She’s a lovable, down-to-earth, hot Aussie country girl, she’s sporty, she can easily beat you in a thumb war and she’s the 2019 MAXIM Cover Girl winner. Yes, the gorgeous OLIVIA CANEVA is definitely one to watch…
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Olivia Rose Caneva
BORN: May 3, 1994
HOMETOWN: Yarra Valley, Victoria
JOB: Bookkeeper/manager and model
FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Grounded, positive, loyal, ambitious and energetic!”
HOBBIES: “Sport, piano and being a foodie.”
BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “I can play piano by ear and I’m not too bad at it – let me play you a song?”
GO-TO DRINK: “Vodka, soda and lime – don’t call me boring, call me practical.”
GIRL CRUSH: “Delta Goodrem because she is a goddess and the reason I played piano.”
BEDTIME ATTIRE: “My birthday suit or a baggy pair of trackies.”
INSTAGRAM & SNAPCHAT: @Livvycaneva
TWITTER: @Oliviacaneva
Hello, Olivia, congrats on your first MAXIM cover. How do you feel?
It’s a dream come true! To be given the opportunity to grace the MAXIM cover is a big, pinch-yourself moment, so basically it feels like I’ve won the lottery. I’m so incredibly grateful and honoured — it was such a fun photo shoot, thank you so much MAXIM legends!
No worries. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in the Yarra Valley in Victoria – you might know it as one of the world’s premier wine regions – it’s truly beautiful and you should definitely go there for some cheese and wine, trust me! I’m a bit of a country girl, so I’m very connected with my small local community and still participate in my local netball club. After finishing my Year 12 VCE I went straight to university to study dermal science, finished half the course and realised it wasn’t for me. Now, I’ve virtually completed my exercise science degree, whilst modelling, and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to see where my modelling career goes from here.
You recently won the 2019 MAXIM Cover Girl Australia competition. Why do you think you are the winner?
I was constantly finding new ways to promote myself during the competition
– from my local sports club to Facebook and even my local noticeboard really got some attention. Every day I was uploading new content and creating new write ups on why I thought people should vote for me, but most of all I NEVER gave up. It’s my stubbornness, which I like to fancy-up and call determination, that really played a huge part in me winning.
How did you react when you found out you had won?
I think I woke up my neighbours from all the frantic screaming, and my dog had no idea why I was pacing the house whipping out a ton of crazy dance moves.
How did you celebrate?
Honestly, I haven’t yet! I’ve been waiting for this very special 8th birthday issue of MAXIM, with my head on the cover, to be released so I can wave the magazine around and pour some drinks with friends. I’m in total awe that I’m really on the front cover of MAXIM – it feels unreal.
Perhaps the $10,000 prize money can assist with the celebrations? What will you do with it?
Travel, invest in my career and donate a portion to my local sports club to say thank you for their support.
What’s been happening since you won the competition?
So many things! I competed in the MAXIM 2019 Australia Swimwear Model of the Year (ASMY) competition in Queensland, which features 30 girls from around Australia – I placed in the top five and won Miss Photogenic! I’ve also been lucky enough to be accepted on an amazing trip to Mozambique, Africa with MAXIM Ausralia along with 11 other girls from around the globe. In between all this time I have been keeping myself busy with my work as a bookkeeper/manager and studying exercise science at university. Don’t ask me how I fit it all in!
What other opportunities do you hope winning the MAXIM Cover Girl Australia competition gives you?
I’d say international exposure is a big one – including being featured in MAXIM Australia, U.S.A. and New Zealand. This, in itself, will offer a range of opportunities once they’ve been published, and also the title I get to add to my modelling resume offers a great advantage when applying to modelling agencies both locally and internationally.
You seem competitive — what’s one thing you can beat anyone at?
I might be a bit rusty these days but I’ll probably beat you at a game of chess. I entered into state the championships in school and won! Oh, and I’ll beat you in a thumb war hands down – pun intended.
When do you feel sexy?
Definitely when I’ve been looking after myself through a healthy diet, exercise and a good routine – and I’m achieving goals. When I live a fit lifestyle I’m respecting my body internally and naturally this makes me feel incredible.
What is your best asset?
My perseverance has been a great asset – I’m very passionate in whatever I do and there are many instances in my life where perseverance has helped me achieve my goals. Physically, I’ve been complimented on my blue eyes and massive smile, which cracks me up because as a little girl I never used to like it, but now it’s one of my best assets.
Being the cover girl of our special 8th birthday edition, what’s the best birthday you’ve ever had?
HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY, MAXIM! Best wishes to you! I found out I’d won the MAXIM Cover Girl competition on my birthday in May this year, so this gets to be on the top of my list! Thanks for making my birthday a memorable one and I hope yours is just as memorable.
What’s the worst birthday present you’ve ever received?
My brother’s present from last year is still pending – in the mail – so I would hate to know what I got because it’s never arrived.
What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?
Just by being asuthentic and showing me that they are happy first, before trying to add me into their life. The rest naturally happens by itself – some people you are just drawn to more than others – it’s so weird.
Describe your ideal man.
Genuine, passionate and logical.
And your perfect date?
I’ve always wanted to say a cheese platter and wine because there is something sophisticated about it. Except, I don’t actually like wine that much – I just like to think I do. Instead, I do like a good road trip, something simple, keeping it down-to-earth and having some fun while being taken to places I have never been before!
If you had to take MAXIM on a date what would it entail?
MAXIM have been so much fun to get to know – I’ve learnt a bit about you – so, I think I’d show you a little bit about me and take you glamping out in the bush. We could go fishing, set up a campfire, gaze at the stars and tell each other stories – don’t forget the marshmallows!
Done! What inspires you?
Possibility and passionate people. The fact that the goals and purpose I strive for is achievable keeps me so inspired every day. And there are already others before me who have achieved and accomplished it for themselves.
Finally, what’s next for you?
I’m still studying so I’m eager to be a qualified exercise physiologist soon! Additionally, I’m taking on as many opportunities as possible to travel around and partake in modelling opportunities and experiences. ■
PHOTOGRAPHED BY NEIL DIXON
INTERVIEW BY SANTI PINTADO
HAIR & MAKE-UP YVETTE ELIAS
STYLING BELINDA ROELOFS
SHOES MARCO GIANNI
VIDEOGRAPHY ALEX SCAPENS
For the full article grab the August 2019 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
