Well, it’s that time of year when the search to find Miss Universe Australia is well underway with State finals kicking off across the country.
Later this month at the Hotel Grand Chancellor , Surfers Paradise the judging panel will select the Queensland representatives in the 2015 Pageant.
Starting off our state finalist interviews we chat with Crystelle Piconi one of the contestants who will be competing for a place in the national final held on June 5 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins where the countries finalists will be competing for the 2015 title.
Congratulations on Making it so far in the coveted miss universe Australia competition tell us a little about yourself …? Thank you, it’s all very exciting! Having finished my tertiary studies in 2013, I graduated the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Business and am currently working as a HR Advisor. Previous to my HR career however, I worked and travelled around the world as a professional dancer and am trained in Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap and many other styles.
Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….? A friend of mine whom I used to dance with had competed in previous years and said it was a really great experience and learning opportunity. I am always looking to push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new and obviously could be a fantastic platform for many avenues, as it has been for previous entrants.
Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …? A few people inspire me for many different reasons. I will say though, that on a daily basis my brother’s girlfriend inspires me the most. She was involved in a sky diving accident overseas and had to relearn basic daily activities that we all take for granted, such as learning to walk again. Her positive attitude, ability to look forward and be grateful for her blessings really reminds me how lucky I am and to never take anything in life for granted.
If you are successful in the pageant you will become a possible inspiration or role model to many young girls how does this sit with you …? And what do you consider are the attributes of a good role model …? I feel very comfortable with the possibility of becoming a role model to young women. I have always worked very hard in every aspect of my life to prove that women can be strong, resilient and powerful. I am also very passionate about encouraging women to build each other up rather than this constant contest and bringing one another down. A good role model needs to be intelligent and able to make informed and responsible decisions – consistently. Most of all though, a good role model needs to respect themselves and be proud and confident in their own skin.
The Miss Universe Pageant has a long history of associating with charity are their any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of miss universe to advance …? There is one charity in particular that I feel closely associated with. When I was younger, whilst visiting my family in Sydney, I became very ill and was in the Sydney’s Children’s Hospital for a couple of months and had a lot to do with the Starlight foundation there. I think what they do for sick children is amazing and such an inspiring thing to witness. I also feel very strongly about children and animal rights. Both being so innocent and powerless on their environment and situation, I feel it is our responsibility to speak up for them and give them a voice.
What do you think will set you out from the rest of the entrants competing in the 2015 competition …? I think the fact that I have already had so many worldly life experiences for my age and having worked in two extremely opposing careers. This might help me to be a good representative of Australia.
What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …?
Sleep! Isn’t it a shame we can’t bottle that up or put it in tablet form.
And speaking of personal style fitness is fast becoming more and more a part of the person’s personal style … how would you describe your fitness regime …? Absolutely, fitness has become very popular and I think that this is a great thing. I would say my fitness regime emulates my personality. I believe that everything in life should be in balance so Monday – Friday I have a routine that fits in with work and is quite structured. Cardio in the mornings and weight training after work. On the weekends though, I am all about the incidental fitness. Swimming in the beach, going for a bike ride, yoga – it’s good to mix it up!
We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..?
Always trust your instincts – you always know if something feels right or not.
Now the Quick 5
1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …? I am an avid football supporter.
2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..? Noosa – definitely one of the nicest places in the world!
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song …?
This is a hard question but I would have to say One More Time – Daft Punk.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …? Relax and enjoy the journey – it will all work out the way it is meant to.
and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …? My Pug, Family and Friends, Music, Chocolate and Sunscreen.
