Age: 25 | Height: 6’0″
Hometown: Halifax, NS

Sarah Ainsley is European Canadian, born in Ontario and grew up as a well-travelled dual-citizen of the UK and Canada.
A professional model and actress, she has experience as an ambassador in many facets of brand representation, locally and nationally, on behalf of designers, corporations, as well as non-profit organizations.

Participating in sports for much of her life, she is a health and fitness advocate and this interest has inspired her to also dedicate her time working as a personal trainer and coach. She feels infinite satisfaction from helping other women to achieve a well-balanced lifestyle that not only improves physical health, but also promotes self-esteem and supports an improved quality of life.

Embracing every opportunity to meet new people and learn about diverse cultures, she is outgoing, has a passion for travel, and thrives amidst the excitement of new adventures. During her education she was an avid member of student government and graduated from the Tourism Management program at NSCC, with a focus on Eco-Tourism.

A compassionate young woman who is active in her community, Sarah Ainsley devotes much time working with various charities; a highlight for her was travelling abroad for international development work in Belize.

Representing Canada on the world stage would be her dream because it would help her reach a broader audience with her positive ambitions and enable her to continue to work with women’s and children’s charities on a larger scale.

Sponsored by: Ascenta Health, GoodLife Fitness, Life Salon Spa, Tarik Ediz Designs, Eman Mustafa Designs, Apeeling Orange, Mingle Magazine, James Ingram Photography, Sue Siri Photography, Daniel Daniel Dentistry, Family and Friends.

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language). 

I am fluent in English. I studied French in school and picked up some conversational Spanish during my travels to Central America.

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I volunteer my time to any worthy organization and try to convey a strong, healthy example for the youth of today. My main interests are travel, fitness, and philanthropy. They each represent a part of me and I believe balance of femininity and strength is important. My greatest passion is travelling; meeting new people and learning about different cultures. I’ve been lucky to travel throughout my entire life starting at a young age. I have had the great pleasure of spending time all over Canada, and in the USA, Belize, England and Scotland. I also possess a great love of all animals, and enjoy spending time with my loyal dog Tomoe, named after the rare female Samurai warrior Tomoe Gozen, renowned for her bravery, beauty and strength.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.) 

I studied ballet in elementary school, hip hop/contemporary performance group in middle school, and belly dancing in high school. As part of my Tourism and Hospitality Management schooling, I have received training in formal dining etiquette, formal wine training (by Canada’s Master Sommelier, John Szabo), culinary training and more. I am also a certified Personal Training Specialist and Team Training Coach.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I have enjoyed coaching young swimmers while also competing in swimming, volleyball, track & field, and rugby. After high school I played for the Nova Scotia Women’s U19 Rugby Team at Eastern Nationals. Currently I play volleyball in regional leagues, and I am a sponsored athlete competing in the Bikini category of the NSABBA/CBBF.  In April 2012 I won the title of NSABBA Bikini Tall Champion.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why? 

While growing up one of the places I lived the longest was Greenwood, Nova Scotia, where my sister and I joined the competitive swim team. My Head Coach, Sheri Deutsch was like a second mother to my sister and me. She was a huge influence in my life, as a coach, teacher and friend. She taught me drive and motivation, both for myself and for my team. After swimming for several years, I was inspired by her to earn my national certification and coached our team’s young “Future League” swimmers. Sheri mentored me not only as an athlete, but also as a coach, and she helped me grow into a mature, responsible adult with compassion and determination.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)? 

I have many things in my life that I am proud of and it’s hard to say one is a more significant accomplishment than another. I am proud of my education and leadership roles I have taken on as Vice President, Minister of NSSSA and Class Representative.  I am proud of the accomplishments of younger athletes that I have coached and of clients that I have helped. I am proud of my modelling publications and acting endeavors. Ultimately, I am proud of my balance of mind, body and spirit. My parents raised me to be a grounded and versatile individual. I constantly strive to improve myself, and believe that when you are your best self, you can help others the most.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

One of the most interesting things that I’ve done would have to be going to Central America for international development work. Belize is a beautiful and humble country, and it changed me as a person. I was hosted by a Mayan community where they had no running water, no electricity, and they sustained their village from the small amount of food they were able harvest. To spend time with someone who has so little, and yet has so much pride and is happy to give with much generosity – it really enlightens your perspective on the world. It was a pleasure and an honour to help these communities, and it brought warmth to my heart to see the happiness we provided for them.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal? 

I have a number of career ambitions. I enjoy modelling and acting and I’m going to pursue this as far as it takes me and try to positively influence the industry. I also have an interest in the tourism and hospitality industry, and would be delighted to eventually own and operate a socially responsible and ecologically sustainable health resort, where people can get away to relax and educate themselves on ways to better their lives. I plan to continue to work towards upgrading my Tourism Management Diploma into a Degree, while also enrolling in classes and workshops to improve my fitness and acting credentials.  I believe that Life is an evolving journey and that we must be open and prepared to adapt as opportunities open up.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

I want to inspire and help others. Whether it’s through Art or Health, I want to motivate others to reach up and work towards their dreams. As Nelson Mandela said, “… as we let our own light shine, 
we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” If every person just tried to be a better version of themselves this world would be a much more positive and successful place. Becoming Miss Universe would be my dream job because it would help me reach a broader audience with my positive ambitions and I could continue to work with women’s and children’s charities on a larger scale.

Are you currently a student?

Yes, part-time.

If yes, where? 

Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax

Area of study:

I graduated with a college diploma and am currently in the university portion of a 2 + 2 articulation agreement. After two years of college I started my third year of a Tourism Management Degree, and study in university part-time to expand my knowledge, while pursuing life experience with my current level of education.

Are you currently employed?

Yes

If yes, what is your occupation?  

I am a certified personal trainer and coach for Goodlife (Women’s) Fitness, and a professional actress and model.

I am a current ACTRA member, signed with Sky Talent Group and have had roles on network television shows and commercials such as Showcase’s Haven, HBO’s Call Me Fitz, Smithsonian’s Forensic Firsts and CTV’s 2012 Olympic campaign. As a model, I first started to gain recognition after doing a national ad campaign for Moosehead, when I was voted “Halifax’s Favourite Model” in Faces Magazine. Recently I have modelled in various billboard and print publications such as Halifax Shopping Centre’s advertising campaign, and runway events such as Mercedes Benz Start Up, and Atlantic Fashion Week.  I have also modelled in charity runway events such as “From Scotland with Love” held in New York City in April 2013.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.  

I was born in Pembroke, Ontario and grew up in a military family. My father is a helicopter pilot for the Canadian Military’s Search and Rescue Force, so we were posted often, and my family travelled all over Canada and the United Kingdom. I am fortunate to possess dual-citizenship having both Canadian and UK passports.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had. 

I started my own event management company at the age of 22 while studying Small Business Management at MSVU, and have had the honour of working events with Kevin O’Leary, Danny Glover and amazing charity organizations such as Bridgeway Academy for students with learning disabilities.

List any volunteering you have done.

I have volunteered in numerous fundraisers such as workshops, fashion shows, concerts, sporting events and carwashes; for organizations such as Progress Club, Adsum House, Progress Centre for Early Intervention, Children’s Wish Foundation, Spin 4 Kids, Parker Street Foundation, Youth Project, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, Lung Association, Cystic Fibrosis Canada Shinerama, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Parkinson Society Canada, and Hurricane Katrina Relief. I have also volunteered for international development work with Toledo Institute for Development and Education, and Sustainable Harvest in Belize. And, I have enjoyed personally organizing and hosting charity events to raise money in support of SOS Children’s’ Villages.

What is your most unusual talent?

If I were to say what my most unusual talent might be; it could be that I am very intuitive. My family and friends say that I can read them like a book.   

Where is the most interesting place you have been to? 

I have had the pleasure of being in some amazing countries; the most interesting perhaps are Turks and Caicos, Belize, England, and Scotland. I admired the architecture (especially castles) and history of Europe, and I embraced the beauty and warmth (of climate and culture) of Central America.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years? 

I hope to be my own “brand” and inspire people to be healthy and active. I would like to be running my own business with a percentage of profits going to World Conservation Union and SOS Children’s Villages.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I am an outgoing, empathetic person who truly appreciates spending time meeting new people and learning about diverse cultures. I have a passion for travel and thrive in new situations. I hold great respect for the title of Miss Universe Canada and what it represents and empowers young women to become. I believe that a woman can be beautiful, intelligent, feminine and powerful all at the same time. It would be my honour to work with Beauties of Canada and Miss Universe Organizations and I look forward to this opportunity.