Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Bianca and I’m 23 years old. I grew up living in Indonesia and Nigeria for majority of my childhood, only moving back to Australia for year 9. I’ve now got a funky lil accent which is a mix of American/Canadian/ Australian as I went to American international schools overseas. I am a registered nurse and have been working in a major hospital in Brisbane now for 3 years and have just begun my modelling career which started early 2020. I’m currently doing my masters in public health as my aim is to progress into the field of climate change/sustainability goals. I have the most supportive and amazing partner and best friend who I’m so lucky to have.
How do you practice self love/self care
I prioritise the things that make me feel good and rejuvenated.
I like:
I would say that it will get better. Life can be hard but it’s so awesome. I would tell her to stay positive and excited for things ahead and embrace all the little moments. Don’t take things to seriously and learn to laugh at yourself.
What advice do you have for women lacking confidence in themselves and their bodies?
I think focusing on embracing everything you bring to the table is so so important. Comparison is the thief of joy and I try and look and the things I like about myself and make them my focus. We’re all totally different and there’s so much beauty in that. I always say wear it anyways. Life’s short and you should show up how you want.
How did you get into modelling?
My entry into the modelling world was such a fluke. I went to the beach and Karina Irby asked for my number and if I’d model for her and fast forward a few months I was in her next 2 campaign shoots and then my agent found me on Instagram and the rest is history! I feel so lucky and blessed for everything that’s happened and could not have guessed I’d be here today!
Can you talk us through a challenge you have overcome & how you managed?
I honestly think my journey with my self worth and body acceptance is the greatest challenge I’ve faced. I was always told growing up that my body is wrong and so have had this core belief that I need to change to be beautiful. My teen years were so confusing and I found it so hard to find the beauty in myself. I really fell victim to diet culture and dabbled in disordered eating and all the ideals that we know today as diet culture. I can’t say it was a lightbulb moment that helped me overcome this but it was the realisation after an F45 challenge where I put so much effort into my physique and really pushed myself mentally that I began to reassess what I know and what I’m worth as a woman. I challenged all my beliefs and began this journey of just “being”. I wanted to live well and fully, not worrying about how many calories I could eat at a birthday party or how many gym sessions I attended. I wanted control and freedom around myself. I wanted to embrace myself and live out my life stoked with every stage I’m in instead of always trying to get somewhere else. Every day is different but I like the idea that my body is different and I have the most amazing boyfriend who constantly reaffirms me when I have my doubts.
Something that brought a smile to your face recently
Christmas with my family was such a lovely way to celebrate. We laughed and ate so much and really got to spend quality time together which I LOVE
]]>Everyday Connection are hosting our very first Meditation and Journaling Session. This is an opportunity to try something new and start from the beginning.
Whether you journal and meditate everyday or you are new to it all, this is the perfect place for you. A space for you to connect with yourself by finding some stillness in your week. It is also the chance for you to connect with some likeminded people and be part of a little community. So, I hope that you will join me, it is new & exciting & scary but just know you are not alone.
Bring your notebook, a pen, something to sit on and an open heart. Bring your swimmers for a group morning swim in the ocean after. Feel free to bring your friends along, this is a space for all of us.
See you on Wednesdays, 5:15am (may change depending on the sunrise), south side of Miami Beach, in front of the Rainbow North Burleigh Stairs.
Love always,
Alicia 💕
P.s. See you soon... I am so excited ✨
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Tell us a little bit about yourself
Heya, I’m Shari! I’m a marine and wildlife biologist and love everything to do with the ocean. Im from the Gold Coast and am studying a master of environment majoring in climate change adaption. I hope that I can make some positive changes to the little planet we call home. I love being around the people that mean the most to me, my family, boyfriend and my friends.
What are 3 things you're passionate about and why?
As you probably could have guessed I would say the ocean, our environmental impacts on the planet and educating people from all walks of life about these. I think that the ocean is bloody incredible! There’s so many weird and wonderful animals, and without it we wouldn’t have the world we see today. I’ve been lucky enough to work as a marine biologist on the Great Barrier Reef over the last 2 years, and although there were a lot of incredible moments, I unfortunately got to see the impact that humans are having on the reef with witnessing the most recent coral bleaching event at the beginning of 2020. It was absolutely heartbreaking seeing some of my favourite corals that I visited daily turn completely white, but we were lucky that most of them did survive. I think that many people don’t completely understand the major positive impacts that simple everyday changes can make on the environment in the long run. I believe that educating people about how they can make a difference is key in ensuring a bright future for our environment, and also learning can be fun! I’m the queen of fun facts and will tell them to anyone and everyone who will listen!
What is the most powerful quality someone can have?
As cheesy as it sounds I think kindness is so powerful. With so many crazy things going on in the world, you have no idea what other people are going through and it’s easy to be kind. I think a lot of people forget how important being kind to one another can be, whether it’s strangers on the street or your friends and family, a little bit of kindness goes a long way. Plus, random acts of kindness give me the warm and fuzzies!
A challenge you have overcome & how did you do it?
I have battled with PTSD and anxiety over the past year and I can happily say I’m in a pretty solid place right now through acknowledging what my body and mind needs, and going to therapy. I think mental health used to be something that was extremely taboo to talk about, however there are so many incredible people breaking down those barriers and making everyone feel more comfortable about talking about it. I was extremely lucky in that I had amazing support around me, and I always was comfortable in talking about my experiences and how I was feeling. Feeling in control is extremely liberating and I’m thankful for those who helped me get to where I am today. I also think it’s important to normalise seeking professional help. Initiatives like r u okay day etc can be great but I think there is still a massive stigma about going to a psychologist and seeking help. It’s honestly been the best thing I possibly could have done and I think absolutely everyone could benefit from going.
What has been your proudest moment so far?
I’m pretty proud of the work I have done. I know I have inspired people to want to protect the reef and the planet by teaching them about it and showing them the beauty that is our natural world. But I think my one of my proudest moments would have to be when my family came to visit me on the little island I called home on the Great Barrier Reef, and we were talking about our favourite parts of the holiday and my dad said it was seeing me working and doing what I love. MY HEART
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the amazing people around me. They inspire me to be a better person, to create, to kick goals and always have fun.
Tell us something that brought a smile to your face this week
I’ve recently moved back to the Gold Coast after living away for about 3 years. Being settled into my new little home in the treetops with our teeny tiny ocean view make some smile every day. My little 4 year old niece came over this week for her first big sleepover and we had the best time. I’m thankful to be home and with the people I love after the crazy year that was 2020!
Can you talk us through a challenge you overcame and how you managed it?
My biggest challenge was overcoming my fear to start my Instagram page ‘The Shelf Edit’. I was so worried about what people might think, what they would say and if anyone would even be interested in hearing what I wanted to talk about. I have some amazing people around me that supported me from day 1, and continue to be my biggest fans who encouraged me to go for it and I haven’t looked back. I still have moments of self doubt but I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and the inner work I’ve put in to get to a place where I now wholeheartedly believe that what anyone thinks or says is really none of my business (good or bad!) and gained the courage to go after what I want no matter how wild or unreachable it may seem at the start.
What inspired you to start the shelf edit?
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I remember! Some of my earliest memories are going to the library and shops to pick out a new book, I would speed through them so fast I’m sure this was a weekly occurrence! I went through a period during my adult life where I barely read, or would only buy a new book when released by my favourite authors (Pauline Simmons and Jodi Picoult at the time) because I had no idea where to go for book recommendations. I started The Shelf Edit to share my thoughts on the books I was reading and to help others to find recs, it’s since turned into so much more than I could have imaged and I’m definitely never short on books to read!!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Stop focussing on what other people are doing, be yourself and forge your own path. Take care of your mental health and go to therapy. Let go of the stress and worry because everything is going to unfold just as it should.
What are your top 5 favourite books?
This is so tough!! These are five firm favourites:
What does self care mean and look like for you?
Selfcare for me looks like meditating daily (this has been hard for me in the past but I’m determined to stick with it and currently on a 15 day streak which is my longest ever), journaling, daily exercise, ordering uber eats, investing in a good skin care routine and spending time outdoors and with friends.
What advice would you give people who find reading books intimidating or challenging?
Don’t be afraid to try out new genres (I had no idea how much I loved crime and psychological thrillers) or abandon books you aren’t loving or invested in. Most of the time I’ll know if a book is for me or not within the first few pages so keep trying until you find it. You can also start small by allocating 30 minutes to an hour a day, or reading during your lunch break instead of scrolling!
Something that made you smile recently...
Already ticking off two goals that I’d set for myself this year!
Follow Tegan on instagram @theshelf_edit for all things books, puzzles, self care, home styles & aesthetics! You won't be disappointed!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a musician that primarily grew up in Mackay in North Queensland but recently moved down to Brisbane to further my career in the music industry! I’ve been playing guitar and singing since I was 7 years old and have wanted that to be my career since then. I started out competing in country music contests and playing pub gigs every weekend all throughout high school as my job until things started picking up for me in grade 12. I uploaded my first single to triple j Unearthed when I was 16 and ended up becoming a finalist in Unearthed high which is where I guess everything kicked off for me, it was a super exciting time in my life! I’ve been lucky to be continuously releasing since I was super young and it’s provided me with such an amazing and fun career touring all around the world!
What inspires you?
I think just seeing other people kicking goals and doing well in their careers inspires me, especially this year when things have been so upside down it’s been so nice seeing people come out the other side and being super passionate about the things they love.
Can you talk us through a challenge you overcame and how you managed it?
I went on tour in Europe at the start of 2019, it was my first ever overseas tour and was something that I had only DREAMED about. A couple of weeks before the tour was about to start I was super excited but the closer the date came I could feel my anxiety and mental health declining and I remember being at the airport in Brisbane about to board my flight to London and just being on the phone to my parents in tears and having a huge anxiety attack. I was probably in the worst mental health state during this period and it just kept getting worse the longer I was over there. I was pretty much crying to my parents every night on the phone, I ended up getting extremely sick and lost my voice which lead to me cancelling shows over there and I also had this massive skin breakout right before I was meant to fly home, I literally thought I had chickenpox. When I landed back in Australia I ended up seeing a doctor in Melbourne and he diagnosed me with stress acne! STRESS ACNE! The doctor literally told me I needed to meditate.
I really let my anxiety and bad thoughts take over my whole body during this tour and it was definitely one of the lowest points in my life, but once I was home I really started taking care of myself. I stopped putting reckless pressures on myself, started taking care of my mental health and taking care of my body, feeding it the right foods etc. It took me awhile to get back to a better headspace but it was definitely something I needed to go through to know myself better.
What has been your proudest moment so far?
The proudest moment within my career is probably either when my single Strangers went certified Gold in Australia or when I won the Queensland Music Award’s ‘Album of The Year’. Both of these things are something I never imagined I would have done so it was super humbling to receive both of them.
How did you find your confidence & do you have any tips?
I still struggle with confidence, I think it’s really hard not to compare yourself to others in this day and age with all of these social media platforms. I also suffer with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome so over the past year I’ve put on more weight than I would have liked to and that has drastically affected myself esteem, especially when being on stage and in front of cameras is a part of my job. If I had any tips I think it would just be to do you. If you find outfits or makeup or anything like that that makes you feel more confident, than you do you! No one else in the world is like exactly like you, so embrace it!
What does self care mean and look like for you?
Self-care to me is a lot of things. Alone time, exercising, eating nutritious foods, being around the people you love, meditating! For me it’s taking the time for all of those things and looking after yourself.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Look after your body more and stop caring so much about what everyone else thinks about you! Also, listen to your parents more sister.
Your favourite thing about creating music?
It’s just my way of expressing myself and my feelings and my visions. It’s the only thing I’ve ever known and I can’t even begin to imagine what my life would be like without it.
Something that made you smile recently
My boyfriend actually just shaved his long, luscious hair and raised over $13k for a friend that passed away recently. That gave me a huge smile!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Paige Milne, I’m currently 27 years old. I originally come from a tiny town (of 1000 people) in Northern Victoria. I made my way up to the sunny Queensland state just over 3 years ago and haven't looked back. Don't get me wrong I love where and how i grew up and am extremely grateful for my country upbringing as i believe it has made me the humble person I am today. I have done loads of overseas travel in my 20s and hopefully continue to do so (if the coronavirus ever ends)
I have a huge passion for all things health and wellness. I also love to make people feel good about themselves which has led me to the creation of my own business "Refined by Paige". I have been a beauty therapist for 7 years now and as soon as I was qualified I knew I wanted to be my own boss one day and here we are! friends and family mean everything to me. I live for memories, laughs, prosecco and cheese!
What inspires you?
good eyebrows! haha
I'm inspired by the people around me who strive to make the most of their lives. I have very creative, driven friends and family so they always inspire me to dream big. Clients support also inspires me to give back and make a difference to the people around me whether it be big or small.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
owww, this is a good one. I believe in life you shouldn't have any regrets, but if anything i would say be smarter with my money. I’ve always been a shopaholic having to have a new outfit every weekend so i would change that!
What is your best advice for all things skin and beauty?
RESEARCH!! our skin is RESEARCH! There are so many skin and beauty products out there at the moment and with marketing these days we can be convinced of anything.
It's always good to do some research into a product before applying it to your skin. our skin is the largest organ on our body and we need to get a bit more educated on what we are putting on it. Or, find a skin therapist close to you and just even have a chat about your concerns.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I would have to say freedom and more to be appreciated. Being able to create a lifestyle for myself and be rewarded for my hard work. I also love teaching myself new skills and the feeling of accomplishment on your own is very rewarding and what I think a lot of people strive for in business.
Can you talk us through a challenge you have overcome & how you managed?
There has been a few along the way, I opened my business basically right in the heart of a pandemic so the thoughts of it doing well were doubtful but the help of my sister (who's hair salon I'm currently in) was very helpful and the support from the people around me allowed me to back myself and seeing the positives in every situation.
How do you practice self care?
I try to meditate regularly, listen to podcasts daily, exercising is a must! and I'm a sucker for good hot bath with a face mask and candles
Something that brought a smile to your face recently?
My parents arriving last week, they have also officially made the move to QLD, could not be happier!!
Follow Paige on her instagram here.
Tell us about your business ~ sunrise support services.
Sunrise Support Services is sensitive and understanding to the immediacy of emotional care and devotes time to mental health relief and support. I engage in talk-based therapy and other relationship-based therapeutic techniques with clients to promote levels of self-understanding and to encourage positive changes. Through life, I have come to learn it is not always about the bigger picture or "changing lives", its about all the small wins along the way and being present in moments that really matter. Focusing on the moments, one decision at a time, are the things that change lives. That is what Sunrise Support Services is about. I wanted to create an affordable and available space that accepts that healing is not linear nor medically confined. Sometimes we genuinely do not know what is wrong, or that cannot be fixed on a bound progression scale, or the fact that it might not fit certain criteria, but that does NOT mean it is any less treatable or present. It takes time, mistakes, corrections- only to make more mistakes, effort, time and patience. And I would be honoured to be an assistant in your journey to self-congruence and would take great privilege in sitting alongside you through this difficult time in your story.
What inspired you to start your business?
I have an ambition to be the best human I can be and help people along the way where I can. To do this, I have been dedicated in finding my passion to be authentically me, Danielle. From as long as I can remember, I have always loved human engagement and simply being around other people. Now I could sit here and say that it was completing my university degree, my career as a youth worker, the travelling that I have done, going through social changes and the generalness of growing up that sparked my interest in starting a business.
Whilst all these aspects certainly contributed to my inspiration to start a business, I decided long ago that starting up a business was something I was going to do.
My dad. My mum. My sister. My boyfriend. Honestly, I could go on and on about the people that inspired me to start my business. I could tell you about a lady called Jessica Edkins, a lady who quickly became one of my biggest role models. A friend named Hannah. A wonderful lady named Cathy. A friend named Sune. My family: my step-mum, my step-siblings, my nana and pop, my gran. My friends, who have come and gone along the way. A man named Lloyd whom I worked for as a youth worker. It’s like starting a campfire you see, I started preparing my fire pit long ago and all these people I mentioned, and those I haven’t, added kindling and wood to my fire along the way: all that was left was for me to light it. I gained confidence, resilience, perseverance, a tough-skin, humbleness, dedication and strength through all my experiences and as such, gained the inspiration to start Sunrise Support Services.
What inspires you?
What are you best 3 pieces of advice for people going through a hard time right now?
Take your time. Honestly, this is one of the best pieces of advice I can give because it fits in any scenario. I find that most people I talk to or that confide in me are flustered and overwhelmed by their place in life. Can you remember getting a text/email/letter that made you stressed, where you replied almost instantly out of sheer reaction or intense emotion? Can you think of a time where someone said something to you that didn’t quite sit well and as such, caused you to “snap” or force words out of your mouth that you hadn’t even consciously processed? Yes, that’s a reactive response or an impulse and whilst it can be necessary at times, mostly our inkling to act upon our reactive responses can cause more harm that good. Taking that time to physically stop and step back, whether that means putting your phone down, walking away or asking for a moment. I encourage you to try and bring yourself to your present moment and give yourself that sense of clarity.
Listen to your body and emotions when they are speaking. Now this might sound silly but acknowledging and validating yourself is detrimental to wellness. Now this is not to say that we need to critically analyse our feelings at every moment of the day, because as humans, we experience an influx of emotions constantly. But when you consciously recognise that something is not right or you genuinely aren’t feeling yourself, your mind will bring this to your forefront. I encourage you to not dismiss this. Please take your rawness and give it a big hug, tell it that its safe and ok, then help it back up and put it back into its place. Sometimes the art of bringing some to your conscious mind, right to the forefront of your thoughts, gives the biggest clarity.
Treating yourself. This sounds quite simple, but as I am sure you are aware, we can be our own harshest critic and as such, deprive ourselves of what we really want. Treat yourself. Take it how you will. Whether that means cooking your favourite meal, sleeping with an old teddy, listening to your favourite song (loud and on repeat), wearing your favourite colour or piece of clothing. Whatever makes you feel good, do more of it. When we are feeling down, we often find ourselves turning to a vice to make us feel better, this can be a vicious cycle. Putting the dependency on something else can leave us feeling empty in the absence of that something. So why not put that vice towards you? I encourage you to make yourself feel good when times are tough, make yourself smile.
Something that made your smile recently
Honestly, I smile a lot. But when reading this question, the moment that popped into my mind was a moment recently where my mum, sister and I were watching a movie on a Sunday afternoon. Now I was recommended this movie because I was told that it’s a perfect girls movie for a lazy afternoon with a glass of wine. I thought at the time, perfect! The movie is called Military Wives. It is a beautiful movie, but I tell you what, I cried. My sister cried. My mum laughed at my sister and I crying. My sister and I laughed at us crying. I got into trouble for picking a “chill” movie. We then to eat some lollies and chocolate. I smiled and I felt so secure and happy in those moments. Sometimes its about appreciating those little, so called “nothing” times that make us feel good.
How do you practice self love?
This is something that I don't do enough of. Not because I don't love myself, but because I am always so focused and stressed about my life that I don't make time for myself. However, every now and again I take self portraits of myself and this is probably my most prominent way of practising self love.
What inspires you?
The women I photograph inspire me the most. I hardly have to pose them these days, we just start chatting during the session and they get into a comfortable position and it inspires me. I'm also inspired by success. I have always had a strong urge to succeed and make a name for myself, without anyone's help.
How did you get into photography and journalism?
I have always enjoyed writing and English... and I was good at it. So when I was looking at different degree options Journalism really stood out to me. Up until now, at the end of my four year degree, I was adamant I was only studying journalism for the skills and not to actually get a job in the profession. However, after getting into photography and combining that with journalism and storytelling I believe this is the path I need to take.
Why did you start body confidence shoots?
I think I am very lucky that I've always had a very strong and confident mother who knows her worth. It's shaped me into a very confident woman. However, friends and other people I follow online don't have this same comfortability with their body. It's these young girls and women that made me start these shoots. I want everyone to feel the same warmth and love that I have for my body, for their own. I also want people to see that we all have "flaws" and that doesn't actually make us flawed. There's too much on social media these days that warps reality and only shows a certain type of beauty and it affects women.
What is your favourite way to express yourself?
I think my favourite way to express myself is through my photography. It lets people have an insight into how I see the world, see other people and see beauty.
If you could give your younger self any advice what would it be?
Do not care about what others think. Also, if you showed openly how much you don't care you may have been able to influence a lot of other young girls to do the same.
Something that made you smile recently…
My friends and my boyfriend!
What inspired you to start your own salon?
I started freelancing about 18months ago from an amazing studio in Burleigh heads and I fell in love with the freedom, and being totally in control of my life and the work I do. The lifestyle inspired me to create my own little space and branch out solely on my own.. once I become complacent though, that’s when I know it’s time to take the next step, I’m always climbing some sort of ladder.. Milly the space has been a hell of a time and I am super excited for more to come with that.. so stay tuned for exciting things in the works hehe.
What is something powerful you believe?
I believe that good things come to those who work hard. and to be kind you shall receive kindness.
What is something everyone should be aware of when it comes to hair care?
Something I cannot stress enough to my bbys is, HOT TOOLS KILL - use them on Saturdays only, save it for party times only darls.
Do you have any advice for young women wanting to start their own business?
Make your dreams your reality! I T S P O S S I B L E ! Some people may tell you it isn’t, but don’t stop until you get there. And never say no to an opportunity, you never know where it will lead you.
What is your favourite quote or mantra?
‘Create your own brand that will set you apart from other’s and believe in it’
Something that made you smile recently…
My puppy Storm, I never knew a furry lil thing could make a gal so happy and the beautiful angels who sit in my chair on a daily basis, best clients in the worldddd
Can you talk us through a challenge you have overcome and how you managed it?
My biggest challenge has been speaking publicly about my experience as a victim of sexual assault. That first post I made in 2019 changed me forever. While I had always planned to eventually speak publicly, I was inspired to make the post at that point because a boy I was seeing had pressured me immensely to explain explicitly what had happened to me in exchange for his trust (sigh). As you can guess, it didn’t go well. His responses were littered with “you trust people too easily”, “why would you let him do that”, and “how did you even get in that position”. I realised that gatekeeping my story for people who were close to me didn’t necessarily translate into safety anymore, and decided to instead share the story with everybody and open a dialogue through my social media where people who felt unsafe, unsure or even just curious could come and speak to me.
As scary as it was at first, it was the best thing I ever did for my recovery. The flood of support and love was so unexpected and comforting. It made me feel so strong and empowered. I still continue to share openly on Instagram through semi-regular Q&A’s. Not only do I now feel like my experience had some good come from it, it helps me to work through my shit too.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Don’t be such a doormat - you give too much and you WILL be taken advantage of. Also, don’t pay your mate’s rent.
What is your best piece of advice for young women?
Put your foot down and take no shit. Pride yourself on pissing people off when it’s for the right reasons. You have a voice – use it.
Also, I wish more young women could see what I now see as an adult, things like; boys aren’t always talking shit about you; school is actually really cool if you take all the opportunities it presents by the balls; and skipping trivial social events to work on yourself, your passions and your hobbies, isn’t missing out AT ALL.
Where is your happy place?
Anywhere where my friends are. The people I surround myself with have saved me when all I saw is complete and utter darkness. I like to maintain a very tough and resilient exterior, but those close to me know how much I have needed and continue to need them. Being with them now, when the days are brighter, is the most comfortable and beautiful part of my week. I love just sitting around each other’s flats in the morning, and spinning yarn watching sunset.
What is something powerful you believe?
That you are responsible for your own happiness.
I read a parable in ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck’ about what options a person may have if a baby were to be left at their front doorstep. The moral of the story is – it’s not your fault, it’s not fair, but it’s still your responsibility what you do with it and how you feel about it. This mindset got me through my assault. I had literally read the book only weeks prior, I implemented its methodology immediately and I truly think it was what kept me safe in those initial stages. I continue to repurpose that mantra wherever I can. I feel taking responsibility for my happiness speeds up the process of healing, forgiving, and forgetting.
Something that made you smile recently
My boyfriend accidentally called a ‘nail salon’ a ‘finger parlour’ last week and I’ve not stopped laughing since.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m Brooke! I’m 29 and have been living on the Gold Coast for around 7 years. I moved up from Melbourne to escape the freezing cold and have never looked back! I’m a Registered Mental Health Nurse working with young people in the community which I absolutely love and am also a few weeks off completing a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy- what a juggle!
Helping others has always been the driving force behind why I chose these two different qualifications and something that motivates me to learn and grow as a practitioner. I grew up in a tiny country town in Victoria so am a country gal at heart and have a massive appreciation for the simple things in life, this also reminds me to stay humble and appreciative of what I have. Being a Leo I really could talk about myself all day if you let me, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet for your eyes sake!
Cooking and sharing nutritious food with others makes me happy, riding my bike along the beach front with my beautiful kiwi boyfriend makes me happy, seeing people getting better makes me happy and learning new skills and perspectives makes me really really really happy.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would you tell her?
As much as I thought of a few things I could say to my younger self, I actually wouldn’t want to necessarily change anything about mini Brooke and her decisions during my younger years or wish I knew more, did more or said more back then. The choices I made and continue to make shape who I am today so to think back and try to alter that, doesn’t feel right!
What inspired you to become a naturopath?
A combination of personal and professional reasons. After a few years of working as a Nurse in a mental health ward in a big Melbourne hospital I began to see patterns of people suffering with chronic health problems and often were ‘too sick to be saved’. This didn’t sit right with me so I started looking into alternatives for treatment and helping people. Around the same time I also ate some dodgy meat in Vietnam and got super sick- sick enough for me to go Vegan! So with these two ideologies in mind I went down the rabbit hole of googling, talking to people with different perspectives and doing lots of research and reading. This led me to randomly find the Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy at Endeavour College. I knew I was in the right place when the teacher spoke to us about the healing power of nature and how Naturopathic medicine was one of the first healing systems in history! Oh and when she told us that plants communicate with us through shapes, colours, patterns and healing abilities, I knew this magical hippie knowledge was perfect for me.
What is something everyone should be more aware of in terms of their health & wellbeing?
Your body has the innate ability to heal itself! Modern lifestyles force us to distract our attention from the signs our bodies are showing that we need support. A lot of us also probably fail to incorporate and understand ancient traditions and how incredibly simple and effective they can be at supporting our bodies to heal. We don’t need fancy well marketed organic gluten free low carb clean toxin free glittery tablets that give us an ‘easy’ solution.
We need fresh air, sunshine, water to drink and splash around in and food that contains nutrients without nasties. Don’t be fooled by the modern solutions for modern problems, supporting your health shouldn’t feel hard or confusing and this is what I feel Naturopaths are equipped to do- guide and educate you on how to support your body to heal the sustainable way.
Can you talk us through a challenge you have overcome & how did you manage?
Being human, I’m constantly challenged by feelings of self-doubt and overwhelm. I tend to take on a lot of different tasks and responsibilities all at once as I’m a bit of a ‘get shit done’ kinda gal. I really thrive off the feeling of accomplishment and achievement, but this sometimes leaves me feeling a bit burned out or shattered if I don’t reach the desired outcome. This seems to be a bit of a recurring thing for me, which I acknowledge I haven’t quite mastered yet, but- I know that I need to make sure that as much as I can take on heaps of different tasks and responsibilities, I also need to take into account the time and effort I need to spend on caring for myself. So when I now do things, or accept new responsibilities, I always make sure I’m factoring in some actual sanctioned time in the week or day to do something that fills up my cup and calms my nervous system- aka, a reset button. This usually looks like taking myself for a coffee alone, a beach walk, eating a giant muffin, reading a book on the couch or sitting in the sun. Anything to honour myself and fuel my tank.
What is something powerful that you believe?
Each and every one of us has their own unique special powers, if you haven’t quite figured yours out yet, read more, explore more, talk to new people, try new experiences and shed all of the things that don’t serve you (I’m looking at you online shopping addiction), Every individual is special in their own way and we should cherish that more.
What could you not live without?
Herbal medicine! My beautiful herbies have gotten me through a lot in the past few years, I think I would have ended up dropping out of my degree or quitting my job if hadn’t had the power of herbal medicine carrying my frazzled, stressed and energetic-less soul through those trying times. They are so versatile and I love how many different uses they have; they’re definitely a non-negotiable.
Something that made you smile recently
Seeing videos of my friends 10month old beautiful chunky baby boy carrying around a tub of my handmade Rescue Cream, made my ovaries and heart burst with happiness!!!
If you would give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to try more things. Don’t be afraid to fail because failing isn’t a bad thing, it’s just the opportunity to learn and grow from an experience. I would tell my younger self to stop comparing your body to others. A flat stomach or thin thighs don’t determine your worth. Don’t let your body dictate what you do or what you wear. Years later, you aren’t going to remember if you had the perfect body, you are going to remember how the experience made you feel and who you shared it with. I would also tell her not to change who you are to try and fit in, the right people will come into your life and love you for who you are.
Can you talk us through a challenge you overcame and how you managed it?
The most challenging thing has been living with post-natal anxiety. As a new mum I felt like I was experiencing the “normal” amount of worry, but anxiety hit me hard when my daughter was between the age of 2-3 years old. I started to feel panic around Phoenix’s safety. I was constantly thinking something bad was going to happen or she was going to be taken away from me. Being in this constant state of anxiety drained me.
I became withdrawn, irritable and felt like I couldn’t experience or feel joy. I was in such a stressed state, that I had to leave and went to Melbourne to visit for a friend for 2 nights. I had to completely remove myself before it got worse and I hurt myself. I don’t think I have overcome these feelings completely, but I have found ways to manage them in a way that works for my family. After I got back from Melbourne, I booked in to speak to a psychologist and started looking after myself more. I started being open and honest with my husband and spoke up when I was feeling overwhelmed and accepted the help that was offered to me. I started doing the things that brought me joy before having Phoenix and created a morning routine that put me in the right mindset for the day (I don’t achieve this everyday but try my best).
What inspired you to start your journey to becoming a holistic counsellor?
It’s taken me a long time to reach the decision to study. I always knew I wanted to help people but wasn’t sure in what capacity. Experiencing my own mental health challenges inspired me to want to help others. I am passionate about creating a safe place for people and being able to help them realize their own potential. Being the person that believes in them and gives hope that it can be better. While I’m studying, I am also working with The Rise Foundation to help educate others with Mental Health Response which helps people see warning signs of mental health with friends and family and how to best talk to them.
What are your best pieces of advice for maintaining a healthy relationship?
I would say communication and connection. Communication isn’t always as easy as talking, we need to really understand our partner. Different ways to communicate isn’t something that we learn growing up, with have our own pre-conceived ideas of communication from what we observe in our home life, friends and school. Be open with your partner and ask them exactly what you need from them in that moment.
It’s taken me many years, but I have finally learnt to not be so reactive and defensive (maybe 90% of the time). We cannot assume that our partner knows what we want or need. We need to speak up and be honest. Constant work on connection is a huge one. Whether it’s through quality time together, kissing or sex, make sure you prioritise each other and put some extra effort in sometimes. It’s easy to become complacent and stuck in a rut so mix it up and break routine as much as possible.
What does the world need more of?
The world needs more acceptance. Accepting people for who they are and who they choose to love.
What is your favourite thing about being a mum?
My favourite thing about being a mum is the amount of love I receive on a daily basis. It is such a privilege to be her safe place. She is safe to express all her emotions, her thoughts and dreams within my arms.
Something that brought a smile to your face recently
Jumping waves and body surfing with Phoenix late into the afternoon. Watching the pure joy she was experiencing and laughing together.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hellooo, I'm Soleil! My name means sunshine in french, and I am 22 years old. I am an avid music listener and won't hesitate to give you music recommendations whether you ask for it or not. Like the next guy, I love traveling and going to other places; it makes me feel rich and content. I am a passionate and motivated person (sometimes too passionate!). I live and breathe for my friends, and I love the ocean. If I could have one (or two ) soundtrack for my life, it would be This Must Be The Place by Talking Heads or Southern Sun by Boy & Bear.
What is something powerful you believe?
Kindness. I truly believe in the power of being kind. I think the way we perceive ourselves and project ourselves to others is very powerful and has a significant role in how you live your life. I also believe in the power of music, I honestly think it can heal anything and affect your mood so much.
What did you last relationship teach you about yourself?
My last relationship taught me how to be amiable, considerate, and how to be more self-assured. I am so grateful to have had a six-year relationship with my best friend. Although we are on different paths now, he has been the best thing to have happened in the last decade.
How have you learned to love your body? Do you have any tips to share?
I think I am still on the way to fully accepting my body. As I have gotten older, I have a different appreciation and newfound respect for my body. However, if I am honest, there are days where I fucking love myself and days where I do not. I think the biggest thing I have learned is that it is more in my head. My mum gave me some perspective the other day, "others do not look, think, or critique your body, as often as you do." So that would be my tip, worry less, and celebrate (your body) more.
What does self love and care mean to you?
Self-love means being kind to myself. I am always cautious of the inner thoughts I say to myself. Every day at a specific time for 1-2 minutes (it may or may not be 11:11), I always tell myself, "I am wealthy, healthy, and experienced." I never miss this time to say to myself that. I make sure I phrase it as "I am" not "I want to be" because it sets the tone, and I believe I am those things. For example, I may not be wealthy financially, but I am wealthy in other aspects of my life.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would you say to her?
It's weird I have been reflecting on 15 and 16-year-old Soleil because I have come to appreciate much more now the free-spirited girl I was. I often miss that girl who didn't care too much. The advice I would give is, “Enjoy your teenage years. Keep being weird. You are exactly where you need to be, and these are some of the best years of your life.”
A challenge you have overcome and how did you manage it?
I think my most recent challenge has been my break-up. I am still managing it, but I am so thankful to have open communication with my ex. The hardest part for me is not feeling guilt. It was a matter of being the right person but the wrong time. I am managing it by relying on my friends and enjoying going out with them. I am so grateful for my friends stepping up and being there for me (and him). I am taking this time to be a better version of myself and know the independent Soleil.
Something that made you smile recently…
My friend Tori made me smile recently. We had a nice two-hour facetime, which left me feeling so full and happy. I am so incredibly blessed for the quality of friendships I have in my life. All my friends (especially when we are drinking), are some of the funniest, most down to earth people I know. I am so grateful to have friends where I can laugh until my stomach hurts. Also, TikTok is always a good time!
I feel inspired when I’m around people with a positive energy and outlook on life. I also feel inspired when I'm in a peaceful setting like a cute cafe or walking along the beach connecting with my music.
How did you get into personal training?
Growing up I was very much into my athletics. I competed in track and field all throughout primary and high school (Best thing I could have done!). I ended up getting my cert 3 in fitness as a traineeship through school then completed my cert 4 later out of school. My mind was set on becoming a personal trainer. It took a lot of hard work, commitment and sacrifice to build myself and my business up to where I am today and I couldn’t be prouder!
How did you find your confidence and do you have any tips?
I always had a bit of self-doubt when starting out as a personal trainer. I kept thinking that I wasn’t good enough for the industry because I didn't have 10+ years of experience and I wasn’t bringing in a lot of clients (nearly gave up on it!). I eventually talked myself out of this self-doubt and stopped comparing myself to others. I realised I am as good as any other trainer out there, it just takes time to get to where you want to be. TIP: Every person has their own way of doing, teaching and learning things. Just focus on your own path and don’t compare yourself to others. Have belief in yourself, you will get to where you want to be.
What does the world need more of?
KINDNESS!
Something that made you smile recently
Seeing my sister in her dream wedding dress and my other sister glowing with her baby bump!!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Well hello there! I’m Grace, a fun loving twenty–something, who is way too invested in my pets lives, a chronic lover of a boogie/live music, perpetual slammer of all types of doors (car, microwave, bathroom), advocate of a cheeky wine and sucker for some sun and a dip in the ocean (with sunscreen of course). I fill my weekdays as an Occupational Therapist working in forensic mental health and provide support to young people in the juvenile justice system. My weekends are preferably filled with good vibes, good people and good adventures, split between my two homes.
What inspires you?
People inspire me. People who I have the privilege of knowing and people who I know about. People who are effortlessly themselves and people who are learning to except themselves. People who are doing their best to overcome adversity and people who support them to do that. People who are equally badass and considerate. People who are skilled and teach/share that skill. People who are thoughtful. People who are open minded and people who encourage others to open their minds.
People who seek to understand and people who share this understanding as learning’s for others. People can be pretty rad if you give them the chance.
Where is your favourite place you have travelled & why?
Ooof, that is a hard question. I don’t know if I could pick a favourite place I have travelled, but the most recent place I travelled was Japan early this year for snow season. A little over a dozen of my friends and I spent 2 weeks travelling around Japan eating, drinking (miss you grapple chu-hais) and getting around the slopes. It was way too much fun and reality bit hard when I came home.
Who has had the most influence on the person you are today?
My family and my friends that have turned into family, have certainly had the most influence on me. Corny? Yes. Untrue? No. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by the people in my life, who support me in all I do and to continue to influence me to be the best version of myself.
What are 3 things you’re passionate about and why?
Balance - Finding that sweet spot can be really tricky and I am a sucker for feeling like I have to do everything all the time and it tends to catch up with me very quickly. One of my favourite quotes is “I thought the brain was the greatest organ in the body and then I realised who was telling me this”. Often we internally fight with ourselves about what the things we want, need and have to do based on other opinions or ideals of health, work, relationships, ect, rather than trying to understand our own needs and being kind to ourselves. Take the day off and then work more effectively tomorrow, prioritise time for yourself to rest and be more present with your friends and family next time, eat the chocolate and know that sweet goodness went straight to the heart.
Relationships - My relationships near or far, are something that I have always worked really hard on and value in my life. My relationships help me to grow as a person, to slow me down when I need it, they challenge me to think differently and help me understand compassion from many different perspectives. I am very fortunate to have many special relationships in my life.
Learning and growth – Learning and growing is kind of everything right? I love learning new things whether its facts about the world or something new about myself or others. I heard this quote recently (yes, I like quotes) that said “I am actively learning how I can best respect people .“I believe that learning is a privilege and that quote sums up learning and growth for me.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Goodness, younger Grace could have done with some advice but it is unlikely she would have listened.
My main advice would be to understand that the way people behave or treat you is far more a reflection of them than it is of you, something I still abide by today. I would also tell her to stay curious and keep asking why.
Where is your happy place?
I have many happy places, I think it is dependent on my mood or needs at a given time. I equally love being active and being lazy, so whether it is having a shower in my gloriously spacious shower, playing a game of touch football, laying on the couch talking smack with my housemate after a long day or going on an adventure on the weekend with some friends; these are all equally my happy places.
Tell us something that has made you smile recently
I recently re-discovered the Dixie Chick’s cover of ‘Landslide’ (no contest, better than the original), so obviously I was belting it out on the drive home from work the other day and when stopped at the lights I look over to see this lady looking at me. She started laughing and gave me a big thumbs up. I was so embarrassed but also thought it was so hilarious and we both just kind of sat there waiting for the lights to change, laughing at me.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi my name is Laura, I’m 26 years old, i moved to the GC from the UK in 2008. Im a personal trainer and my passion is health and fitness. I love sunrises, the ocean and sand between my toes. I’m a proud mumma of my 2 fur babies loui and bob.
Who or what inspires you?
My mum inspires Me every day, she’s fit, healthy, and strong. If I can be anything like the woman she is today when I am older I’ll be one happy gal.
How did you get into personal training?
I got into health and fitness when I was 14 years old. My mum joined the gym and dragged me along with her and I fell in love with health and fitness ever since, i studied my cert 3 and 4 in school and started work at Goodlife straight from school in 2011. I have now been a personal trainer for 9 years and couldn’t imagine doing anything els! Helping people become the best version of themselves is what I love to do and knowing that I’m making a difference every day in peoples lives.
What has been your proudest moment?
Becoming an Aunty is my proudest moment yet, everything I do now I think of making him proud and I can’t wait to have children of my own!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
If I could give any advice to my younger self it would be to follow your dreams, don’t let people’s negativity bring you down, believe in yourself and always wear sunscreen 😂
What are you grateful for?
I’m grateful for my parents for brining our family to Australia, this is where I was suppose to be. Having such a close family and a partner that always supports me in everything I do.
What is your favourite quote or mantra?
“Have courage and be kind” (From Cinderella) Lol
Something that made you smile recently
I met my dogs puppies and they were the cutest little pups ever! Puppies always make me smile!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hi, I am Alicia! I am 24 years old, a scorpio and am very connected to my feelings. I have struggled with anxiety and depression the past few years but I have really focused on myself, my confidence, and the energy I surround myself with to become the person I want to be. I love to paint, write, sing loudly in the car, read, dance around the house, cook and spend time with the people I love.
If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would you choose? - chloe
I have actually had this conversation with a few people recently! If I could choose anyone my first person would be Martin Luther King Jr, he has always been such an inspirational figure in my life since I was young. His words are engraved in my soul. I would also have dinner with Nana who passed away when I was around 10, I have so many fond memories of time spent with her and she was such a kind, beautiful and giving woman. My third person would probably be Michelle Obama, one of the most incredible women in the world right now.
Do you think everyone has a sole purpose in life? - simone
That’s really tough…. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I that we were all put here to do something incredible with our time. Whether it be inspire people to be their authentic selves, to create things that make people feel seen, heard or loved, to spread positivity or just to be a good person to the people around us. Whatever it is, big or small, you can make an impact on peoples lives and I think that is our purpose, to connect and love one another, without that our lives would be meaningless.
What has been a phase in your life where you have experienced the most growth? - jamie
I definitely think I have grown the most in the last 10 months. I have learned to love the person that I am and have really put a lot of time and energy into becoming someone who loves their body (most days - I’m not perfect), who speaks up when there is something that is not serving me or the people around me and I have had the courage to change the things in my life that didn’t fill up my cup. I have worked so hard to manage my anxiety, surround myself with good people and just be happy.
What inspired you to create Everyday Connection? - sharna
When I first created Everyday Connection I had recently lost my job due to COVID-19 and I felt so lonely and I could tell that the people around me were struggling as well. I felt like the conversations with the people around me were changing and I wanted a place to connect with people on a deeper level. I was really inspired by Humans of New York and how they show that everyone has a story to tell, but I was also inspired by a Q&A I did myself with Salte. I wanted to create a safe space for people to share their story and ask questions that we don’t usually ask ourselves or reflect on. I was also just so inspired by so many incredible and inspiring people around me and I wanted others to be inspired by them too. I wanted everyone to have their chance to shine!
Advice you would give to your younger self? - sharni
I would tell my younger self to not put so much pressure on yourself. You are beautiful and smart as you are, you do not need the approval of others. Do not put in time and energy into people and relationships that do not give back. Surround yourself with good people. Don’t try to please everyone, just do what makes you happy. Get help! It will be the hardest part but it will change your life. Be kind to yourself. Their ideal body type is not the definition of beautiful.
How do you find ways to stay motivated? - emma
I think the best way to stay motivated is to be around people who are also motivated to grow and be better. I also get up early and try to move my body or do something I love in order to get into a good mindset for the day, whether it be train at the gym, walk the beach or stretch, pull a tarot card or read my book in the sunshine. If you start your day right, you will be in the right frame of mind to achieve the things you want to for the day.
How did you overcome the biggest struggle of your life? - abbey
My biggest struggle has definitely been overcoming my depression and learning to better manage my anxiety. I used to have panic attacks, cry myself to sleep and feel so overwhelmed with anxiety every day. I think the first step was definitely seeking help from a doctor and seeing a psychologist. I was also on anti-depressants for a little while which helped me to function in my everyday life until I was ready to come off them on my own.
After this, I feel like it has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride the last few years going from highs to really low lows until the last 10 months. I am so lucky to have a partner and best friend who listened, loved and cared for me in the way that I needed and showed up for me every day the best way they knew how to and that they continue to do that for me to this day. I put all of the energy that I was giving to negative relationships into myself and really worked hard on being where I am now. I found things that I loved, I surrounded myself with friendships that truly made me happy, and I was honest with myself. I faced some big fears and set boundaries where I needed to. I learned to love me.
Top 5 feel good songs… - sharna
These are my sing loudly in the car or dance around the house songs!
Keep ya head up - 2Pac
Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader
Sunny Days - Allen Stone
Can’t fight the Moonlight - LeAnn Rimes
COPYCAT - Billie Eilish
Something that made you smile recently
Going for a bike ride with my boyfriend. Sitting on the beach watching the beautiful full moon and eating fish & chips with dear friends. Seeing my brother so excited to pick up samples of his t-shirts. Messages from my beautiful friends and all the amazing ladies in my life who helped me write this blog and all the amazing people who have ordered my journal!
Three things you are most passionate about & why?
Reproductive and sexual health - Dealing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) for most of my life has been really challenging at times but it has forced me to be really open about my body and what is happening with it. People are made to feel ashamed or embarrassed to speak about reproductive issues (Endometriosis, PCOS etc) or Sexual Health issues (STI's etc) and I really hope that by opening up conversations we can normalise this.
De-stigmatising Sexuality - The world and our society are changing massively at the moment, which is fantastic but there is still a lot of work to do. Unfortunately, a lot of the time it's only acceptable for men to express their sexuality and in mainstream porn/the media cis-gendered, straight, white people are what is deemed 'desirable.' Everyone deserves to express their sexuality and deserves to feel pleasure and feel desired. There needs to be more space for the LGBTQIA+ community, all genders, races and abilities to have a platform and express their sexuality, and I hope to do my part in this change.
Go for what you want - I truly believe that we should all go after things we want even if it is scary or if other people don't understand. If I believe in something or someone, I will always give it a chance and I have never regretted it!
Why did you decide to become a sexologist?
Navigating dating and a sex life with PCOS is what led me to take ownership of my sexuality and my body. I was so tired of feeling too embarrassed to talk about the issues I was having to partners and dealing with it alone. I started reading and researching a lot about how the body and the mind is connected and was fascinated by it, I also always loved talking about sex! I find people and their experiences really fascinating and the world of sex and sexuality can be quite a taboo topic, so the idea of helping people own their sexuality and normalise it makes me really excited.
Tell us a little bit about your journey with mental health and body confidence.
I have always been super anxious since I was little and it's something I really struggle with most days. I didn't have the tools to deal with it growing up and it wasn't until about 5 years ago that I started opening up about it more and seeking help for it! Opening up about it was the hardest part but since then I have found things that work for me to manage it like meditating, exercise, journaling and doing my tarot cards really helps. Body image is also something I have struggled with and is something that I also work at every day. I find the more I take care of myself and my body the better I feel and the more comfortable I feel in my own skin, so prioritising my health and well-being has been a great step to feel positive about my body and feel more confident.
What is your best piece of advice for young women?
To always listen to your gut and not let other people's opinions/advice affect your choices too much. There have been so many times when I was younger that I didn't feel confident enough to make my own decisions. I believe that deep down we always know what choice we want to make, and I think it's important to have the self-confidence to always listen to yourself first and trust yourself.
What have your past relationships taught you about yourself?
As much as heartbreak/breakups suck they are one of the best things to realise what you deserve and who you are as a person. My past relationships taught me that anything I was looking for or searching for in the other person was already there with me, it sounds so cliché but it's so true.
Tell us something that made you smile recently.
I just recently turned 25 and it was the best birthday I've had! My friends, family and boyfriend made me feel so happy and loved! It made me feel really grateful for my life and everyone in it and made me smile a lot!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
I was actually just talking to my friend about this. I think I would just tell myself to not be so nervous, scared and shy. Just to be myself and be more brave and realise that you are only young once. If you don’t capitalise on those experiences or opportunities that you have while you’re young, you’ll never get those back. So i think just telling my younger self that everything will be okay and to just enjoy the ride.
How did you get into design, art & all things creative?
I have always loved being creative, but it took me a long time. I have done so many things outside of design, so so many things - I have my real estate license, insurance license, my advertising degree, I have my substituting license, you name it, I have it. So I actually got into design because I had one of my mums friends come and meet me to give me advice on my career because I didn’t know what to do or where to go! He asked me, ‘what would you do if you knew you could do anything?’. And I said I would love to do layouts for a magazine, that is something that I love. Basically when you get that down to what is it?, it is graphic design and collaging which is a big part of my business and he said ‘why don’t you just do it?
I said well… I don’t know, I don’t have the right degrees blah blah blah. He said you can go on youtube and learn whatever it is you want to learn. So I literally went online and dedicated myself to creating a portfolio that I wanted to present to people. It wasn’t any real work, it was just stuff that I had made up. Then I saw an instagram that one of my favourite clothing labels was hiring for graphic designers and so I threw myself in the ring! I made a really cool resume and really tried to make myself standout and they actually hired me with no experience! That is where I learnt so much of my graphic design, photography and creative direction skills. So I am so grateful for that job and that they gave me the chance & that I literally had zero experience.
What inspires you when creating?
For me, I am very inspired by visuals and my environment. I really love looking at inspiration photos and taking bits and pieces from photos to create my vision. A lot of times I have an idea and it will evolve into something complete different and i love that process of brainstorming and letting my mind think about something. I get a lot of cool ideas when I am going for a walk or when I am away from the computer screen and i’m not thinking about anything. I will get a cool idea and I will just write it on my phone notes. So I think I get really inspired by nature, by imagery and definitely by a cool aesthetic - that visually and emotionally just fills me up.
Talk us through a challenge you have overcome & how you managed it.
I think for sure at first I was really challenged regarding my pricing. I think for a long time I was stuck on time rather than value so I was stuck on that for a long time. So i think just overcoming that and realising just how much my creativity was worth was a big challenge for me. Once I did overcome it, it really changed for me and opened bu my business and the possibilities within my business.
What could you not live without?
Sunshine, thats for sure! I couldn’t live without sunshine!!
Something that made you smile recently
A girl did a cool illustration of a photo of me on instagram and it made me smile and so happy, It is so cool to see when people create something based off something you’ve created.
Connection to culture means getting to know yourself more spiritually and ethically. I believe that you come more into your own when learning about where you come from- even if it’s in small bits- a little te reo or a waiata- it’s enough to keep you moving. The point is to venture on the endless journey which will pass along to your decendants or your friends.
A challenge you have overcome & how did you manage it?
Calling myself māori.
I grew up very proud of being māori until I hit high school where it became shameful and I didn’t look or act māori enough anyway. It took me years to feel confident enough to tell people “I AM māori” instead of mumbling it under my breath.
With this came the confidence to learn about my whakapapa and our history. It took a long time to get there, with many phone calls crying to my mum and a lot of art wrestling with the feelings of not being good enough. In order to overcome my shame, I had to ask myself why I was ashamed, why I didn’t feel enough, and I had to talk to other māori who felt the same. It’s a journey you can’t really do alone.
What is your favourite way to express yourself?
Poetry! I’m not very structured, but language and the weaving of delicious words helps me move through difficult feelings. It honestly clarifies everything for me.
What do you think the world needs more of?
AROHA. Literally. Not just in a corny sense. It’s all we have. When everything fades and the world burns and the hoarders of wealth take that rocket ship to planet B, we are left with the truth, and I genuinely believe it is Aroha. The giving with no expectation of return. The selfless stretch of the heart in order to comfort and care for others. The breathing out of joy and the letting go of ego. We have it, but we could always do with more.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would you say?
Listen to your tīpuna. They tell you who you are.
What is something powerful that you believe?
I believe that everyone is just a very tall child and no one is fully grown or complete. We die young and are always learning.
Tell us something that has made you smile recently
I watched a video of a man rescuing a hedgehog from the ocean today. It gave me life.
What inspires you ?
People that strive to do what they love and make the most of what they have by achieving their goals and are absolutely killing it. I always strive to surround myself with people who push me to my best version of myself. My mother is a massive inspiration to me as she can always bring a positive outcome to a situation. She always drives to achieve her goals and take on any obstacles she faces on her path to success.
How did you get into photography and videography?
So I studied photography for a year and my mum was a commercial photographer so I used to help her with assisting with shoots and post production. I kinda found my style of photography whilst working for her and that was fashion. Sadly I stopped for about 4 years shooting photography and I became a chef and that became my first priority. I achieved a lot while I was a chef, doing cooking competitions and winning a few awards and finally got working for a hatted restaurant but my heart was always for fashion photography so I’m back! Have only been back properly for a few months. Once I got a job at princess Polly I realised how much a missed it.
Pretty much now I’m practicing photography and slowing getting into videography now too. I feel like each shoot I do I improve! Still have a long way to go with my photography have a lot of goals I want to achieve but I’m so happy I’m back doing what I love!
What is your favourite way to express yourself?
How do I express myself, I have a few ways- first would be creatively through my photography and how I dress myself I always strive to be different and have some funky outfits! And of course a few espresso martini’s and hitting up the Burleigh hotel dance floor is certainly a way I express myself! Lol
A challenge you have overcome & how did you do it?
Something I have over come over the years is probably one of my best friends committing suicide was a really hard and weird time.I was 20 when this happened so fairly young and was not aware of how anxiety and my feelings really took a toll on my body. I do look back now and I feel as though yes was a terrible thing that happened, but it has only made me stronger and with any down fall or knock back I get I always remind myself of that time and how I overcome that situation and how it has shaped me to be the person I am today.
How did I overcome it? With a lot of support from my family and friends! Keeping myself super busy after that I really dived into my cooking career, moved to the Gold Coast and also letting myself be able to feel and sit in my emotions and let myself be sad and slowly seeing myself get better each day, time is your best friend!!
If you could give your younger self any advice what would it be?
My advice would be to do what you want and who cares what people think about you! Be yourself and own it!
Something that has made you smile recently
Be able to drink cups of tea now like 3 time’s a day because it’s cold!! My favourite thing to do in winter lol!!
Follow Brookes photography @brooklynesphotography @brooklynes
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hellooo I’m Evie, I’m 21 years old from Tweed Heads. I’ve almost finished my graphic design degree and love photography, the ocean, interior design, health and fitness!
How did you get into Photography?
There’s something about photography that I’ve always loved, I think it’s being able to capture a moment in time and all the feelings that come with it. When I was 15 I bought my first camera off gumtree and my friends and I would create mood boards for inspo and then spend literally the whole day taking photos. My favourite thing to do would be to come home and edit all the images. I love seeing the transformation a few simple edits can do to really enhance an image!
What inspires you when creating?
There’s so much inspiring content and work on Pinterest, it’s one of the places where I discovered that graphic design was what I wanted to pursue. Seeing campaign shoots from fashion brands has always inspired me so much too, even before social media. I used to love going through fashion magazines and seeing all the amazing photo shoots.
What is something powerful that you believe?
It’s going to sound a bit woo-woo, but I think when we put our energy and thoughts into something we really believe in and want- it’s bound to happen eventually. Theres so many experiences I have had that are unexplainable!
Also letting go of what-ifs/ what could’ve been and trusting that their are better things coming puts me at ease and really helps me from dwelling on the negatives.
Where is your happy place?
100% the beach and probably even the gym haha! A walk along Greenmount or sitting on a headland instantly puts me in a better mood and makes me feel so grateful.
What is your favourite way to express yourself?
My favourite ways to express myself is probably through the clothes I wear and the photos I take.
Tell us something that has made you smile recently
Being able to see my friends the other night made me smile so much, it made me realise just how important they are to me. And the sunsets lately! They have been unreal too.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hello! I’m Emily — 24 years old — Gold Coast born and bred — Graphic designer, marketer and collage maker. In my spare time I do Barre & Pilates. (Im not sure what else to say I’m sorry I’m terrible at this).
What is something powerful that you believe?
I believe that you have power even if you don’t sit in a position of power.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would if be?
Don’t got to uni — At school all that was drilled into you was getting a degree = career and money. There is so much more to it than that. For my field in particular you are just as employable with a diploma. You will be in the workforce faster and everything is learning as you go anyway. Also be nice to your mother.
How did you get into design and content creation?
I was always into the arts at school but never thought I could make a career out of it, so I went to uni and did psychology; the safe option. Listening to Pavlov’s theory in a big lecture room feeling really small I started to collage. For that entire semester I taught myself photoshop and then dropped out and joined the arts department of the uni. Throughout my degree I freelanced, created and soaked up everything from everywhere and I’ve never looked back.
Why did you decide to create eg.studios?
I had all these collages and no where to put them, so I made an instagram. E.G are my initials and studio seemed fitting because it was just me. Ive been doing this for six years now and I couldn’t be more proud to see where it is today; where I am today.
What inspires you?
Print magazines — Ive always wanted to get into print for their classic layout that somehow still pushed the boundaries of design.
I love to use them for collaging as well but I often just stick to digital because I cant bring myself to cut into them.
What could you not live without?
My rituals, art on my walls, the sun, the sea, fresh blooms and the ones I love the most.
Something that made you smile recently…
Riding top down in my best friends new convertible and surprise macarons from my boyfriend.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves
We both grew up on the gold coast and have always lived active and healthy lives. We met at uni studying nutrition and have been friends ever since, we definitely bonded over being extremely passionate about women’s health and finding a great life balance. We are both young mums to beautiful girls, Holly (20months) and Malie (1week) and when we aren’t doing nutrition related work we are dance and pilates instructors.
Where did your passion for health & nutrition begin?
Straight after high school I went into professional dancing (Rach) and I was pushing my body to the extremes and wanted to learn how to fuel it to get the most out of it without feeling exhausted and broken so I started studying nutrition. Darcy was having hormonal related issues to do with getting off the OCP and wanted to learn how to heal her body nutritionally. I think we were both just passionate about being able to put healthy, nourishing and delicious foods into our bodies that made us feel great and keep up with our busy lifestyles.
Why did you create Lumila?
Coming out of uni we both decided that clinical practice wasn’t where our passion laid as a full time job so we started brainstorming over coffee catchups on what we could do with our degrees. We were both extremely busy with work and a new baby and were feeling run down energetically and physically showing through our skin, nails, hair, immunity. Basically we were both like I wish I had a drink that would give me energy and fix multiple issues we were experiencing, so that’s what we did. We saw a niche in the market and realised if we were feeling this way, a lot of other women would be too and were super excited about being able to nutritionally support women through their busy lives.
Why are natural supplements so important for your health and wellbeing?
Natural supplements are a great way to “top up” on nutrients that you may not be giving your body enough of. Majority of us live super busy lives and sometimes a nourishing diet can be neglected or people are eating a nourishing diet but its not enough for the demands that your body has on it.
In particular natural supplements are incredibly important because you know what is being put into your body and that there is nothing harmful or toxic. On that note it is so important to be aware of what you are actually putting into your body to begin with, a lot of people blindly take supplements without actually knowing what they are consuming and why.
What are the main benefits of Lumila?
☆ Probiotics to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients
☆ Electrolytes to help control fluid balance, reduce bloating and increase energy
☆ The combination of proline, zinc and vitamin C helps to produce collagen product therefore improving hair, skin, nail health, muscle support and reduce the effects of ageing.
☆ Vitamin C to boost your immune system.
☆ CoQ10 acts as a natural fat burner and balances your blood sugar levels - while also supporting protecting your heart and blood pressure and encouraging strong hair, skin and nails.
☆ B vitamin complex to have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, hormone regulation and cell metabolism
☆ Inositol to balance hormone levels
What inspires you?
Every day women and mums who are busier and under more stress than most people, but still get up every single day with a smile on their face, do the best they can for their families and achieve great things. It always makes me feel like if they can do it then so can we
What are your top 3 self care tips?
♡ Nourish your body with the whole foods and nutrients that it needs
♡ Prioritise movement time for yourself every day, whether that’s walking, stretching, dancing, gym, yoga
♡ Spoil yourself, it might be time reading a book, going to the beach by yourself or buying yourself that new outfit you really want (since being a mum this is the one ive struggled with the most, but its also been so beneficial)
Tell us something that brought a smile to your face recently
We had a customer who we’ve never met before and has been using our product for a few weeks now give us a raving review (5 min insta story) about how happy she was with taking Lumila and shocked about what great results she had from it. Honestly whenever we hear that someone loves our product it brings a huge smile to our faces.
If you would like to check out their products click here.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I'm terrible at small talk and would rather want to dive straight into sharing our life stories. So here's one of my defining stories. I've been on a journey of getting to know myself since I decided to leave the religion I was raised in at 18. It was the hardest and best thing I've ever done. The religion was so deep-set into every part of my life; what I wore, what I ate, what I watched, my political opinions, and what I thought life was about. To go against what I'd spent my whole life believing was so intense and scary, but it taught me to actively question where my beliefs and values come from. It has made me more adaptable and open-minded and less judgemental and reactive.
What are 3 things you are passionate about & why?
1. Self growth. I believe the best gift we can give to ourselves, our loved ones and the world is to know who we are. The more I understand myself the better my relationships become, the less reactive I become, and the better I take care of myself.
2. Rejecting diet culture. Studying to be a Dietitian really opened my eyes to the huge harms the diet industry causes, and I'm really passionate about helping people stop wasting precious time, stress and energy in trying to change our appearance and instead put this energy into things that light us up.
3. Talking about 'taboo' topics. I think we inherit shame about topics like sex & periods through silence from our
How did you get into health coaching, pilates & dietetics?
I started studying Dietetics first because food was the only thing I could think of enjoying studying for four years!
I decided to do my Pilates teacher training in my third and most difficult year of University which was probably this busiest time of my life - but I don't regret it for a second. I love Pilates so much but it was getting too expensive for a poor Uni student, so I thought, why not get paid to do what I love instead!
I started my Women's Health Coaching course last year because I wanted to expand on my Dietetic skills and move into coaching women to improve their relationship to food and their bodies. I really love that health coaching is about helping a client to forge their own path as they are truly the expert on their life, as opposed to the typical health professional style of giving recommendations.
What inspires you?
People who are both kind and honest.
If you could give any advice to your younger self, what would you say to her?
Trust yourself. Get a menstrual cup. You don't need to shrink yourself to be loved.
Why did you create femme.gc?
I was sitting on this idea for a long time while I was doing a maternity contract in Hervey Bay. Being away from my incredible group of girlfriends really made me appreciate how having a supportive community can really improve your life. I wanted to do something creative that my friends could be apart of, and I also wanted to start networking and building a community of professionals and artists who are also passionate about supporting and empowering women so I could confidently refer my clients to the right people. I wasn't really sure if I'd be able to do it as I can be quite introverted, but the support from my friends has been so overwhelming and having them as part of the project
What does the world need more of?
Emotional literacy. I believe that understanding, owning and giving yourself permission to actually feel your emotions is so healing.
Tell us something that made you smile recently
Chocolate
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Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a 22 year old law student and I live and grew up in Burleigh Heads. I recent started working in my field as a paralegal and I love yoga and all things ocean related.
What is something powerful that you believe?
I believe in karma completely. I think that nothing makes more sense than good things coming to good people and bad things happening to bad. Even if it’s nothing more than a belief, the worst thing that can come out of it is that I strive to be nice and positive in hope that positively comes back to me. Really no downside!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would you say to her?
Stop giving a fuck. Things you think matter don’t. And never, no matter what, stop being kind, compassionate and polite, it’s not cool. It is never cool.
Why is yoga so powerful for you?
I started yoga at a time when I was feeling a bit lost and disconnected from myself. Yoga helped me take a step back and appreciate myself and, the more I practice, my body and my abilities. Yoga complies physical and mental health so perfectly. I value these extremely highly and yoga gives me the chance to work on both while also having fun and throwing, bending and hanging my body around in the process.
Can you talk us through a challenge you have overcome & how you managed it?
I had a pretty rough time in high school. We’ve all experienced in one way or another but I somehow managed to surround myself with some really mean girls and was pretty badly bullied. I also put a lot of pressure on myself to get a good grades, thinking it was the be all and end all. With these couple of issues I ended up with pretty serious anxiety and sent myself into “depression spells” where I wouldn’t be able to speak or really do anything for days at a time. It took a really long time, and help from some really amazing people, but I was able to work through these issues, eventually gain some perspective and realised that I was well and truly capable of accomplishing things if I take my time and not stress the small stuff.
Where is your favourite place you have traveled to?
Each trip I’ve been on has some epic memories attached to it and they’re all up there for their own reasons, but I think my favourite countries would be Morocco, Austria, Japan and Peru. I went to Peru in 2019 to hike the Inca Trail which had been the number 1 on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and it certainly didn’t disappoint, so I think that would have to be the favourite!
What does the world need more of?
People saying good morning to one another! Nothing makes my day more than a stranger saying good morning to me on my walk. It’s such a small act of kindness but for me, it makes my day every time.
Tell us something that made you smile recently
Honestly, isolation. It’s given me a massive, well overdue, chance to just do nothing. I haven’t felt obligated to do things that I usually may have. I’ve really appreciated some solicitude and spending time with my family.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
G’day! My name is Sam, I’m 24 and a globetrotter at heart. I grew up in South East Queensland, which has shaped my love for the ocean, sunshine and the great outdoors. I have experience working in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Germany, which has influenced my resilient nature & love for learning about different cultures. I’m a people enthusiast through and through – which was the reason I studied a degree in tourism and human resources. This, combined with my interest in international relations and engagement, led to me work on large-scale international events and projects. In a nutshell, I’m an eternal lover of puns, sucker for tear-jerker moments and a huge fan of spontaneous adventures.
Who or what inspires you?
My inspiration comes from people who have the courage to take risks. Whether that is changing careers, moving across the world or trying out a new recipe. Risk-takers are bold, confident and not afraid of failure – something I aspire to be. Even if the risk doesn’t pay off – a mind stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions. This is what really inspires me.
What are 3 things you are passionate about & why?
Education - Continuous learning doesn’t always have to be a formal course or degree. I’m passionate about keeping my mind active, whether that’s failing miserably at learning Mandarin, listening to podcasts or having a good chat about a topic I know nothing about.
Body Positivity – It's so important to have a positive mindset towards our bodies, regardless of what society and popular culture tells us.
Food – Food has a way of bringing people together. One of my favourite pastimes is exploring the shelves of a foreign supermarket and experiencing new cuisines. Who couldn’t resist devouring Peking Duk in Beijing, chewing live octopus in a Korean market or inhaling a slice of baklava in Turkey.
Where is your favourite place you have travelled to & why?
This question is tough. I leave a little piece of my heart (& soul) everywhere I go & have been extremely lucky enough to visit 40 countries. Hong Kong will always be really special to me. There’s something about Hong Kong that leaves me feeling energized, that leaves me feeling like I’m missing out on life if I’m not wandering the streets. From dragon boating, to hiking, to the perseverance of its people, it’s a place that consistently leaves my jaw dropped, eyes popped and senses satisfied.
What is your proudest moment so far?
Receiving an Australian Government New Colombo Plan Scholarship has to be one of my proudest moments. I had the opportunity to live in the Indo Pacific region for 12 months, where I undertook multiple internships and finished my studies. Representing your country overseas and contributing to a large-scale initiative is something so special – and is an experience that was absolutely life changing. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to achieve, but I was able to build some wonderful personal and professional relationships that will help strengthen Australia’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific.
What is the most powerful quality a person can have?
Empathy. Having the ability to step outside your own emotions and understand someone’s feelings and perspective is so essential. Even more essential when you can use that understanding to guide your actions, personally and professionally.
What does the world need more of?
Kindness. In a world where we can be anything, it’s so important to be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.
Something that made you smile recently…
My sister recently sent me a video of my nephew welcoming me back to Australia & how excited he was to see me soon. It was so so special. I love my family; they are the ones who constantly make me smile!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Demi and I'm 26! I live on the Gold Coast. I live with my partner Jim and two dogs - Maggie and Moe. I have a business degree and last year decided to study nursing. I think it's a better fit for me and aligns more with who I am as a person. I juggle retail, placement, study and Poeme all from the spare room of my home.
What inspires you?
Anything relaxed, genuine and inclusive inspires me. I enjoy learning and being my own biggest competitor. I like to do things right and in my way.
When did you start creating candles?
I started making candles in high school and had an Etsy account. After I left a toxic e-commerce job I decided to pick it back up again along with clay making.
Why did you create Poeme?
I had a period two years ago when I was depressed and anxious (like a lot of people sadly) and so I started working for a candle and craft supplier that had a ceramic studio next door to help me work through it productively. I was making clay jar vessels for candles and creating my fragrance blends through trial and error and having also done them before when I was in school. I started making them for events like weddings, baby showers, and store openings. After a while, I decided to make Instagram and the website!
What do people need to know about caring for their candles?
The main one is always burning to the edge of the vessel! This avoids tunnelling and wasting wax. Don't burn your candle for more than three hours at a time, especially in small closed-in spaces. Only trim the wick if it mushrooms at the tip too.
What are the core values of your business and why are they important to you?
As cringe as it sounds - just always remaining true to who I am as a person. Don't overstretch myself, don't take the low road when people rip you off and don't say no to helping others who want to learn what I do. Candle-making is a big community - nothing anyone does is that unique!
I pride myself on making my unique blends with plant-based fragrances that have no toxic additives, essential oils and organic oils too such as rosehip and apricot oil.
What are your top 3 self care tips?
Face masks, hair treatments, and a good old body moisturise are great self-care tips - but if we're talking deep inner-self care then I think knowing who you are is a practice of self-care, identifying your boundaries within yourself and with others, and learning to be kind to yourself are good tips!
Tell us something that brought a smile to your face recently
A customer gifted her Nan a care package during isolation with a whole bunch of Poeme products. Her nan liked them so much she sent me a handwritten thank you letter which was so kind and sweet!