Spotify
TMY TheModernYouth
At 27, Michaela Sarah Shuttleworth, known on stage as Michaela Da Costa, is fully embracing life and living her dream. Born in Durban North, South Africa, she currently resides in Brisbane, Australia. Michaela moved to Australia because her parents wanted her and her siblings to grow up with the safety and freedom they experienced in their own childhoods.
As a child, Michaela was very shy and often couldn't do anything without holding her mom's hand. Despite her shyness, she was very active and played a lot of sports. Her journey through the sporting world helped her overcome many fears.
Michaela was 22 years old when she was introduced to the possibility of becoming Miss Scuba Australia. At that time, she was training to become a professional stunt woman and studying Marine Science at the University of Queensland. She had already overcome her fear of heights and the ocean and had started pursuing activities, hobbies, and careers that challenged her fears so she could overcome them.
The experience of becoming Miss Scuba Australia was spontaneous and somewhat arbitrary for Michaela, but at that stage, she was saying yes to every opportunity that came her way. She was very forthcoming about her involvement in Marine Science and felt an innate purpose over her life. Winning wasn’t her main concern; she believed she would impact the world with or without the title. Michaela had no prior knowledge of pageantry and fully relied on the movie "Miss Congeniality '' for guidance, knowing she needed gowns, a talent, and to act like a lady. She had a strong support network through her family and friends in the fashion industry, with a special mention to Joash Teo, who ensured she looked like a Pageant Queen. Michaela didn’t have her diving licence, so the team at MSA ensured she was a confident scuba diver before she left to compete internationally.
Michaela was excited about the opportunity but often questioned what she had gotten herself into, feeling in over her head. She didn’t have many expectations and felt she needed to be ready for anything. Michaela mentally prepared for the stereotypical pageant horror story but reassured herself that if the experience wasn’t meant for her, she wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity. She focused on having fun and already considered herself a winner, believing that the experience would be invaluable.
The pageant was one of the hardest things Michaela had done. The pageant training by Enan was ruthless, but she was pleasantly surprised by many aspects. On the boat to Mabul Island, she met Miss Scuba South Africa and Miss Scuba Mauritius. Initially, the interactions were cold, but within a day, they formed close bonds. Michaela cherished the connections and sisterly bonds she formed with her fellow contestants and still keeps in contact with some of them. The pageant was heavily focused on scuba diving and marine conservation, which she found refreshing. Despite the lack of sleep and constant judgement, Michaela had fun. She often played volleyball with locals, providing a break from the pageant's formality. The hardest part was figuring out if her actions were genuine or influenced by the desire to score points. Michaela leaned into her faith and spirituality during the competition, praying daily and surrendering control and expectations. She learned the importance of being her authentic self.
The final night of the pageant was exciting for Michaela. She felt an almost scary calm and anticipation, understanding that the most powerful person in a room of 5000 people is the one on stage, feeding off the energy of the crowd. She felt that power and knew the stage was hers. Michaela performed and spoke from the heart, without preparation, presenting her true self.
When Michaela was announced as the winner of the entire International pageant and became Miss Scuba International, she was very emotional and cried a lot. After her final question, she started crying backstage because she felt the competition was pitting amazing women against each other. She had learned so much from her fellow contestants and believed their qualities deserved to be highlighted. Lisa, Miss Scuba Benelux, comforted her and predicted her victory. When Michaela’s name was called, she felt a shift into a bigger journey, attributing her win to her faith and the support of God.
It has been 5 years since the pageant. Michaela learned that surrendering and being who you were called to be, loving, and joyously embracing the world around you would get you further than trying to be “professional” or “a lady.” Letting go of control and fear creates absolute freedom. The experience catapulted her into her faith and mindset, where anything is possible when you choose love. While she wouldn’t do another pageant, as it was one of the hardest things she’s done, she appreciated the experience and became defensive about the girls’ confidence. Michaela fell in love with the passionate works of others, finding inspiration in people who defy the norm to pursue their passions. She is forever grateful for the newfound appreciation for these experiences.
Michaela continued to work in the entertainment industry. Although she had to stop pursuing stunts due to a sports injury, she is now a working actress. The lessons from the pageant experience have tied into her craft today. She acts and teaches acting at Creating Artists, where actors are taught to live authentically, love the journey, relinquish control, and have fun with the uncomfortable. This journey of self-discovery has helped Michaela become a better actor, lean into her faith, and learn to love more. It has also led her to write a novel, which is turning into a big series. Her fantasy-based novel encapsulates the crux of relationships, self-discovery, overcoming fears, and learning to let go of control. Michaela has been working with high-profile actors and directors and has some exciting filming opportunities coming up with an A-list actor.
For anyone auditioning for Miss Scuba Australia, Michaela’s biggest piece of advice is to question why you’re competing. If your answers are anything along the lines of “recognition, fame, money, the crown,” don’t compete. On stage, people can see your heart a mile away. Be passionate about what you’re doing, and that will be enough. You need to genuinely love what you’re doing as a marine conservationist, a passionate voice, and a scuba diver. It’s hard to pretend to love something. Michaela’s advice is to have fun and remember that you are enough.
Special mentions go to Joash Teo, Lisa Van Roozendaal, and God, who Michaela credits for making everything possible and winning the pageant for her.
Michaela’s journey from a shy child to Miss Scuba International is a testament to her resilience, passion, and faith. Her story inspires many, showing that being true to oneself and embracing every opportunity can lead to incredible experiences and personal growth.
Comments