"I tend to turn my focus towards those I love, in service; reaching out to be in connection, to talk, be supportive and let everyone, and myself, know they and I are not alone."

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and your journey to where you are now?

I am turning fifty seven this year. I was born in the UK, my parents travelled from India to the UK in 1951. I married a kiwi, and have had three gorgeous children, who are now all grown up and making their way in the world.

I’ve started and owned several businesses, and been heavily involved in community events and undertakings. I have even won a few awards for those services to the community.

I’m also very creative, channeling that energy into painting, flower arranging, interior design and of course fashion! I live with my husband in the house we built for ourselves in Grey Lynn.

What does self-love mean to you?

Taking the time to look inward, feel what I feel, and apply whatever salve and healing I might need! It also is a time for honouring all that I have achieved, being grateful for what I have, and dreaming up my future.


With everything happening in the world around us right now, it can feel a little chaotic. What is one way you like to ground yourself, to stay present?

I tend to turn my focus towards those I love, in service; reaching out to be in connection, to talk, be supportive and let everyone, and myself, know they and I are not alone.
I also make sure to take time for my morning rituals of self care, including body oiling, meditation, journaling and self-discovery work. I work hard to stay awake and aware of what is going on in my body and mind.

On her self-love ritual:

My mornings are a special, sacred time for me. It’s a time to focus on solely giving to myself, with no one else in my space, allowing a complete focus on my own personal wellness; physical, spiritual and mental, before the day begins.

That means an early start at 5am, in a quiet house. My husband has his own ritual and he heads off to his own space also during this time. It’s a beautiful, peaceful time of the day.

I like to start with some sort of cold-water immersion, either in the pool or in the shower. It’s amazing for your health, your lymphatic system, your skin and your internal fortitude. It has the added bonus of a good wake up! Often, I will then meditate for about 20 minutes. I prefer a mantra based meditation, as that is how I was taught many years ago, through the transcendental meditation movement.

Then it’s on to looking after my body, my skin, my face and hair. When time permits I will give my body a full oiling, with coconut oil, the most amazing way of looking after your skin overall, and pampering yourself with the feeling of rubbing oil into your skin.