It can be easy to fall into the everyday-is-the-weekend mode when you are home
daily, or completely removed from your regular routine. However, finding some
exercise structure while in quarantine is the key to keeping your body moving.
Regardless of your daily obligations, try to find time each day to MOVE!
Your home workout routine should:
• Fit your lifestyle
• Include an exercise method you enjoy (or at least can complete)
• Leave you feeling energized!
Here are a few reminders to keep you on the move:
Some is Better Than None: Don’t beat yourself up; this temporary new normal can bring up all sorts of changes, emotions and unexpected turns. Aim to move daily, even on days you’re feeling a bit unmotivated. Chances are, once you start, you may continue exercising longer than you expected.
Mix It Up to Nix Boredom: We are so fortunate to have advanced technology that allows us to access live streams, online fitness libraries, subscriptions and channels. Take advantage of this by creating a semi-flexible weekly workout plan, changing up your routine (e.g. Monday online class, Tuesday self-workout, Wednesday fitness live stream, etc.). Set yourself up for success and schedule it!
Make It A Family Affair: Home with kids? Get them involved! You can create a
family circuit with stations with older kids or take a family online class. With
younger kids and toddlers, invite them to join you by incorporating a few exercises
they can do, or sneak in a few exercise moves while they have tummy time or are
playing independently or taking a nap. Remember, exercise can be cumulative; a few mini sessions throughout the day counts! Perhaps you’re home alone? Ask a friend or family member to join you virtually for a self-designed workout, or join a virtual class together. Or perhaps grab your headphones and plan a walking phone call, chatting with a distant loved one while you both get fresh air.
Take It Outside: Fresh air and sunshine can go a long way in helping to energize
you. Walking or running outside may be a good choice, or even choosing to do your workout on your patio, in an open garage or perhaps in a open outdoor space with few people may be a good choice.
Regardless of what you choose, just move, and do it often!
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Deanndria Mujahid is a Miami-based Pilates instructor and studio owner of Conscious Movement Pilates in Coral Gables, Florida. In addition to being a fit-preneur, she is the mother of two young children and loves to inspire others to move well and feel good in their own skin. @cmpilates @fitfatfoodiemama
So, as you know, leopard print has made a comeback. From jackets and tanks, to big bold earrings and subtle ankle boots, leopard print is definitely getting its fair share of fame.
And, while we released a few different types of leopard leggings in the past that include sand, black, navy and white ombre, we recently dropped the holy grail of chic leopard print.
We’ve highly anticipated this reunion and would like to introduce you to our best selling Rockell Leggings in Embossed Leopard!
Why we love these leggings
Our Rockell Leggings have been our best sellers because they combine performance and fashion into one versatile piece. They’re high waisted with a thick waistband, giving you all the support and tummy-tucking stability you need, while also eliminating muffin tops. They are made with four-way stretch material, giving you freedom of movement whether you’re hitting the gym or rocking them as an everyday piece. Plus, they’re built with antimicrobial, quick-drying and odor-resistant fabric, making them switch from studio function to street fashion with ease.
While the details of the yoga pants make them highly functional, the new Embossed Leopard print makes them absolutely chic, and fierce!
The black leopard print is subtle, yet bold enough to make a fashion statement. It gives flare to the standard, yet essential black leggings while also showing a fun and sophisticated look. There’s plenty of opportunity to do leopard-print the wrong way, but this style exemplifies the print just right.
Style it
If you’re a lover of matching sets, then you’re in luck. Pair these yoga leggings with our strappy Lola Bra in Embossed Leopard to get a fiercely fashionable look! To complete the outfit, you can either add a classy knee-length duster, throw on a charcoal oversized sweatshirt, or rock a subtle open-back long sleeve.
You can easily take the look even further by styling your yoga outfit with accessories. Throw on mala beads, statement bracelets and hooped earrings to maximize your street look. Of course, even your shoe choice and hairstyle can add a different vibe to your outfit.
No matter how you decide to wear it, our latest Rockell Leggings in Embossed Leopard will be your newest and trendiest favorite amongst your yoga gear. Be ahead of the fashion trends and get it while it’s hot!
]]>You can easily transform your flowy tanks by tying a side or center knot at the bottom of the fabric. This simple accessory adds a stylish and effortless touch to your go-to gym tank.
Add a jacket
Your favorite set is way too cute to be confined within the walls of your local studio. That matching high waisted leggings and strappy bra combo can easily be transformed to a street look by adding a jacket. For a down-to-earth, but trendy look, compliment your set with a knee length duster or loose-fitting shrug.
Throw on an oversized sweater
Look effortlessly chic by throwing on an oversized sweater with your favorite pair of leggings. Not only will you be comfortable, but you’ll serve up the latest trends in boho chic fashion. Want to add even more style to your outfit? Top it off with a pair of ankle boots and rock your hair in a top knot.
It’s all in the details
Taking any studio look to street style boils down to the accessories. Transform your yoga outfit by adding long necklaces, a few silver or gold bangles, and a couple accent rings. Rock a sporty look with a pair of sneakers, or go more sophisticated by wearing boots. If you want to go the distance with the least amount of effort, wear your hair in a messy braid or top knot. Have some extra time in the morning? Style your hair with a wavy blow out or beachy curls. If you haven’t heard before, the secrets are always in the details.
This is my first tip because it is something I love to do. Make the purpose of your next trip a fitness goal. Road racing is a wonderful experience. Realistically, the purpose of a race is to finish, so there is no stress or pressure to be the best. Not only are you providing yourself with the ultimate tour of a city, but the on-course support and the companionship of runners can make the experience enjoyable. There are many races around the world to choose from including running through the streets of San Francisco, by the Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans, and past Buckingham Palace in London. My favorite? I love running the races through Walt Disney World. What a weekend!
What to wear: Vie’s Lili Leggings in Burgundy come complete with dual side pockets to stash your photo for snapshots during race. You’ll love the gorgeous color and it’ll guarantee you stand out from the crowd!
Choose to take walking tours
When you arrive at a destination and are provided with sight seeing options, choose to take a walking tour! Opt not to sit on a bus tour, but go out and get your body moving as you explore a new destination. This is not only a healthier option but is also a better way to become acquainted with an area.
What to wear: Throw on the Sophia Sweatshirt for easy, on-the-go travel. This piece is lightweight and perfect for all types of weather and comfortable enough to wear while walking around the city all day.
Yoga!
Yoga is a physical activity which can be done within the space of a hotel room and which does not require equipment. This is a great way to stay fit while traveling because you can get your practice done in the privacy of your own room, on a beach or in a park. Basically, where ever you like!
What to wear: Vie’s Rockell Leggings are perfect for yoga — they’re comfortable, quick dry, and feature slimming compression. Pack a pair of the new Sand Leopard Ombre for major style points.
Choose an active destination
When you are deciding on which destination to travel, choose one with active options. This can be anything from hiking, surfing, skiing or any other athletic endeavor. This focuses your trip around fitness without you even knowing it, simply because it's fun. Choose destinations where day hikes are accessible or consider turning your trip into a camping trip!
What to wear: Pack the Rosie Full Length Leggings in Vie’s signature brushed material. These soft and comfy leggings will keep you warm during hikes in the early morning or at a high elevations!
Find your inner gymnast and work on that core
There are a variety of options for working on your core, which like yoga, do not take much room or equipment. If you are going to choose just one thing to do, its always a good idea to centre on your core. Use a fitness app, or the internet for exercises and give them a try! My personal rule of thumb…which ever exercise I choose, I always do a minimum of three sets of each. Make the most out of the moment you have dedicated to yourself.
What to wear: The Chelsey Bra will keep you supported during a quick workout and easily layers underneath a tee-shirt or tank for the rest of your day!
Go for a run
Packing for a trip can be complicated. It can be hard not to bring everything and the kitchen sink, but the harsh reality is, there is just not that much room. One thing that you likely will pack however, are running shoes. Lucky for you, running shoes are all you need to…well…run! Running is also an amazing way to explore a city. You get to be up close and personal with your surroundings. On the move you will see much of the destination and but of course you can always stop to admire your present location. When you arrive at your destination, decide on a running route and enjoy! Just make sure you are conscious that the route you choose is safe.
What to wear: The Lindsay Bra is a must-have for long runs and short sprints alike! Plus, the cute strappy style is a showstopper.
Walk and take the stairs when you can
It's the little things that count when considering fitness. Small choices exist throughout the day which affect your physical self. So you have selected a restaurant you want to try in your new destination. Great! Instead of taking an Uber or cab there, try walking to the restaurant! If you are wanting to get to a certain lookout, instead of alternative transport, take the stairs! An elevator in a museum? No thanks, stairs again!
What to wear: A simple tank is the ultimate travel staple and the Marissa Tank will keep you cool and dry regardless of how many stairs you take!
The key to staying fit while traveling is to factor fitness into your lifestyle. There are always choices that can be made throughout the day that will impact your fitness level. Take the stairs, walk, go for a run, choose active destinations, dedicate a moment to yourself, or even travel for fitness. Where ever you go, have fun while staying fit.
About the Author
Kim Davies is the creator of the Toronto-based travel blog, Walkaboot Travel. As a lover of active adventure she believes in living life to its fullest. Follow her blog or her Instagram account to see where her travels take her!]]>We know you love your leggings, and we couldn’t be happier! In fact, we want your stretchy apparel to last as long possible. If you’re like us, your activewear doubles as leisurewear, brunch wear, and sometimes even workwear. With that much wear, proper care can seriously lengthen the lifespan of your leggings.
It isn’t rocket science, but we hope these tips can lengthen the lifespan of your leggings! We want to see you rockin’ Vie for years to come.
]]>Local activewear brand Vie Active announced today its exclusive local discount and a partnership with non-profit Higher Ground. Additionally, Vie will host wellness focused events for residents and visitors this month at its flagship Sun Valley store.
Beginning in November, Vie Active will offer a 20% discount (full price Vie Active products only) to all locals with a valid I.D. The brand has also rolled out an exclusive Fit Pro program where fitness instructors, trainers, and coaches will gain access to specials and additional discounts. These discounts come at a perfect time for shoppers, as Vie Active recently introduced a new line featuring fresh designs and updates to its most popular activewear prints.
In observance of Veterans Day, Vie Active has partnered with Ketchum headquartered non-profit, Higher Ground, to donate a portion of sales on all camo prints to recreational therapy for veterans for the entire month of November.
“Being a hub for fitness and wellness in a town as active as Sun Valley is something we’re proud of,” shared Sunny Mills, Head of Design & Production at Vie. “That’s why we felt it was important to give back, offer our locals a special discount, and use our store for wellness focused community events.”
Free community events at the Flagship Store in November include:
Leadville Block Party — November 17 from 11am - 4pm
Attendees will enjoy sips and snacks from Sun Valley favorite, The Haven while getting entered to win a free outfit.
Braids & Barbells: A Workout Hairstyle Workshop — November 24, 3-6 pm
Find the perfect workout hairstyle for you with Mane Muse at this special in-store event. Attendees will enjoy music and snacks from The Haven and be entered to win door prizes from Vie!
]]>Lauren and Hallie in Zion Park
What do you like to take to work for a snack? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram @vieactivewear #beflawsome
Xx Noelle + Team Vie
]]>Ingredients:
First tip to detoxing: (and every day for that matter) is to drink more water. Cheeky has an amazing new line of water bottles I LOVE! Their brand new vacuum-sealed, double-wall, insulated stainless steel water bottles are designed with some awesome prints, are affordable and cause-driven, and easy to take anywhere with their clever handle on top. They keep drinks extra cold and are stinkin’ adorable! Did I mention they look fantastic with Vie’s latest collection? Because let’s face it, a cute water bottle motivates me to drink more H20! This is my favorite print because it reminds me of the beautiful mountains I am so lucky to live in and it’s 32 ounces so I don’t have to refill it every 20 minutes. Bonus Tip: adding some fresh lemon juice or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar is great extra boost for your digestive system during a detox. I am a fan of Braggs apple cider vinegar because it’s organic, raw and unfiltered, so you get the best benefits for your body.
We all know that know that in addition to practicing clean eating, sometimes a juice detox is the extra push your body needs to flush out all of those built up toxins and really hit the reset button. However, I get that cleansing may not be for everyone, as everyone has different needs, and just adding more fruits and veggies to your diet via juicing is a great way to fall back into healthy habits. My all-time favorite juice brand, for when I lived back in California, is Pressed Juicery. Good thing they have an online ordering option...and keeping my fingers crossed they’ll come to Sun Valley sometime soon! They have a couple of options for cleanses, so for all you beginners out there, fear not! Cleanse 1 is a great way to try it out and when you have a few cleanses under your belt (I aim for four times a year minimum) you’ll find you don’t crave the fruit based juices (which contain more sugar) and can handle the “All Greens” Cleanse 3. In addition to cleanses, I’m a huge fan of their Wellness Shots as a great way to stay ahead of any immunity issues and not fall victim to cold/flu season as the weather changes. Another Bonus Tip: try their Vanilla Coffee Drink. Think creamy, smooth, yummy coffee treat without a bunch of ingredients you can’t pronounce. I can’t drink most caffeine drinks because they give me the “shakes” but their coffee drinks don’t do this for me. They’re the perfect pick me up without the side effects I hate.
So tell me babes, are you ready to join me and kick start a healthy change of season? Shoot us a note or pics at hello@vieactivewear.com with how you’re detoxing this season and we’d love to share them on our Insta! I hope this helps you get on the right track to detox your body! #BeFlawsome
Xo
-Mollie & Team Vie
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Monday:
Here in Sun Valley, Idaho, it gets pretty hot in the summer, so morning workouts are key. Our favorite way to kick off the week is a Monday morning run before we hit the office. An early run, in the brisk morning air, is a great way to get outside, move your body, and get your muscles moving. It’s also the perfect way to start the week with a clear head and focus we need when we know it’s going to be a busy (which is just about every day!) There are amazing runs right out our backdoor, so there’s never an excuse not to get out and go, with views and trails for miles.
Workout Look: Alice run shorts + Gabrielle Sports bra + Erica tank
Tuesday:
Post run Mondays, Tuesday is a great day to get in a killer ab and arm workout in, especially if you are tight on time. Going to your local gym or YMCA and using the sled, ropes, medicine balls, free weights, and body weight can form a great arm and ab burner to squeeze in at lunch. This is one of our fave express ab/arm combos that doesn’t need weights which means you can even do it at the office in between meetings.
Workout Look: Rockell Legging + Brianna Bra
Wednesday:
It’s hump day! After being super sore from yesterday’s arm/ab workout, and cardio Mondays, we like to go to a Yin yoga class, to stretch our muscles, and clear our heads! Zenergy has great Yin Classes which focus on relaxation, stretching, and re-setting the body for the rest of the week.
Workout Look: Riley Leggings + Abigail Tank
Thursday:
A session at The Mill is always a great push to get you through the last part of the week. First we like to run on the amazing Woodway Treadmills, doing intervals, sprints, and the dynamic setting, using just our body weight to power the tread. What makes these different is the slat design which burns 30% more calories than a regular treadmill, which gets you way more a bang for your buck. Once we’ve got a good sweat on it’s time to hit the floor. With free weights, kettlebells, ropes, sleds and more, there is no shortage of strength training combos.
Workout Look: Whitney ⅞ Colorblock Leggings + Brianna Bra + Catherine Tank
Friday:
It’s Friday… more like FriYAY! Friday mornings are perfect for a hated power yoga class. It’s the perfect combination of sweat, strength and focus we need to close the week out strong. Team Vie loves Beth Stuart’s Flow till ya Glow class, taught at Gather Yoga Studio and IdaYoga Studio. This a Vinyasa Flow style class, that is heated, and hard! You sweat so much, and detox your body, not to mention, it’s a killer workout!
Workout Look: Black Rockell Leggings + Mia Bralette + Debra Top
Saturday:
Finally, the weekend has arrived! We love to start our day with Body Pump at Zenergy. This class combines weight and bootcamp exercises to create an amazing combo workout, and then it’s pooltime with one of our favorite reads!
Workout Look: Riley Legging + Gabrielle sports bra + Debra Top
Sunday:
We like to treat ourselves to a rest day or a mellow walk into town to hit our favorite coffee spot for a fresh baked treat and latte at at Hank & Slyvie’s.
Outfit: Our fave pair of jeans + Libby Hooded Jacket
What are your favorite workouts? Let us know by posting a picture on instagram, and tagging us @vieactivewear to get featured!
A common, yet loaded question : What’s the best bra for my size and my style of workout? Underwires digging in, back fat hanging out, low cut chest exposure. No thank you! We’ve designed the perfect cut bra for each and every workout so you can jump, bounce, sprint and squat with full coverage and style to match.
Size Matters!
Make sure to measure your size, so that you can be comfortable. Don’t forget that getting two sizes smaller is not going to make a bra more supportive! Support should be built into the cut and fabric best designed for that kind of workout and coverage needs. Choose the correct size and the right bra will come with it.
The Yogi, Barre, Pilates Girl
For the yogi that wants to be comfortable while getting in a stretch, the Mia bra is for you. The Mia bra is a cute, simple bralette with adjustable straps that comes in loads of colors so you can mix and match for all your studio looks!
Boxing, Spin & Gym:
The Brianna is your BFF. This high coverage high performance sports bra makes a bold punch in this season’s hottest trend: colorblocking. With the V back detailing it is easy to look adorable, and still will keep you supported through your entire workout. Compression fabric supports and slims with no chafe flat seams.
The Cardio, Running, HIIT Finnatic
For our cardio lovin’ ladies out there, the Mary bra is a great option.
The Mary bra is high necked, has a cute cutout, and keeps the girls in place for a long run or bike ride - no bouncing! Our Mary bra is like a friend, always there to be supportive!
For our larger busted girls out there,
The Gabrielle bra is a great bra for ladies with larger chest sizes because it has high coverage, a no-bounce guarantee, and comes in some of the prettiest colours we’ve seen this side of paradise! The Gabrielle is a classic racerback with a twist - some cute cutouts in the back. This bra is great for any workout for the ladies with larger bazookas because the bra is uber-supportive.
Added bonus:
Did you know that all of our bras double as a swim top? So go ahead and take a dip after your next workout, no need to change with our SPF 30 built in and quick-drying material, you can go from land to water and back again in no time.
For those of you new to these brands, Hum Nutrition offers vitamins and supplements to keep your skin, hair, and nails, glowing, flawless and youthful looking. And to protect your skin from free radicals, sun damage and chemicals, Coola offers a great line of skincare products with certified organic extracts, antioxidants and vitamins that boost your skin’s immune system.
Here’s a peek into some of Team Vie’s picks from Coola and Hum.
Mollie, Head of Marketing
I love using the Uber Energy caps with my morning green smoothie to give me that quick boost of energy for a good start to the day without the jitters I get from coffee. I can also take this before my workout, to make sure I take advantage of my limited me-time in the gym and make the most of those HIIT sessions. I love wearing the Brianna Bra and Riley Tights working out, because I can focus on my gym time, not my leggings having sweat patches or my bra sliding out of place.
Noa, Founder & CEO
I love using the Daily Cleanse caps to detox my skin and other organs including liver, kidneys, and lungs. I’ve noticed my skin looks less dull and super glowy...yes please! I have somewhat fair skin, so I like to wear the Mineral Sport Tinted Stick because it protects my skin, and has a little tint to even out my skin tone. This is great to go on a hike or bike ride in because it won't clog my pores and has a natural look. I live in my Whitney Leggings and Catherine Tank to hike or bike in during the summer, because I can go from my workout to the rest of my day and not have to worry about feeling sweaty or wet, thanks to the drirelease material in my top and tights.
Sunny, Designer
From being outside gardening, hiking, and more, my hair has gotten dried out from the sun and is not looking as shiny as I would like. I take the Red Carpet capsules to revive my skin and hair cells; it makes my skin super glowy and supple and leaves my hair shiny and soft. When I am gardening, I love to wear my Mandy top because it has SPF 30 in it. I love the Alice Shorts because the Merino fabric is temperature regulating and keeps me cool in the sun. My legs tend to get pretty damaged by the sun so I use the Coola SPF 30 Sunscreen because it is easy to spray on and smells amazing!
Noelle, Marketing Coordinator
I have a fruit smoothie every morning for breakfast, so it’s much easier to put some superfood powder in there and it tastes amazing! The Raw Beauty Coconut and Pineapple is my favorite because it helps boost my energy, metabolism and gives my skin a radiant glow. I like to drink my smoothie after my early morning volleyball practices, so it helps with recovery as well. I love to wear my Bevin Shorts and Abigail Tank Top, because they are super comfortable, and unbelievably cute. If we play volleyball on the beach, I love to use the Coola SPF 30 Sunscreen to keep me protected.
Mindy, Chief of Production & Partner
I love the Superfood Greens Powder in Mint Chocolate Chip because it gives me my daily dose of antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics and tastes like a milkshake! These come in individual little packets, so I keep these at my desk and have them for a yummy pick-me-up later in the day. I often garden during the summer and fall, and while I always wear my sun visor to protect my face, I love the Coola SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen. I like to garden in the Riley Knee Crop so that I keep cool, but stylish in the butterfly print!
What Coola or Hum Products do you use? Click here to enter to win a package of Coola, Hum, and Vie Active products!
]]>Whether I forgot to set an alarm, am getting the kids out the door, or I am hopping out of the shower to go to work, I have my go to adorable-even-though-I-am-late outfit. I love the Sydney Tank and Rockell Tights in Glacier Marble, because they go with any color sweater, and are so #adorable!
On Sundays I stock up and cook staples that I know will last through the week. My go to’s are beans, quinoa, roasted veggies, and a whole roasted chicken. It takes some time, but with my 3 year old and my 6 year old helping me, time flies and is a nice way to spend time together in the kitchen.
I usually like to get my workout in in the morning, so I like to have a couple jars of Overnight Oats in the fridge. These are great because you can customize them with your fave toppings and mix it up so you do not get bored of eating the same thing. Right now my fave combo is coconut flakes, almonds and fresh berries. Checkout this recipe.
A great lunch option that is a crowd pleaser for everyone is Chicken Fajita bowls. I sub the rice for quinoa and also add some sweet potato to add extra substance. These are great because I can make a bunch of them, put them in glass containers and will last for a couple of days. I warm it up in the microwave or even eat at room temp. This recipe is great!
Another vegetarian option is a kale bowl over quinoa, to get my veggies and grains in, and it is super yummy! The Beauty Chef just came out with their cookbook, that has a recipe for everyone. Their Kale Bowl with Quinoa, Fermented Vegetables, Wakame, and Avocado is a personal fav because I can throw it in a tupperware and my husband Bryan and I can munch on it at work.
During the winters, I love to put the crockpot on before I head to work, and when I get home, a yummy warm meal is there to greet me. The kids love it too! I like to serve this apricot ginger chicken dish over a bed of baby kale and add some other roasted veggies like brussel sprouts, green beans, beetroot and bell pepper. This recipe is my go-to for delicious chicken in the crockpot.
Still need some ideas for how you can better meal plan for the week? Here is a quick list of my must have’s that I make sure are on my list when I do my Sunday shopping for the week:
Our new Blush Leopard ⅞ Rockell legging and matching Mia bralette is down right adorable, and even cuter with our Nicolette merino top in grey. For extra coverage, you can pair it with the Gemma tank in white as an underlayer. You can easily trade your running shoes for your fave pair of booties, and voila, you’ve got the perfect outfit to workout in and then wear out and about.
The Charcoal leopard ⅞ Rockell legging is a Team Vie (and customer) favorite. The hugged feel, thanks to our compression fabric, flattering print, and perfect length, make for a soon to be an all time fave outfit to wear everywhere - brunch, the office, barre class, you name it. Pair with your favorite leather jacket and the Erica tank in black for a year round outfit that looks great on everyone. Denim is the perfect contrast to the charcoal hues and gives it that casual athletic chic look in a polished sort of way.
Our White leopard ombre print full length Rockell is another super popular one - for all shapes and sizes. This is a great Leopard print for those easing themselves into the leopard trend. These are a best seller because the white ombre is universally flattering, goes with any color top, and one of our original prints that started the leopard trend. We like to pair them with the tie back Aly top. The open back is the perfect combo of feminine and elegant.
So there you have it, from white to blush to charcoal, you can easily re-define the idea of neutrals with these leopard prints in hues that are universally flattering, pair with your go-to favorite tops and jackets, and make every outfit a fashion statement fit for any occasion.
PS: stay tuned as we roll out two more shades of leopard print before the end of the year--we know you are going to love these new additions. Can’t wait to get the news? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be in the know for all new arrivals and other special offers..
]]>At Vie Active HQ, we passionately believe when you invest in your health & wellbeing, you can do, be and give so much more.
We're constantly inspired by incredible boss babes in our community who are killing it in the wellness field and it's both a pleasure and an honour to introduce you to them.
Meet Carla from @thebeautychef!
Name: Carla Oates
Company: The Beauty Chef
Year Company Was Founded: 2012
What’s your hometown? Bondi Beach
What lead you to start your business? When I was a child, I had eczema and allergies so I went and saw a naturopath and she drastically changed my diet. When I took certain things out of my diet and introduced more whole foods, I saw a dramatic change in my skin. So from quite early on, I had a very good understanding of how food and gut health can affect the skin.
Due to my skin problems and also my daughters (who also suffered from allergies and eczema), I have spent the last ten years focused on researching, teaching and creating products that focus on gut health; and experimenting with and researching lacto-fermented foods (which produce natural probiotics). This has made a huge difference to my skin and also my daughters. I know it doesn’t sound very glamorous, but beautiful, glowing skin does begin in your gut. If you're working toward more radiant and glowing skin, you might be surprised to know that the answer lies more in your digestive tract rather than on how much you're spending on creams and cleansers.
When I created The Beauty Chef, it was with the intention of educating women that glowing skin comes from within, which means feeding your skin from the inside out. And more specifically that ‘beauty begins in the belly” – good gut health is vital for healthy, robust, radiant skin.
What’s your approach to health and wellness? I believe that beauty is an inside-out process. Glowing skin is basically a reflection of healthy cells. The key to a clearer, more radiant complexion and general well-being occurs when you balance your gut and feed your body nutrient-dense food.
There is not a one-size-fits-all diet solution. Irrespective of whether you eat a vegan, vegetarian, paleo, pescatarian, or any other way of eating, I have found that unprocessed, organic, low GI and low HI (human intervention), sustainable foods are best for our bodies, the food chain and the environment.
Who or what inspires you in life and your career? Nature in all its forms inspires me. And people who live and lead in a positive way, breaking down barriers that allow others to benefit. People who express beauty in a unique, beautiful, honest and brave way in their work or lives, whether it be through charity, writing, painting, activism... Some of the people who inspire me include David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Ronni Kahn, Michal Pollan, Christiana Figueres, Hope Jahren, Roy Choi, Esther Ibanga, Liya Kebede, Yayoi Kusama, Charlize Theron.
Being a woman in business has also made me really appreciate and feel even more respect for other female entrepreneurs – there are definitely still barriers out there for women in business when dealing in business - from lending firms, to account firms, to manufacturing – unfortunately sexism still exists and it makes it just that bit harder when you are a woman. I’m very inspired by the women who push through that.
What’s on your plate for a typical lunch on the go? For lunch, I’ll usually make a big salad with nuts, sprouts, avocado and some form of protein, whether chicken or salmon.
How do you unwind? I enjoy running along Bondi Beach or going to a Pilates class in Bondi. Sea air is rich in negative ions that are very rejuvenating, so a walk along the beach is a favourite beauty ritual. After a long day, it’s always nice to take a luxurious bath! Whether a full bath or footbath, I add Epsom salts to the water, as they’re rich in detoxifying sulfur and relaxing magnesium and promote detoxification.
What advice would you give to all those aspiring female entrepreneurs out there? I know it is a cliché, but behind every successful business is a lot of hard work. I often say this to my children. Do what you love, because success requires hard work, so you might as well spend the hard work doing something you wholeheartedly enjoy. Plus, you are bound to be more successful doing something that you have fire, passion and drive for. There are many good ideas out there, but to make them concrete requires hard work and resilience.
When my father died very suddenly and tragically, exercise became therapy for me. It went from something I did to look a certain way to something I did to feel a certain way. I found lacing up my sneakers and going for a run were the only way I got process my grief. As time has passed, exercise and regular movement have become something I am incredibly passionate and committed to for many reasons: