Michelle Barnes – Mrs Galaxy Australia National Finalist 2024

Michelle Barnes @michelle_.a_.b

1.- Michelle, tell me about the city where you were born and raised.,What do you like about your hometown?

I was born in Brisbane Qld but I grew up in the rural suburbs and got to experience an acreage lifestyle. My hometown was the best! I was fortunate to get to experience most little girl’s childhood dreams of owning a pony. It was a very carefree, tightknit community with everyone always ready to give a helping hand.

2.- What are your hobbies?  what makes you laugh a lot or gives you joy?

I have various hobbies outside of pageants. I LOVE sport. I am still an avid horse rider, currently riding an off the track (ex-race horse) thoroughbred named Skye. I like to take her trail riding and compete at local events. I am a super proud Soccer and Netball mum, I love watching my kids play and excel at their dreams. Spending time with my family and friends and my horse girl stable gang give me immense joy and they are always providing me with lots of laughs. I am looking forward to competing very soon as a contestant for Mrs Galaxy Australia 2024 and am sure I will make new friendships and have many good times providing lots of laughs with all the ladies.

3.- Model, Mrs Galaxy Australia National Finalist 2024. When did you decide to take your first steps as a model and beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized influencer woman today?

 My daughter has been involved within the system since 2017 and has loved every minute of it. From behind the scenes, I have seen how Australia Galaxy Pageants has done so much for her and Australia’s community. The Directors have formed an amazing system that encourages women of all ages, sizes and background to be the best version of themselves, being present within their communities and encourages delegates to fundraise during their lead up to nationals for batyr. Having been a long-time pageant mum, support person and cheerleader of many delegates, I was inspired to enter after watching Australia Galaxy’s National finals in 2022. Everyone looked amazing and I wanted to be part of the Australia Galaxy journey. Stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing learning new things and challenging myself was a huge contributor to my entering, as well as being able to experience this with my daughter. I hope that I can influence other women in my stage of life that it is okay to look after yourself, have fun, have new adventures, life is to be lived!

4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Michelle in each activity carried out as a  beauty queen and model?

By achieving the goals I have set and being proud of myself for accomplishing them. It does not matter how small or large they are!

5.- Whats is the main virtue that any woman must have to be an international model?

Strength and our ease to bond with each other. Encourage, support, step up for each other and stand up for what is right. Nuture friendships’ and make efforts to help when and where it is needed without question or obligation.

6.- Are you aware of being an influential woman for thousands of girls who want to be models? How important is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?

My inspiration is to all the ladies out there, Age Has No Limits. Do it, step out of your comfort zone, learn new things about yourself and have fun doing it. I have had an amazing time in the lead up and preparation for the upcoming event. Attending community based events, fundraises for many causes, as well as supporting batyr. The galaxy system encourages supporting and meeting other contestants of all age groups. It has been an adventure I would love to keep participating in and encourage any women who are contemplating entering a pageant, to wholeheartedly spoil yourself and enter, you will not be disappointed.

7.- What was your feeling the first time you modeled in front of a video camera? What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?

Oh, this is a great question. It is one of those instances that you will never forget. I have only been on a stage once, so for me it was very daunting at first, totally out of my comfort zone however was provided with so much great advice, guidance and training that it becomes a lot easier and I began to have a lot of fun with it. The spectators and contestants are very supportive and no how difficult it can be. Full of nerves, but don’t worry this soon turns to excitement and then happiness at what you have learnt and accomplished in your personal goals set.

8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?

Social media for me is to be used in a positive manner. Why put negativity out into the universe. So I always make sure to enhance by staying positive and supportive.

9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? Whats your favorite social media?

My favorite would be Instagram and Facebook. Very easy to interact with followers and easy to connect with people all over the world.

10.- What would you advise young people who have talent but do not dare to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?

Pageants have been an amazing support to my daughter. She has learnt so many different attributes which have supplied her with a great foundation for employment and opportunities. Parents are scared, they see the ugly side of pageants on reality TV shows, and I can 100% testify that this is not the case. I have only ever experienced great support, friendships, positivity, so much so, that I thank goodness my daughter had her pageant friends to help her through any difficult times she was having. I would encourage parents to talk to the Directors see if their system aligns with their core values and morals and then enter your child. They will gain life skills like no other.

11.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?

Be yourself. You are individual and beautiful. Embrace what it is that makes you you!

12.- Michelle, being a model for you has been easy? Were there obstacles? How did you overcome obstacles?

You are right, it is not easy. I have been fortunate enough to have had access to great coaches. Practice makes perfect. Ask for feedback, this is the only way to learn and grow. Personally, obstacles for me have been of an injury nature, having broken my ankle in three places, learning to walk in heels has become a challenge, but there are no obstacles, where there is a will there is a way! I have found walking patterns and heels that can accommodate and I am now ready to walk the walk.

13.- Have you thought about being an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?

To be honest, this is no. It has not been a journey that I would persue, however, big supporter of the arts. My daughter has participated in dance and pantomimes and I loved helping her practice and creating her many outfits. Loved watching all the other kids with their character interpretations, it was very entertaining.

14.- Michelle, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?

Family is a huge motivation for me. I will do whatever is needed to ensure that they are helped in any way to meet their goals and dreams.  Being grateful and reflecting everyday for matters in my lifestyle is a daily internal occurrence.

15.- Michelle, Do you like to travel? What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from your country?

Love to travel, although have not done so in many years. I was fortunate enough to have travelled with my parent’s when I was young and then as an adult. I’ve been to quite a few different countries, I would love to see Scotland, the Greek Islands and Aruba Beach of Flamingos. I would return visit to other states in America, Ireland, Greece and Cyprus.

16.- You and me (Jaime William) are going to play ping pong, I will tell you one word and you will answer with another word that comes to your mind.

– Marriage = Partnership

– Children = my world

– Love = happiness

– Travel = adventure

– Dance = everyday

– Sing = loud

– Europe = culture

– America = movies

– Sport = equestrian

– Money = necessity

– Parents = Love

17.- Michelle, your last words or final tips

Enjoy whaterver makes you happy. Validate those that you love and yourself. Get up, Get Out – Live life to the full. Live, Love, Laugh – Age has no limits!