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 Jessica Hobbs 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 …? I’m 20 years old and I’m originally from Cairns, FNQ! I moved to Brisbane last year to study Journalism and Communication at UQ. I work casually in retail and intern at Fashion Observer Magazine. I grew up snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, as my Dad owns dive boats; however, I’ve always had a strong love for fashion and I’ve wanted to pursue a career as a fashion journalist since I was just 10 years old! Â
Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….?  I looked into competing in Miss Teen Australia when I was in high school, however, I felt like it would have been too much on top of all my school work and final exams… So I decided to do Miss Universe Australia whilst in my second year of Uni – a lot less stressful… not! Seeing all the amazing things that previous Miss Universe Australia winners have accomplished really pushed me to finally enter this year. I know that getting work in the Fashion and Entertainment industry is really difficult and competitive, so I thought what better way to get a head star than to win MUA!
Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …? Angelina Jolie is a huge inspiration to me – she’s beautiful, she’s intelligent, and she’s an humanitarian. She’s done so many amazing things in her lifetime, and if I could be half the person that she is, I would be pretty content! However, my biggest inspiration would be my parents – they’ve done so well for themselves, they’re caring, they love unconditionally, and they’re the most down-to-earth, wonderful people I know.
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 …? This is a particularly big part of the Miss Universe Pageant as a whole for me. I feel like so many teenage girls and young women these days are so insecure and feel like they need to live up to false social media standards. I want to show these girls that social media is a false representation of how girls should be and I want them to concentrate on being the best version of themselves, and not anyone else.
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 …? If I were to win Miss Universe I would like to focus on breaking the stigma surrounding depression, especially among teenage boys and young men. This is particularly close to my heart, and I would love to be able to make a difference. I want teenage boys and young men suffering depression to realise that they’re not alone and that it’s not something to be embarrassed about. I would aim to work with The Black Dog Institute and Beyond Blue to try and break this stigma.
What do you think will set you out from the rest of the entrants competing in the 2015 competition …?   I think all of my fellow MUA contestants have different attributes that will set them apart from the rest. Personally, I think that my diversity sets me apart from the rest. I come from a small town, and I’m proud of it, but I long to live in a big city, like New York. I love to be active and outdoorsy – diving, swimming, paddle boarding – but I live for quality down time and all things girly – doing pilates, writing fashion blogs, and spending time with friends and family. I also think my cultural diversity sets me apart from the other contestants. Having lived in Milan for a year when I was 14 – attending an Italian high school and  learning Italian from scratch – I feel like I took on a second culture during that time and I’m so grateful for that opportunity
What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …? Â
My favourite style at the moment is ankle boots and high neck tops and dresses… this is going to be my staple Autumn outfit. I also think that every girl needs to own a black leather biker jacket for winter!
My best beauty secret would have to be don’t sleep with your makeup on… EVER! It’s so damaging to your skin and your beautiful features and it brings on early signs of ageing.
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 …?
My weekly fitness regime generally consists of three days weights training and two to three days cardio. I try to go to the gym at least five days a week. If I can’t make it to the gym I’ll go for a jog or do some Pilates at home. Also maintaining a healthy diet!
We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..?Â
Stay true to yourself and stay positive.
Now the Quick 5
1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …?Â
I went on a student exchange to Italy for a year when I was 14.
2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..?Â
Lake Tinaroo, The Tablelands, FNQ.
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song …?Â
Rather Be by Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …? Stress less and live in the moment – everything eventually falls into place and there’s no time like the present.
and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …?  My iPhone, MacBook Pro, Mimco watch, FAMILY and FRIENDS!
