Please tell us a bit about yourself and the work that you do.

I live in a small coastal town in the Mid Coast NSW with my active husband, lively toddler and anxious dog. I thrive on the balance of cosy home life and doses of outdoor adventures. You'll often find me starting my day with a steaming cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast, ready to tackle whatever comes my way. I'm also obsessed with anything herbal tea. 

As a part-time nutritionist with degrees in Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Human Nutrition, I'm passionate about helping families prioritise their health and wellbeing through evidence-based nutrition practices. From hosting small group classes to offering personalised guidance, I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed choices about their nutrition and overall wellness. It's a fulfilling journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to positively impact my community.

Through your work/business what is the impact that you hope to make and why?

My primary goal is to help parents, especially those from minority backgrounds, understand how important it is to include culturally diverse foods in their children's diets. I want to make sure every child gets the best start in life, regardless of their background. One of the key impacts I aim to make is to address the disparities in health outcomes often seen among minority communities, particularly in children. By celebrating cultural foods, I hope to foster a sense of connection to heritage and tradition while also promoting better health. I hope my work encourages families to embrace their cultural roots in the kitchen and feel confident that they're nourishing their children in the best possible way.

How would you say you arrived into finding your purpose?

I've always had a passion for health and wellness, but my journey to finding my purpose has been anything but conventional. I started down a somewhat unorthodox career path, dabbling in various roles within the health science space, primarily in public health research. However, I quickly realised that I wanted to make a more direct impact in the community, rather than being confined to a lab or office setting. Through trial and error, I discovered that my true calling lay in nutrition, but not just any nutrition- nutrition that embraces cultural heritage and diversity. Being first-generation born in Australia, I felt a deep connection to my heritage and saw a lack of representation of diverse nutritionists in this space.

Combining my background in health science with my desire to make a difference in the lives of people like me, I found my purpose. I wanted to empower individuals, especially those from minority backgrounds, to embrace their cultural foods and traditions while promoting better health. My journey has been shaped by my passion for community impact, my desire to reconnect with my heritage, and the recognition of a gap in the field. It's been a journey of self-discovery, but now I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be- helping others find their path to health and happiness through culturally diverse nutrition.

How do you balance your social life, work life, health, family?

Balancing everything can definitely be a juggling act, especially with a little one and another on the way! Living in a small town has its perks, but it can also mean fewer options for socialising or finding childcare support. For me, it's all about prioritising and making the most of the time I have. Ultimately, it's all about finding a rhythm that works for our family and being okay with the occasional imbalance. Some days may feel chaotic, but knowing that I'm doing my best helps me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

1. First and foremost, family comes first. This means carving out dedicated family time, whether it's going for walks together, playing in the backyard, or snuggling up for storytime.

2. My work life is also important, but I've had to adjust my expectations and be flexible. Fortunately, I can work remotely and set my own hours, which allows me to spend more time with my family. I try to maximise productivity during nap times or after bedtime, and I'm fortunate to have understanding clients who value my expertise and flexibility.

3. As for my health, staying active is essential for both my physical and mental wellbeing. I love running, pilates and being outdoors, so I make it a priority to incorporate exercise into my routine, even if it means pushing the stroller or going for shorter runs. It's my time to recharge and clear my mind.

4. Balancing social life can be a bit trickier, especially in a small town, but I've found ways to stay connected with friends and neighbours. Whether it's hosting playdates at home, joining local mom groups, or attending community events, I try to make time for socialising when I can.

What do you do in order for you to carve out some time for yourself?

Carving out time for myself is essential for my wellbeing. I prioritise selfcare by finding small pockets of time throughout the day. I'm a morning person so I try to wake up before my little one does, but I also try to find time during nap times or after bedtime, where I indulge in activities that recharge me, like reading a book, doing some form of exercise, or getting a facial. I also make it a point to communicate with my partner and ask for support when I need it, whether it's watching our kid for a bit or helping with household chores. Additionally, I've learned to let go of perfectionism and embrace imperfection, allowing myself to take breaks and not feel guilty about it. It's all about finding balance and making selfcare a non-negotiable part of my routine. 

What do you do to get yourself into a state of creativity?

Getting into a creative state isn't an everyday occurrence for me, but when I need that spark, I turn to activities that inspire fresh ideas. Spending time outdoors, whether on a walk or run, helps me connect with nature and tends to spark new perspectives. I also find inspiration through podcasts that resonate with me, and I make time for brainstorming sessions where I jot down ideas freely. I generally stick to the health & wellness genre! Working on social media helps to fill up my creativity bucket by creating content, scrolling through feeds, engaging with content, and sharing my own ideas and perspectives. It also often leads to new insights and inspiration.

If you were to share something about your business/work to a stranger what would it be? (Give us a one paragraph elevator pitch of your business/the work that you do) - we share this response to introduce your feature in this series, not as a Q&A.

I'm on a mission to shake up the status quo when it comes to children's nutrition. As a nutritionist, I offer a fresh perspective that celebrates diversity and cultural richness in food choices. My approach isn't about fitting into societal norms but rather about empowering parents and families to embrace their unique dietary preferences while prioritising health and wellness. I specialise in promoting sustainable and long term solutions to health, rather than quick fixes. Through personalised guidance and evidence-based practices, I help families to make informed choices. Whether it's through one-on-one consultations, community workshops, small group classes or online resources, my aim is to make healthy eating accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for everyone, regardless of background or upbringing. 

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