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 28.
We are chatting with Savannah Monkhouse, from WA who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I am 23 years old and originally from Bunbury! In 2015 I had just qualified as a Hairdresser and decided to move to Perth for a change. After a few months of living and working in Perth, I decided I wanted to further myself, and I am currently studying a bachelor in Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology. I chose this field because I wanted to be in a job that was based around helping people and making a difference in the community.
In my down time, I love to read a good book (autobiographies are my weakness!) and to keep active as I strongly believe that a healthy body activates a healthy mind. When I can, I travel back down to Bunbury to spend time with my family, after my grandad passed away last year it really put into perspective for me that time is precious, and I need to spend as much time as I can with them while we are all still young, healthy and able!
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?
Amazing! Alila is definitely the place to go if you want the 5 star Bali experience that’s for sure! We started off in Ubud, then to Seminyak and lastly Uluwatu. We also went to so many beautiful dinner places at each location which I felt so appreciative for! It was awesome being able to experience each area of Bali and to spend it with so many beautiful and talented girls!
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
My highlight would be the privilege to meet so many new friends from all over Australia! If I hadn’t entered, I never would have had the opportunity to meet them all, so I’m incredibly grateful.
So now you’re home and having undergone the best prep we can think of you know the sun, surf and Bali …. it’s not long till the national finals in Melb… how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before finals week commences?
I’m excited! Once I got back from Bali I immediately just got back into the routine of going to the gym and eating my usual diet. So I will just continue that way until Melbourne comes around!
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
Each one of the girls in the competition is individually beautiful, but I think something that will set me apart is my personality and mindset. I feel like I have a unique way of thinking and I can do anything I put my mind to!
Life is too short so every day I am bright, bubbly and always trying to put a smile on each person’s dial by telling a joke (even if it’s at my own expense!)
Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?
Have you ever heard the saying “you are who you surround yourself with”? I believe that to be so true. The people that surround me like my family and friends are my motivation. They are always there when I need a helping hand, positive words of wisdom or just a mood boost. They are all positive role models and seeing them also succeed in their own lives makes me want to achieve great goals myself.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
People might find it interesting the type of music I like, as it is not what they’d think. I am really into old school 90’s rock, some of my favourites being Jeff Buckley, the Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. I think I love that type of music because it reminds me of my childhood. My mum has always had excellent taste in music, and I always remember when I was young her playing music in the house while she would clean and the songs always stuck with me. I think its safe to say they just don’t make music anymore like they used to!
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
My parent’s house down south! It’s so quiet and peaceful there.
The Miss Universe program has a long and proud history and focuses on helping women become the best versions of themselves, how do you think your experience so far will help move you forward in life?
I think it has helped my confidence massively! Its made me believe in myself that I can do something if I really put my mind to it, which I think will help me in all aspects of my life.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
It didn’t just happen to myself, but to a group of us at the Bali trip. All of team WA were relaxing by the pool in a cabana when an absolutely massive hornet (the ones in Bali are huge!!) appeared out of nowhere in the cabana. As you could have imagined, we all screamed and tried to escape as quickly as possible. While attempting to escape a bunch of the girls tripped over each other trying to get out haha! It was hilarious, everyone in the restaurant would have been watching a whole group of blondes just stacking it on top of one another haha!
Name five things you can’t live without?
1. Family and friends 2. Love 3. Music 4. Avocado 5. Dogs (I love them so much)
How would your closest friend describe you?
I think they’d describe me as loyal because I’m always there for them and will stick by their side, it’s not every day you will find a caring, genuine friend. I think they’d also describe me as funny, and sarcasm is my second language haha.
Who inspires you the most?
The person who most inspires me would be Steph Claire Smith. She’s such a natural beauty who is the epitome of your natural everyday woman. She promotes positive body image by showing real raw images, not just the highlight real of her life. With her keep it cleaner group she shows that you don’t have to do these crazy diets and workout routines to look and feel great., you can still eat fantastic food and do workouts you enjoy! I think she’s such a positive role model for girls everywhere.
