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 Kelly Shaw 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 …? 

Well for starters, My name is Kelly Shaw, I’m 20 years old and I’ve lived on the Gold Coast for most of my life, I attend Southern Cross University and study Business Marketing, I absolutely love to travel and I am a massive animal lover.

Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….? 

Well I’ve been in a few competitions before and I found that they don’t really pay much attention to your personality or brains, they just want you to be stick thin and don’t really take much else into consideration. I had thought about it before but never really looked into it but I decided this year was the year. I’m really loving Miss Universe though, it’s not just about looks, it’s about brains, personality, charity, public speaking as well, and I think it’s a great pageant.

Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …? I have two major inspirations, my mum and Richard Branson, I just love my mum to bits and I think she’s so kind and understanding, I really look up to her. As I’m a business student I’m interested in the business world and I think a really inspiring person in it is Richard Branson. Not only is he a brilliant business person but I love the way he has set up his charity organizations, he doesn’t just throw money at people he teaches under privileged people how to make a living and grow food for themselves, brilliant!

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 would love to be a role model for young girls, I feel as though it is very important to teach the younger generation, especially women, to be very strong but still always kind, with things like social media being huge these days internet bullying and gossip can be encouraged therefore I feel as though it is important to teach by example to never bully others and that beauty is on the inside.

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 …?

Definitely, I am a huge animal advocate, mainly in the area of homeless dogs and abuse, I have done a lot of work with the animal welfare, RSPCA and Rocky’s K9 Shelter in the past, I believe it’s so important to teach people to adopt rather than buy their pets, as there are many animals looking for a second chance at life.

The Heart Foundation also hits really close to me as I was born with a heart problem, as a child I felt this made me weird and I hated it so I would really like to spread the message to children with heart disease and other congenital problems that it makes them special not weird and it is something that makes you a stronger person.

What do you think will set you out from the rest  of the entrants competing in the 2015 competition …? 

I think an asset I have that will set me apart from other contestants is my ability to relate to other people. I am very understanding and open, I actually really enjoy public speaking and getting to know new people which is a really important quality for Miss Universe.

What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …? 

I would have to say, keeping things natural and keeping my personality down to earth. Don’t get me wrong, like any other girl I love to get dolled up for special occasions but I think it’s really important to take the makeup and heels off and just be yourself, not only does it give your skin hair etc a break but it keeps your personality down to earth too.

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’m quite into my fitness, I go to the gym 5 days a week and always walk my dog on the beach, I also think it’s really important to have a healthy diet, most of the time haha, I’ll admit I do like the occasional pig out movie session with my friends.

We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..? 

“Keep smiling, no matter what”.

I know life can throw curve balls at you but it’s really important to always stay positive because things always get better, even when you least expect it.

Now the Quick 5

1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …? 

I’m not a girly girl, I love things like surfing and BMX riding

2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..? 

Brighton Jetty in Adelaide because it reminds me of being a kid again and visiting my grandparents.

What song would you say is  your personal anthem or theme song …? 

Fall Out Boy – My Songs know what you did in the dark (Light em up)

I find it really makes you want to get up work harder at whatever you’re doing, and it makes me feel really strong.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …? 

Never let other people get you down because if you believe you can and work hard enough, you will succeed

and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …?

My family

My onesie

My dog (Daisy)

My bed

Music