Tasha Marciano - Miss Universe Australia 2021 Finalist Interview

Today we are catching up with Tasha Marciano of Western Australia, one of the 29 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2021. 

So Tasha , why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Tasha Marciano; I was initially hesitant to register for Miss Universe Australia, particularly because I am a Curve Model. However, I think the industry is really evolving and changing, and we’re in a place now where we are able to celebrate diversity.
I have grown so much during the Miss Universe Australia program, and I hope to use the platform to encourage others to celebrate diversity. I hope to educate, particularly young women, that beauty does come in all shapes and sizes. And that you don’t need to look a certain way to be happy or healthy because being healthy looks different on everyone.

I studied Marketing, Public Relations and advertising and now work in Australian Radio for the Triple M and Hit Network. It’s a strong passion of mine, and I love helping people grow their businesses through the power of Radio.

I’m an Aussie born girl with an Italian background, and in my spare time, you’ll catch me outdoors playing sports, listening to music and spending time with my beautiful friends and family, usually over a bowl of my favourite food – pasta.

We all have motivations, mine usually revolving around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering the Miss Universe Australia competition?

My key motivation whilst in the Miss Universe Australia program is to use the platform to grow and develop myself as a person and create change. We live in a world where we are bombarded with images on social media that don’t necessarily represent the truth. This motivates me to educate people that beauty does come in all different shapes and sizes and that healthy looks different in everybody. 

As part of the program, you recently spent some time up in our hometown of the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team; what was the experience like?

I was lucky enough to experience a trip of a lifetime with Village Roadshow, particularly with Sea World Helicopters. I loved the adrenalin of taking off while feeling safe and comfortable the entire time. The view of Gold Coast was something I’ll never forget and a memory I’ll cherish forever! 

Sea World was also a massive highlight of mine. Speaking with the Vets and Conservationists was very insightful, and I loved learning about all animals. Shooting my official MUA Rusty Swimwear photoshoot with dolphins was a once in a lifetime experience, and I feel so lucky. Snorkelling with stingrays and sharks was another highlight of mine; I loved stepping out of my comfort zone and getting a greater understanding of Sea Worlds wonders. 

If you win the title of Miss Universe Australia, you will receive the prestigious Minespec Parts Education and Business grant worth $20,000; what would you do with the grant and why?

If I were lucky enough to win Miss Universe Australia, I would put the 20,000 Minespec grant towards my education. My education has been extremely important and has been fundamental in securing my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.  

With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the competition, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?

I express my individuality in many different ways, but most evidently my point of difference within the program would be that I am a size 12 Curve Model and represent body diversity. I also express my individuality with my love for my Australian/Italian culture, my love for my career in Radio Sales & Advertising and my love for Friends, Family, Music, Art and Sports, amongst many other things.

The last eighteen months certainly have been challenging for all of us; what would you say has been something you’ve gained or learned from the whole experience?

The past 18 months have certainly been like no other. Undeniably Covid-19 has presented significant difficulties in many aspects of life. I learnt the value of spending more quality time with my family at home, which I treasure. It also meant I was able to experience and learn real connectivity more so than ever with such advancing technology, specifically working from home.

What is the first thing you hope to do as soon as restrictions are lifted?

I would love to travel to Italy again! 

Final Five Questions

Favourite Place to Travel To?
Italy 

The highlight of the last year?
Getting a promotion and going to Queensland with the Miss Universe Australia girls. 

What is something people may find interesting about yourself?
That I love boxing, dancing, singing, learning Italian, reading, exercising, and drawing/painting.

Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
I’m very passionate about there being diversity in the media. I think if the media (including social media) represented a more diverse range of people, everyone would suffer less from mental health issues and suffer less body dissatisfaction.

One piece of advice you have for us all?
Surround yourself with love and happiness. Don’t let unrealistic representations of real-life dictate how you live your life. 

Thank you to

Minespec Parts are proud to be partnering with 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.