Holding a passion for naturally derived and cruelty-free products, Laura founded Bali Body back in 2013 to address the market need of a suncare, self tan and skincare brand that caters to sensitive and sensitised skin.
Let’s start with your background! Can you share with us your career journey and what you’re currently up to?
Prior to Bali Body, I held a history in admin and insurance. Whilst living in Bali for a period of time with my partner Dave, we recognised a gap in the market for safe and naturally derived tanning and body oil products, and thus was born Bali Body!
We’d love to know what a typical day is like for you. Could you describe a recent workday?
The kids get me up, (as early as they possibly can!) and we start the day with family time. After I take the kids to school it’s straight into the office for meetings, emails, product development, photoshoots, etc – It’s non-stop! I finish the day with a quick workout before it’s back home with the family for our nighttime routine. I’m in bed every night by 7:30pm.. and I secretly love it!
Can you define work-life balance for yourself and share with us your approach in maintaining it?
Work-life balance for me is about being able to recognise when and if I’m becoming overwhelmed and if any of my priorities are being shifted or sidelined. My family and kids will always come first and although the hard yards we are putting in now are to essentially give them the best life possible, I always try to remain as present and consistent with them as possible.
I always try to ensure I am engaging in self care too on a daily basis. Things like reading a book, going for a walk, an uninterrupted morning coffee – these are all things that I cherish and bring me back down to earth!
Change is constant, and it’s essential for growth. Have you made any lifestyle changes in the past year to improve your work-life balance?
Most definitely. Since we started Bali Body our lives have been so fluid with change, we are always finding ourselves adapting to the next thing! This year I have really tried to make my work-life balance a priority and have taken my work emails off my phone, (it’s harder than some may think!) and have taken more days out of the office to be able to spend time with my family. I find if I’m recharged, I’m a better leader.
We’re always on the lookout for new resources! Can you recommend any books, podcasts, or newsletters that have helped you in your journey towards balance?
I love mindfulness apps such as Calm, even when I put these on in the car I can feel myself winding down on the drive home. To be honest, I really try to observe people I look up to and think to myself – how can I adopt the outlook I’m seeing in front of me and how can I learn from these people? Always stay open-minded and you’ll be surprised what you can learn everyday!
Before we wrap up, do you have any final words of wisdom or insights on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
If you put in the work and have a passion for something, you will see results. Consistency is key. However, if you don’t take a step back and look at everything from an outside perspective and really think to yourself – what am I doing this for, then you can get lost in rushing to the destination. Enjoy the journey, be present and work hard!
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