The first-ever AMFF (Australian Multicultural Fashion Festival) has been moved from February 20 to Saturday, March 27 to make way for interstate designers and we can’t be more excited.
AMFF is a platform pioneered by StarCentral Media Group and The Australian Millionaires Business Network. It provides a sustainable platform for international and emerging designers that effectively engage with Australia’s diverse communities and presents an opportunity for designers to showcase their uniqueness and cultural nuances.
To find out more about AMFF, check out the details below:
What: The Australian Multicultural Fashion Festival Where: PIA Grand Auditorium (2 Australia Avenue, Olympic Park) When: Saturday, March 27, 2021 Tickets: Contact Vicky Chew on 0449 551 236
It’s hard to believe 2021 is already here. 2020 has definitely been an extremely challenging year full of change and uncertainty. As we are all aware, the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve further and we are still dealing with a massive global challenge as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate globally impacting how we all operate and manage our businesses and lives day to day.
In addition to the immediate and serious health concerns, we are also seeing a much wider impact on all of our lives as well as the global economy as a whole. Understandably, there is a considerable sense of unease all over the world.
So how do you plan to welcome the year ahead?
New Year, like the sun, is almost shining its rays on us. A couple of days from now, we will be celebrating the coming of new hope, a new inspiration, and a continuing triumph against the challenges in life. It is a display of loud and colourful fireworks thrown into the vast sky, a grateful celebration of the year we bid goodbye to, and a hopeful invitation to a new slate in our life. But what does it really mean to you?
Every year, we are faced with heightened anticipation as we lay out our goals and plans for the year ahead. We think of it religiously in the promise of daily opportunities and 365 days of chances. The more it draws itself to us, the brighter we see ourselves in its glorifying blessings and exciting beginnings. We look forward and bombard the first midnight with endless wants and wishes that we sometimes tend to forget the sturdy platform where these plans of ours stand –our inner self. So how do we work on ourselves to be able to successfully map out an organised 2021 despite the pandemic looming over our very heads?
Leave Unnecessary Things
Needless to say, de-cluttering may be one of the most neglected words we have but this year, be the difference that you desire and start by offloading stuff that you don’t actually need. This goes beyond tangible things since often, your negative emotions like anger and grudges take over your life. Release the bad vibes in your life and carve a path for a peaceful surrounding and stress-free day to day living.
Prioritise Big Things and Lift Your Littlest Ambitions
Maneuver every now and then to reckon if you’re doing the right thing at the right time. Are you caught up between the rocks of your short term goals and long term aspirations? Visualise yourself and maximise time by weeding off your life-destroyers and pick up the points that strongly contribute to your self-effectiveness and spectacular rewards.
Make Friends With Your Calendar
Mark important dates such as school and business appointments and devote a time that is solely assigned for you to face your to-do lists and accomplish those set-off goals.
Start a Healthy Financial Management Strategy
Know all your finances by heart and arm yourself with strong self-discipline and a realistic budget. File your bills accordingly and limit your credit card expenses.
Stay Focused
The way to an organised year entails hard work and conviction. There will be days when following all your set life draft may seem impossible and this is where staying focused on your vision comes in. Your self-productivity and time management play a lead role in keeping you present and motivated.
The countdown for New Year begins with you. It’s a blank space waiting for you to take as you shape your destiny so take it, draw your vision of life, write your big dreams in it and get up to steal them. 2021 is here, embrace it!
Abi Grigsby, the beautiful, charming, and angelic model has established herself as one of the hardest-working models in the industry. She initially got into the modelling industry by entering beauty pageants. She first joined the Top Model of the World Philippines pageant back in July 2016 within 2 weeks’ notice. The pageant needed a certain number in order for the competition to go ahead and she was contacted by the director of the pageant to join. She eventually became the second runner up, which shocked her as she had no previous experience at all in pageants sho she wasn’t even expecting to make it into the Top 5.
The following year she entered a pageant called “Mutya Ng Pilipinas Australia” (Pearl of Australia) beauty pageant. She gained a lot of exposure in the modelling industry by joining this pageant which lead her into me meeting the majority of the photographers that she now works with regularly. When she competed overseas she also gained several contacts with various modelling agencies and photographers over there and throughout 2017 she also competed in the Miss International Australia pageant where she finished as Second Runner Up, as well as winning the Miss Model of the World Title. Furthermore, she competed in the Miss Teen Universe Australia pageant in December of that year. All of these competitions lead her to meet so many creatives in the industry; photographers who were looking for fresh faces to shoot, as well as makeup artists who needed a model to work on for skill enhancements. Slowly, through these connections, she was able to build the network that she currently has.
GEQ magazine recently caught up with Abi to discuss her journey in the modelling industry and here’s what went down:
What do you like most about being a model?
The thing I enjoy most about being a model would have to be the newfound confidence that I have gained over the years as a model. I was someone who really used to struggle with self-esteem issues, but it wasn’t until I started modelling that I came to accept and be happy with how I look, and the person that I am.
I have also been fortunate enough to work with various creatives who each provided a different style for each shoot, which has given me the option to explore with different looks. I started modelling For Milliner’s designs in late 2018, my first designer being Anna Bella Millinery, who is based in London. I modelled at the Melbourne Derby Day, showing off her dress designs and her hats with other models. I also modelled for Felicity Northeast Milliner for her spring collection in 2019, which was featured in Mornington Peninsula magazine.
I had never modelled such high-class designs before, so this experience itself really helped me feel comfortable in my own skin, and opened me up to another world!
The Downside to being a model?
The downside to being a model that I have encountered would have to be that people tend to make assumptions about you and your personality when you tell them that you’re a model. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that they thought I’d be a snobby/conceited person because of the fact that I model, rather than taking the time to get to know me first.
A lot of people will make assumptions about you based on your profession, but I try not to let this bother me and stay focused on what I want by working hard and not allowing room for distractions.
Another downside is that many people who aren’t in the industry assume that modelling is easy, or requires little to no effort at all. To be a model takes great perseverance and determination, as many models such as myself face constant rejection and negative comments about our appearance/body. It takes a lot of work to get into the industry, which is something that many people look over. It can get discouraging at times, but I find it’s best for myself to always remind myself of the hard work I have gone through, and to realise that I don’t owe everyone an explanation.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the modelling industry so far?
Thinking back to when I started, I can’t actually pinpoint an exact memory from modelling that has stuck with me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every step, but the most memorable experience of being in the modelling industry would have to be the whole experience that comes on the day of a photo shoot. I live an hour and a half away from Melbourne city, which is where the majority of my shoots takes place. I always enjoy the travel into the city, as well as travelling to where my photoshoots take place, as the majority of the time it is not at the same place. Aside from the travel, I do enjoy dressing up and getting glammed up for my shoots. I feel most like myself when I am dolled up and in front of the camera!
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I’d say the most interesting people I’ve met would have to be some of the photographers and makeup artists that I meet while I’m on set. Many of the creatives that I work with are a lot like me, they often take up photography/makeup as a side job, rather than their full-time job. It’s nice to meet people who are similar to you, and share similar interests while also working other jobs, and working incredibly hard so they are able to project themselves further in the industry.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the modelling industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.
The most valuable lesson I have learned would be to not compare myself to others. Before I began modelling I never thought I would have a chance, as I compared myself to many other high profile models, such as Miranda Kerr. I always assumed that because I didn’t look like these girls I saw in billboards and commercials that I wouldn’t make it at all in the modelling world.
However as continued on and booked more jobs, I realised that every different look will serve a purpose for each job/photographer. There will always be someone out there who will need a look like yours for a certain job/promotion, so I’ve learned that I shouldn’t bother worrying about looking like someone else when looking exactly the way you do is more than enough.
Is your family supportive of you being a model?
Yes, fortunately, my family is very supportive of my modelling! My mother wanted me to start modelling when I was 13, however, I had very little confidence back then and I was also very shy. I did not see myself as someone who could get far in the industry at all, and I also at the time had assumed that people would think of me as very conceited if I started modelling. I didn’t have a very positive view of the modelling world, or of models themselves, which was a real deterrent for me at that time.
As the years went by and as I developed a love for beauty pageants, it also shifted my focus onto modelling, and it wasn’t until I started my first few photoshoots that I really started to enjoy what I was doing, and then made the decision to go as far as I possibly could in the industry.
The Photo Studio Fitzroy;Fashion Satomi Matsura; Abagail Grigsby
If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?
The main thing I would do differently would be to not jump at every opportunity that comes my way, no matter how big of a deal it may seem to be at first. I used to do this a lot when I first started in the industry, and I would just throw myself out to any opportunity that came my way, without thinking things through clearly. This resulted in a lot of waste of time and money for myself, as I was promised certain jobs would lead to very high exposure/good money, while actually resulting in none of that.
So if I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to rush things too much and to take it slow. Not every opportunity is what it claims to be, and when the time is right, the right opportunity will come!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I have ever been given is to take my time. Often I’ve been really impatient and have compared myself to others who have gotten further in the industry in a shorter amount of time. I’m fortunate to have a close group of friends who support me fully and encourage me to remain patient and on track, and who assure me that things will work in my way if I continue to remain focused and not be put off by others in any way.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
My future plans are to travel overseas and to pick up both modelling and acting overseas. With the current Covid-19 situation, that will likely be put on hold for a while. My plan was to travel towards the end of this year for a few months and to then see if I could establish a career in a different country, but again, I will need to remain patient in my endeavours, and hopefully, things will be able to pick up for my career in the near future.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Just go with it. (On Netflix)
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? As cliche as it sounds, inner beauty will always be more important than physical beauty. The way you treat other people and your kindness is something that greatly impacts another person, without even realising it. It’s always better to be beautiful on the inside than on the outside!
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Travel the world!
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d… ” try bungee jumping.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? The one “flaw” I will never change is being too picky/ too much of a perfectionist. I’ve often been teased about this by my friends, saying I care too much about things that they don’t perceive as important. But it’s this trait that I have that has caused me to get to where I am today, as I’ve focused a lot of my energy towards what I know I want in life, and have not allowed distractions to get in the way.
Erin Giblin-Lloyd was Miss Junior Teen Diamond Australia 2018. The memory of receiving the crown back in 2018 is still something that plays on repeat in Erin’s mind, it served as a reminder that hard work, determination, and the support from your loved ones, can help anyone achieve anything. 2018 was her third year competing in Miss Diamond Australia pageant, and every year she felt a part of something bigger than just a beauty pageant – Miss Diamond Australia became a family. Although she never expected to win, it was the icing on the cake as she had the pleasure of competing with girls she can now call close friends. Thanks to Miss Diamond Australia and the opportunities winning gave her, she went on to win the Miss Teen Category Grand Winner in December that year at the Face Australia Glamour Awards – this helped her to move on and win Miss Teen Globe Australia. She was also given the chance to judge other pageants, which was quite different for her as it’s a completely different experience where you have to make decisions that can impact the people involved differently – she enjoyed the experience none the less. She has decided to step back from the modelling world for a while as she is currently pursuing an education in university studying Bachelor of Criminology with her sights set on joining the Queensland Police Force in the not too distant future.
GEQ magazine recently caught up with Erin to discuss her journey in the pageant world and here’s what went down:
How did you get into the pageant industry?
I entered a Miss country girl pageant when I was 11. This pageant, the photoshoot, and the images that I received at the end of the event was what actually helped me to become discovered and get my foot in the door of the pageant industry.
What do you like most about being a beauty queen?
The thing I like most about being a beauty queen is being able to set an example to the younger prince and princesses and show them although they may think the pageant is based on how pretty you are on the outside but that isn’t the only case – the way to hold yourself and treat others far outweighs how well you walk down the catwalk.
The downside to being a beauty queen?
I must be one of the lucky ones as I have been blessed enough that I have not found a downside to being a beauty queen the pageants I have entered have only ever left me with the knowledge to help me move further in the pageant industry.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?
My most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far would be when I won Miss Teen Globe Australia and became eligible to represent my country Australia at Paraguay.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
The most interesting person I have meet so far in the modelling industry would have to be Rocky Gathercole – meeting him and having the incredible opportunity to model for him on the runway in 2018 at the Face Australia Glamour Awards where I won Grand Winner in the Miss Teen Category was an anazing experience.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the pageant industry. This can be about the industry or yourself.
With hard work and determination you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. Being a beauty queen has also shown me that being in the pageant industry gives people a platform to help people not only during the course of the event but as a friend and mentor.
Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
I have used my farm life where there is always something to be done to stay grounded because in the farm it doesn’t matter what title you hold or how many crowns you have.
Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?
My involvement in the pageant industry would not be possible without the never-ending love and support that I get from my family, especially from my mum as she has taught me everything I needed to know to get me to where I am today.
What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.
I have been apart of the pageant industry since I was 11 and it has certainly helped shape me to be the person I am today. I have decided to take a step back from pageantry though so I can pursue a career in Criminology with hopes of ending up in the Queensland Police Force in the not too distant future. I will return to the pageant industry at some point eventually.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Pay it forward
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Beautiful to me is respect, care and simplicity. This is because having respect and care for yourself and other people far outshines the other characteristics of a person and I see simple as beautiful because something doesn’t need to be fancy and expensive to be considered beautiful.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I haven’t yet had the chance to travel to Scotland and this is something I wish to do in the future.
4. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? It depends on what you classify as a “flaw” but last year I was diagnosed Follicular Carcinoma which is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid. I underwent radiation therapy whist doing my last year of schooling and preparing for my HSC exams. I wouldn’t change this “flaw” as it helped me realize that even though life can get difficult – if I put my head down and never give up I can push myself to achieve things I once thought was impossible. I also managed to pass all of my HSC exams.
Valeria Sizova’s appeal is definitely in her stunning features and smoking hot physique. She’s a beauty queen, a model, a dancer, and a choreographer who’s based in Sydney, Australia – she’s also an entrepreneur who owns a dance and entertainment company called ICrave Dance & Entertainment. She has placed in several beauty pageants and in fact, some of her titles include Miss Russia Australia 2017, Miss NSW Face of Origin 2017, Miss Swimsuit Australia 2018, second place in the world for Miss All Nations which was held in China and she is currently the reigning Miss Multiverse Russia 2020.
GEQ Magazine recently sat down with Valeria Sizova to find out more about her and here’s what went down.
Can you please give us a bit of a background as to who you are and what you do?
My name is Valeria Sizova, and I’m a model, dancer, and choreographer based in Sydney. I recently opened my dance and entertainment company called ICrave Dance & Entertainment (@icraveentertainment) where I teach classes and crew rehearsals for the shows.
I completed Bachelor of Political & Social Sciences majoring in Government & International Relations; Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness and completed Music School majoring in piano.
I made it to Top 4 in the Miss Supercars 2017 competition, I made it to Top 5 in the Maxim Swimwear Model of the Year 2017 competition, I was crowned Miss Russia Australia and Miss NSW Face of Origin in 2017, I won 1st Runner-up at the World Miss All Nations 2018 held in China and I placed 2nd runner up at the 2019 Pageant of the World pageant where I represented Russia.
2. What do you like most about being an influencer?
I believe that each one of us can influence people around us because we all have social platforms even beyond our surroundings. I am one of those people who loves to promote a healthy lifestyle and confidence in women by being the best version of yourself.
3. The downside to being an influencer?
Sometimes it’s very hard to get the message across social platforms and expect people to understand and accept your view and the way you see things. That’s because everyone has different perceptions and experiences in life, and they do affect us in various ways that influence our decisions.
4. What’s your favorite social media platform?
I’ve discovered that our modern society is getting ‘fed up’ with reading long stories/posts and the right images or short videos are sometimes the only way to attract their attention. I believe Instagram has been the most popular asset to influence society these days. The beauty of this social media platform is that it gives you an option to choose which visual material you can use, add valuable context to your photos, organize polls, read the statistics of your posts and find out what topics attracts people the most to your profile.
5. What’s your best advice when it comes to growing your Instagram account?
If you want to build a more significant following, first you need to be specific with what you want your Instagram profile to be known for – whether it be modeling, dancing, writing books, protecting animals from human cruelty around the world… you have to write down what you do, so people can clearly see the purpose of your social media profile. Secondly, regular posting is key to engaging your followers and keeping them on their toes.
Don’t play around with filters too much – don’t hide your identity behind ‘dogs face’ snaps, overexposed filters, or over-posting on your social media (3-4 posts per day might be too much to handle/follow for people). People want to see real you as this is the only way how they can relate their lives to your posts.
6. What powerful strategies did you use to grow your Instagram followers to how it is now?
The time of my posts is specific. I only post a photo on Instagram either early morning or evening after 6 pm – before and after work hours when people are most likely to get on the social media pages.
Get a bit personal on your page so people can see the real person behind the images. Conduct a poll, ask their opinion, wish people a good day, make a promotion for a special event. Think of something that can get you more involved with your audience.
And of course, hashtags and tags are crucial to engaging more followers to your profile.
7. What hashtags would you recommend that really helped grow your account?
The hashtags you use should depend on the image you want to post. Firstly, in every single picture I post on Instagram I make sure I add a location, so I can get the local audience to follow me. If I’m doing a shoot, I usually use related hashtags like #photooftheday, #makeupoftheday, or #modelslife. If I want a hashtag to describe the style/mode of my shoot, then I would use hashtags like #bridalshoot #bikinishoot #fashionshoot, etc. to be more specific to my post. Dancing is very different from modeling so if I want to target a diverse audience I need to use different hashtags, so if I’m posting a dancing photo, I will use hashtags like #dance, #style of the dance or #dancerslife, etc. I don’t do random hashtags like #letshashtagthewholeuniverseforthesakeoftagging – I specifically pick the right hashtags that relate to my post for maximum engagement.
Recently Instagram has created a new option – you can now subscribe to hashtags. So when people are looking for ideas that can go to these hashtags you need to make sure your profile is prominent in these hashtags so that users can subscribe to your profile.
8. Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I meet new people every day and I must admit – I can learn something new from every single one of them. I don’t have any idols and I am not fanatic of anything or anyone. However, reading books is something that can inspire and motivate me every day.
9. Being part of an industry whose only emphasis is on the external characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
‘Work hard and stay humble’ is probably one of my favourite quotes of all time. Who likes people who are up themselves, selfish and narcissistic?? I don’t, so why be one?
10. Is your family supportive of you being in the limelight?
My family is unfortunately not living in Australia but I definitely have their support, and I can always ask for their opinion and advice despite the distance.
Likewise, my partner is very supportive and encouraging with what I do. Social platforms are time-consuming and a lot going on behind posts. When you have a purpose to carry on and want to reach out to people, you have to make an effort and spend enough time to be understood and change someone’s else perspective. Having the right partner and supportive friends and family is crucial to anything you do.
11. What are your plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I am currently working on my Dance & Entertainment business, and getting my shows up and running on a regular basis throughout the whole year. My next 2-3 years will consist of raising my profile and getting more exposure in the modeling, dancing, and fitness industry. I don’t think I would ever stop learning and trying to get better in whatever industry I am today and in the future.
Lightning Fast Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: ‘Seven Pounds’ with Will Smith is my forever favorite movie of all time.
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? I found loyalty is a beautiful quality and treasure to have – whether its loyalty towards what you do and believe in, to your partner, family, or friends.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I would like to complete a Master’s degree in Psychology.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d be…” I actually never thought about it because I don’t fear anything.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? I am a perfectionist and sometimes it drives me crazy. I won’t get myself into something until I am 100% ready and confident. That stopped me a few times from getting into job offers that I thought I wasn’t good enough. But how do you know if you don’t try and have a fair go right?
Chloe Davis is the reigning Miss Teen of Australia 2019. She was incredibly new to pageantry when she applied for Miss Of Australia in 2019, yet she still won and was crowned Miss Teen of Australia. She also took home Miss Social Impact and winner for best activewear. She had already started doing modeling competitions in 2016 before she started pageantry which she enjoyed, however, pageantry took her confidence to the next level.
Pageantry has taught her self-love, public speaking, and also getting herself out of her comfort zone to make new friends. She has always been a very shy person, so to be able to get up and talk to the girls that were competing alongside her is a big thing for her.
GEQ magazine recently caught up with Chloe to discuss her journey in the pageant industry and here’s what went down:
Tell us your full name and something about yourself.
I started modeling a few years ago in a very rural town in Queensland to help me gain some confidence and self-esteem. I was quite shy so my mum and I thought it would be a really good idea for me to do. We ended up moving to a bigger city last year, but I had loved modeling so much I wanted to continue with what I was doing once I had relocated. I applied for Miss of Australia and was selected to take part in it, I was so excited but also very nervous because it wasn’t quite what I was used to.
How did you get into the pageant industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
There are so many things I love so much about being a beauty queen. I love the thought that I will be able to help the next group of girls and now guys with any questions they may have about the pageant. I love that I’ll be able to help this group of people, getting to know them over the few days and also just being able to share my experience with them. When I competed, I loved talking to the queens, so knowing that I’ll be a queen getting to talk to everybody is just a pretty cool thing to think about.
The downside to being a beauty queen?
Honestly, I can’t really think of a downside to being a beauty queen. I’ve gotten so many positives out of this experience like getting to meet all those incredible women and making so many fantastic friends, my confidence has skyrocketed plus just the memory of taking part in Miss of Australia.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?
The most memorable experience so far would easily be the moment I was crowned Miss Teen of Australia. I was so proud of myself and what I had pushed myself to do that night. The girls I was up against were insanely gorgeous and talented and the fact I was getting to stand alongside them was crazy enough for me. I also wasn’t used to speaking in front of a group of people like what I had to do so I was really happy with myself after that too and felt a massive amount of pride.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I honestly couldn’t give you an answer to who is the most interesting person I have met. Everybody that I’ve met so far on this journey have all been so unique and interesting. Everyone has got a different story, they all came from different places and gone through so many different things just to get to where they all are now. It would be unfair to give just one name.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the pageant industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.
Try your best to stay calm and don’t get too stressed out during rehearsals and the competition. I know it’s a lot easier said than done but it definitely does help so much keeping yourself as calm as possible. Go into it with a positive mindset and tell yourself you’re going to do well. Trust me, positive affirmations work wonders!
Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
I don’t think that this industry is all about looks anymore, it definitely used to be but not so much now. Miss Of Australia was a 3-day event that allowed judges to get to know all of us and who we are as people, so we weren’t just judged based on how we looked. On the first day, I think everybody was kind of looking around comparing ourselves to each other but once we all started talking all those assumptions and comparisons vanished. Surrounding yourself with a good group of friends and your family will definitely keep you well-grounded, I’m very thankful for everybody that has supported me which has kept me grounded.
Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?
My family is incredibly supportive of me wanting to compete in pageants. My mum and stepdad go to as many of my pageants as they can,
What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.
I’m not planning to stop entering myself in pageants any time soon. I love everything about them from meeting everybody and doing rehearsals to getting my hair and makeup done and competing on the actual night. They’re so much fun so I definitely plan on doing them for as long as I can. As long as I’m still entering pageants I’ll be bettering myself, improving my skills, and gaining more confidence which is all I really want.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. The last good movie I’ve seen: The Matrix
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? I believe that to be beautiful, all you need is to have a good heart and soul. Being able to connect with somebody, laugh, and have a genuine conversation with them, to me that’s beautiful.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? It would be to fly to Japan. Its been a goal of mine for ages, I want to visit Tokyo.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” love to travel around the world without a set date to come home. I think that would be so much fun to just travel without the stress of having to follow an itinerary, just doing whatever you want would be great.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I consider it a flaw because there are some things I just can’t get passed and will drive me crazy unless it’s been done the way I want it to be.
Savana Archer is currently the reigning Petite Miss Australia Regency International 2020. She has been competing in glitz pageants for a year and in that time she has won 2 international titles: Tiny Miss Australia Regency International 2019 and her current title – Petite Miss Australia Regency International 2020. She’s extremely honoured to have been chosen to represent Australia for a second time when she was crowned at the National Australia miss program in 2019 as Petite Miss Australia. It was a very special day for her not only for herself but because she also got to experience this journey with her beautiful friend Lili Hopkins who won her first International title as Tiny Miss Australia.
In her spare time, Savana enjoys singing, dancing, spending time with her family, and she also loves modeling and runway. She has a deep passion for animals and she would like to be a veterinarian when she is older. She currently supports the Australian koala foundation because koalas are her most favourite animals. GEQ magazine recently caught up with Savana to discuss her journey in the pageant industry and here’s what went down:
Tell us your full name and something about yourself.
My name is Savana Rose Archer, I’m 5 years old, I’m the youngest of 7 siblings, I have 5 older brothers and 1 big sister. I’m obsessed with L.O.L dolls – in fact, I have over 300 of them! I enjoy running and being outdoors and just having fun with my family.
How did you get into the pageant industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
I competed in my first pageant when I was 3 years old, then over a year later in 2019 when I was 4 I tried another pageant and I won a supreme title, from that I was offered to compete internationally, I became Tiny Miss Australia Regency International 2019
2. What do you like most about being a beauty queen?
I love making a positive difference in the world and supporting charities and also raising money for them.
3. The downside to being a beauty queen?
I’m only 5 so there’s no downside to being a beauty queen, although I really don’t like all the practice.
4. What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?
My most memorable experience so far was competing at NAMP and being crowned with my second international title which I currently hold as Petite Miss Australia Regency International 2020
5. Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I’ve met some very interesting people, some I’ve become close to such as Kim Cancellier, Katherine Musgrave, Ava Da Silva, Amy Louise, Madelyn Franz, Kirsty Koopmans, Taylor Koopmans, Linda Edwards, and Lili Hopkins.
6. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the pageant industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about myself is that even when I’m nervous, I can still conquer my fear of being on stage and I still go out there and have fun.
7. Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
I have a big heart. When someone is sad I like to help cheer them up, remembering that beauty is also on the inside, and being a good friend is important.
8. Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?
At first, it was just my mum that supported me. But as time went by and my family saw how much I enjoy being apart of the pageant community, I now have their full support.
9. What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.
Going to New York Fashion Week.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Aladdin
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Puppies because they’re cute and adorable.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Go to New York.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” Go on a roller coaster.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? Being talkative.
La’teisha Fernandez is currently the reigning International United Miss – Teen Australia. She has been involved in Australian Pageantry for a number of years now, competing in both Miss Style and Glitz Pageantry.
La’teisha is also a trained Disability Support Worker, who is passionate about Disability and Aged Care and ensuring the more vulnerable members of our community have a voice. She volunteers weekly at the Ability Care Programme, where children of varying intellectual and physical disabilities are taught sporting skills and primarily have lots of fun. She believes strongly that pageantry is more than just a pretty face, it’s about using your title to give back to the community by volunteering, to raise funds and awareness for charities and importantly be the change you want to see in the World.
GEQ Magazine recently caught up with La’teisha to discuss her pageant journey and here’s what went down:
1. How did you get into the pageant industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
I wish it was something as glamourous as being discovered but the reality was, I was 11 years old at the time when I saw the Miss Universe competition on TV. I did some research about beauty pageants and found out that there were other pageants in Australia besides Miss Universe Australia. I convinced my mum to enter me, and I have loved them ever since.
2. What do you like most about being a beauty queen?
I love being on stage but more importantly, being a queen that allows me to promote causes close to my heart. I volunteer at the Broadbeach disability program where we work with children who have varying physical and intellectual disabilities. Being a beauty queen is more than what’s on the outside, and what we do with that title is what makes us a true queen.
3. The downside to being a beauty queen?
The negative judgment you can get from some people because they don’t understand what a “beauty queen” is. But I have learned from a young age to not worry about what people think of me. It’s more important to stay true to yourself.
4. What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?
I was competing at a local pageant and just before the interview segment, I got makeup all over my interview dress, the dress was unusable. To my relief, another entrant, Bek and her mum Nicole came to my rescue and loaned me a dress of theirs. I went on to win that section of the pageant, which would not have been possible without their kindness. It reinforced to me, that whilst we are competing against each other, we can still be kind and caring. Luckily I was able to repay their kindness by lending Bek a dress of mine which she wore when winning a prestigious international pageant. We are friends to this day and value their support and love.
5. Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I was fortunate enough to meet Steve Roddy (founder of the pageant planet). During our lengthy conversation he found out I was having a pageant break at the time, he was so incredibly encouraging and convincing about me returning to pageantry. I value his advice and support to this day.
6. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the pageant industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.
You should never compare yourself to anyone else, you are your own person and unique in every way. Don’t try to blend in, your difference is what makes you unique.
7. Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
Being in a big family means no one lets anyone else take themselves too seriously. I was always brought up to be kind to everyone no matter what their job is, what they look like, and how they act to you. it’s important to look past the exterior of a person.
8. Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?
Yes, my family has always been my biggest fan. They have always gone to my pageants, been my biggest cheer squad, and made an effort to help me practice my routines and speeches.
9. What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.
I completed my study this year to be a disability carer and start working in June for an amazing organisation whose focus is on providing support to not only Disabled members of our community but to refugees and their families as well. I feel very blessed to be able to fulfill my passion in this area.
I am currently Teen Australia for International United Miss and am very excited to be a part of this amazing organisation who values community service and charitable work. I hope to compete in the US in July this year.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Frozen 2
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Being caring and kind to not only your loved ones but to random people.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Go to a third world country and experience living in the small villages and to help where I can.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” Swim with sharks
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My nose, I used to be really insecure about my “Indian nose” but since I have gotten older I have realised that it makes me unique and makes me “me”.
After being crowned Ms. World 2018/19 in Seattle last year, Robbie Canner has proven that age really is just a number, from beating out beauties from 22 different countries aged 26 and up, to walking at the prestigious New York Fashion Week earlier this year in February as the world’s oldest model – Robbie is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the pageant industry!
Robbie started competing in pageants as a 57-year-old, after losing her son Scott, 22 to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2011. After Scott was diagnosed, Robbie began working with Tour de Cure to raise money for cancer research.
Since 2007, Tour De Cure has raised more than 40 million dollars, funding 322 cancer projects, 24 significant cancer breakthroughs, and helped to raise awareness of cancer prevention to more than 110,000 school children across Australia. Through the organisation, she created the Scott Canner Young Investigator Grant to help fund the research of young Australian academics studying cancer. More than 750 thousand dollars in grants have been awarded thus far. Robbie is using pageantry to help spread her cause around the world.
GEQ magazine recently caught up with Robbie to talk about her journey in the pageant world and here’s what went down:
1. How did you get into the pageant industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
After losing my son to cancer I was lost and wondered if I should join him and I somehow came across an Australian pageant on my computer so I entered, which was in 2015. I won Ms. Classic Global United title then went to the USA and won the International Title. It was then that I was contacted by a lady in the US that had been following my short pageant career. She asked me to join Regal Majesty in Las Vegas so I did and I came 2nd runner up and finally met her. Then she asked if I would be willing to represent Australia in the Ms. World pageant in Seattle 2018, I eventually won that and so my huge journey continues.
2. What do you like most about being a beauty queen?
Being a beauty queen allows me to be able to mentor, help, support, and tell my story about emotional survival that has reached so many people through social media.
3. The downside to being a beauty queen?
I don’t think there is a downside to being a beauty queen. If a queen’s reign is followed through with determination and goals in sight then it will be a wonderful journey.
4. What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?
The most memorable experience so far has been how far my story has reached around the world and how many responses of “well done” and “thank you” I’ve received through social media. That warms my heart.
5. Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
Everyone I’ve met has been interesting but the most interesting would be the crew and models I worked with while I was walking for the New York Fashion Week. It was a whole new and wonderful experience.
6. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the pageant industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.
The most valuable lesson is what I have learned about myself, my outlook, and how much I love being with and supporting others I come across especially the young and up and coming pageant queens.
7. Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
I have stayed grounded because the outside of me is only an avenue to allow the inside and my purpose as a mentor and guide to travel through and reach others.
8. Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?
My family loves and supports me totally through my pageant journey. They thought it was a bit crazy in the beginning but as I fit right in with being a bit crazy – they have still always fully backed me.
9. What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.
My plans include being a director of the Ms. Australia/New Zealand World Pageant 2020 for hopefully many years. Also, I am planning to continue to walk for the New York Fashion week and hopefully other Fashion weeks and do some modeling as well through my agent.
I admire loyalty and patriotism. But sometimes, blind nationalism can work against you. So yes. Diehard fans will no doubt start firing off and my inbox will once again be full of the usual hate mail and death threats.
‘Tis the season indeed.
I myself am a member of various pageant forums online and have witnessed the trolling phenomenon grow, shocked by the fact that my own friends and associates are guilty of perpetrating, or rather, instigating this. If you are one and are reading this article, I beseech you to please read on and consider, and maybe…just maybe, you’ll be doing your country and your delegate a favour and not a disservice. That is, of course, you’re open-minded enough to read through and recognize any troll-like qualities you may be displaying.
The beauty of the Internet is that we are now much more accessible with a huge reach. We are interacting with people and communities we formerly had no access to and everything is now in real-time. It has made the world a smaller place. The problem with the Internet is that the village idiot has now been given a global platform.
I myself have been guilty of the occasional trolling. Not even royalty is perfect after all. But one must recognize that one is a work in progress. As long as you are indeed progressing. Thankfully I have very close friends who pull me up on any missteps I make – the same beauty queens who themselves have been subjected to online bullying and trolls.
So as a new pageant season begins, how does one become an ideal pageant fan and not a rabid idiot from the global village?
• Keep it positive. You gain nothing by praising your girl and running the competition down. Be a good sport. I love how beauty queens band together and support each other. But just because one person is being an idiot doesn’t mean you have to be one yourself.
• When online, keep all communications universal and in English. If you’re going to engage yourself in an online debate, fight fair and with facts. And a debate usually means allowing your opponent the right for rebuttal.
• No one likes a fake profile. Many find it easy to criticize and bully behind a fake alias. Of course, it’s easy. That’s why cowards do it. If you’re going to say or do something, stand by it and put your name behind it.
• When attending a pageant, be understanding and respect authority, security, and organisers. The girls are on a strict schedule and are not always available for autographs and interviews. If they are in a rush, do not get in the way. Remember that insiders are always watching and causing them to be late to an event can affect their chances. If a contestant can’t give you a moment for a selfie or a chat, it doesn’t necessarily make them a bitch.
• There is nothing more irritating than living in a fishbowl. Sometimes the public can access the girls during breakfast, especially if they are staying in the same hotel. If you are one of these people, respect the fact that your girl has to eat. Refrain from taking photographs of the ladies while they are eating. You’ll find that many will be gracious enough to allow time for photos. Don’t be greedy.
• Avoid speaking to the ladies about online reviews. The last thing these ladies need is a distraction, positive or negative. Trust me, they do their own investigations and they speak amongst themselves. Stick to messages of support. Leave advice giving to their handlers and directors.
• Get to know the directors. If anyone wants to know how their girl is going or if you want to know insider goss, be friendly with the directors and handlers. But keep the information confidential. Respect what you are given and never abuse it.
• Remember that beauty comes in all forms and the judges have the final say. No one likes a bad sport. Celebrate all victories even if it does not go your way. Remember that all other contestants have worked as hard, sometimes harder than your own candidate. Praise in public, and if you must criticize, do it in private.
• Be wary of who you share information with. You don’t know who that information will go to and where it will end up. Be selective on who you talk to – everyone has a smartphone and whatever information is shared can be uploaded in seconds. Even if deleted, you don’t know who has taken a screenshot and run with that piece of evidence.
Generally, if you keep it classy, you’ll be fine. So keep it honorable – whatever you put out, you get back. The negativity you throw out says more about you than the subject you are criticizing and remember that there is a fine line between witty and tasteless. There’s merit in the saying: “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
We admire the loyalty and passion but not at the expense of the competition. Just remember – stupid is what stupid does and as Pia Wurtzbach said during her final Q and A at the Bb Pilipinas contest, “think before you click”.
