She’s a passionate dirt biker, snowboarding enthusiast and all-round adventure lover — as well as a canine whisperer and blossoming model. Yes, it’s time to meet our ambitious 2020 MAXIM Cover Girl Australia competition winner…
Thousands of beautiful women entered the 2020 MAXIM Cover Girl Australia competition with the dream of being the one to grace the magazine’s prestigious front page. Many of these amazing ladies worked extra hard, acquired countless fans and stood strong through thick and thin — but there can only be one winner. Introducing the 2020 MAXIM Cover Girl Australia winner Tanaya Peck.
She may have scored the cover but modelling is somewhat of a new pursuit for this fierce female. “Being a model always seemed out of my reach because of the glamorous lifestyle model’s project, but here I am,” says Tanaya. “I’ve found that my passion for photography and exquisite places has allowed me the opportunities I’ve earnt today. I’d say modelling is a passion turned (hopefully!) into a successful career.”
When she’s not modelling, this adventure junkie loves to do anything outdoors, such as stand up paddle boarding, and also participates in a sub-genre of dirt biking called ‘hill climbs’ — this is where a biker attempts to climb a hill on their dirt bike. With such a daring personality it’s no surprise Tanaya also experiences wanderlust and travels the world when time permits. Her next adventure — Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Another of Tanaya’s passions is animal welfare. She loves spending time with her own miniature schnauzer, London, and says, “I’m a dog whisperer. I was born to love and care for dogs. My dog is a beneficiary of my love and its benefits.” And while Tanaya enjoys the everyday moments in life, she also looks toward future success and how she can accomplish her goals. With the contest aspect behind her, Tanaya shares her wisdom about the future with, “Irrespective of what transpires moving forward, I will treasure the experience and enjoy the moment. Since I am starting my journey, I’m not taking anything for granted and want to stay mindful and in the moment.”
Congratulations on winning the 2020 MAXIM Cover Girl Australia competition, Tanaya. Firstly, what made you enter?
Thank you! Ever since childhood it has been a dream of mine to grace the cover and pages of MAXIM magazine because of the glamour associated with it. In the right environment, I feel it could be aspirational for many younger girls.
How did you celebrate the win?
I was beyond excited and ecstatic. I shared the news on a Zoom call with friends and family and we decided to watch the countdown together. I was so overwhelmed with emotions and started to cry when I discovered I had actually won the competition. I enjoyed meeting so many competitive, ambitious and interesting girls and was pleasantly surprised with the support I received throughout the competition from so many friends, family and kind strangers.
Why do you think you were the overall winner?
Firstly, I had such strong support group – many of the people who took time out of their busy day to vote, and also donate to the K2 Foundation, were incredible. Secondly, I was able to share information on various social media platforms which helped me garner more support than my immediate circle.
What will you do with your prize money from the competition?
I’ll set aside half the winnings and invest the funds in the stock market. The other half of the money I will donate it to senior dog rescues in my area with the hope to help historically neglected and underserved dogs find loving homes.
Nice. What’s been happening since you won the competition?
Well, for starters, I was able to fly to Las Vegas and shoot this amazing MAXIM cover with [photographer] Brian B Hayes and I’m now currently booked to do a few more shoots with him soon! I’d love to make enough income as a full-time model however, I realise how challenging this business actually is. My short term goals are to just enjoy the moment and see what opportunities arise from this amazing MAXIM experience.
Are you competitive? What’s one thing you can beat anyone at?
Since I’m goal oriented, and consumed with winning, I have a high threshold for nonsense and pain if I can see success at the end of the journey. For example, I would happily be sleep deprived if it meant getting what I want. Since I do not like quitting and am extremely competitive, my desire to win is my greatest trait.
Tell us a bit more about yourself, background and brief life story so far.
I’m a small-town country girl from Utah, USA, who now lives in California, and still has a passion for the outdoors. I needed to leave Utah so I could experience the big city life and everything larger metropolitan cities have to offer. It has since given me an opportunity to leverage my finance background into a career in real estate.
What else do you do when you’re not posing for MAXIM?
I love spending time with my dog, London, and when I’m not hanging out with my miniature schnauzer I enjoy riding my dirt bike, stand up paddle board, snowboarding and travelling the world when COVID-19 rules and restrictions allow it.
Congrats on your first MAXIM cover.
Thank you! I feel very overwhelmed and excited – it really is a dream come true! Brian [photographer] and the MAXIM team made me feel so confident. I’m not a professional model but they made me feel like I belonged at this photo shoot and I can’t thank you enough.
What is your best asset?
The will to succeed is my best asset. I’m willing to grind and work to get things that I desire. Successful people are willing to do what unsuccessful are not able or willing to do. I would espouse the same sentiment. Physically, everyone tells me I have amazing blue eyes.
When do you feel sexy?
When I eat healthy, go to the gym and do yoga. If I have those things in my life it gives me confidence and I always believe that being sexy is a state of mind.
What inspires you?
I find people who pursue their passions to be inspirational. Despite the challenges, these people find a way to make their dreams come true and find happiness. Despite how hard the journey may be they have the endurance to soldier on.
Who is your ideal man?
There isn’t an ideal man. If I feel chemistry and a spark, that is enough.
What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?
Communication is key! Just be honest and communicate well — I’m pretty easy going.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
Women may not recall what a man says to them, but will always remember how he made them feel. If a person is sensitive to how he makes her feel, the likelihood of good communication and respect escalates.
Describe your ideal date.
I enjoy being with someone who is confident and funny — and he also enjoys outdoor activities.
What’s the plan for what’s next for you and your career?
I have nothing definitive planned but I’m attempting to make contacts to get a few more opportunities. It would be nice to collaborate with a number of diverse retailers that focus on swimwear and lingerie. Hopefully something amazing will present itself in the near future. ■
Status Update
NAME: Tanaya Peck
BORN: June 3
HOMETOWN: Bountiful, Utah USA
FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Entrepreneur, planner, goal-driven, loyal and optimistic.”
HOBBIES: “Dirt biking, snowboarding, stand up paddle boarding and anything outdoors.”
HIDDEN TALENT: “I’m double jointed and very flexible.”
GO-TO DRINK: “Truly’s or a gin and Sprite.”
BEDTIME ATTIRE: “Short shorts and an oversized T-shirt.”
INSTAGRAM: @tanayapeck
SNAPCHAT: tpeck85
Photographed by Brian B Hayes (Ig: @Brianbhayes_photo)
Interview by Santi Pintado Additional text by Anne-Marie Pritchett
Hair & Make-up by Zee Clemente (Ig: @Zee.clemente.mua)
Location Circa Las Vegas (Ig:@CircaLasVegas)
For the full article grab the February 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
