Melissa Ambrosini, Author

“My life changed when I had a life-altering rock-bottom situation…

… in 2010, which put me on this path I’m on now. I ended up in hospital with a host of health issues and was incredibly unwell and unhappy. Along with a bunch of physical problems, I was also battling depression, an eating disorder, anxiety and panic attacks. It was a very challenging time. But even though it was the darkest and hardest time of my life, something incredibly meaningful came out of it. I realised I had to get myself on track and I knew I was the only one who could do it. So from there, I decided to take responsibility for my own health and happiness, and I consciously began taking steps to get well and bring joy back into my life.

I took a really hard, honest look at myself and my life…

… and I realised that all the miserable circumstances that were manifesting around me, were actually a reflection of how I was feeling and treating myself on the inside. From that moment forward, my life changed dramatically – I started a blog openly sharing my journey, got well, found inner peace and happiness, started my dream business, made new friends and married my soul-mate. My life these days couldn’t look more different to the unhappy, unfulfilled soul I was back then. I wrote my book as the ultimate roadmap for other women who want to make this kind of inner and outer journey toward peace and live an epic, love-filled life.

I wanted to write the book that I wish I’d had back then.

That’s when I first became aware of my inner negative Mean Girl and from there I began the journey of mastering her. I believe women everywhere need to read Mastering Your Mean Girl and learn how to [do it]. My mission on this earth is to inspire and support women, and this was my intention whilst writing every word. My wish is for all women to realise how truly magnificent they really are, to own their worth, to step up and to live the life their soul desires.

The greatest piece of beauty advice I ever received was…

… that real beauty comes from within. When I was in my early twenties I wore so much makeup because I wasn’t confident in my own skin. These days, I think nothing is sexier than someone who loves the skin they are in. Keep it simple, and remember that real beauty comes from within.

My best friend Emmily Banks is an organic natural beauty make up artist…

… and teacher, and she keeps me up to date with all the best and latest natural, organic and toxic free products. She is always gifting me the latest goodies to try. I love The Beauty Chef Beauty Fix Balm, it’s so nourishing for dry lips. I usually get my hair done for speaking gigs and photo shoots but when I have to do it myself, I use Mukti Luxe Hair Serumto get rid of the frizz. I am obsessed with Lepaar 24k Precious Face Oil. This is next level holistic luxury skincare. It’s a sun-infused blend of 12 biodynamic, organic and natural ingredients, mindfully selected for their regenerating, age-proofing, moisturising and balancing properties. Simply divine!

I love to use natural makeup for speaking gigs and photo shoots…

… and Emmily always does my make up. She uses Inika and Ere Perez on me because they perform so well and are organic and toxic free. I also love Weleda and Dr Bronner’s organic soaps, they are the only two I use.Our skin is our largest organ and whatever we use topically gets absorbed straight into our bloodstream so I don’t put anything on my body that I wouldn’t eat myself.

I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to my skin as I believe simple is best.

For my face, I like to use oils such as coconut or rosehip. I take my makeup off with a warm wash cloth. I exfoliate with sand when I am in the ocean and I take off my eye make with organic coconut oil. For my body, I dry body brush in the morning before I jump in the shower and I lather my body in olive oil.

To be honest, I only wash my hair once or maybe twice a week.

I live on the beach and swim in the ocean most days and get over washing it. When I do, Mukti Botanique Shampoo and Conditioner. I don’t colour my hair but I get it cut every 8 weeks with Jaye from Edwards and Co.

I am obsessed with essential oils…

… and I love Young Living and DoTerra essential oils in my dispenser. I love peppermint whilst I am working during the day and lavender to wind down in the evening. In the mornings, meditation and movement are two of my daily morning non negotiable rituals for me. They make me happy. They make me feel alive and when I start my day with meditation and movement I set myself up for a successful day.

My fitness is always changing…

… I like to mix it up, otherwise I get bored. At the moment I do two classes of F45 a week, and the other days I walk. I also go to No Lights, No Lycra for a dance once a week, which I love — it’s the best workout. But, I am consistent with my morning ritual: I have a big class of room temperature, clean, filtered water with lemon or apple cider vinegar to kick-start my digestion.”

Story by Rikki Hodge-Smith; Photography by Alice Mahran