For us, everyday things — friends and family, acts of service, a candle, sleeping in, the way light falls in a moment, the sounds of native birds, the ocean — and special memories bring richness and soul to our lives.
In this Journal piece, our gorgeous Still Life model Marla and our founder Mahsa share some of the places, people and things that make up their ‘still life’.
Describe your still life, briefly?
Marla: Mountains, the saturated green of fern leaves during sunshine, journalling, African music from my childhood, a heartfelt hug, receiving a letter in the mail knowing someone thought of me.
Mahsa: The ocean, my still place even when it’s onshore and windy and wild. It always clears my energy.
Any inspiring podcasts of late?
Marla: I’m not a big podcast person. I am, however, an avid reader and currently find solace in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “Braiding Sweetgrass”. She poetically introduces nature, from sweetgrass to strawberries to pecans, as her teacher and longingly talks about her indigenous connection to land that is just as much part of her as she is of it.
Mahsa: I’ve been listening the The Diary of the CEO on Spotify and Huberman Lab of late.
Your favourite country or city to travel to?
Marla: Nepal. I’ve never experienced gratitude, kindness, love and generosity being given so freely and in abundance as I did there.
Mahsa: I like Paris (city of style and love) but I am very keen to travel to a surf break — Mexico, Byron Bay, Bali… until then Raglan, Ahipara and Piha.
What do you appreciate about life right now?
Marla: The feeling of knowing that I have people around me that will be there for me just as I will be for them.
Mahsa: Authenticity, being unapologetically myself and showing up for myself and my children.
What you are looking forward to this summer and new year?
Marla: Seeing my family! They are simply too far away (UK & Germany). And the new opportunities presenting themselves to me.
Mahsa: Lots of surfing, sleeping, reading, swimming, and slowing down is my bliss.
What’s top of your bucket list, if you dream big?
Marla: A house in the forest, with a lot of ferns around me. Green and warm. Filled with family and sunshine. Growing my own vegetables. A healthy, happy, peaceful life.
Mahsa: To present a collection with ample time and budget, write a film script or book.
