What inspired you to pursue a career in digital entrepreneurship and writing?
I was working at Net-a-Porter in London at the time and watched on screen, just how many people were shopping online at the time, it blew me away. This was the beginning of digital, that’s when I started my website and working toward a career in the digital world.
Can you share a bit about your background and upbringing in Perth, Western Australia?
I grew up in Perth, Western Australia. My grandfather was a Queens Counsellor who brought the drinking age down from 21 to 18 in Australia. He was often giving advice to Politicians and entertaining various people coming to Australia from overseas. I looked up to him a lot, he was incredibly hard working.
We had a large family of seven. I have two brothers and a step brother and step sister. You can imagine with five children there was never a dull moment in our household!
You've published twelve books globally - which one are you most proud of and why?
Style in Paris is one that I’m most proud of because it details the style and culture of Parisian life. All the women are so inspiring and the advice they give about style is timeless.
What led you to become an Ambassador for various luxury brands?
When I first started my website, I had established a site where I was interviewing various women, which started to attract a large audience and with many women wanting to be interviewed. This is what led to the first book: Good to Glow and then ultimately after that The Game Changers. I had a lot of brands reaching out that I partnered with.
How did your experience as an international model inform your work as an Art Director for Net-a-Porter and various magazine publications?
I was in Greece modelling for Vogue at the time and I met the Art Director on set. I still remember she was carrying a beautiful large lady Dior handbag and she was a very stylish woman. I started talking to her about her career in magazines and thats when I decided that I wanted to move into a career in publishing.
As a strong advocate for women's health and empowerment, which charities do you support and why?
I have supported various charities from AMFAR, Ralph Lauren Pink Pony, Pink Hope and various others that have raised awareness for breast cancer, ovarian cancer and children with special needs.
Can you tell us about your experience interviewing Hollywood producers and celebrities, and how it has influenced your work?
What is remarkable is just how humble some of the most successful people are. These have been the people that I have admired the most. They have achieved so much on so many levels and then they tell you how rock bottom they were in the middle of it all. It just makes you realise that we all have challenges, but what separates them, is that they keep going.
The Game Changers book inspired my work going forward, and I believe it helped me to achieve more, remembering all these women’s stories.
How did your book Fashion & Style become a #1 Bestseller in France and the US?
Fashion & Style was released in the middle of the Pandemic. It featured different women from around the world about their style and fashion choices. When it came out, I posted across my instagram and within a week, it was at number one.
Which of your books do you think has had the biggest impact on your readers?
Fashion & Style had the most impact. It’s my story of how I came into the fashion industry and how I started out. It also gives advice on how to get into the industry. The women interviewed also give incredible advice on how to cultivate a timeless wardrobe.
Can you share any tips for aspiring writers and entrepreneurs in the digital space?
Find what you love doing and try to combine it with a career. Learn to zig. Then zag.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Well I guess like anything you will have rejections and be told no on many occasions.
It’s just learning to find other ways.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward in your career and personal life?
Honestly it is hard to stay motivated especially when we all have other life priorities that we need to give our energy to. What motivates me, is just having that time to myself, when I can think clearly to come up with new ideas. I think we all need to take time for ourselves to be better people.
What's next for you? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations in the works?
There is a lot more coming, yes.
How do you balance your work with your personal life and self-care?
I make sure I eat healthy, exercise and take time for myself.
What advice would you give to your younger self, knowing what you know now?
To never listen to what other people say. Follow your own advice and passion.
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Photographer: Hana Le Van @hanalevan_
Model: Steph Adams @stephadams2012
PR & Media: Roger Fordham @stephadams2012