global fashion designer like Donatella Versace or someone behind a major brand. Just to step into that creative world at the highest level, see the design process, sit in on meetings, visit the ateliers, and experience the pressure and excitement of making big fashion decisions. It would be such an inspiring way to learn and grow from the inside out, especially as someone building my own label.
Help Kristina and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Kristina, 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.
