Q&A With Shanel Debattista

Shanel Debattista

Shanel Debattista is a former winner of the Miss World Malta title. To many of us, Shanel today is that beautiful ‘Influencer’ we follow! Shanel collaborates with several brands to give her followers several giveaways because she loves giving back. She is motivated and driven and a lovely personality. She’s adventurous enough to have tried snake when she was living in Africa…but what did she think of it?

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Im a very active person, I love family and cooking! My main passions in life are travel and fashion. I was always a very self driven, ambitious person. I love life and want to do the maximum I can do in life!
I love helping others and this is also a main reason that I do many giveaways as its a small way of giving back to all the people that support me
You won the Miss World Malta title in 2009. How important was proper food and nutrition to get you prepared for the competition?
Extremely important! I wanted to be my best self and had a nutritionist guiding me throughout.
What inspired you to get into modelling and what was the biggest challenge that you faced?
Just seeing women I admired, I never wanted to copy anyone, however I felt a natural pull to be part of it in my own way trough their accomplishments. Biggest challenge  was definitely being told that I wasnt good enough! Never stop until you reach your goals.
You are a brand ambassador and a social media influencer, what is the most satisfying part of your job?
Again giving back to my followers and inspiring people personally especially when they send me messages and we get talking about their challenges.
Would you describe yourself as a foodie?
Haha! Most definitely. Food is life!
What is your favourite dish?
Everything food ! haha! I do however like a traditional maltese dish!
Are you a good cook? Do you have a signature dish?
I would say I am in my own way as I love cooking also as a form of relaxing. It’s really something I enjoy doing! Signature dish would be my truffle risotto!
What is your guilty food pleasure?
Chocolate anything and popcorn 
Do you enjoy eating out?
So much its always such an experience… I’m getting excited even just thinking about it!
Is there any international cuisine you are fond of?
Thai is my favorite
What, in your opinion, is the sexiest food?
Sushi
What was the strangest food you have ever tried? and did you enjoy it?
When I was living in Africa I had to try snake. I didnt enjoy it! I felt sick after!
Are there any foods that bring back special memories to you?
Mainly sweets from my childhood and my mum used to make scrabbled eggs in a coffee cup with bread. Only she can make it exactly the same way! Will love it forever
What is the one type of food you could not live without?
Eggs
Do you believe that ‘we are what we eat’?
100% everytime I don’t  keep my healthy lifestyle apart from my body changing the way I think changes too. Mindset is everything.
If you could choose any person to have dinner with, who would it be?
My Grandfather, I miss him so much! I would love to fill him in to whats happened  in my life since he was with us.
Do you have a life motto?
It’s not what you say, it’s what you do!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into modelling?
Believe in yourself no matter what anyone tells you. Also if you keep thinking about it just try it slowly. Most important be yourself!
What is your final message to our readers?
Nothing is impossible in life. There is no age to live your dreams. Just start and your will definitely get there.