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 Mikaela McTier-Browne 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 was born and grew up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland – The Beef capital of Australia, so i’ve had the benefits of both country and a small city lifestyle.  I was lucky to have been blessed with two amazing parents and a beautiful big sister and was raised with the principles of honesty, hard work and a respect for others. I Love sports, being active and enjoy life to its fullest. After completing high school where I was senior house captain and a member of the student council, I went straight into study at Central Queensland University where i completed my three-year Bachelor of Communications (majoring in Journalism, Business and Marketing). I love traveling overseas and have gained many amazing friends and memories.
Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….? As a child I would always watch the pageant on television and be inspired by seeing these confident, intelligent women who help and support charities in need, I Respect these women and hope I too can make a positive impact and help better the lives of others.
Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …? If I had to narrow it down to one, I would say Jennifer Hawkins. She was the last Miss Universe Australia contestant to take out the overall Miss Universe Title. Throughout her reign, she not only contributed to charity work but she also became an Entrepreneur,Television Presenter, Brand Ambassador and Role Model to many. I Hope to follow closely in her footsteps.
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 …? It excites me. Being on the Miss Universe journey has really taught me valuable skills and lessons. I believe I have a lot to offer young girls and have learned life skills really early on that have massively benefited me in my everyday activities. I think that if someone possesses attributes of being a good role model they are passionate, genuine, focused, driven, committed and responsible. Life can sometimes be tough and there is always an easy out but the real rewarded comes when you stick to your goals, work through the struggle and then reap the rewards both physically and mentally.
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 …? I have been blessed in my life and feel that this gives me opportunities to help others. I helped organise and event plan a wonderfully successful charity day for the Riding for the disabled Associations (RDA) which is a local charity that assists people with disability to interact with horses through Riding, Dressage, Carriage Driving, Vaulting and therapeutic programs. I Loved working with the children, liaising with sponsors and co-ordinating the day.Â
What do you think will set you out from the rest of the entrants competing in the 2015 competition …?  My Compassion, Determination and Drive. Winning the overall Miss Universe title has been a major goal of mine for years now, Everyday i spend time working on my self-development and fitness so I can be as ready as possible when it comes to competition time.
What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …?
Being Confident. Beauty comes from within – if you have a beautiful heart and mind then you will have a beautiful exterior. When you have self-confidence you can wear absolutely anything and make it look great because it’s not about what you wear it’s about how you carry yourself when you wear it.
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 …?
You could label me as a Gym junkie, I Love working out and getting my body active and moving. I Find it calming and a great stress release. I Love knowing that after a really hard workout of pushing my body to new limits, I am one step closer to reaching my goal body. Most days i will train twice a day incorporating cardio and strength training, Lately I have really been enjoying Cross Fit, but that one is not for the faint hearted.
We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..? Â “You only get out what you put in” I am determined to work hard do whatever it takes to bee successful. I am responsible for the fulfillment of my dreams and everyday I work towards them – if I don’t put in 100% and do my best someone else will.
Now the Quick 5
1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …?
As well as my business, health & fitness passions, I also love sewing.  I could spend hours  creating and designing unique items of clothing and never become bored. I hope to one day have my own clothing label that will help assist others to feel confident and beautiful.
2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..? I would have to say the beach. there is nothing better than heading to the beach  –  clearing your head, taking off your shoes, feeling the sand beneath your feet, hearing the roar of the ocean waves and feeling the light sea mist upon your face. I’ve been very lucky to visit some of the best beaches in the world such as Waikiki, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean as well of course our beautiful gold coast and Whitsunday islands.
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song …?Â
BEYONCE – GROWN WOMAN.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …? .  be yourself, forget about what others might think of you and just enjoy what life has to offer. because life is a journey of experiences that allows us to grow, develop and learn. this journey has taught me many things about myself and has helped me to improve and identify any flaws that i have within myself and overcome them creating a stronger, confident Mikaela.
and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …?
1. family – my biggest support.
2. my phone – obviously, its a necessity in this day and age.
3. music – i love dancing and be able to put my head phones in and escape the outside world.
4. mejool dates – my favourite fruit of all time.
5. passion – why do something that you don’t love? life is too short to be doing something you don’t enjoy.