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 Tahlia Giumelli, from New South Wales 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 Tahlia Giumelli; I’m 24 years old. This year I am the ambassador of Crohn’s and Colitis Australia as well as the face of their campaign Live Fearless after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2013. I am an avid traveller and food enthusiast and big book nerd
Tahlia Congratulations on making it so far in the such a coveted competition, we have to ask how the overall experience has been so far?
Incredible. Bali was an amazing highlight and a great opportunity to get to know all the girls before we go to Melbourne for Nationals. I’m looking forward to being with everyone again and catching up with all the other states
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 highlight for me was certainly the Bali Life Orphanage. The young girls who live there put on a dance show for us and at the end we all got up and danced and sang with them, it was incredible.
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?
Certainly staying up to date on world events that are happening at the moment is a great start, as well as maintaining your health and fitness as its a big week ahead in Melbourne. Also watching Miss Congeniality is a bad way to prep either
With so many women all bring their individual flare to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
I think I have a story to tell and hopefully inspire young women, being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 20 was obviously a huge change in my life but I haven’t allowed that to stop me living my life and I hope to encourage young people to do the same
Speaking of unique flare or style what would you say is your best style or beauty secret?
My beauty secret is Paw paw always make sure you have some on you, it certainly makes sure you have lush looking lips, and hair prep is key, I’ve been using a hair moisture by DNA Organics to ensure my hair is 100% on point and shiny
What inspired you to enter in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
I wanted to speak out publicly about my battle with Crohn’s disease and making the National Finals has allowed me to speak recently at Parliament house with the Minster of Health to ensure that we had adequate funding and resources for those suffering from IBD. I also love a good challenge and love to push myself, and this has allowed me to do so
Speaking of inspiration who or what inspires you most?
JK Rowling is one of my biggest inspirations, she is an amazing mother, charity worker and author and she worked incredibly hard and through many set backs to get to where she wanted to be, and she is an incredible inspiration to stay motivated no matter what life throws at you
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
I was actually accepted into the NSW Police Force in 2015 but chose to move to Los Angeles instead, I love boxing and health, and I am a Personal Trainer. I also enjoy writing a lot and keep a diary
What does the average day look like for you?
An average day for me always starts with food and coffee and I am either off to a photo shoot, or I am going to castings. I try and squeeze in a Gym session or Pilates session three to four times a week and always try and finish my days with 30 minutes of reading
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
My favourite place in the world is anywhere near a beach; I find that if I am really stressed or anxious, I love to grab my book and be near some salty ear. It always allows me to think clearer
What is something you find yourself saying all the time?
Has anyone seen my……? (I’m always loosing things) also I tell myself to breathe each day, we sometimes get so busy that we forget to stop and take a moment for ourselves
If you could give yourself one piece of advice five years ago what would it be?
Every obstacle and challenge you are thrown in life has a purpose, and you will come out stronger than ever before, just breath and have a little faith that everything happens for a reason. And don’t cry over boys haha
And finally what are the five things you couldn’t live without?
A book, coffee, chocolate, my family and Netflix
