Kimberley Verschuur is the Founder of Ellus & Krue, a family-run, Australian owned skincare startup, she launched in Mach this year.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I am the founder of Ellus & Krue, a family run, Australian made and owned company that has recently launched its debut range of scientifically formulated skincare that harnesses the power of nature to improve the look and feel of your skin.

After graduating university, I worked various roles in communications and financial services in both Australia and the United Kingdom. My most recent role was a economic data analyst covering the Australian and New Zealand markets at a financial news wire.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

As a start-up company that launched in March this year, no two days are ever the same and this can be a challenge to plan for.

As COVID-19 has changed the way we work, I’m now working from home full time which is something that I have never done before, so its proving to be a blessing for work life balance as I now start the day by walking my dog each morning.

I then return home for a coffee and check my emails and Microsoft Teams for any updates posted overnight. I then start work on my to do list which is something that I have always done.

As I’m working on so many things at once, sometimes it feels like you never actually make a dent or complete a task, so that’s why I love my to do list as it keeps me on track and also gives me a fantastic sense of completion when I can cross a task off the list.

As my day to day role is all about the overall brand I work with the production, new product development and design teams and am also involved in lots of video calls.

At the end of the day, I head into the kitchen and unwind by cooking a meal for my family.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

Absolutely, we offer both flexible and remote working. Since COVID-19 I have been working from home which has been an adjustment for me as I am used to more daily face to face interactions in the office.

However, as office life has changed so have I and I think I have adapted quite well. You learn quickly how to find the information you are after and that your colleagues are only a video call or chat message away.

Even though the team are separated whilst working remotely, we have become better communicators.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

As a start-up company you are always thinking of ideas, establishing process, and executing strategy for the very first time, some work and some must go back to the drawing board. There is a lot of time and effort involved in this process and it can be consuming.

I believe that you should always give yourself the time to take care of yourself at the beginning and end of each day and do something that’s not work related whether that be going for a run or walk, cooking a meal or simply reading your favourite book.

Working from home and need inspiration? Grab a copy of our Workflow book, featuring beautiful photos and inspiring stories from workspaces around the world.

5) In the past 12 months, have you started/stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

Definitely. In the past 12 months I have really tried to step outside my comfort zone and try new things at work. I have taken on projects that are were not part of my skill set but by pushing the boundaries, doing research and training, I have managed to upskill myself in areas that I would have never thought 12 months ago.

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

One of my favourite books is the Widow Clicquot, which is the story of the iconic yellow label champagne empire and the woman who ruled it. Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin took charge of the label after her husband’s death and turned the company from a struggling wine business into the successful multinational company that it has become today. She was one of the first great businesswoman and her story is truly remarkable and inspiring.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

I think its important, especially when working from home when the line to between work and life gets a little blurred sometimes, to really take the time to sit down and switch off. I like to unwind at the end of each day with a brain game, my favourite at the moment is BlockuDoku, it’s a combination of Tetris and Sudoku.

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

Oprah Winfrey. She is the businesswoman of our era and is not only the original queen of talk shows, she is the queen of media, branching out into acting, publishing, television production and philanthropy.

Beyond the wealth and accolades, Oprah overcame adversity, her fears and self-doubt to build an empire where she shattered the glass ceiling. I would really know how she did this whilst maintaining a work life balance as I find her truly innovative and inspiring.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

Always take time for yourself and do things that make you laugh!

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