It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Sarah Said-Smith of New South Wales, one of the 28 remarkable and accomplished women from diverse backgrounds vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. The winner is set to be crowned in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth on the 5th of September.

So, Sarah, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

My name is Sarah and I was born and raised in Sydney. I’ve been a model for the last nine years, working within Australia and on a number of international placements. Additionally, I work as a social media influencer and content creator across Instagram and TikTok, where I love sharing insights into my life. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Sydney, majoring in Marketing, and I am looking forward to utilising my degree in future business ventures.

I would describe myself as a strategic creative, deeply connected to creating and expressing myself, while also being kind and good-humoured. I love putting a smile on people’s faces.

What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?

Miss Universe Australia is not only a fantastic self-discovery program but also gives young women the ability to step into a role model position and consider how you, as an individual, can contribute to something bigger. For me personally, I’m extremely passionate about body positivity. Throughout my modelling career, I’ve experienced a wide range of comments and pressure about my size and body, all while having friends, family, or followers comment on how much better it would be to have my body. It’s really shown me that it’s paramount to love and accept your body as it is rather than thinking the grass is greener on the other side. It’s a message I’ve been working on sharing through my social media platform, and if I could reach even more young females with the Miss Universe Australia stage—that would be a very rewarding leap to have taken!

As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietjet, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?

I loved the trip so much that I’m currently writing this response while in Vietnam again! It was truly a fantastic week spent with not only a like-minded and inspiring group of women but also in such a beautiful and cultural place, which was the main reason I decided to return. I appreciated it so deeply that I wanted to see and experience even more of stunning Vietnam… and I may or may not have booked a couple of nights back at Hoiana Resort & Golf too as a treat!

What would you say was the highlight of the trip?

It would be easy to say the beautiful beach, the five-star resort, or the immense amount of delicious food. Though truthfully, I would have to say it was bonding with my fellow Miss Universe Australia contenders. Everyone was so friendly, inspiring, and driven, and I appreciate so much being able to share the experience with them.

Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?

One of the many great activities organised for us included a day with the renowned National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). We delved into a day course on presenting, brought to us by two welcoming and knowledgeable Australian coaches. Presenting is a path I have always felt strongly about following, and the course was a really fun way to dip my toes in. The day required a lot of trusting each other as classmates to be open and accepting in our improvisation and practice presentation styles—definitely an experience beyond what I do in my daily life, but it was truly very rewarding in proving to myself that I can consistently push those boundaries.

Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson. Imagine you’re standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. What advice would you give to your younger self?

You underestimate yourself. Don’t. You’re going to grow up in the beautiful culture of Australia; however, being humble is a cornerstone. It’s fantastic that you’ll grow to be down-to-earth, but don’t become so humble that you forget how powerful you are. It’s a lesson that today, even at 27, you’ll still be trying to find the balance of. You can achieve anything, so think big and be confident in your abilities to do anything.

With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?

I’m the perfect person to use the platform to connect with the future generation of young women and inspire them to be more accepting of their appearance and their bodies. Being able to shine a light on the fact that even models they may look up to get negative body commentary can hopefully highlight that it’s essential to be kind and accepting of whatever state your body is in because there is no perfect body!

What’s something about you that people might find surprising?

That I’m half Egyptian! People have always told me I look “exotic” throughout my modelling career, but no one has ever been able to pick it, and my cultural mix is one I’m proud of. I’m seventh generation Australian on my mum’s side (hence half of my last name—Smith), and my father and his whole family migrated from Egypt in the late 60s, coming at first to Bonegilla migrant camp in Victoria.

If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?

I’m so blessed that I’ve already been able to work on so many dream career moments. However, if I had to dive into something else, I’d love to pursue creating my own business—a journey I’m currently on! I’m starting my shoe clip business, Ornare, which should hopefully be launching in the next couple of months. Stemming from my love of fashion and shoes, but realising how expensive and wasteful buying new shoes for each trend can be, I’m excited to change the game for consumers.

We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?

Speaking and understanding Arabic! I’m unfortunately one of the only people in my family who doesn’t know it, and despite my efforts to learn, I’m far from fluent. It’s a beautiful thing to carry on your ethnicity’s language and culture, so I would be proud to have that skill.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I actually just finished a motorcycle tour through the Ha Giang Loop, in northern Vietnam, and it was a wild adventure. Three days over 350 kilometres through the mountainous region of north Vietnam, all done on the back of a motorcycle driven by an expert local. Not only was it an exceptionally beautiful journey, but I had the best time seeing the smaller villages, driving with my group, and connecting with my funny and skilled driver.

Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?

I’m a big movie and TV show watcher! I adore a night in on the couch watching something funny or exhilarating with some popcorn or sweets.

If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?

Teleportation, so I could use more of my time doing things I love, with the people I love.

Help Sarah and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference

Sarah, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2024 charities: Camp Quality and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.

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