Shantelle Maier is no stranger to strutting down a catwalk.
But the young Mandurah mother said if you told her in high school she would be competing in beauty pageants just a couple of years later, she would have never believed you.
And now Mrs Maier is competing in her fourth national final for the title of Galaxy queen.
But it is the first time the model is vying for the Mrs Galaxy crown after marrying her high school sweetheart in 2017.
The local beauty has been involved in the pageant world since taking part in Miss Universe WA in 2009, and has taken part in competitions such as Miss Galaxy, Miss Global, and several smaller pageants.
Mrs Maier said she was inspired to get involved in modelling after high school.
"I started for the self-confidence," she said.
"I was and still am really shy as a person and quite reserved.
"I was also looking for a hobby because I wasnt a sporty kid at all except for horse riding.
"Its amazing the growth you experience and its good for your friendships too to hang out with like-minded people."
The mum-of-two was chosen as a national finalist after submitting an online application and completing a casting audition with Australia Galaxy Pageants director Lucinda Ferguson.
"We did a workshop with her and a few of her reigning queens and they talked about the competition and the judging criteria and gave us some tips and tricks," she said.
"We went in and introduced ourselves and did a little walk and took some photos and from that, they selected a handful of girls to go into the national final.
Mrs Maier will compete for the title on the Gold Coast in May, which she said she will turn into a fun family getaway.
"It runs for about a week so you do events, appearances and workshops with all the other contestants," she said.
"I have quite a few friends now that compete from all around Australia and a lot of them are still in the Miss division so it will be nice to see them and catch up."
The Singleton stunner will take to the stage in four judging rounds evening wear, swim wear, fashion wear and photo shoot.
Mrs Maier took a couple of years away from the spotlight after having her two beautiful boys Tommi and Teddy, but said shes excited to don her prettiest outfits and strut down the catwalk again.
"I really wanted to do it last year but the timing wasn't right because I was pregnant," she said.
"But I'm so excited to have some me time and wear all the nice dresses and pretty gowns and get dressed up.
"It definitely feels different doing it as a mum but I actually feel more grounded and less anxious.
"I feel more complete now as a person and I know the timing is right."
It definitely feels different doing it as a mum but I actually feel more grounded and less anxious.
- Shantelle Maier
As part of her journey to the crown, Mrs Maier is volunteering her time and taking part in community service in the hope of cementing her place as a positive role model in Mandurah.
"I have a couple of events lined up on International Women's Day on March 8," she said.
"I've teamed up with some local volunteers and were running a screening of Embrace and were doing a self-love walk afterwards.
"We're inviting women of all ages and all shapes to come along and embrace their womanhood and love who they are and be proud of who they are.
"I'm looking to make some donations to WA Mum's Cottage and Halo just little things to give back in any way that I can."
The national winner of each category will travel overseas to represent Australia in the Galaxy International Pageant.
To watch Shantelle Maiers journey to the crown in the Mrs Galaxy Australia competition, follow her on Instagram @shantelle.maier.
