Have you been keeping up with our #FindYourDowntime series? To celebrate the recent launch of our first-ever sustainable downtime wear range, Boody Lounge, we’re profiling an assortment of talented and passionate women who discuss what drives them and how they find time to unwind.
Our latest interview is extra special because we caught up with one of the gorgeous models from our Boody Lounge campaign photoshoot, Kate Bell. Having worked as a model since 1989 and lived and travelled all over the world, Kate Bell definitely has a few stories to tell. Here she tells us some of these, as well as how she finds her downtime and what her favourite Boody Lounge styles are.
You've been working as a model all over the world since 1989. Tell us a bit about this amazing journey you've been on.
When I first started I got asked “What are you going to do after modelling finishes?”, and I’d think: “what do you mean?”. Then, about 10 years ago I realised modelling would always come along if I was willing. I think of modelling as ‘Mana from Heaven’ and a vehicle to process my existence. I’ve travelled and lived in many places on earth and I work with my tribe – a whole bunch of creative kooks who get me and love me for being me.
What has been your biggest achievement in your modelling career to date?
1. That I’m still standing, haha! And that I’m getting direct bookings for high-end brands and being flown around the world to shoot for them.
2. I’m a pioneer as a ‘classic model’ (previously unheard of) for the world's largest target market: women 50+ with 2&1/2 x more to spend. I hope my ‘still standing’ gives all women courage and confidence to make powerful choices to live their best lives being seen and feeling relevant at any age.
Any advice to aspiring young models?
Yoga has been my rudder, I would say “find your thing”, usually what you’re already good at or have always been interested in, and practice the s**t out of it. Develop your unique skill outside of modelling.
Outside of modelling, you live a holistic lifestyle and have been practising yoga for 30 years. Can you tell us about this?
I just think we have such a short, precious time on earth and I really want to live mentally, emotionally and physically as well as I can to make the most out of it!
How does living a holistic life inform your every day?
Holistic/Wholistic; Believing we are all part of one massive energetic soup, #weareallinthistogether brings a sense of responsibility for every thought and every action.
We know you're a big Boody fan. Tell us what you love about our sustainable everyday essentials.
OMG Boody gear is SO COMFORTABLE. Wearing them is win-win all round (there’s that holistic thing again).
Any favourites from our Boody Lounge range?
I love the Downtime Lounge Top that you can wear all day and all night. And the Chunky Bed Socks are sooo soft-n-snuggly.
How do you #FindYourDowntime?
I find my downtime being in nature, at the beach, reading a book...
Any exciting plans for the future? What's next?
Every day is a blessing. I’m looking forward to Bali at the end of November learning new ‘female yoga’, and you know, Mana might just fall from heaven tomorrow sweeping me up on a fantastic and fun shoot! Whoohoo!
Follow Kate on Instagram to join her on her journey.
You may also like
Interviews
An Open Letter on Mother’s Day
A letter to the women who gave me life and the daughters I birthed into this world. All having an impact and shaping me into the woman I am right now; the mother, the daughter and the granddaughter. My daughters Millie bobby & Lakey Boh, words can't describe the way I feel about you both and the unconditional love that fills my heart knowing you are mine. One of my biggest dreams growing up was to be a mum; to fall in love, have a family and live a happy, healthy, well balanced life. I feel so blessed that my dream is now a reality. Falling pregnant with you both brought me so much joy and excitement.To experience life dancing inside my womb was magic and birthing you was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I thank my lucky stars you girls chose me to be your mum. I promise to be there for you and help guide you through life, but allow you to find your own path. I will teach you and encourage you both to live life to its fullest, dream big, stand strong for your beliefs, show kindness and love. Love life, love hard and love yourself. As girls who will grow into women, you may come across challenges, you may have your heart broken, you may question yourself, you may find yourself lost. Just know that I am here and you are capable of anything. My girls, I want you to know that You are beautiful You are smart You are worthy You are kind You are loved You are like no other You are you And that's truly all you need to be. My world lies with you. Forever your biggest cheerleader. I love you with every part of me. Love your mummy My mum,Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done and continue to do for me. Only now as a mum myself I truely understand. All the sleepless nights, the cooking to ensure we ate well, the cleaning and never ending laundry, personal taxi driver, unconditional love and the worrying that comes with the role. I feel so blessed to have you and our family. You worked so hard to give myself and my brother so much growing up and continue to give as I have my own family. I appreciate you, your giving nature and willingness to help when needed. From minding my girls, picking up groceries, cooking for us or giving a helping hand around the house. Now a Nonna to my girls, I thank you for your guidance. Millie adores you and enjoys her days with you. Nonna being one of her first words it was evident you had a big impression on her early on. Millie and Lakey are so lucky to have you and I'm so happy I get to watch your relationship with them. You areMy inspiration. My mentor.My friend . I love you To my grandma and Ma to my daughters,We have always just clicked; our love for arts and crafts, our love for a good chat, our love for outdoors and the ocean and our love for family. I've always felt special being your first grandchild and Pa's princess. I have so many good memories growing up at your house, outside playing with Ben (dog) or swimming in the pool. It was my second home and I loved it. You inspire me in many ways, You yourself, a mum of 6, it blows my mind. What a super woman you are. And now a grandma to 15 and a Ma to 2, such a big achievement. You should be so proud. You are a woman of routine, rain hail or shine. In the early hours of the morning you swim in the rock pool with your community of friends and fellow locals. I love this so much and enjoy telling others what a routine to have. What a way to feel alive within the ocean. Pure bliss. I'm so proud of you this last year after the passing of your loving husband, my pa. You are so loved by everyone around you and know I'm always here for you. I love you deeply Mother Nature,It seemed fit to include you in this letter as I have so much to thank you for. I am so blessed to have grown up and currently still live in a beautiful area called the Sutherland Shire. It is such an amazing area to live, grow up and watch my girls grow up in. After becoming a mother for the very first time, I was introduced to a natural way of living. Choosing plants over chemicals, choosing to become aware of ingredients and do research into the products my family use. Choosing safer natural alternatives where possible. Choosing health, wellness and happiness. Choosing to share my journey and build my community. Choosing to make a difference. The last 2.5yrs I have empowered myself and given my daughters a better start to life knowing I'm reducing their toxic exposure. I am connecting with like minded people and small businesses. It has been an eye opener and I am forever grateful. LoveLara Lara wears our Shaper Crop Bra and Classic Bikini. Shop now Follow Lara at @theessentialcoPhotos by @tashwhittyphotography
Interviews
An interview with Marlee Silva, Tiddas 4 Tiddas Founder
Marlee Silva, also known as the ultimate multi-tasker is the force behind Tiddas 4 Tiddas, a writer, a podcast host, and a published author. Marlee launched the Instagram platform Tiddas 4 Tiddas ('tidda' is an Aboriginal word for sister) in November of 2018 with her sister, Keely.
Interviews
International Women's Day | With Phoebe Ghorayeb
To mark International Women’s Day this year, we asked women who are part of our community, how the official IWD 2020 theme #ChooseToChallenge speaks to them. Meet Phoebe Ghorayeb, a mum, a wife, a model, a presenter and a blogger at [MODEL] Appetite.