The 24-year-old Cook resident and model is one step closer to gracing the cover of Maxim magazine after winning the NSW final of the publication's annual Australian Swimwear Model of the Year (ASMY) competition.

She'll head to the Gold Coast on May 1 for a week of adventure with the other finalists, before competing for the national title against 30 other finalists on May 5. If she wins, it will be "an awesome boost to my modelling career" according to Emily.

"With this competition they're looking for healthy, fit, curvy models which for me is just perfect," she said.

"As I pursue modelling further, what I want to do is exactly that - promote healthy, curvy bodies because I feel like we're still pushing for that a little bit."

The 2015 face of Canberra Racing said the competition final includes wearing a Veve bikini down the catwalk for the judges, and also a new themed category, for which she's commissioned an "incredible" Zumba Queen costume.

Years of performing on stage as a ballerina, and more recently in Latino style, means she's well prepared to do her own hair and make-up for the final.

"The prep starts in Canberra weeks before the final with my fitness training," Emily said.

"The day before the final, I'll get a spray tan and then the night of the show I'll do my hair and makeup.

"We get to style our own costumes - so we can really show our individuality and how well we know how to fit a bikini."

Emily, a dance teacher at the National Capital Ballet School, said she has had phenomenal support during her time in the ASMY competition, from mum Cathy through to the other competition entrants.

"I don't have any haters," she said.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I don't find it degrading - it's very empowering to work and to be the fittest, healthiest person I can be.

"And if there is an opportunity for me to show that and wear beautiful costumes and bikinis, then it's a fantastic opportunity to show my hard work."