Jesinta Campbell, is more than a dream girl, she is living the dream. Not many people around the world other than Olympians, Ambassadors, and Troops have the opportunity to represent their country, especially front and center on a stage watched by millions around the world. With her girl-next door looks, charming personality, and strong determination Campbell placed in the Top 3 at the Miss Universe Pageant representing Australia, in which she also took home the Miss Congeniality award. She also made history by becoming the second closest Miss Congeniality since 1955 to winning Miss Universe. It was also the first time the Miss Congeniality winner placed among the semi-finals since Miss Universe 1970. Campbell has said “I love my country and I am proud of being a born and bred Gold Coast girl. I encourage people to go after their dreams and I am living proof that you can set goals and with determination, hard work, support and belief in yourself, they can come true.”

Campbell is a busy girl, in addition to her role as the reigning Miss Universe Australia, she is the brand ambassador for makeup line Nude by Nature, Pierre Haddad Hair Management, and footwear brand Novo. She also models for Kooey Swimwear as well as appeared on the cover for FHM accompanied by a Barbarella inspired pictorial. In addition to modeling, Campbell is deeply involved in charity work, raising money for cancer research, visiting children’s hospitals, and being an advocate for underprivileged youth.

I truly believe Campbell is a young woman who is not only beautiful on the outside, but inside as well. Whether Campbell is on stage, doing an interview, or just being candid, she lights up a room. When she smiles her eyes lights up in a way that brings a good energy to a room and makes you want to get to know her. With that said, I wanted to find out more about this Australian beauty, from her daily life to her guilty pleasures by asking her questions which she was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer.

What is your favorite beauty tip or trick of the moment?

“My favourite beauty tip at the moment is a new little product I have found called Witch Hazel. I have been using it as a toner after cleansing my face and I have really noticed a difference. Not only does it feel refreshing on your skin but it also removes excess oil and helps tighten pores!!”

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

“When I was a little girl all I wanted to be was a bride and a mum!! Haha, but when I got a little older I knew I wanted be some kind of performer, I loved acting and being on stage…I was involved in every school production there was. The love of performing and being on stage never changed and all through out highschool all I wanted to be was an actress.”

Where do you go to relax after completing a busy day?

“After being on the road and travelling a lot I really love coming home to the Gold Coast and spending time with my family. My Mum and Dad have a beautiful property which is away from the hustle and bustle of town, its so quiet and a place where I feel relaxed.”

Who do you turn to for relationship advice?

“Currently I am not in a relationship but if I do need advice I go to my mum or bestfriend. As corny as it sounds, and as hard as it is to admit, my mum is always right. She is sensible and offers really great advice. But at the end of the day you have to make your own decisions and be comfortable with your own choices in life.”

What is your junk food “guilty pleasure”?

“I have a big sweet tooth and my guilty pleasure would have to be chocolate!! At the moment I am loving the Lindt Dark chocolate with sea salt…it sounds weird but trust me it is the BEST ☺”

Are you a Night Owl or an Early Bird?

“I am definitely an early bird. I love getting up when the sun has just risen and going for a run!! Everything seems more beautiful in the morning there is a stillness that I really love. I dislike sleeping in because I feel like I am missing out on something, I like my days to last as long as possible!!”

I have to admit, Campbell became an early favorite for me prior to the Miss Universe Pageant when she dealt with criticism because of her choice of national costume. While some regarded her costume as a ‘national travesty’ which made headlines, she responded to critics by saying her costume her costume shares “Part of our Australian identity is our indigenous heritage and it was so important that it was included in the national costume.” Campbell also revealed that an “Aboriginal artist hand-painted my swimsuit which is the base of the outfit, which is very special.”From that point, I became a fan of her ability to stand up for herself and what she believes in such a graceful and tactful way. I had to asked Campbell a deeply personal question about bullying, which is something that I feel makes people no matter how beautiful or successful, very relatable and grounded when they can share an experience or lesson about a negative situation. Have you ever been picked on or bullied? How did you overcome it?

“When I was at school I was bullied and at the time is was something that I really struggled with but looking back on the experience I believe it has shaped me into the person I am today. It built up a resilience within me and it made me realize that ultimately it doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks of you its how you value yourself .”

Jesinta Campbell is an amazing, endearing, and beautiful woman who is just beginning an incredible journey that she has made for herself. Check out her website by clicking here or follow her on Twitter and ‘Like’ her on Facebook.