Live Like a Heroine with Lucy Folk
For this edition of Live Like a Heroine, we travel to Australia with Lucy Folk. The founder of her eponymous jewellery and lifestyle brand shares the rituals, places and philosophies that shape her days, from sunrise swims and circadian living to family life, Formentera escapes and the Australian relationship with nature, freedom and wellbeing.
Muse and Heroine. What changed in you when you created your wonderful brand that, I believe, is a unique interpretation of your favourite things?
I was quite young when my brand began and it felt like a very natural extension of my creative world out in the wild. Its wonderful to be naive when starting something as you take more risks. I remember walking into Colette with my jewellery assuming it was ok to arrange an appointment to see the buyer or even show the staff behind the counter. Little did I know that there was protocol and that probably happened countless times daily.
What are you obsessed with right now? It can be about wellness, health, beauty, places, rituals, or even a feeling you’re searching for. Or all of the above.
I’m always searching for a little more balance between work, family and self. I care so deeply about my family and my work and sometimes I need to prioritize a sense of self where I quiet the mind and move my body! I recently learnt a new way to meditate and I have been practicing Resonance. It’s a powerful technique that can heal a myriad of things and I need to prioritise this practice daily.
What wellness or physical habit genuinely transformed your energy, yet people still tend to underestimate?
My relationship with my partner has had an incredible impact on me. Joffrey is full of wisdom related to health and he has taught me about Circadian Rhythm. To wake with the sun, to watch the sunrise with our family and swim in the ocean shortly after. This ritual has brought our family so much joy and vigor. We also keep the lights off at night and favour amber or red light to help our bodies slowly (and naturally) adjusting to the dark.
What is your non-negotiable ritual today?
I drink one glass of copper water in the morning which is an ancient ayurvedic tradition. This benefits digestion, immunity and the ageing process. I do love my skincare ritual. Everyday I am excited to use Janine’s products. I feel illuminated once I have completed the routine. Even my parents have adopted this skincare ritual and they are GLOWING!
“My relationship with my partner has had an incredible impact on me. Joffrey is full of wisdom related to health and he has taught me about Circadian Rhythm.”
The supplement or ingredient you absolutely can’t live without?
Water (preferably Capi) which is mineral rich and sourced from Victoria’s Central Highlands and is our family business founded by my father. Water and the Sun are the most valuable life force.
What’s your most effective low-effort, high-impact habit over the long term?
Drinking the finest water. We also ensure our house has a transformer device on the mains water. Our system is called Mea Water. This purpose is to structure our water and eliminate the chlorine and nasties. This benefits the whole family, and I highly recommend to all.
What is one thing you do that most people would probably find surprising or unusual?
I don’t exercise much. I prefer to be with my family in the morning instead of exercising. I find this more enriching than exercise as it’s a moment of calm in nature before the day really begins. The oxytocin hit is high!
Where do you truly reconnect and reset?
Formentera! We go annually and I adore it. It’s the island pace, the proximity to water, the sun, its holidays. I feel so happy and my cup is full. The energy is freeing. Maybe it’s the lack of clothes you wear too! Perhaps I was a Naturist in my former life….
What is your current beauty and wellness destination obsession?
At this time of year we are craving Europe. Its winter here in Australia and the sun is shining in the Northern Hemisphere. I have been lusting after the Rooster Hotel in Antiparos / Greece and this year it could finally happen.
Is there a place you return to again and again?
I love Japan. I find it so inspiring. The food, culture, rituals. It’s so foreign yet I am completely at home there. I would LOVE to go to a spa in Japan.
What have you kept from your younger self that still guides you today?
Swim in the ocean as much as you can! Keep smiling! The sun will always be your life force.
“I don’t exercise much. I prefer to be with my family in the morning instead of exercising. (...) The oxytocin hit is high!”
At what moment of the day do you feel the strongest, the most aligned with yourself?
In the morning. After the sun has risen and I have had a swim. It’s the most magical start to the day! Before our phones are switched off airplane mode!!
Australia has always projected a very particular relationship to nature, freedom, beauty and wellbeing. How has your own relationship to Australia evolved over the years?
Australia will always be home. I am at ease in nature. By the ocean. As kids we ran free in the wild, I had a sense of adventure and curiosity. I adore that my kids can experience this sense of adventure in Australia as the nature remains well preserved. Sometimes we are barefoot in the morning, even at a café close to the beach. The relaxed lifestyle prevails.
Where do you think the most interesting energy in Australia is happening right now?
I find myself gravitating towards places like Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. There are weekly farmers markets, the best natural ice cream you will ever try (Bush Creamery), the quintessential creek side café (The Salty Mangrove), concerts in Church Halls, a pub called the Eltham which you must visit. The young community of creatives are leading the path in food, music and culture. Its mystical driving around the Hinterland and you can’t help but extend your stay and get taken places you wouldn’t imagine exist. You will find dolphins following you along the Lighthouse walk and when the surf is up it’s a race to the beach!
If someone wanted to experience your version of Australia for a few days, where would you send them first?
Ahhh…this is a great question. I would say Sydney as you have the balance of the city and the beach. You can have a swim in the morning, visit a museum, do some great shopping and eat at a wonderful restaurant. You could even take a nice walk around the harbour or along the coastline. It’s quite an incredible introduction to Australia. The iconic landmarks, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge. It’s pretty spectacular. I adore Byron Bay for the spirit of the region, the beauty of the landscape, the fresh produce, the people and the particular energy which is magnetic.
What are the three places in Australia you believe everyone should experience at least once for beauty, wellness or inspiration? And why?
Byron Bay – food, wellness, nature. Melbourne – Art Museums, food scene, music. Sydney – landmarks, beaches, food scene.
I think you can see a pattern. You can practice your own wellness in any of these places. Dancing can be the best medicine, laughing, swimming, love! Eating delicious meals makes me feel energised. We have incredible therapists from Facial to Chinese. If you need any tips please ask! My friends come to me for tips as we do some major foraging when we are travelling to seek out the things we desire most. Time is precious. I don’t like to waste it!