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 Shania Leslie 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 …?
Thank you so much, I am currently working as a retail assistant at a jewellery store whilst studying my diploma of management.
Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….
Well as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a model, it was just a matter of when I would seek to follow that dream. So when I came across an add asking for applicants for miss universe I jumped straight on to that opportunity and when I had been sent an email back saying I had been selected to go down the gold coast and compete I was beyond happy.
Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …?
I would definitely have to say Rachel Finch. As she is from my home town Townsville she has really inspired me by how far she has come and too think she was just an ordinary girl like me that went on to be a miss universe australia it’s absolutely amazing. Living in a small town I do believe it is a lot harder to be noticed as an inspiring model rather than living in a big city when you are more open too opportunities it really goes to tell a story that wherever you are in the world, your dreams are possible if you put your mind to it.
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 believe a very important attribute to have as miss universe would be a clear set of values, to act in ways that support everybody’s beliefs and to live in a way where you were selfless and accepting of others, to not see social barriers, to see people needs and act on them no matter their background or what circumstance they may be in. In today society I feel our future generation is still struggling with the whole “trying to fit in” situation. So as a role model I also feel a good attribute to have is someone I isn’t afraid to be unique, to spread a message that whatever someone might do with their lives, be proud of the person they have become, that they don’t have to live up to what they think is socially acceptable because there more than just a status.
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 …?
Mental health is definitely an issue that hits close to home. Even tho society’s awareness of mental health has increased as of late, it is still often miss understood by many. I would like an opportunity to promote an understanding of mental health and the struggle that some people, especially those that are young face every day in dealing with this issue.
What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …?
Best beauty secret would definitely be keeping fit and have the right amount of sleep and nutrition
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 go to the gym 5 days a week, where I work on strength training exercise’s as well as cardio whilst also having a very well balanced eating plan.
We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..? I deserve the world, so I am going to give it to myself.
Now the Quick 5
1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …? My quirkiness and sense of humour and how I don’t take myself too seriously
2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..?
I would have to say my home, the sense of warmth I get from a place I’ve grown up is like nothing else.
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song …? Wont back down – Tom Petty
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …?
Don’t take life to seriously, life goes on and to remember everything happens for a reason, it only goes up from here!
and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …?
My family
Music
Fitness
Beach
Laughter