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If you’d told me two years ago that I’d trade a seemingly perfect life in Canada - complete with a long-term relationship, two thriving businesses, and an emotional attachment to Tim Hortons iced capps- for a whole new life on a tiny island at the bottom of the world, I probably would’ve smiled politely and asked if you were feeling alright. And yet, here we are. Because while my life looked dreamy from the outside, deep down I knew I wasn’t where I was meant to be. So, I did the boldest - and possibly most dramatic - thing I’ve ever done: I left. I swapped snow boots for sandy toes, “sorry” for “no worries,” and moved back to Australia- this time to Tasmania, where my family had settled. It wasn’t a grand, movie-montage kind of moment. It was quiet, terrifying, and lonely…but it was right. That’s where the real work began: rebuilding a life that didn’t just look happy, but felt happy. Not exactly a traditional career move (especially for someone who overthinks…well, everything), but it turned out to be the most important one I’ve ever made. Tasmania - pine trees, ocean air, and a community so close-knit even the seagulls know your business - you became the backdrop to my rebirth, and my home. It’s where I created Shoreline Australia, a self-development company built around helping women remember who they are, what they want, and how powerful it is to start again. To be clear: this wasn’t some perfectly mapped out journey. It was emotional, confronting, and full of 'what on earth am I doing?' moments! I’m the kind of gal who loves big, dreams bigger, and believes in the magic of reinvention. I have a deep passion for empowering others through raw, honest connection, and living with the joyful conviction that we are all capable of far more than we think. Which brings me to the mission I’m on today - to take everything I’ve learned and lived through and turn it into impact. To remind women (and men, we love them too!), that courage changes everything. That starting over isn’t failure - it’s freedom. And that authenticity, at its core, resides in living the truth of you. Because if I’ve learned anything on this wild, wonderful ride, it’s this: sometimes the most authentic thing you can do is let go of what’s good... so you can finally create something great.

A little bit about me and the journey that got me to where I am in life today 💗 My name’s Stevie Vassallo and I’m 19 years of age, located in Redcliffe, Australia. I have lived in Australia my whole life but am half Maltese. I come from a big family which makes me really family oriented. I have a huge passion for fashion, which has led me to being a freelance model since 2021 and walking in New York Fashion Week in February 2025 for Belle Le Chic. It all started when I left high school in Year 10 due to mental health issues and bullying. After I left high school early, I decided to work in fast food whilst modelling part-time. In just a few months, I felt more confident than ever. I learned to love myself and chase my dreams. That’s what this journey has been about gaining confidence, loving myself, chasing my dreams, all whilst spreading positivity and awareness to others. I recently stepped into the world of pageantry and have just returned from competing with Prestige Pageants Australia on the beautiful Gold Coast. But for me, it’s always been more than the crown. I want to create a legacy beyond the stage, which is why I created my own platform: a journey towards a better you! It’s all about growth, self-love, and becoming the best version of yourself. Alongside advocating for these values, I also share resources for those who may be struggling, so no one ever feels alone. My main goal is to help inspire others, chase my dreams, and be the best version of myself. And with that comes the question: What does being my most authentic self mean to me? To me, being my most authentic self means embracing the things that make me me; my red hair, brown eyes, and freckles. It’s staying positive, staying true to myself and others, and spreading positivity no matter what. It also means knowing my values, knowing my worth, and advocating for my beliefs and what’s right.

For most of my life, I wasn’t living as my most authentic self. In fact, I’ve only really known her, me for the past two years. My story has had its fair share of chaos. I left home as a young teenager and found myself in survival mode far too early. Trauma, heartbreak, and the pain of losing people I loved deeply shaped my early years. For a long time, happiness felt like something that belonged to other people. Life got in the way of joy, of passion, of peace. But somewhere along the way, I made a quiet, powerful decision: I chose myself. At 18, I started modeling—not because I had everything figured out, but because I wanted to build my confidence. To feel beautiful in my own skin. That step, small as it seemed at the time, opened a door I didn’t know existed. Through modeling, I met some incredible people who spoke so passionately about pageantry. Something in me sparked, I just knew it had to be my next chapter. I signed up for my first pageant online, heart pounding, and fell head over heels in love with it. Since then, I’ve competed in five pageants, and each one has taught me more about who I am and what I’m capable of. These experiences have reshaped how I see myself. The once painfully shy girl I used to be? I now stand up for her every single day. I show up for her. I speak loudly, love freely, and live unapologetically as myself. But let’s be real, it’s not all glitz and glam. It’s been a fight to become her. Behind the gowns and the stage lights, I’ve had to face my own mental health battles. I’ve wrestled with that inner mean girl—you know the one: “You’re not good enough,” “You don’t belong here.” She still shows up sometimes. But I’ve learned that healing takes time. Confidence takes patience. Self-love takes energy It’s not always easy, but oh, is it worth it. Now, I live in a space of joy. Of radical self-acceptance. Of chasing dreams I once thought were impossible. I’m building a future that excites me—and I’m doing it as my whole, real, beautiful self. But this is just the beginning for me, I’m still young I’m still on my journey, my next chapter, and I’m excited to what the world has waiting for me…. And I know it’s going to be some more hard work To anyone still searching for their authentic self: She’s there. He’s there. They’re there. Keep going. It’s never too late to choose you.