Miss Universe Australia 2017 Finalist - Artia Ratahi

Miss Universe Australia 2017 Finalist - Artia Ratahi

The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 29.

The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 29.

We are chatting with Artia Ratahi, from the Northern Territory who will be competing for the 2017 title of Miss Universe Australia,

Following in the footsteps of Jennifer Hawkins, Rachael Finch, Tegan Martin & Jesinta Campbell.

First of all the introduction, Why don’t you tell us about yourself?

My name is Artia Ratahi I am twenty years old, and I am a Northern Territory State Finalist in this year’s Miss Universe Australia competition. I grew up in Darwin and completed all of my schooling there. I also work as a casual retail assistant and model in my spare time.

 

Artia Congratulations on making it so far in the such a coveted competition, we have to ask how the overall experience has been so far?

My overall experience in the Miss Universe Australia competition so far has been amazing. Meeting the other contestants, organisers and previous Miss Universe winners was a highlight, especially the opportunity to participate in the winner’s trip to Bali. I feel very honoured and lucky to be a part of this competition.

 

We have just heard you returned from the Intercontinental Resort in Bali as part of the program, How was the experience and what would you say was your highlight?

It was definitely an unforgettable experience at the Intercontinental Resort in Bali. I was so nervous when I got there, but the other contestants and organisers were so friendly and inclusive and helped settle my nerves. My highlight of the trip was the workshops led by the previous Miss Universe Winners and Egami Style. The workshops included self-building with skills and speech, confidence, and walking techniques. It really helped me build my self-esteem and gave me the skills to grow as a young woman. I feel like I am so much better prepared for the competition now.

It’s not long now until the finals, how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before the finals get underway?

I am very excited and feeling the nerves as the competition nears. I am physically preparing myself by monitoring what I eat every day and making sure I stay in shape. I’ve also been practising all the techniques I learnt at the workshop to mentally prepare for this. I’ve become a keen viewer of current affairs and news programs which I use to practise questions and answers scenarios.

With so many women all bring their individual flare to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?

Firstly, I think every contestant here is amazing, and I wish them the best of luck I think each of them are extraordinary. Having said that, I think what may set me apart is my laid back attitude and original style. I’m an NT girl through and through, and I think that will really show.

 

Speaking of unique flare or style what would you say is your best style or beauty secret?

My best style would be when I have my curly hair dressed with a bodycon dress and pretty nude heels. My best beauty secret is making sure I use makeup that compliments my skin tones.

 

What inspired you to enter in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?

I was inspired to enter the Miss Universe Australia pageant because I have not been involved with pageants before but have always been a keen follower and admirer. After seeing many beautiful and elegant contestants in previous Miss Universe competitions, I knew this was something I wanted to experience. They looked so happy and proud representing the person they are and where they are from either from their state or country. It inspired me to be just like them.

 

Speaking of inspiration who or what inspires you most?

Adriana Lima totally inspires me because she has this fierce and amazing presence, whether you see her on television, magazines or billboards. I look at her and dream of being just like her and where she reached with her years in modelling. Her way of modelling and keeping in shape motivates me. Her modelling career is the path I want to follow, whilst her strength and independence are characteristics I hope to replicate.

What is something people might find interesting about yourself?

I come from a very cultural background of Australian and New Zealand descent and have the only blue eyes in my family. I am currently pursuing a modelling career which I will be relocating to Melbourne for, after the pageant. I am a very creative person and love designing and arts. I have always wanted to design my own line of clothes. So I will be enrolling in a fashion design and technology degree in the new year.
Something else that I’ve just learnt about myself is I am totally a cat lover.  I have two cats that I adore and have set up their own Instagram page.  Yes, I know… that’s a little embarrassing!

 

What does the average day look like for you?

I really don’t have an average day as I work many different shifts and model in between them. Some days I am up really early going to modelling locations. I enjoy working out in the mornings and running by the beach side in the afternoons. My favourite days are when I get to sleep in a bit. If you ask my family, they’ll tell you I am a total night owl.

 

Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?

My favourite place to wind down and relax is the Darwin Waterfront which is an area close to the city. I love laying by the lagoon and either reading a book about the ancient world or listening to soul music.

What is something you find yourself saying all the time?

My daily mantra is “Don’t put off until later the things I can do now.”

 

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

One piece of advice I would like to give myself five years ago is to never let my nerves, or being afraid, get the best of me; and to do the things that others are not willing to do and you will be successful.

 

And finally what are the five things you couldn’t live without?

First and foremost is my close friends and family. They are my rock and keep me grounded. The other things are music; it is my zen; my hair products to give my curls some control; and finally, my two cats because they are so cuddly and cute

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Owen George

Owen George

Editor & Chief of Gold Coast Magazine is a lover of great coffee and sharing the stories of the people, places, and events that make the Gold Coast such a great city

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