It has been an exciting time for Miss Universe National Finalist Susie Leigh over the past months. Along with thousands of other hopefuls around Australia, Susie sent in her entry to compete for the crown in Miss Universe Australia 2012. After being selected for the Queensland Preliminary Heats and then successfully making it through to the Queensland State Finals, Susie now finds herself just a week away from competing in the final stage of the competition. The National Finals will be held at the Sofitel in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday 8th June, playing host to some of Australia’s most beautiful women. We stole Susie away from her busy schedule in the lead-up to the competition to ask her a few questions.
Before entering Miss Universe Australia 2012, what were you working towards?
My goal is to become a flying reporter. I’ve recently graduated with a Business and Communications degree from Bond University and have started as an intern reporter at Channel 9. I’m also completing my pilot’s licence — I hope to eventually be able to fly myself to my own stories!
What preparation has gone into the Miss Universe National Finals?
There has been a lot of preparation, mainly with diet and exercise. I’ve been following a high protein, low carb diet and training two hours of cardio per day. It has also been important to keep up with current affairs and political issues across Australia to build a strong general knowledge base. Mastering the catwalk is also necessary — it takes a lot of practice to perfect that skill! Alongside that, finding the right sponsors to assist with the evening and media sections is crucial. I’m fortunate to be sponsored by Shieke Fashion for my media wear and John Cavil for the evening section, with Kooey Swimwear and Novo Footwear also on board.
What are you expecting once you land in Melbourne on 5 June for the National Finals?
The competition stretches over four days and is broken down into swimwear, interview and evening sections. There will be a lot of hard work, rehearsals, media events and meetings — but also the opportunity to meet some like-minded women and experience a once-in-a-lifetime event.
What has this competition taught you so far?
I think this competition is a great opportunity to build confidence by putting yourself out there and not being afraid of being judged. It’s about being happy with who you are and not being scared of the outcome either way. It’s taught me the importance of being proactive and making a dream a reality, despite the fear involved in stepping out.
What advice would you give to girls hoping to enter Miss Universe Australia 2013?
I would encourage them to make the sky the limit. Be prepared for hard work, exercise and dedication to make it to the top. Don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there — and most of all, have fun with it!
What are your plans if you do become the next Miss Universe Australia?
I am really looking forward to the possibility of working with Operation Smile — a charity that gives children in Africa with facial deformities the chance to smile. I have done charity work in Africa before and am passionate about the difference this organisation can make. I would like to make the charity aspect a major focus of my reign and make a positive difference across Australia and beyond.
For those who hold the typical stereotype associated with pageants, what would you say to them?
I would say that point of view is understandable to a lot of people; however, I believe it is a misconception and a large generalisation. Many of the women entering the competition — myself included — have degrees and have a lot to contribute to society. I would like to think that at the end of the day, it is the person who ultimately defines a role, not the position itself. In a modernising society where women are increasingly more educated and have more to give, I think we are seeing a new wave of beauty queens that goes well beyond the parameters of a pretty face.
Tell us — what is it like backstage at a pageant?
I did a lot of athletics in high school and I would draw a parallel with being at the marshalling area of a 100m sprint. Nerves are high, intimidation tactics are in operation and every girl is focused on the goal. There’s a lot of training that goes into an event like this and everyone wants to give their best performance. Despite that, I’ve never left a pageant without making a new friend.
Do you believe that pageants have a negative or positive impact on young women?
I think it depends on the individual and how they view themselves in relation to the competition. It is undeniably an image-focused event, and some women can take the judging personally. For the majority of contestants though, it’s a chance to build confidence and practise initiative. I believe these kinds of competitions can greatly enhance and accelerate a woman’s career, and if nothing else, provide a huge confidence boost and an exciting experience for everyone involved.
Do you think being so successful in Miss Universe Australia 2012 has changed who you are?
I have always been a determined and ambitious woman who has worked hard to achieve my goals and dreams. I decided at the age of thirteen that one day I would compete in Miss Universe Australia, and I have set my sights on doing everything I can to make that happen. I have always had strong philanthropic interests, and if I am fortunate enough to be crowned Miss Universe Australia, I will be able to pursue those interests in an even more proactive way. I think everyone is changed in some way by their individual experiences in life — if we weren’t, what would be the point! We are all ever-changing beings; that is just the nature of who we are. I truly believe that Miss Universe Australia will allow me to keep the attributes that make me who I am, while continuing to grow into the woman I aspire to be.
If you could spread one message to women around Australia, what would it be?
Be happy with who you are and what makes you unique. Love what you do, and support each other along the journey.
We were fortunate enough to meet Susie Leigh at the Queensland Preliminary Heats in March. We became instant friends and over the past few months it is safe to say that Susie is not only beautiful, but has high values, morals, inspiring ambition and — to top it all off — is intelligent in her own right. Her captivating personality and hard work have brought her to this point in the competition, and we know there is only more to come. Best of luck Susie, from all of us at GCMAG!
