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The Swede Life

Taking a gap year adventure Down Under can mean sun, surf and five sizzling Swedish beauties…

Darya

STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Darya Zadeh
BORN: April 14
INSTAGRAM: @Daryazadehs

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve dabbled in almost every sport but found my real love in front of the camera. At nine, I launched a YouTube channel and fashion blog and by 10, I was running a full-blown slime empire – editing videos for my business in the car while my mum played glam assistant, driving me cross-town for glitter glue. She taught me to go after what I want without flinching, and this fearless energy is exactly what brought me to Australia

When do you feel sexy?
After a long day of tanning, a little sun kissed, fresh out of the shower, wrapped in a towel with a drink in hand. Getting ready with the girls, music blasting, make-up scattered everywhere and the excitement of the night ahead.

What is your best asset?
My sense of humour and positive energy. I love keeping people on their toes – one minute I’m making them laugh, the next I’m in their head and they’re not quite sure what hit them. I like it that way.

What’s one thing men should always know about women?
We clock everything. Just because we’re smiling doesn’t mean we didn’t notice.

Describe yourself in five words.
Curious, ambitious, confident, open-minded, spontaneous.


Lili

STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Lili Senai Tewelde
BORN: January 9
INSTAGRAM: @Lili.tewelde

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve always been a mix, that’s just how I was built. Growing up in Sweden with parents from different cultures, blending worlds became second nature. One foot is in fashion, my biggest passion, the other in my love for logic. I’ve always been drawn to things like physics and biology, but I’ve never been great at picking just one lane, which is probably why I’ve tried a bit of everything. It keeps life interesting.

What is your best asset?
My big round eyes or my legs-for-days. Mentally? I’m way smarter than people expect. I’ve always loved math, physics, chemistry and biology – I’m basically a science nerd in disguise.

When do you feel sexy?
When I’m dressed up, heels on and laughing with people I love – it’s effortless, confident and just the right amount of fun.

What’s one thing men should always know about women?
We’re not here to be impressed. We’re here to see if you can keep up.

Describe yourself in five words.
Playful. Passionate. Loyal. Curious. Unpredictable.


Katja

STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Katja Orback
BORN: November 9
INSTAGRAM: @Katjaorback

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m the youngest of five who grew up in a big, blended family in Stockholm, which basically means beautiful chaos. I spent most of my youth slightly overcommitted, always signing up for something, always starting something else. I’ve always had a will to overachieve and a tendency to romanticise everything. These days I’m taking a breather, travelling, learning and figuring out who I am when I’m not trying to impress anyone.

When do you feel sexy?
Probably after getting ready with my friends before going out. Music’s on, someone’s pouring wine, we’re all talking over each other and dancing around half-dressed. There’s no pressure, no posing, just comfort, chaos, and good energy.

What is your best asset?
My real power lies in my mind. I’m curious, analytical and never afraid to ask questions or challenge ideas. I love asking big questions, reading between the lines and stirring the pot in a debate.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I’m kind of a nerd. I love to read, and I once designed a psychology experimental study and got a diploma for it.

Describe yourself in five words.
Passionate, curious, introspective, dramatic, chaotic.


Hilma

STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Hilma Andersson
BORN: October 18
INSTAGRAM: @andersson.hilma

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, and from a young age I’ve had a huge curiosity for life. I’ve always wanted to experience as much as possible – new places, new people and different cultures. I’m adventurous, outgoing, driven, intuitive and I know what I want. This is what led me to follow my intuition and fly across the world to explore life even more.

When do you feel sexy?
Twenty-four-seven – it’s a lifestyle.

What is your best asset?
My eyes – they’ll always tell you what I want or how I feel. Otherwise, my caring and empathetic nature – I’m the person you can call in the middle of the night and I’ll be there without hesitation.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
That as outgoing as I am, I’m also a total homebody at times – I love cozy nights, cooking and deep talks, and I’m obsessed with organizing everything in my life.

What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Sometimes we play stupid just to see how stupid you are.

Describe yourself in five words.
Driven, caring, confident, intuitive, loyal.


Ella

STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Ella Mahlen
BORN: June 9
INSTAGRAM: @ellamahlen

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m 19, have just finished school and I love exploring new places, meeting diverse people and learning from every adventure. When I’m not on the move, I enjoy having fun with friends, whether it’s trying out new activities or just hanging out. I’m excited about the future and eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

When do you feel sexy?
When I’m confident and comfortable in my own skin. Whether I’m dressed in a glamorous gown with a full face of make-up or just rocking a messy bun, pyjamas and a face mask, that self-assurance shines through.

What is your best asset?
My eyes – at first glance, they might seem brown, but if you look a little closer, you’ll notice a hint of green, especially when the sunlight hits. As for my personality, I’d say my kindness is one of my strongest qualities. I genuinely want people to feel seen, heard, and understood.

Describe yourself in five words.
Ambitious, bubbly, fun, caring and curious.

Photography by CHAD SABSABI

For the full article grab the May 2025 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.

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