Well, Autumn is in full swing, and It’s also that time of year when the search to find Miss Universe Australia is well underway with state finalists being announced across the country.
So we thought it would be a perfect time to kick off some home state interviews with Chantelle Romeo. Congratulations on making it through to the state finals, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
Hello, My name is Chantelle, I am 24 years old and was born and raised in North Brisbane. I am a Flight Attendant for Virgin Australia Airlines. During this time I have been very fortunate to have met so many incredible people and visited many places in Australia which have definitely contributed to shaping the person I am today. Queensland, however, is still my favourite place to live for the beaches, sunshine and the good-naturedness of Queenslanders. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, catching up with friends and seeking new ways to enhance and expand on my skills. Being half Italian, I am passionate about cultural diversity and am grateful to live in a country which encourages this. A phrase that has always been something I have lived by is, “You are stronger than you think you are”.
We all have motivations; Mine usually revolves around coffee but
what was your key motivation for entering the MUA competition?
Ultimately I decided to set myself a focus for the new year to work on my personal development and growth. As part of this, I set a goal to put myself out of my comfort zone to seek new and exciting challenges. So that is exactly what I did when registering in hopes to be part of this amazing experience. Change in today’s society is so important as it enables growth and this is just alike to each; if we want to see the change in ourselves, we need to seek different experiences which fall outside of our day to day routine. The Miss Universe Australia pageant encourages change and focuses on the empowerment of woman by providing a platform under which confident and intelligent young women of today can make positive changes within the community.
What part of the Miss Universe Australia program are you most looking forward to?
I am honestly looking forward to every part of the Miss Universe Australia program as there is so much to be gained from the experience. I am looking forward to making new friendships, support networks and stepping outside my comfort zone with new experiences. Impromptu speaking is not a strong skill of mine, so I am looking forward to working on this and developing more confidence with public speaking. Also having the ability to help others, the community and create awareness for causes which are close to my heart.
We are all unique so what would you say is something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?
My desire to always do my very best in any situation definitely defines me as a person and I believe makes me stand out. I am also a very genuine person who is always trying to be a positive influence not only on other people but also within myself. I believe this to be one of my greatest attributes.
With the state finals, less than a fortnight away, has your routine changed at all?
The time has definitely flown by! It can be difficult to find any routine being involved in shift work. However, the Miss Universe Australia program has been an incredible motivator to reach my personal fitness goals and live a happy and healthy lifestyle. I am increasing my commitment to the gym, eating healthy and always staying hydrated. I am also focusing more on my self-awareness. I have always loved sports from a young age, but running is an activity that has always been a favourite of mine. I love how it clears the mind and improves the quality of your mental life. Other than fitness I am keeping up to date with current affairs and taking advantage of the products and workshops we are so luckily provided by our sponsors.
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
Being a State Finalist, I hope to gain further confidence, build a network of friends and use the tools provided to be seen as a positive role model for other women and bring about change where I can positively foster this. I would ultimately love to use the platform to draw attention to issues worldwide which truly resonate with me such as mental health issues. For example, the impact of social media on people’s confidence and overall well being. It would mean being able to reach out, raise awareness and educate; to break down social stigmas, implement preventative strategies and most importantly support those in need.
We will wrap up with a few irrelevant and random questions, now that my coffee has worn off.
Name five things you can’t live without?
* Family & Friends
* laughter
*Adventure
*Chocolate
*Phone
How long does it take you to scroll through Facebook before giving up?
I like to use Facebook as a tool for staying in the loop of social events. I like to have a scroll in the morning before work and at the end of the day; a bit like reading the paper to keep informed. I believe social media can be a positive tool used to gain awareness, educate and connect.
How would your closest friend describe you?
Taken from their very words.Kind hearted, optimistic, motivated, approachable, down to earth and genuine. When I reflect over my 24 years, I have surrounded myself with people who have brought out the very best in me and for that reason couldn’t be happier with the friendships I have formed.
When You Dance, You look like?
I would say I look like a flame on the wick of a candle… the mood depicts the rest!
Finally, and this one is important, so please pay attention… What do you think pets dream about?
An endless supply of treats!
So not long now until this highly anticipated event that will see 28 of QLD’s most beautiful women compete to secure a spot as a QLD National Finalist, and go on to compete in and represent QLD in the Miss Universe Australia National Final. Get Your Ticket Here
