Miss Universe Aus QLD Finalist Interview - Gabrielle Epstein

Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m 20 years old from the Gold Coast, I am a part time fashion model signed with Viviens model management in Australia and Vision models in Los Angeles in the USA.
Where do you call home when you aren’t travelling?
I was born and raised on the Gold Coast. Despite finishing high school in Brisbane and traveling for a year and a half after i finished school in 2011, the Gold Coast will always be my home and I feel so grateful to live in such a beautiful city.
Out of everything you have already been through in this competition, what has been your favourite experience? Has it surpassed your expectations? My favourite experience would definitely be getting the opportunity to meet the other girls in the competition. All the girls are beautiful inside and out and are nothing but kind and supportive of one another.
There is obviously a lot of pressure associated with beauty pageants. How do you like to take time out and relax? I live close to the beach and love running along the broad walk or the sand early every morning. I always have an amazing group of friends who I love spending time with whenever I have the chance.
Do you have a favourite secret getaway spot in Queensland?
There are too many beautiful spots in Queensland! Currumbin beach and the rock pools are beautiful and so unique to Queensland.
How do you keep your amazing body in shape? And how do you maintain a healthy diet when you are on the go all the time?
I’ve always been heavily involved in sports all through school and represented Queensland and Australia at a Junior level in swimming. These days I run, do Pilates and hit the gym regularly. I find preparing healthy snacks and eating a balanced (rather than restrictive) diet is easiest to maintain with a busy lifestyle.
What is your biggest fashion tip?
Invest in classic and timeless fashion pieces rather than passing trends, and wear what you feel most confident in.
What are the important traits of a role model and who is yours?
My role model is Ita Buttrose, I think she is a fantastic female role model who proves that women in this day and age can have it all. She was at a campaigner for feminism and gender equality, brilliant business woman, mother and chatty ambassador.
What do you think you would bring to the role of Miss Universe Australia?
I believe I could be an incredible positive role model for young girls in Australia and represent out country on a global scale. I would love to combat the stereotype that beauty paegents are solely about physical appearance. I would encourage young girls to let their inner beauty shine, and show them that they can have an academic career while maintaining their physical feminine beauty.
What are your goals for after the Miss Universe Australia competition?
I hope to use my modeling career an opportunity to travel and meet new people while in studying at university. However after completing my bachelor in biomedical science I hope to study a bachelor of medicine/survey and one day become a pediatrician.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I see myself studying my bachelor of medicine/surgery which will bring me closer to my goal of becoming a pediatrician. I hope to still be modeling nationally and internationally and be surrounded my my beautiful and incredibly positive family and friends.