Guest
Nicole Smith
Episode Number
№4
Nicole Smith Tilse has lived several very different professional lives.
Before becoming a familiar face in Australian media, Nicole studied at the University of Wollongong and became involved in modelling, public speaking and pageantry. She represented Australia internationally in a number of competitions before being crowned Miss World Australia in 1996, going on to represent the country at the Miss World final in Bangalore, India, where 88 women competed from around the world.
But the title was only one chapter.
Nicole moved into television and media, working as a presenter and reporter across Australian commercial television, including Channels 7, 9 and 10. Her career also extended into acting, radio, fashion styling, public relations and corporate communications.
Away from the camera, Nicole developed considerable experience in events, hospitality and customer relations, including a period working in media, public relations and customer service at Crown in Melbourne. She later moved into business for herself, including operating High Tea and Homewares and, more recently, Designer Emporium in Brisbane.
Her connection to the pageant world continued long after her own competition years. Nicole spent many years mentoring, training and coaching young women through both Miss World Australia and the Miss Universe organisation, working across presentation, modelling, fitness, nutrition and personal development.
Her pageant years also had a substantial charitable component. Nicole records having worked as an ambassador, spokesperson, presenter and fundraiser during her time with Miss World Australia, helping raise more than $1 million for charitable causes.
What makes Nicole’s story interesting is the distance between the public image and the life that followed it. The beauty queen became a television presenter, media professional, business owner, mentor and mother, building a career that continued long after the sash and cameras were gone.
It is a story about what happens after the title, when public recognition fades and life becomes less about being seen and more about what you build next.
