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.
Starting off our home state interviews is Marz Hill one of the contestants who will be competing for a place in the national final held later this year in Melbourne at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Wednesday, August 31st, 2016 where the nations finalists will be competing for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2016.
Congratulations on making it so far in the coveted Miss Universe Australia competition, Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
I’d always wanted to get involved with Miss Universe, but it never seemed to be the right time. This year, I was invited to participate on Instagram, and with the age cut-off looming, I knew I had to get involved! I’m facing my fears, growing through the process, but I knew MUA was the right pageant for me, as being confidently beautiful, showing both intelligence and grace has been instilled in me from such a young age. My values and way of life align beautifully with Miss Universe, so out of all of my pageant research, it’s always been my pageant of choice.
Speaking of inspiration, what inspires you the most?
Photography by Mail VictoriaTeaching, mentoring and helping others. Seeing someone else’s face light up as they learn something new really melts my heart and gets me excited. I have always had a curiosity to learn as much as I can and I love passing on what I’ve discovered, be it from the amazing books I’ve read, my one on one sessions with personal training clients, or cultural experiences from one of the 32 countries I’ve visited. My Instagram feed is full of facts, tools and advice I’ve gathered in my journey!
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
Spreading the word and raising awareness, that beauty is more than the skin you are in. Beauty is how you wear your skin. It’s how you present yourself to the world each day, whether you choose to have a smile or a frown on your face, how you stand (your posture says a lot!), what you choose to nourish your body with (or if you treat your body as a trash can), how much water you drink, sleep you get, and the people you hang out with; all of these combined make up the person you are each day. I would love to be able to teach young women and men that being confidently beautiful has more to do with what’s inside – and that they can be in control of those feelings.
The Miss Universe Pageant has a long history of associating with a charity. Are there any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of Miss Universe to advance?
The Rogue and Rouge Foundation are dedicated to helping young people see beauty differently. They educate Australian youth about healthy body image, confidence and increasing self-worth through hands-on workshops in schools and community groups. Run out of the Gold Coast and founded by our National Health Commissioner Gibson, they are total game changers, and I would love to use the Miss Universe Platform to raise awareness of their mission.
The rivalry between states is sure to be heightened this year. Why do you think Queensland is the best state to take out Miss Universe Australia?
We are the Sunshine State! Our girls have such a bright light shining from each of them, which I see during our fitness training together. These are gorgeous women, on a mission to change the world in their unique way. I am so proud to be a part of the Queensland team!
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What is something you always find yourself saying?
“I’ve got this” or “we’ve got this”. I’m a team player, and I’m always pepping people up (myself included). There are too much hate and fear in the world and I would prefer to focus on what can be done, and more importantly, what we can do when we work together.
How would your closest friend describe you?
Supportive, compassionate, harmonious, intelligent and fun to be around.
What are your top three values that you live by?
1. Honesty – is the best policy.
2. Inclusivity – I know that anything can be resolved, and people can easily live in harmony together when their judgements can be put aside.
3. Efficiency – it’s probably my corporate side showing here, but I’m a sucker for organisation!
What’s something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?
In 2013, I went from working for a billionaire in fast-paced London, to volunteering as a tour guide through Spain and Germany. A year of contrasts, I learnt a lot in those travels, including how to be totally independent, super organised, and how to pack for an entire trip in just my carry-on! So far, my life experience has equipped me with the necessary skills to wear the crown with pride and represent it with the respect it deserves. I am ready.
What does your current fitness regime look like in the lead up to the state finals?
It’s a mash-up of all the things my body loves to do! I integrate yoga, pilates, cardio, strength and conditioning training and a good mix of meditation to round it off. I aim to get a balance, to ensure that I get my body into the zone where change is made, then slow things down so that my body is relaxed and it’s easy to manage homoeostasis.
Name five things you can’t live without?
Love, kindness, hugs, family and friends.
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song, and why?
“Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia. It reminds me of growing up and mum saying “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you” when I would come home crying because some bully picked on me at school. Even from those earliest experiences I know that I can overcome anything, as long as I believe I can, and Titanium reminds me of that.
