INTERVIEW with Lucinda Santa Maria || Miss World Australia Preliminary Finalist 2024

Written By Suzanne Dang

SD: Hi Lucinda. Can you introduce yourself to my readers who don’t know you yet?

LS: Hi Suzanne, thank you for this opportunity. My name is Lucinda, I am currently 21 years old. I work as a sales agent at Service First Property Group. I also study a double undergraduate degree, a bachelor in business and bachelor in medical science. I currently hold the title of Miss HIN 2024, which is a global title and I am currently a preliminary finalist for Miss World Australia.

SD: You’re a Miss World Australia Preliminary Finalist 2024. Can you tell us more about it?

LS: Yes that is correct! It wasn't something I saw myself doing until earlier this year my friend Mikayla begged me to apply, to which I did and ended up winning the first round as a preliminary finalist. As this was my first pageant I wasn't sure what to expect besides the things I saw on social media and movies. The biggest highlight from my night was meeting three other girls who I bonded closely with. These girls and I actually ended up collaborating together to create an event to fundraise money for the Variety Children’s Charity. 

SD: How did you become interested in pageants?

LS: I initially didn’t think too much of it until my friend kept sending me messages of highlights from pageants and I really enjoyed seeing all these women come together and not only compete for a title but build a friendship together. 

SD: What’s in your makeup bag right now?

LS: I don’t really carry a makeup bag on me, but I definitely should as I’m always on the go due to all my commitments and in need of a touch up.

Above: Photo by Helen Ngoc H

SD: What is your vision of success?
LS: In my opinion success comes from inner peace with yourself and where you’re currently at in life. Everyone has different goals so I believe it to be unfair to call success one certain thing. Personally I’d like to succeed in achieving or at least giving everything I have interest in a go. We are all living our life for the first and only time on this earth and I strive to use that one chance to do as many things as I can to experience the most of this time. 

SD: If you could give one piece of advice to your 14 year old self, what would it be?

LS: I would tell her she didn’t need to stick around the friends she thought were going to last a lifetime and to pave my own path earlier on. To try out for all the things I had interest in and let go of any shame and embarrassment of trying something new. Especially whilst she’s still young and has the time and less responsibility to just enjoy the finer things in life before we get older and more busy. 

SD: Who are you most inspired by in the Pageant World and why?

LS: I don’t really know too much about the pageant world, let alone the people in it. But from my experiences so far I definitely commend the staff behind the scene that bring women together and help build their confidence and experience in pageantry. Putting on these shows and ensuring it all goes smoothly is also very important. So I’m inspired by the integrity and hard work that the staff put in for everyone. 

SD: How have beauty pageants impacted your life and your career?

LS: Pageants have definitely shaped more appreciation for women in all different industries for me. I’ve met women in pageantry from all walks of life and it’s definitely opened up my networks in my own career as in real estate the entire industry revolves around networking with people and assisting them in their property ventures. It has also brought me more confidence and ability to think of my feet, as in pageantry we are required to answer questions to not only show knowledge but solidarity in what we believe. 

What is your best beauty secret?

LS: A good diet! A good diet helps with so many things. Eating healthy nourishing foods helps the mind work best as well. I have a variety of foods or vitamins daily but one I always recommend is having spearmint and chamomile tea every night before bed, which has helped with my gut health and clearing up blemishes on my skin. 

Above: Photo by Helen Ngoc H

Suzanne Dang
Previous

INTERVIEW with banbu || Brisbane Fashion Festival 2024 Designer (Hancock Prospecting Next Gen Group Show)
Next

INTERVIEW with Rachel Green || Miss World Australia National Finalist 2024