Interview with Miss Scuba International 2019/2020 – Michaela Shuttleworth

Michaela’s Crowning moment at Miss Scuba International last year

Firstly thank you so much for having this interview with me. I originally started this blog as a lockdown project and it’s since developed into interviewing fellow beauty queens and you are my first non U.K. queen I’ve interviewed so I’m very excited by this. I was also a finalist in the Ms Scuba U.K. pageant last year and it’s such a unique pageant I wanted to learn more about it.

So Michaela what made you enter pageants ?

Completely random! I was approached for Miss Scuba International.

Have you held any previous titles ?

Miss Scuba Australia – which then lead me to Miss Scuba International.

What made you decide to compete in the Miss Scuba system ?

I am the type of person to seize every opportunity. This was purely coincidental, I was approached at the graduation of my stunt course, and I couldn’t say no. I study marine science at the university of Queensland, as well as part take in the creative industries. This was too good to pass up as it was the combination of everything I love to do!

The Miss Scuba system is very unique allowing contestants to learn to scuba dive and about marine conservation. What level diver are you now ?

I am an Advanced Open Water diver and progressing to become a Dive Master.

Flying the flag under water

Good luck in becoming a Dive Master !

What was it like when you were crowned Miss Scuba International?

Very emotional. I never went with the intent to win the crown. I entered the pageant knowing full well I had no pageant experience, but I went to form connections in marine conservation and enjoy everything to my fullest capability.

You have also been able to travel where’s the best place you have been and what did you do there ?

Because of Covid-19 my travels as Miss Scuba have been put on hold, as well as the Miss Scuba competition for this year. This means I’ll be reigning Queen for two years, and continue (hopefully) my travels next year! So far I’ve only been down Europe and Malaysia, and both have been incredibly valuable! Europe had major dive shows where I was able to form valuable connections and Malaysia allowed me to progress further in my Scuba journey!

After Covid-19 do you have any plans ?

Many of the contacts and plans I have made have been cancelled or out on hold, so the very first thing to do would be to re-establish these contacts so we can work together. With all the contacts I’ve made from the first two European dive shows, I’ve managed to meet so many like minded people who want to change the future in light of sustainability. We’ll be establishing multiple marine conservation programs, teaching at local schools, and promoting sustainability across the globe. Our goal is to generate as much traction and hype for the cause so we can build a bigger army of like minded ocean warriors!

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

There is ALWAYS something new to LEARN. Meeting such amazing women from all over the world was such an experience. Every one of them had eye opening takes on conservation and knowledge I did not. We will always have experiences – good and bad – but it’s how we choose to deal with them that determines whether we grow or not. Every experience is a lesson, a lesson we should always learn and improve from. And the biggest one I have noticed as of yet, especially in the world of conservation, the best communication is through how and happiness. Because we are faced with so much ignorant and uninterested people, forcing opinions, facts, change will never end well. But people want to be happy, and as soon as they see the joy in what you love to do and how you do it, they automatically want to be apart of it. Your happiness is key to inspiration.

What’s your pageant platform?

My platform is conservation and communicating conservations through fun. I do this on Instagram and Facebook, or over podcasts and interviews.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens ?

Be yourself. For whatever pageant you may be running for, there always has to be a motive. That motive should be selfless. We are here trying to become leaders for people to look up too, we are here to inspire. If you’re busy trying to be too many other characteristics you are not, you start to lose sight of who you are, and what you’re communicating loses all meaning. Stay true to who you are and find the simplicity in your goals and mindset. Do not be swayed by greed. The strongest we will ever be is together, and together is how was should fight.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

One who selflessly speaks with clarity, confidence, and joy. Anyone who is a role model inspires people with their fresh, simplistic, take on the world. Especially when you fully believe in the words you speak.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I’m a firm believer in God. I found that any time I was feeling nervous or confused or lost, I would put on my worship music and sit with Him. I believe that everyone has a purpose and plan and if it is meant to be it will happen. It’s the trust that I’ve placed in Him that gave me unnerving calm anytime I had to publicly speak or perform. I know there aren’t many believers out there so this is another take. Trust yourself. Trust your motives, your heart, and your spirit. You have to remind yourself why you are competing and what dreams and passions lead you to that moment. Speaking honestly will be louder than any rehearsed script. As soon as you fixate on perfection, you’ll lose sight of your goal – keep it simple. Do not over complicate it.

It’s been lovely to read your answers today I think what the scuba pageant means and does is incredibly important “saving oceans through beauty” I wish you every success as you continue your extended reign and I’m looking forward to seeing your appearances on social media after COVID-19. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.