Tahlia Giumelli - Miss Universe Australia Finalist Interview

Tahlia Giumelli - Miss Universe Australia Finalist Interview

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 Tahlia Giumelli, from NSW 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’m Tahlia Giumelli, I’m 24 years old and grew up on the beaches of Cronulla; Salt, sand and sun is my happy place. I am currently studying for a degree in Media while modelling part-time and working at Nova Radio in Sydney. I am the ambassador for Crohn’s and Colitis Australia; after being diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and have spoken at a number of events on the topic of ‘life with Crohn’s’ including with the minister of health at Parliament House. I am a huge advocate for mental health awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding these topics and look forward to working with Livin’ in 2018 a mental health organisation which encourages one another that it ‘Ain’t Weak to Speak’.

So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?

Bali is such a beautiful place and the Alila Hotels complemented the scenery that Bali has to offer. It was such an incredible experience we were fortunate enough to be apart of, with some of the best moments being chased by monkeys and Omnia was an incredible spot to spend the day lounging around the pool and lapping up the sun. Nothing was better than having some downtime laying by the pools of the Alila Resorts with everyone.

We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?

I think its hard to choose just one highlight for the entire week because everything was so amazing and each activity different. One of the highlights for me was Natasha’s Powerful Impressions workshop. Her workshops allow you to walk away with skills that you can use after Miss Universe Australia, but you also can’t forget to mention the beautiful visit we had from the Sari Hati Children. Their enthusiasm for life was very contagious, and you couldn’t help but walk away with a smile on your face.

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?

The lead up to the finals has come by so quickly it feels like yesterday that we were in Bali. My preparation in the lead up to the finals week includes staying up to date with current affairs, heading to the gym and most importantly spending time with my friends and family who keep me grounded and make me happy.

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?

This is a really difficult question to answer, but I hope my down to earth, girl next door personality is what will set me apart from the other 31 girls. I have also had a lot of life experience, and I think that is something unique at such a young age too. I’m hoping the judges can see my enthusiasm to use this experience to grow as a person and allow me to learn and develop in both my career and personal journey.

Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?

There is a poem called ‘The Dash’ by Linda Ellis and it’s a poem I have lived by since I was 13 years old. This poem motivates me daily to step out of my comfort zone and to tackle any challenge that is put in front of me. My passion is to live the best life I can, and I enjoy doing that by working with charities I’m involved in and by pursuing a career in Media.

What is something people might find interesting about yourself?

Back in 2016 I was living in London and decided one day that I wanted to go backpacking around Europe, something I always wanted to do but couldn’t find anyone to do it with. Two days after making the decision I was on a bus bound from London to Barcelona where I then went backpacking around Europe for two months on my own. I didn’t have a plan on where I was going, but I met all these incredible people along the way. I am always up for an adventure even if it means doing it solo and I enjoy meeting new people.

Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?

Anywhere near the beach is my happy place. I love the sand, salt and waves and I think that comes from growing up on the beaches of Cronulla. Whenever I need to relax, I always head to the beach with a book.

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 competed in Miss Universe Australia last year, and I can honestly say I walked away from it a better person than when I entered it. The Miss Universe program allowed me to find direction in my life and also allowed me to do things I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to do before. The reason I entered again this year was in hopes that I could use my experiences from last year and work on building on that. Miss Universe Australia gave the confidence to pursue a career in Media which has lead me to working in Radio.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

I recently had to babysit my seven-month-old nephew, while I was feeding him he decided it was a good time to throw up all over me, down my shirt, along my legs….. I don’t know if that’s funny or just gross.

Name five things you can’t live without?

My family, coffee, a good book, my GHD straightener and my Bondi Sands Tan (but seriously, keeping that Bali tan alive all year round and I smell like a coconut)

How would your closest friend describe you?

I asked one of my closet friends this question, and her response was “Dedicated, determined, caring and will drop you like a hot potato for a dog of any sort”…… That last line is very accurate, my friends know me well.

What is your life goal?

To visit every Disney Land in the world. Only have one more to go which is Tokyo, I’m going for Christmas. I am the biggest kid ever.

Tahlia is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey, Please consider donating by clicking here

The Above Tittle Image is Provided by Neil Dixon

Owen George

Owen George

Editor & Chief of Gold Coast Magazine is a lover of great coffee and sharing the stories of the people, places, and events that make the Gold Coast such a great city

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