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 Naomi Holt, from Victoria 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?
I’m 24 years old, and I’m very lucky to live on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria where I get to be close to the things I love the most, my family, friends and the sea. I’m currently studying a bachelor of psychology, and it definitely is the right degree for me as I’m excited I will have a career that I can use to help others. I’ve recently returned from a semester abroad studying in Amsterdam, and I now volunteer at my university as a peer advisor where I help new international students settle into life in Australia and show them around our beautiful country! I am also a volunteer mentor to disadvantaged teens, which although at times can be challenging because these children aren’t always in the best situations, it has been incredibly rewarding and surprisingly fun! Above all else, you will find me trying to have a good time and laughing as I think life is lived through joy!
Naomi Congratulations on making it so far in the such a coveted competition, we have to ask how the overall experience has been so far?
Thank you so much, I feel honoured to have come this far! The experience so far has been tremendously positive; I’ve learned so much more about myself and what drives me to do things, as well as meeting so many amazing women and now friends. The sponsors and directors of the competition have been so generous, I truly didn’t expect to have had such an amazing time so far, and there is so much more still to come!
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?
The Bali trip was really a once in a lifetime experience, to be treated the way we were was amazing I felt like royalty! My personal highlight was visiting the children’s home run by the Bali Life Foundation; the experience was so incredibly humbling. To see these children who have come from nothing being so grateful for what they have been giving and the happiness on their faces really taught me a lesson and reinforced in my mind that the simplest things in life are what we need to cherish
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?
The first thing on my list when preparing was to practice walking in heels, although I model as a profession I’m definitely more comfortable in flats! I believe it’s important in a competition like this to prepare mentally, so I have been making sure I stay focused on positive thoughts and taking the time to know myself. Lastly, I’ve been keeping up with my usual healthy eating and regular exercise to keep my body fit, strong and most importantly healthy!
With so many women all bring their individual flare to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
Wherever I am, I like to enjoy myself and have fun, whether that be singing in my horrible voice at home, dancing down supermarket aisles or waiting backstage in this competition. I’m hoping that this desiring to be happy in every moment shows on stages in my energy and presence and helps to set me apart from all the other truly beautiful and unique individuals in the competition.
Speaking of unique flare or style what would you say is your best style or beauty secret?
You will look your best wearing clothing that you’re truly comfortable in, don’t wear things because you think that’s what other people would wear, wear things because you love them!
What inspired you to enter in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
I believe that with the right platform and influence one voice can make an incredible difference. For me, the idea of being given a platform to possibly make a difference in the areas I am passionate about, such as mental health and family violence, was my biggest inspiration.
Speaking of inspiration who or what inspires you most?
I am inspired by the little acts of kindness I see taking place each day and that you can change the world just by simply changing one person’s life for the better.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
When I travel, I write postcards to myself, so that when I return home, I can read the highlights from my trip!
What does the average day look like for you?
My mornings consist of a smoothie and tea which I usually enjoy in the presence of my grandparents and my cousin as I’m fortunate enough to live with them. After that, I get straight into studying which I do for most of the day because I pride myself on doing well and it’s my goal to be a psychologist, so I need the best grades possible. Besides that, I work out most days I especially love reformer Pilates, and I’m lucky enough to have my mum as my instructor.
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
To actually wind down I need to be somewhere that I feel comfortable and for me, there is nowhere I feel more comfortable than in my family home in front of the fireplace where I have so many beautiful childhood memories that along with the heat of the fireplace help to relax me
What is something you find yourself saying all the time?
I’m hungry
If you could give yourself one piece of advice five years ago what would it be?
Try not to become too invested in social media, focus on the moment you are in and the world around you instead, it will bring you so much more joy. As it can be hard to disconnect from social media once you become too emotionally involved and you will miss the amazing things happening around you.
And finally what are the five things you couldn’t live without?
My family and friends would be at the top of the list, and then food not just in a biological sense but also because eating makes me extremely happy! The more I think about this question, the more I realise I could live without a lot of the things that come to mind, but I definitely would not want to live without tea and a nice hot shower.
