Not many young women have as much going on as Aleesha Naxakis does. Honest. ambitious, driven, creative and fiery would be some of the words to describe her, and even they aren’t enough.
The Greek Herald got a moment to catch up on her story – and what a remarkable one it is!
Aleesha is a proud second-generation Australian with roots stretching across Greece – from Crete and Kalamata to Lyfkada and Amaliada. Growing up, she was immersed in her family’s culture, with evenings spent at Greek and Cypriot community clubs where her father Michael Naxakis, a talented bouzouki player, shared his music.
As the eldest of five children from Roselands, Aleesha’s life has always revolved around family, community, and creativity. Today, she channels that energy into running her own businesses as a PR consultant and children’s entertainer.
Pageantry was uncharted territory for Aleesha, but curiosity and a love of new experiences pushed her to step onto the stage.
“Galaxy is the first pageant I’ve ever done,” she says. “I’ve always wondered about the pageant system, so I decided to take the leap with Australia Galaxy Pageants.”
The journey, she says, has been just as rewarding as the competition itself. Planning her wardrobe, working with her coach, connecting with her community through volunteering, and raising over $1,500 for batyr, a youth mental health organisation, have all been highlights of the journey.
With the main event set at Bankstown Sports Club in early May, Aleesha is especially excited for the support of friends and family and the chance to meet fellow contestants from across the country.
Winning the title of Miss Roselands Galaxy was surreal.
“It felt like ‘game on’. Since then, I’ve been doing everything I can to aim for the national title. If I win, I’ll represent Australia in the international competition in the US. But even if I don’t, this experience has already been a huge win for me,” she says.
Right now, Aleesha is focused on the final touches of her wardrobe, volunteering wherever she can – including at Foodbank – and creating a recycled outfit for the Eco Fashion component of the competition, themed this year around denim and diamonds.
Looking ahead, Aleesha’s ambitions extend beyond the pageant stage. She hopes to travel the world, representing Australia and Greece, and use her platform to raise awareness for causes that matter to her.
“I want to grow into the happiest, healthiest, fittest, and most calm version of myself, while continuing to develop my businesses, my platform, and my family,” she says.
Beneath the confidence and drive, Aleesha is refreshingly candid about herself.
“I can be shy, a little awkward, and sometimes feel out of place. Not many people know that, but the pageants have helped me find my inner confidence, and I’m excited to see where it takes me,” she says.
Aleesha’s story is one of culture, courage, and personal growth – a journey that’s just beginning, on stage and in life.
Follow her journey here!
