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

I have a wide range of interests, but what I enjoy most are the things that allow me to express myself creatively and connect with others in meaningful ways. Creative expression and environmental care are at the heart of how I engage with the world. Traveling enriches my life by immersing myself in diverse cultures and continually reminding me of our planet’s beauty and fragility. This perspective fuels both my passion for vintage clothing and my commitment to recycling and repurposing garments—not only as artistic expression, but also as a way to promote sustainability.

Art and fashion are two areas where I find a lot of joy in my life, and modelling allows me to blend both in a my own expressive way. I love creating art in different forms and using my creativity to make a positive impact.

Although above everything, family is my foundation and I value the time I spend with my husband, Ethan, and our three beloved dogs Gracie, Penny and Bunny. Living a balanced, healthy lifestyle fueled by my interests in life is what’s most important to me.

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

I have completed several specialized training programs, as a teenager I went into the Youth Ambassador Program, where I developed leadership, communication, and community engagement skills.

I am also certified in pet CPR, which has equipped me with essential skills to respond to any pet emergencies.

Additionally, I have professional training in Dog Grooming, giving me the skills to provide high-quality grooming services with care, precision and breed-specific styling.
I’m proud to be nearing 10 years in the grooming industry at Town ‘N Country Grooming. It’s been a rewarding journey of growth, dedication, and perservation to make a positive impact in pets and owners lives in my community.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

From 2010 to 2015, I devoted myself to English horseback riding—an experience that left a lasting impact on who I am today. It wasn’t only about learning how to ride; it was about showing up every day, rain or shine, to care for the horses, clean stalls, and build trust with an animal so much bigger than me. It taught me responsibility, resilience, and the value of hard work at a young age. There were moments when it was tough—like the times I fell off during lessons—but I got back on every time more determined to keep on going. Those experiences alone taught me that perseverance often begins the moment you want to quit.

I deeply appreciate those years, they grounded me and gave me a connection to nature and myself that I still carry with me today.

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

One person, other than my parents, who has had the most influence on my life is my husband Ethan. We’ve been together since high school, and through every phase of life—from teenagers dreaming about the future to adults building it together—he’s been by my side. We even work together now, which has only deepened our connection and respect for one another. What makes his influence so profound is the way he’s loved me unconditionally. No matter how I’ve changed physically or emotionally over time, he’s always seen me, supported me, and loved me just the same. He’s not only my partner but my greatest support system, constantly encouraging me to pursue my goals, go after my dreams and believe in myself. His unwavering presence in my life has shaped me into the person I am today.

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

My proudest personal accomplishment is the culmination of several significant milestones that have shaped who I am today. One of these milestones led me to purchase property shortly after graduating from high school and this achievement represented far more than a financial milestone; it was a meaningful step toward independence and long-term stability.

Along with that, I’ve had the privilege of co-owning and running two businesses that I’m deeply passionate about. Both of which are family businesses, which adds an extra layer of pride, as it allows me to help carry forward a legacy while also helping my community.

Being able to blend family, community, and business has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But the most important accomplishment will always be my family. I’m incredibly proud to be married to my high school sweetheart, and together, we’ve built a life full of love and adventure. Our three dogs are an integral part of that, bringing joy and warmth into our home every day.

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 unique and meaningful experiences of my life was getting married at the age of 21 on a private island in Mexico. It was not only a beautiful setting, but the day held deep personal significance for me. My beloved papa passed away when I was very young, and before he passed, he told me that whenever I saw a rainbow, it would be a sign that he was thinking of me. On the day of our wedding, it had been raining, and just before we began our reveal photos, the skies cleared—and a rainbow appeared. In that moment, I felt his presence and love surrounding us, and it made an already special day profoundly unforgettable.

I found it unique that me and my husband were the first amongst our friends to get married and the only ones to decide on taking my last name to carry on. My husband and I met in high school, and next year marks 10 years together and our 6th wedding anniversary. I deeply cherish our journey, which has grown from friendship into a lasting, loving relationship.

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

My career ambition is to expand within the grooming industry by opening more grooming salons, building on my current experience as the co-owner of two businesses in Morden. My goal is to not only create skilled and compassionate groomers but also to build teams that can maintain these high standards and successfully run the facilities. Currently, I’m fully booked several months in advance—a reflection of the trust and loyalty my clients place in the way I care for their beloved pets. That ongoing support means everything to me, and it reinforces my belief that every animal deserves gentle and exceptional treatment. Too often, I see pets arrive anxious or fearful due to negative past grooming experiences. That breaks my heart—and it fuels my mission to raise industry standards so that every pet feels safe, respected, and truly cared for during every visit.

In addition to expanding my grooming business, I have a strong desire to one day open a dog sanctuary.

It’s my hope to offer neglected, overlooked or elderly dogs a permanent, loving home filled with comfort, care and stability. While dog shelters provide the best care they can for the animals in their facilities, it truly saddens me to see misunderstood or elderly dogs longingly waiting in shelters for a home in the later years of their life. My greatest aspiration is to offer all those dogs a comfortable space where they can feel safe, valued, and loved in the time they have remaining.

To try and accomplish these goals, my plan is to expand slowly while refining my skills and partnering with like-minded organizations. My hope is to make a lasting impact on both the grooming industry and the lives of homeless dogs.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

I’m very passionate about what I’m currently doing, and I’ve always had a deep love for working with dogs. However, aside from the path I’m already pursuing, my dream job would be to become a model. Not just in the traditional sense of fashion and beauty, but as someone who can inspire and uplift others through confidence and creativity. My journey with modelling started on Instagram as a way to rebuild my self-confidence, something I struggled with in my adolescence. I want to show people that they are beautiful, worthy, and capable, regardless of their background or appearance. It’s about celebrating our diversity, embracing self-love, and discovering our inner strength. My goal is to inspire others to feel confident in who they are and to pursue their own dreams as well.

Additionally, through modelling I would love to travel the world further, experiencing new cultures and connecting with people from every corner of the globe. In my travels, I’d also focus on helping animals, especially dogs in need. I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and I believe that by using my voice and my journey, I could bring attention to the importance of animal welfare, rescue, and adoption. Whether it’s by continuing my work with shelters or raising awareness, I dream to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals as well.

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

I was born and raised in Morden Manitoba, a small but steadily growing city in Canada with strong Ukrainian roots —my great-grandparents on both sides of my family immigrated from the Ukraine with the hope of creating a better life for the future generations to come.

My childhood in the mid 2000s came with its own set of challenges, mainly around anxiety and my body image. As an adolescent I was bullied or often compared to others and through my early teen years I found myself recovering from an eating disorder. Although throughout it all, I found comfort in family, animals and fitness, which became powerful sources of healing for me.

As I grew up my mom was one of my greatest inspirations for me—she was a founder at the Pembina Valley Humane Society, in Morden fostering over 267 dogs, and even playing a key role in changing our town’s by-law to stop abandoned animals from being euthanized at the veterinary clinics. Her compassion toward animals and the experience of growing up surrounded by dogs in need played a key role in shaping who I am today.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

One unique job that stands out in my early work experience was at a local car wash, where I was the only girl on the team. Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, I took pride in being one of the hardest-working employees and proving that I could thrive in any environment.

Another interesting job I had was working as a children’s face painter at community events. It was such a rewarding and creative experience—being able to bring smiles to kids’ faces and share in their excitement was something truly special.

Lastly, the most interesting and memorable jobs I’ve ever had was at McDonald’s during high school. It was my first experience in a fast-paced, team-focused environment where I gained valuable skills in customer service, communication, and multitasking. While it was a typical first job for many, it became especially meaningful to me as it’s the place where I met my high school sweetheart. What started as a part-time job became the beginning of a lifelong love story, not only teaching me valuable life skills, but also changing the course of my life in a very special way.

List any volunteering you have done.

My Volunteering experience begins with volunteering in my youth group at my church. During my early teenage years, I participated in a youth missionary trip to the La Dream Centre, where I assisted with various community outreach initiatives. This included supporting the food bank, cleaning up the streets, and working with ex-convicts to help reintegrate them into society.

After high school, I volunteered for two summers with the Pembina Valley Art Council, where I worked with children to help them develop their artistic skills. This experience was very meaningful to me as it allowed me to foster creativity and mentorship in many young individuals.

Currently, I have the privilege of volunteering at the Pembina Valley Humane Society every month with my partner Ethan. Together, we dedicate our time to grooming the shelter dogs, ensuring they are in the best possible condition to increase their chances of being adopted. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our efforts help these dogs feel their best and prepare them for the loving homes they deserve. Most recently, we adopted our third dog from the humane society—she came from a puppy mill situation, and giving her a second chance at life has deepened our commitment to helping animals in need and brought our family an immense amount of joy.

What is your most unusual talent?

My most unusual talent would probably be dog training and styling. Over time, I’ve developed a strong connection with animals, particularly dogs, and one of my more standout skills is dog training.

I’ve taught my dogs a range of tricks, including bowing, spinning, high-fiving, patiently waiting and plenty more. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch how quickly they learn new things.

An additional talent I have that isn’t very common would be dog grooming/styling, which I see as a fusion of artistry and animal care. I’ve completed some pretty fun transformations, like dyeing pets with full cheetah print or zebra stripes, and even giving them colorful bellbottoms. Pet styling is a mix of patience, creativity and a love for animals, which makes it both a gratifying and unique kind of skill set to me.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

The most interesting place I’ve been to was Coachella, which I attended for the first time last year during a road trip across the USA. It was such a unique experience—Coachella isn’t just a music festival, it’s a celebration of creativity and self-expression. People express themselves through bold and vibrant festival fashion, and the event brings together musical artists from all over the world. I really enjoyed designing outfits for the festival before attending, as it was a fun way to showcase my own creativity. The energy, the atmosphere and the incredible array of musical talent made it an unforgettable experience for me.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In 10 years’ time, I see myself continuing to expand within the grooming industry by establishing additional salons and building strong, compassionate teams that share my mission of providing gentle and exceptional care to every pet. My goal is to raise industry standards so that no animal feels anxious or fearful during groomings. I also hope to have begun establishing a dog sanctuary—a peaceful, loving home for neglected or elderly dogs who deserve comfort and care in their later years.

Alongside this, I envision using my platform as a model to inspire others, especially those struggling with their self-image, to embrace self-love and confidence. What began as a way to help me heal has grown into a passion to uplift others and celebrate diversity. I’d love for my work to extend globally—traveling, connecting with people and cultures, and advocating for animal welfare wherever I go.

Personally, I see myself continuing to grow the family I started with my high school sweetheart. Building a life rooted in love, purpose, hard work and making a difference.

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

I would like to add that I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be where I am today, and even more so to have been born in a country as beautiful, free, and diverse as Canada. Being Canadian has always been a deep source of pride for me, and I’m especially thankful to have grown up in the safe, kind, and supportive community of Morden, MB.

Yet, my journey to this moment hasn’t always been easy. Growing up, I often struggled with anxiety and feelings of self-doubt which made me rarely see myself as beautiful. In my past I wouldn’t have seen myself as someone strong enough to pursue something as empowering as Miss Universe Canada. But today, I’m here not just as a representative of my home, but as a woman proud of how far she’s come in her journey toward confidence, self-love and acceptance. I’m very grateful to be a delegate in Miss Universe Canada 2025, it is a true celebration of inner strength and transformation for me.