Get to know the stunning Australian model, influencer and social media personality you should be following…
Delightful MAXIM feature shoot, Julia, congrats. How do you feel?
Chuffed! I’ve been wanting to work with MAXIM for years and feel very grateful. Being able to shoot with Neil [Dixon, photographer] at an incredible location was amazing! I’ve had the opportunity to work with him a lot and he always makes me feel confident and sexy no matter what’s going on behind the scenes.
Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel you are at your sexiest?
Thanks! I feel sexiest when I’m getting ready to go out somewhere. It’s all about taking the time with yourself to feel and look your best. Also, a tan – a tan is always necessary.
What is your best asset?
My best asset is loyalty. I’m loyal to those in my life I love. I would do anything for them, and they know they can always rely on me. I’m definitely an empath and would never be the one to judge. Physically, well I’m sure my Instagram followers will say different, but the people who know and love me would say my smile. I have a really big wide smile. It’s kind goofy though, so when I’m shooting, I tend to pose more seriously.
Tell us a little more about yourself, your background and life story so far.
I grew up on a farm about 20 minutes out of the small town of Bowral (about 1.5hrs from Sydney) in NSW. I’m the youngest of three, with two big brothers. I didn’t have any real hobbies growing up, I just loved hanging out with my friends, listening to R&B and crushing on boys. I got pretty bored being in a small town by the time I was 16 and started working really hard at school so I could move onto bigger things. I moved the day I finished my school exams.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a massive homebody and really enjoy spending time alone and recharging my batteries. I can’t stay out super late, but I do love being social and hanging with my friends. I’m also known for being the one to exit the party without saying goodbye and going to find food.
How did you get into modelling and what’s been your career highlight so far?
I got scouted twice when I was 15 but it never eventuated into much. I’ve modelled on and off for years, but things got serious around two years ago. For me, modelling is so different now and I enjoy it a lot more than when I was young. I’ve matured, become more confident and know how to speak up and look after myself. You need that when modelling.
You’re also an influencer and social media personality. How do you keep your audience engaged and coming back for more?
I just try to be myself and as authentic as possible! My IG kind of blew up by accident during COVID. I still can’t really explain it but I’m super grateful. I try not to overthink anything I post and just have fun with it. I still can’t believe I’m an “influencer” sometimes.
Describe your ideal man.
I love a bad boy who deep down is a sweetheart. Tattoos, shaved head/fade, dark features. But then again, history would say I don’t really have a type!
How can a man possibly win his way to your heart?
Making effort! Take me on a nice date and make me feel special! Men are so lazy these days. They think liking or reacting to an Instagram story is making a move.
What have you learned about men over the years?
You can’t change men. If they want to be the right person for you then they will be. And ladies, if a man hurts you or doesn’t treat you right, it’s no reflection on you – it’s got nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.
When you’re not posing for MAXIM, working, modelling or on social media, what else would we find you doing?
Any free time I get is focused around recharging and practising mindfulness. You’ll probably find me in activewear because on my days off I always try and prioritise self-care and moving my body. It takes a toll on my mental health if I don’t. So, I’ll either be doing a gym class, big coastal walk or enjoying the sauna.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
I shot the Honey Birdette Christmas campaign recently and it was a huge pinch me moment. But next for me is just more hustle with hopefully some fun experiences and travel in between.
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Julia Cavanagh
BORN: September 14
HOMETOWN: Bowral NSW
CURRENTLY LIVES: Sydney NSW
FIVE-WORD SELF DESCRIPTION: “Kind, fun, caring, silly, random.”
GO-TO DRINK: “A chilled red wine.”
BEDTIME ATTIRE: “A comfy bralette and boxers.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Don’t let the opinions of others hold you back from living your best life.”
INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @julia_cavanagh
Photography by NEIL DIXON
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Hair by SUZANE FENIANOS
Make-up by CARMEN ANTONIOS
For the full article grab the December 2024 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
