The Shape/Sanex cover model competition is a unique beauty contest in that it's not one — well not in the traditional sense anyway. What judges look for in this competition is someone who not only represents the Shape/Sanex brands, but who has a healthy balanced lifestyle and shines in all spheres of life. Refreshing isn't it!

There is no doubt that this year's winner — Dominique de Villiers — is all those things and more. A riveting beauty, she's a mom first and foremost, a wife, studying to be an occupational therapist, and is the ultimate Shape woman in terms of her lifestyle choices, health and fitness.

Says Shape Publisher Elsa Carpenter-Frank: "Dominique's combined passion for exercise, healthy living, zest for life and unassuming attitude won us over. She's lovely to look at, but also intelligent, sincere and has a great sense of humour. She's the perfect role model for Shape readers."

We spoke to the lovely Dominique de Villiers about her win.

I am curious... what made you enter this competition?

I've always read Shape Magazine and try to live the lifestyle that Shape encourages through their articles and through the women that they feature. But honestly, my friends and family have always urged me to enter and I've always said maybe next year, but this year my modelling agent said I stood a good chance of winning so I gave it some thought. Above all I entered because this competition isn't just about beauty in a conventional sense.

Where do you live and where did you grow up?

I am from Kirstenhof in Cape Town, but now live with my husband and daughter in Pinelands.

You seem very accomplished for 27 — wife, graduate, mother. Tell me a bit about being a mother and how it has shaped you.

Becoming a mother has changed my life. Before it was all about 'me, me, me'. It was scary initially and was worried about having time for myself, but when my focus shifted to Georgia, my baby daughter, I learnt so much. I have learnt patience, responsibility and she's also brought balance to my life.

You are active and enjoy a number of sports. What are they, and which one do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy many activities, but right now I want to learn to paddle. Besides that I enjoy yoga, gym, I love spinning, but running is definitely where my passion lies. I am also interested in starting trail running too.

This is a difficult question, but what is your motto/philosophy is life?

Before I used to worry about the future but now I realise that I cannot always plan ahead and I just take one day at a time. So my motto is: 'Slow down, live life in the moment, and take each day as it comes'.

What makes you happy?

Winning the Shape/Sanex competition makes me happy, especially since it's not just about beauty. My two-year-old Georgia is what really brings sunshine into my life. The first thing she says to me in the morning is, "morning mama", and when I come home her face lights up and she says she misses me. That's what makes me happy.

Plans for the future?

Right now I have to focus on my baby as she needs me and she comes first, so my studies are on hold. I have already done a BA and am in my third year of occupational therapy. Ultimately, I would like to finish my studies and run my own business from home to be close to Georgia. I know it sounds absurd with a lot of women putting their careers first, but I believe moms need to be there for their children — it's a mother's place in my opinion.

So not only is she intelligent, friendly, humble and gorgeous, but Dominique wins our vote for mom of the year!