Miss USA Nia Sanchez went far in the Miss Universe Pageant held in Miami and televised live on NBC. The Mexican American beauty queen ended the evening as First Runner Up, behind winner, and new Miss Universe Paulina Vega (Miss Colombia).  We had a chance to speak with current Miss USA, prior to the competition, during a special appearance at Macy’s in Aventura, Miami for Chinese Laundry, the official footwear sponsor for the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. In a candid interview the reigning queen talks about the importance of being Latina, her plans following the Miss Universe competition, and more importantly for you; what does it take to seduce your dream girl.

Nia Sanchez is the first contestant from Nevada, and the fourth Hispanic, to be crowned Miss USA. She represented the nation in the Miss Universe pageant, held January 25, 2015 at the U.S. Century Bank Arena on the site of the Florida International University in Doral, Miami, Florida. Sanchez was selected First Runner Up to Paulina Vega of Colombia.

HOMBRE: What has been the highlight of your year as Miss USA?
NS: Well, now and for the entire year the highlight will be being here, at Miss Universe. It’s one of those experiences you’ll never have again in your life. Being with so many women from all around the world is so much fun.

But if I have to choose one besides being here, I would have to say it was doing a schools tour. I continue to do it. I got to go all week to different schools around New York and teach women empowerment, self confidence and self defense classes. It’s really fun for me to be able to empower women to be more confident.

H: Speaking of self confidence, what was the best advice your parents gave you?
NS: It took me a while to listen to this advice from my parents but my father always told me that it doesn’t matter what other people think about you, as long as you know who you are. It took me a long time to understand that. I remember I was in high school and I was a little self conscious and worried about what other people thought of me. Once that advice really sunk in it felt a lot better to be confident, because you know who you are and you know you have a good heart. And that’s all that really matters. If someone doesn’t like you, that’s okay. That’s nothing you should worry about. Just be yourself.

H: What does being a Miss USA from Latin heritage mean to the Latino community?
NS: I’m really honored to represent the Latin American community and culture. Especially the Mexican-American culture because that’s what my family is. I feel that I can be a good example, especially for young girls. No matter what your dream is, you can make it come true. Certainly your culture and heritage should never hold you back. I don’t know if you know, but I had a very influential person in my life tell me, ‘ You should change your last name. Your last name is Sanchez, maybe you’ll go farther if you have a different last name.’ I was kind of appalled that someone would ever say that to me, but now I’m so proud of being a Sanchez and being able to represent the community.

H: How do you feel being at Miss Universe?
NS: It’s so much fun. I get to welcome all these contestants to my country so I feel it’s my responsibility to make everyone feel welcome. At the same time I’ve actually never been to Miami. It’s a new experience for me that while I get to welcome everyone, I’m experiencing it at the same time.

H: You, along with Miss Universe Gabriela Isler and several other contestants recently made an appearance at Macy’s for Chinese Laundry; what do you think of the new collection?
NS: I always love when Chinese Laundry rolls out with a new collection. Especially this new Spring line that’s coming out. I’ve seen a few other pieces in the New York showroom, and seeing all the pieces that they have at Macy’s was fun. I got to wear the floral pumps and love the floral pieces. I think they’re perfect for Spring.

H: Do you have other favorites?
NS: Oh gosh, how are you going to pick a favorite from Chinese Laundry?! A basic for me because I’m just a girl who loves essential pieces is the the one known as the “Showstopper.” I can wear that with any single outfit and just be good to go.

H: Do you think shoes make a good gift for a guy to give his girl?
NS: Oh yeah! Every girl loves a good pair of heels. If a guy is going to give his girlfriend or his mom Chinese Laundry she’s always going to be happy.

H: What should he look for?
NS: He needs to definitely know the style of the woman he’s shopping for, but fortunately Chinese Laundry has such a wide range. So if she’s a rocker they have that, if she’s more like me and loves the essentials, they have that. Pumps, stilettos, all the basics. If she’s more casual, they have really cute boots and sandals. They just need to know her style and pick up whichever one.
I think a girl will always love a good black pump. If she needs only one, that’s a good go-to. And pointy toe. Pointy toes are hot.

H: Holding the title of Miss USA I imagine men are intimidated by you, what advice would you give a guy to approach and attract the woman of his dreams?
NS: For any guy to approach a woman that maybe they don’t know they could, I would say that confidence is key. When a man comes across as confident on who you are that’s really going to be attractive to a woman. If you come across and you’re shy, it depends on the girl, but sometimes, you just need someone who has more confidence. But don’t be cocky though. I don’t know about other women but for me I like a guy who’s confident and kind, not confident and cocky.

H: What is your idea of the perfect date?
NS: I am in a relationship now and our first date was hiking. That was good for me because you get to have fun, be athletic, be together and it’s one of those more relaxed atmospheres. If I had to choose I would say outdoorsy and fun. Or a really nice dinner date where you can have a great meal and really intimate conversation.

H: What’s next for you after Miss Universe?
NS: I am the kind of person that has so many things that I want to do and I don’t think I have to narrow it down to one thing. I’m just going to do it all. I am working on a blog. I want to share with young women some of things that I’ve learned throughout my year as Miss USA. And also give advice to men. I’m going to get women’s opinions on multiple things and give men advice as well. Besides that, I really want to go into hosting. I enjoy it and I’ve done a little bit. I would like to do a a travel show. An international travel show would be my absolute dream job and then I get to blog while doing that.