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 Smallman 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 …?
My name is Jessica, I am 22 years old and work as a Senior Stylist at White Lily Couture. I am studying Front Line management and also learning to speak Dutch! I am a glass always full kind of person with the dream to one day own an online boutique.
Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….? I was drawn to the Miss Universe pageant as it has a history of strong, intelligent and head strong woman who each have achieved so much not only throughout their reign but careers after holding the title. The platform Miss Universe Australia provides not only on the national stage but internationally inspires me to do things to the best of my ability and inspire others to chase their dreams. The competition itself is a challenge both physically and mentally with many under estimating the preparation and dedication behind what you see on stage. I want to challenge society’s perception of pageants and illustrate the heart of what makes those who are crowned Miss Universe Australia so unique!
Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …? It sounds super cheesy but… my partner inspires me the most! He has had many setbacks whilst chasing his dreams but has never given up. He refused to let anything stand between him and what he does best. For me he is a constant reminder to be strong and never give up. Work hard and you will achieve great things! It’s a lesson that holds value particularly when times get tough! Keep on keeping on.
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 …? The idea of being a role model for not only young girls but woman of all ages excited me and also makes me a little nervous! Knowing they would look to me as a role model would be an honour and I can only hope I do them justice and offer as much to them as they would inspire me.
I believe a good role model needs to be genuine, confident and committed to being a positive influence in society. They need to be beautiful on the inside and passionate about their vision whilst being able to take the good with the bad whilst coming out of it all with a positive attitude.
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 …?
We would be here for days if I talked about everything I support haha! However, one movement close to my heart that I believe in whole heartedly is the “Say no to Bullying” campaign. No one should be made to feel unwelcome in a world where we are never alone. Spreading the message, you are not on your own and making people aware there is support available if you need it is becoming more and more important in a society where bullying can take place through multiple platforms.
What do you think will set you out from the rest of the entrants competing in the 2015 competition …? I would love to say it’s my poise or travel experience however I am yet to explore the places I adore the most. I am more or less a ball of sunshine! I think outside the box and bring a fresh perspective through my positive attitude, bubbly and charismatic ways with a genuine vision to be a positive role model. I am a little bit quirky in a good way with a glass always full approach to life.
What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …? Style Secret: I love styling and fashion so this was really hard for me to narrow down but ultimately “When you look amazing, you feel amazing!”
Beauty Secret: Water! Don’t under estimate the power of this liquid gold.
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 …? I am not very fond of being inside a gym doing sets etc. It does occasionally happen however I much prefer being outdoors. I love climbing mountains, doing laps in a pool and more recently kayaking. Anything outdoors that involves pushing past personal barriers and achieving something that feels great. Especially if there is a little bit of healthy competition it pushes me to do better. I love the feeling of getting to the top and appreciating not only the view but the hard work it took to get there. It’s surprisingly a lot like life!
We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..? Everything happens for a reason.
Now the Quick 5
1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …? I am a Twin
2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..? A quiet place on the Sunshine Coast where I can sit down and have a picnic and watch the clouds
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song …? Freaks by Timmy Trumpet (At the moment haha it is destined to change!)
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …? Don’t give up, one set back is not the end of the world, fight for your dream and work hard!
and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …?
– Fruit
– An amazing cup of tea
– My best friends
– My diary (I would forget everything otherwise!)
– Sunshine
