Miss Sambalicious Mishel Finlayson who brings Brazilian flair to Gold Coast a women of year finalist

She’s the Gold Coaster bringing some South American flair to the Glitter Strip. Meet Mishel Finlayson, a finalist in the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards by Harvey Norman.

In the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year finalists series, we talk to Mishel Finlayson, a finalist in the Champion of the Arts, sponsored by We Are Phoenix.

PORTIA LARGE: Tell us about your passion for South American culture.

MISHEL FINLAYSON: I am an Australian girl who fell in love with the vibrant, colourful and passionate Brazilian culture, ran off to Rio and immersed myself in the language, culture, dance and lifestyle of the City of Samba. I have turned my passion into a career, teaching women to connect with their bodies, femininity and confidence and express themselves through dance, fashion and travel. I am also the very first Australian to perform at the highest level of Rio Carnival, have appeared on the cover of Brazilian Vogue and have taken over 500 Aussie women to perform in the magnificent Rio Carnival parade. I am the founder of the Australasian Samba Queen Competition, which brings together hundreds of women each year to compete and connect, and have developed a teacher training programme which teaches women around the world how to set up their own arts-based businesses.

PL: How does it feel to be a finalist in your category?

MF: It’s a privilege and honour to be recognised for my contribution to the arts industry over the past 15 years, especially as there are so many incredible women who are doing amazing things to champion the arts in Australia, and in particular the other finalists in my category.

Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year Awards finalist Mishel Finlayson. Picture: Glenn Hampson

PL: What are your words of wisdom for women of 2024?

MF: Deeply appreciate and make the most of the fact that we were born in this beautiful country in this era where women truly can do anything they set their minds too. We are privileged to have access to excellent education and healthcare, and to be able to earn our own income, support ourselves and design the life of our dreams.

PL: What have you overcome personally or professionally that’s shaped their journey to date? MF: This one is important to convey emotion on camera, a bit of vulnerability typically increases audience engagement and connection. There are many events that have shaped who I am today, but one of the biggest was having the courage to move to another country in search of my dream. When I went to Rio in my early 20s there were no Google maps, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook etc. I had to trust myself, learn to communicate in another language, find my way around the crazy city of Rio and learn quickly how to be street smart, make connections with people who could teach me to dance (there were no online lesson options). I had a big dream, and it took grit, discipline, consistency and lots of passion to make it happen, but despite all of the difficulties I didn’t give up.

PL: Are you someone who typically celebrates their wins?

MF: Yes, but it’s taken a while to learn this act of self love, and each time I reach a goal, I’m already thinking about the next. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate my success, and I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to share a little of my story as it has made me look back and reflect on all of the things I have achieved to get to this point in my career.

Mishel Finlayson: “When I went to Rio in my early 20s there were no Google maps, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook etc. I had to trust myself, learn to communicate in another language, find my way around the crazy city of Rio and learn quickly how to be street smart, make connections with people who could teach me to dance.” Picture Glenn Hampson

PL: Why is it important in 2024 to champion women?

MF: It’s always been incredibly important to champion women, but now in this world of technology, we have so much more opportunity to connect with women all around the world, share our experiences, support and encourage each other and celebrate each other’s successes.

PL: Inspirational quotes you like?

MF: A few little quotes I love: “The highest form of art is transforming yourself into the person you were divinely designed to be”. “The magic cannot leave you when it is you”. “When you do whatever makes you feel alive, it breathes life into others too”.

Mishel Finlayson is a finalist in the Champion of the Arts category. Picture Glenn Hampson