We’re excited it’s that time of the year again when we get to introduce you to the contestants of Miss Universe Australia. We’re kicking off our eighth year of finalist interviews with Shivon Sweet from Western Australia, one of the twenty-eight talented, and inspiring contestants from all walks of life who are vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2019.
So Shivon, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
Hello readers! I’m Shivon Sweet, I am 23 this year & I aspire to make my surname a big park of personality! I have a huge love for design & getting creative & I’m still figuring out where my calling lies for pursuring these passions. My spare time is spent getting my green thumbs dirty with flower arrangements & my indoor plants, & often digging for treasures in op shops all around Perth.
What would you say was your motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
Like anyone – entering the program was a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and I saw it as a great challenge for myself. I also saw entering Miss Universe Australia as a chance to raise awareness about something that is very heavy on my heart, which I’ve yet to bring up but through the program I felt I finally have a platform where I feel confident enough to raise my voice and speak out.
The program is certainly full of amazing experiences in the lead-up to finals, You’ve just returned from the National Finalist Trip to Bali staying at the sensational Alila Hotels. How was this experience?
It’s so hard to put into words how incredible our stays at Uluwatu, Manggis & Alila Seminyak were. Each location had their own unique charm, I couldn’t believe how different each resort felt!
The Bali Trip is a combination of finals boot camp, personal development and team bonding exercise with a tropical escape thrown in for good measure, what would you say are some of the best things you’ll take away from the trip?
I realized on this trip just how important girl-time really is. The support & love I felt from our team & group of women was only a result of truly being myself. It was a great lesson to take away from that experience.
So now you’re home and, winter has set in and the finals are only just around the corner, how are you feeling in the leadup to Melbourne and what sort of preparation are you doing before finals week?
I can’t believe how quickly the national finials have come around! Feels like only yesterday I was surrounded by all my girls. In preparation to the Melbourne trip I’ve been looking after my body & mind by maintaining a balanced diet, meditating & working up a sweat at Perth’s own Hurt Locker.
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think sets you apart from the other contestants?
I couldn’t say. We are all such a diverse, unique & motivated group of women, I believe we are all deserving of the title!
Your next question comes from Simon Ross of Minespec Parts
If you were lucky enough to receive the Minespec Parts Grant of $20,000 to put towards your education or business startup, what would you spend it on and why?
I would spent it on an education. School was a tough one for me & if I could do it all over again & gain a career from it, I would in a heartbeat.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
My free time on the weekends is spent involving myself in what the music community in Perth has to offer. I’ve also been known to get up on the DJ decks and mix a track or two myself!
As a child, what did you think would be awesome about being an adult, but isn’t as awesome as you thought it would be?
That’s an easy one – Driving. It isn’t as fun as you think kids
Shivon is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey; Please consider donating by clicking here.
Presenting Sponsor
Minespec Parts are proud to be the presenting sponsor for Miss Universe Australia, Working to empower and support women not just through the Miss Universe Australia pageant and their $20k education and business grant, but through many platforms with various activities across Australia all furthering and supporting women in the workplace.
