Sexy Married At First Sight sisters Shaz and Mish Marsh tell us about their new venture, share dating tips, reveal what it’s like posing in bikinis for MAXIM and lift the lid on reality TV. Enjoy…
Hey Shaz and Mish, congrats on your first ever MAXIM cover. How do you ladies feel?
MISH: Hungry! Who knew this model life could be so energy sapping?! Nah, seriously, we’ve had a ball shooting with MAXIM.
SHAZ: We are super-pumped to be on the cover of MAXIM especially when our absolute idol Jennifer Hawkins, and the likes, have also featured on the cover of this epic magazine.
Why did you decide to do this cover shoot?
MISH: Why not? The opportunity arose and a swimwear shoot for a men’s magazine is something we have never done before. Life is about getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, looking back down the track and thinking, “Man, that is pretty cool.”
Tell us about the shoot.
MISH: Shaz and I love all that is the beach, sunsets, salt and sand. So, it wasn’t hard to find a location. We based ourselves in Scarborough [in WA], which is not far from where we live, and shot at the local pub, beach and on our mates’ balcony as the sun was setting.
SHAZ: It was a bunch of fun! Lots of laughs and we honestly just took the mickey out of each other for the sexy serious looks we were trying to hold for the camera.
What did you love most about it?
MISH: Sharing the experience with my best friend — life is better when moments are shared right.
SHAZ: Mish and I are just such beach babes, so we loved being in a comfortable environment near the ocean and close to our home.
Any funny behind-the-scenes anecdotes you can share?
MISH: Does accidently giving Scarborough Beach Road an eye-full from the balcony count? There were a few shout outs and car horns in the distance when we were shooting on the balcony — whoops!
When do you feel sexy?
SHAZ: Ninety-nine percent of women will agree with me when I say — when you’re tanned, your indestructible.
MISH: There are two ways I can feel sexy. One is when I feel confident within myself and I’m like, “I got this.” The other comes from the man I love or adore and when he makes me feel sexy just by the way he looks at or compliments me. Men — a word of advice — make your women feel sexy and she will look after you in ways you could only imagine. Genuinely boost her confidence and she will treat you like a Prince.
What is your best asset?
MISH: Physically – my height. Emotionally – my adaptability.
SHAZ: Me x 2 :).
What do you love about each other?
SHAZ: Mish brightens the room!
MISH: Shaz has two sides to her — Serious Shaz and Very Witty Shaz. And when she turns it on — it’s on!
For those who don’t know a lot about you ladies, give us a little more background about yourselves.
MISH: We were raised in a small country town called Manjimup in Western Australia. We had a small farm separate to our property, two dirt bikes and played plenty of sport. We moved to the big smoke, that is Perth, later in life but I also lived in London for five years. I loved it but it made me appreciate just how good we have it in Australia — the Lucky Country.
SHAZ: People seem to forget I’m in construction and work my butt off. I’m not afraid of hard work.
What else do you girls when you’re not posing for MAXIM?
SHAZ: We have our own wine label called Twiins Wine and we’ve been working on this baby for the past few years. We are very proud of the final product.
MISH: Yes, we launched it last October, so if I’m not drinking it, I’m selling it.
And you also have a Billabing sponsorship deal, right?
MISH: Yeah, Billabong were kind enough to supply all the swimwear you see in this shoot. I’ve always loved the iconic brand for their swimwear and cute outfits, so we are very grateful to be onboard with them.
You featured in the last season of Married At First Sight. How would you describe your experience on the show?
MISH: A train wreck! Haha, no. You are put in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people, so it was a real challenge — one that I’m happy to be a part of. It was hard watching it back on behalf of all the participants because the show is edited in a way where things are very much taken out of context. The portrayals aren’t necessarily fair or correct, but I’m OK with mine.
SHAZ: I was shocked to find out how much they cut and paste and only show you what they want the audience to see. They can easily manipulate the viewer to like or hate someone by what they do and don’t show you. But, if you’re a blatant nutjob, there’s no way of covering that up!
Is there anything you would’ve done better on the show?
SHAZ: I wish I stood up for myself to the producers more. I wish I didn’t feel pressured to answer questions I didn’t want to answer and do things I didn’t want to do. They pushed people too far.
MISH: I found it hard to talk about my feelings – I would get very emotional. If I was to do it again, I would be more matter of fact rather than emotional, but I guess that’s just my makeup and it’s hard to change that.
SHAZ: No regrets, though — it’s all learning opportunities regardless of the outcome.
MISH: Yeah, no regrets, because I’ve come out of it with more friends than I went in with, so… #winning!
Do you keep in touch with any of the other couples from the show?
SHAZ: My family and I still keep in contact with John and Jesse and his family — they are the sweetest. Mish and I sometimes catch up with the infamous Jonesy, too.
MISH: Yeah, Jonesy is a good mate and we see him regularly, Jesse and I will speak at least a couple of times a month. And I also try to text most of the others to say “G’day” when I can.
What do you think about the current season of Married At First Sight?
MISH: Dramatic much?!
SHAZ: It’s certainly very emotional and dramatised. I’m just happy to have not been on the same show as D&D – I won’t even say their names. D = Disappointing.
What’s your stance on marriage?
SHAZ: Marriage is a beautiful thing. I’m looking forward to the day I decide I want to marry that man in front of me, and knowing it’s a mutual thing will be bliss.
MISH: Marriage is usually a legally-binding contract and commitment of each other’s love. Everyone on this planet should have the right to marry their loved one and I hope one day I’ll have that special day, too — just without the camera crew this time. I had a “wedding” but it wasn’t at all a marriage – HUGE difference.
What is the biggest misconception about reality TV?
MISH: It’s not pretty! It might look pretty and fun, but it’s really not – long, sweaty days having to ask to pee, intrusive questions and a whole lot of waiting around. FUN! FUN! FUN!
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to do a show like Married At First Sight?
SHAZ: Smart people can see through fake BS. Be yourself!
MISH: Yep, be honest, positive and only say what YOU want to say. And be careful of how producers manipulate the question to get the desired answer – it’s actually very clever the way they do it, hats off to them.
You’ve had your fair share of media coverage. What’s the dumbest rumour you’ve read about yourselves in the press to date?
MISH: Well, Shaz should have popped out three kids by now – I’m kind of disappointed, I like being an aunty!
SHAZ: I make sure I don’t read into all the gossip or comments. I don’t go searching for it so it doesn’t enter my headspace. But it’s like anything – you’re never going to please everyone so just keep on keeping on!
MISH: It’s like water off a duck’s back.
What’s the weirdest comment or message you’ve received on social media?
SHAZ: “$10K for the night.”
MISH: “Eww, your feet are gross.”
What have you learned about men over the years?
MISH: That I don’t have a preference when it comes to physical attraction – it’s something within that grabs me.
SHAZ: There’s some good ones and not-so-good ones out there. Always get a second opinion!
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
MISH: We are stronger than you think!
SHAZ: Learn your partner’s love language. Some girls love gifts while others like to be touched – but one may not appreciate gifts and respond more to verbal communication or pure physical company to feel secure in a relationship. Guys are the same!
What’s the worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
SHAZ: “Did you just fart? Because you blow me away!” You just gotta laugh and shake your head.
MISH: “You turn my software into hardware.” Insert spew emoji here!
Finally, if you had to take MAXIM on a date, what would it entail?
SHAZ: The all-time best dates are the simplest. Chuck a mattress or a few bean bags in the back of the ute and park up to the west coast beach to watch the most epic sunsets in WA while knocking back a glass of red, and cheese, with music pumping in the background. YESSSSS!
MISH: I’d keep it casual — beach, sunset, wine, picnic or fish and chips, some good tunes – can’t go wrong really.
Sounds great. See you there, ladies! ■
Status Update
NAME: Michelle Marsh
HOMETOWN: Manjimup, WA
LIVES: Perth, WA
BORN: March 16, 1985
FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Bubbly, friendly, vivacious, adaptable, courteous.”
FAVOURITE HOBBIES: “Tennis, beach, live music, outdoor movies and sunset picnics.”
FAVOURITE DRINK: “Surprise me with a fruity cocktail, please. If I’m looking bored — Espresso Martini.
BEST HANGOVER CURE: “Water water water… and a big breakfast cook-up in the morning with a spicy Bloody Mary – yeee-har!”
LIFE MOTTO: “When nothing goes right, go left.”
INSTAGRAM: @mishmarsh
Status Update
NAME: Sharon Marsh
HOMETOWN: Manjimup, WA
LIVES: Perth, WA
BORN: March 16, 1985
FAVOURITE HOBBY: “Skateboarding with my man along the coast and beaching it.”
HIDDEN TALENT: “Mish and I can crack a whip real good.”
PHOBIAS: “Getting hit by a spit ball when people speak.”
GIRL CRUSH: “Hands down Jennifer Hawkins — she is such a girl next door with absolute sophistication.”
BEST HANGOVER CURE: “Sexy time?”
FAVOURITE DRINK: “I’m happy with a dry white, thanks.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Everything happens for a reason. Life is what you make it.”
INSTAGRAM: @shazzimarsh
Photographed by BENJAMIN RICHES (@b.rex_) INTERVIEW by SANTI PINTADO assistants Bernard Marcelo & Liam Thomson MAKE-UP BY Holly Garvey from HIDDEN ALL SWIMWEAR BY Billabong Special thanks to the lookout bar, Scarborough WA
For the full article grab the April 2018 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
