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 Danica Butler, from Western Australia 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 Danica Butler, I’m 21 years old, and I currently live in Perth, Western Australia. I’m currently studying Advertising and Marketing and have recently picked up broadcasting as my minor. I am a huge advocate of keeping fit and healthy, whether it’s a run along the coast or taking up a Pilates or boxing class, it’s something that I have always loved to do.
Danica Congratulations on making it so far in such a coveted competition, we have to ask how the overall experience has been so far?
I don’t have the words to describe how rewarding this competition has been over the past few months. It’s helped me grow as an individual and has taught me a lot about myself. And the friends I’ve made on this journey has been incredible; I would never have thought that entering a competition like this would result in gaining friendships that’ll last forever. Troy and Sophia Barbagallo have done an outstanding job at creating a program that brings out the best in all the girls that enter it.
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?
Firstly, the Intercontinental Resort was and amazing place to stay while we were over there in Bali. I couldn’t recommend the resort enough to anybody wanting to take a trip to Bali; they definitely won’t be disappointed. My experience over there in the program was amazing. The program included a variety of things for all the girls to do, including workshops and visiting the Bali Life Foundation. My highlight would have to have been visiting the Bali Life Foundation, to be able to spend time with the children living there was so humbling and such a rewarding experience.
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?
It’s a week to be exact before we get on our flight and take off to Melbourne! The nerves are definitely kicking in, but overall I think my excitement is slowly taking over. Preparation wise I’ve not changed my routine drastically, but I’ve defiantly stepped it up with the healthy eating and extra boxing sessions throughout the week.
With so many women all bring their individual flare to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
There are so many beautiful girls, both inside and out, who are competing this year but I think we have something unique about ourselves that set us apart from the rest. In terms of what I think might set me apart from the other contestants would possibly be my confidence and bubbly personality. I am secure, and confident within myself and I think that shows through when I’m on stage.
Speaking of unique flare or style what would you say is your best style or beauty secret?
I’m not sure if you’d even consider this a beauty secret, but the most important thing to me would be drinking loads and loads of water throughout the day. Seriously it has the most amazing benefits for our bodies. Not only does it flush out toxins, improves skin complexion but it also boosts your immune system, how incredible is that?!
What inspired you to enter in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
The encouragement from friends and family inspired me to enter this program! Without their ongoing support, I don’t think I’d be where I am now in this competition.
Speaking of inspiration who or what inspires you most?
My friends and family are probably my biggest inspiration, not because of all the things they may have done but because of who they are as individuals. They inspire me every day to be the best possible me I can be and to always strive for excellence. But most of all a lot of my inspiration actually comes from myself, I believe I am the biggest motivator in achieving all my goals and aspirations. I motivate and inspire myself every day to achieve the goals I have set for myself in the future
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
A lot of people find it interesting how I juggle a full-time job on top of full-time studying at university while doing things like the Miss Universe Australia program. I’m always on the go doing something, so people rarely see me doing nothing! People are also always surprised to hear that I’ve lived and worked in a few different countries for modelling.
What does the average day look like for you?
An average day for me starts at 6 am (or 4:30 am if I’m heading out for an early morning boxing session), getting up and ready for an early start at University in the morning up until about 12 pm. Then heading straight to work until about 7 pm. I’ll usually get home and jump straight into my running gear and head out for a cruise 4km run. After that, I’ll eat dinner then dedicate at least 2 hours of study before I head off to bed. It probably seems like a crazy day, but I love that I get to work and study at the same time! It definitely keeps me busy!!
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
If I’m not winding down with a movie or book in bed, going out for a nice relaxing dinner with my boyfriend is my favourite way to relax after a busy day. What could be better than some good wine & food?!
What is something you find yourself saying all the time?
Something I find myself saying all the time would have to be “thank you very much.” I was always taught growing up to be thankful for everything people do for you. That’s probably my way of saying I really appreciate what you’ve done for me. No matter how small or big!
If you could give yourself one piece of advice five years ago what would it be?
To relax and trust the things I was doing at the time was good enough and would take me to where I would be right now. I think when you are younger you don’t always see the bigger picture and are quite often focussed on the moment you are in and tend to get quite caught up in that. But I think if we all learned to relax and take things as they came when we were younger it would have made a world of difference. I am so happy with where I am in my life right now, so I’d love to go back and tell myself that everything will be okay!
And finally what are the five things you couldn’t live without?
1. Coffee! As in the thought of going without coffee for the rest of my life would be a living nightmare. I love coffee so much that I’d probably swap it for my phone if I had to!
2. A good book! I am a huge lover of reading books when I have the time! They keep me entertained for hours and I don’t need to be reliant on an electronic device to keep me busy.
3. My Laptop! There is nothing more that I love than climbing into bed after a long day and watching a good documentary or movie! I use my laptop for everything, movies, work and university!
4. My Phone! I love being able to stay in contact with my friends and family all the time so I don’t think I could live without it!
5. Music! I am constantly listening to music wherever I am. It always puts me in a good mood!
