Today we are catching up with Sienna Weir of New South Wales, one of the 27 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022.
So Sienna, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m 22 years old and live in Sydney. I recently graduated with a double degree in English literature and psychology at Sydney University and have been working as an editor for a social worker and continuing my career in modelling. I hope to move to London in the next few years to spend more time with my sister, niece, and nephew and expand both my professional and social network.
We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
It’s so hard to narrow it down to one predominant factor! First and foremost, I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet and connect with a diverse range of young women from all walks of life. I feel as though I’ve grown a lot in the last few years, so I really wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and expand my social circle post-university. The second factor that motivated me was the window of opportunities that come from participating in such an incredible program. Miss Universe integrates well with my love for public speaking and brand representation but also provides a platform for discussing issues I feel strongly about and challenging my worldviews.
As part of the program, you recently spent time in our hometown of the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team; what was the experience like?
A whirlwind, to say the least! Every day was packed full of incredible experiences, meet and greets with our generous sponsors, rehearsals and photo shoots, so it was both incredibly challenging and rewarding. The experience taught me a lot about what I enjoy, the qualities I look for in close friends, what challenges me and what I need to work on at a personal level. Overall, it was a trip filled with fabulous friendships, activities, food, and events.
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
Every time I’m asked this question, I think of a new highlight; the days seemed to blur into one by the end! I’m a child at heart but also love talking and connecting with people, so the final day would have to be my favourite overall; from the interview with Soph and Matt to the insane roller coasters and runway rehearsal at Movie World to Top Golf making a fool of myself with the gals. It’s safe to say my cheeks hurt from all the laughter by the time we tucked ourselves into bed.
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?
I would have to say the breadth of my interests and the importance I attach to creativity in the things I want to achieve. I’m lucky enough to have a wide range of passions and experiences, from my love of writing and reading literature to horse-riding, to modelling, to working as an editor for a truly inspirational woman, to having travelled a lot domestically, especially to Indigenous communities in Kakadu and Rural NSW. I place a great level of importance on self-expression through language, whether it is reading, writing, or speaking, and this is something I really want to maintain through both my professional and artistic pursuits.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Daria Varlamova; in your opinion, what are the most essential qualities that a Miss Universe Australia embodies?
I would have to say being open to opportunities, sociability, dedication, being multi-faceted as an individual, and having integrity. I believe that while it is so important to stand by what you believe in and what you love, you never know what opportunity is just around the corner, and it is vital to push yourself to try new things and to fully know yourself. If I hadn’t done so, I wouldn’t be here!
Now travel is back on the cards; where is your favourite place to travel to?
I would do anything to go back to Japan, especially Kyoto. The incredible food, the hospitality of the people, the beauty of the landscape in the cherry blossoms and moss gardens, and the ancient cultural traditions and rites – I honestly can’t fault my time there.
What is something people may find interesting about you?
Although I’ve lived most of my life in the city, I have a deep and unmoving love for show jumping. My family aren’t quite sure where this passion came from, but I’ve been horse-riding since I was 3 years old and can’t imagine my life without it. I travel to rural Sydney 2-3 times a week to train and compete around New South Wales or broader Australia every other weekend.
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
English literature, especially Gothic poetry. As I mentioned, I believe self-expression and understanding other people’s perspectives and experiences is an integral part of life. I love to represent myself in the best way possible through writing my own poetry, but I also find it fascinating to find a commonality of experience with people from completely different walks of life. It’s crazy to think how our perspectives on our own life experiences can change so dramatically by simply flipping a page and connecting with a stranger through words.
