DOLLY chatted with 17-year-old Tahlia Giumelli to find out all about her journey, her ambitions and what a typical day is like for her as Miss Teen Australia.
When did you first decide to try out for Miss Teen Australia?
It's been on my mind for a while, but it wasn't until June this year when I thought I should give it a go. I've always been very concentrated on my HSC, so I didn't want the competition to distract me from that.
Had you done any modelling or beauty pageants before?
I've done some modelling over the years. Nothing serious, just something fun to do where I could meet new people. I mainly modelled in campaigns, catalogues and magazine editorials but I had never been involved in a beauty pageant before.
What was the best part of the competition?
The best part was definitely meeting the other girls in the competition. I met two girls who I've become very close with, and I think that's important because you have friends forever.
What was the hardest part?
The hardest part was the final question. I was asked what age I thought teenagers should start to wear make-up and why. It was tough but I really believe that beauty comes from within, so no matter what you look like on the outside, if you are beautiful within then it will really show on the outside. Teenagers need to be comfortable with their own skin and their own personality. If they are then that's what makes them truly beautiful.
What's a typical day like as Miss Teen Australia?
Nothing has really changed that dramatically so far. I still wake up, have breakfast and make my bed. But then I get to do some exciting things like interviews, TV appearances and meeting amazing people in the industry. I've also been spending quite a bit of time with the children's charity Barnardo's Australia, who I will be working with closely next year.
Now that you've been crowned Miss Teen, what are your plans for next year?
I'll still be going to university next year, hopefully studying a Bachelor of Criminology. I'll also be carrying out my Miss Teen Australia title by attending events, participating in projects and just really having fun with it!
Who do you look up to?
My friends. Having a good group of friends around you is really important. I also look up to my family because they teach me my values every day, from being nice to people to helping others and not being selfish. Jennifer Hawkins is also an inspiration to me because although she has made it big in the modelling industry, she's still very down to earth and your "typical girl next door". I think it's very important to be yourself.
What's your top beauty secret?
I am obsessed with pawpaw ointment. I use it on everything from my lips, to sunburn to mosquito bites. I am seriously a pawpaw fanatic.
Do you have any celebrity crushes?
I have a bit of a crush on David Beckham. I think it's his accent. I wouldn't mind getting him under the tree this Christmas!
