A Mandurah mother and model has left the catwalk with a crown after the 2020 Galaxy Australia national finals were held earlier this month.
Shantelle Maier's dreams came true when she was named Mrs Galaxy Australia after a week of pageant competitions on the Gold Coast.
The Singleton stunner is no stranger to the modelling industry, with more than 10 years experience in local, state and national pageants.
She first strutted on stage in Miss Universe WA in 2009 and has since competed in five national finals for the title of Galaxy queen.
Last year was her first time vying for the Mrs Galaxy crown after marrying her high school sweetheart in 2017.
In a heart-stopping announcement, she came first runner up to close friend Michelle Dolan.
But 2020 was Shantelle's lucky year, coming home with a beautiful, and very sparkly, crown and sash after winning overall in four judging rounds - evening wear, swim wear, fashion wear and photo shoot.
While Shantelle said it was "so surreal" to be named the queen, her mind was focused on improving the lives of children in need as part of Galaxy's charity work.
"I mainly did a lot of work for Care Bags for Kids because, as a mum, it is a cause that is close to my heart," she said.
"Seeing the numbers of kids going into foster care every day is so heartbreaking so that's something I want to work with and on again in the foreseeable future.
"I also did a lot of online fundraisers and raffles for Make a Wish which was wonderful."
Shantelle said that while there could sometimes be a bit of a stigma surrounding beauty pageants, she was thankful for the "sisterhood" involved in beauty pageants - inspiring girls she now considers family.
"That's probably the thing I love most about being a part of the Galaxy family - everyone is so lovely," she said.
"It filters down from the directors who are so supportive and that just has a ripple effect on the group.
"There's no drama or competitiveness... even in rehearsals all the girls cheer each other on."
Shantelle will now travel to Chicago later in the year to represent the country as Mrs Galaxy Australia.
Following that, she hopes to continue playing an active role in future Galaxy beauty pageants.
"I'm not allowed to do the pageant again next year now that I've won, but I'm hoping to help out," she said.
"A lot of the queens go back every year and help out during the week where they can.
"It's kind of bittersweet having been my last time on stage."
Follow Shantelle Maier on Instagram.
