What is your role at Down To Earth Organics?
My main role at down to earth is in customer service. You’ll usually find me behind our front counter, trying to resist eating all of the She Universe Chocolates while popping through sales and having a chin wag with some of our beautiful customers.
We would love to know what you are passionate about and how that passion led you to a role with DTE?
I guess I’m passionate about community. I really feel that in our post-covid world, it’s more important than ever that we make an effort to connect with one another. That’s one of the things I love most about Down to Earth. It’s the quintessential corner store where customers are forever bumping into one-another and catching up on life. I love that Down to Earth has created a welcoming environment that encourages social interaction, something so crucial for our wellbeing.
How did you end up on the west coast in Taranaki?
I grew up in Queensland but travelled to New Zealand every other Christmas to visit my mum’s family who lived here. I always thought New Plymouth was magical because of the lights at Pukekura Park. After living in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne for most of my 20’s, I decided to make the move to greener pastures for some time out in nature and hang time with my favourite uncle who was living close to the mountain.
Best tip for those making home in another city / country?
I think for me it’s about finding places where you are likely to bump into like minded people. In the early days of moving here I remember going to Escape and doing a yoga class and thinking that there were some cool people here. I had a chat with the teacher after class and one of the girls who worked in the cafe and felt that I had found a home-away-from-home where I made lots of lifelong friends. For me, It’s really the people that make a place and as long as you have good friends, you will never feel lonely.
What would your perfect Sunday self-care/ self loveday look like? Any favourite daily rituals?
Every Sunday I take my dog Banjo for a long walk and then go for coffee at Ozone. Things I do on the regular to keep myself feeling good include movement, coffee, yummy food and time with my mates.
Do you have any favourite podcasts, books or shows on the go?
Hmmm favourite podcast is probably Ram Dass, Here and Now. He was a spiritual teacher in the late 60’s who has a refreshing and lighthearted take on spirituality. I actually have one of his teacher’s quotes tattooed on my arm, maybe you’ve noticed it? Favourite book is tricky but a good one I read recently was one that Deb gave me called Ikigai (we actually stock it at Down to Earth). It’s a Japanese philosophy about finding your purpose in life - deep! And shows, well I recently finished Ted Lasso which was so heartwarming and funny and full of life lessons - 10/10!
What is your favourite product in-store at the moment?
Well I can’t go past a banjo bear (they actually inspired the name for my dog!) I also love the Eco Sonya Glory Oil (who doesn’t?!) Inika foundation, cod liver oil, raspberry kefir and the rainbow kitchen pies! I also love munching on our fresh, organic fruit and veg and the yummy sourdough from Bumblebee Bakery.
We heard a rumour you’re off on an adventure?
It’s true! I’m lucky enough to be heading to Italy at the end of September for a friend's wedding then planning to make Scotland my new home. It’s bittersweet knowing that my time at Down to Earth is coming to an end but I’m beyond grateful to have had the experience of being part of the Down to Earth family and I’ll always hold the memories close to my heart.
Cheeky disclaimer: No four pawed team members were harmed during this journal post ; food contact between the muse in question was strictly prohibited.