Wellness Influencer Interview: Kirsten Shanks

NAME: Kirsten Shanks

OCCUPATION: Naturopath and founder of Orchard Street Cleanse

Please tell us a little about your business, yourself and how you got to where you are now in the wellness industry…

Orchard Street is, at its most basic level, an organic juice cleanse - however I created it with much more in mind. As a naturopath it is important to me that whilst offering this lovely juice, we provide a supportive and informative framework to really help enhance people's wellbeing. The thing that I get most excited about  in our business, is that a cleanse really becomes an opportunity to discover an awareness of how we choose to nourish ourselves. It creates more mindful eating practises, even if only for a few days afterwards!

I am a Naturopath 8 years in the making now, and it has been an incredible journey that has taken me studying around the world. I have come to specialise in detoxification programmes and digestive health - what I call the ‘Mind - Belly’ approach - exploring the connection between our mental and emotional wellbeing and the food we eat. This can be as simple as nervous energy impeding digestion or as complicated as parasites, chemical ingestion or intolerances affecting our mental wellbeing.

What does ‘living naturally’ mean to you?

Living mindfully, and with balance. I am a great believer in balance however it often requires a constant effort to maintain, to ensure you are nourishing all aspects of your wellbeing.  An honest search, acceptance and integration of what really works best for your body is like an anchor to allow you to float around a little, exploring life’s offerings with the knowledge you can always return to a healthy place.

To my mind, living naturally is not about being a purist or defining yourself with a health label, but about being in tune with your own rhythm – what makes you feel most alive, most vital? How does this serve the wider community and environment?

What does a typical day in the wellness world look like for you?

• Wake up early, morning routine, yoga or a run on the beach and dip in the sea followed by some meditation.
• A breakfast to suit my mood; most often one of our green smoothies.
• Off to The Dispensary for a full day in the clinic helping my wonderful clients on their paths to wellness, catching up on admin or research, or chatting with some of my inspirational cleanse customers.
•   No day is complete without at least a few minutes basking outside in the Bronte sun.

What are your top 3 tips for staying fit and healthy?

• Morning routine- For me this always begins with some warm lemon water, tongue scraping and body brushing followed by meditation and yoga. Creating an intention for your day, however simple, can be a lovely inclusion here. Starting the day off on a positive, mindful note is the best way to ensure it remains so.
• Yoga –  I find Yoga so incredibly therapeutic. I keep a home practise, but Dharma Shala vinyasa yoga studio in North Bondi is my sanctuary.
• Thirdly, in the simple words of Hippocrates, let food be your medicine.

In a nutshell, what’s your food philosophy?

• Eat with awareness- bringing your full attention, body and mind, to the food choices you make.
• Eat for yourself. In a world of labels, don't put one on your diet. We are unique and it might be a journey to find the foods that work best for you, that make you thrive, but when you find your balance it is well worth it.
• Look after other creatures. I am not a vegan or vegetarian, but have full respect for those who make this choice. If you do choose to eat animal products, eat them with awareness- know where they come from and eat them sparingly and joyfully. 

What do you do to ‘reset’ the balance button when life gets a bit hectic?

Grab my love by his collar and run away to the country. There is a beautiful piece of land in the Colo Valley where we lie on the banks of a river and read for hours on end. Nature, sunshine and a good book (and no reception) are the best healers ;)

We’re all about balance around here…What’s your biggest indulgence?

Its been a fair while since I let my hair down, but I love to let loose on the dance floor accompanied by a wee nip of top shelf tequila. That's my guilty pleasure, and I blame my love for Mexico. More commonly though, a melting mouthful of raw chocolate and dance around the lounge does the trick.

What healthy snacks might we find on your desk or in your handbag?

I am a grazer, so my desk and bag resemble little pantries! A raw chocolate (or three), some activated nuts,my favourite Orchard Street  juice ‘Green Fields’ or quite possibly a whole jar of tahini ;)

Can you share with us your top two pieces of advice for people wanting to start a career in the wellness industry?

• Be honest and true – keep your integrity.
• Take opportunities. You don’t have to find your one and only calling straight away, it can be a journey until you really feel you have landed. Soak up the ride.
• Educate yourself – research from reputable quality sources and keep up to date with current research. The wellness industry is blooming with valuable information, but be careful not to get swept away with fads.

Do you have a favourite affirmation or quote you remind yourself of when life throws you a few challenges?

When I was growing up in NZ, my dad would counter any emotional problem, no matter how complex, by singing 'Don't worry be happy' in the best reggae voice a fair skinned farmer can muster. Of all my mentors and gurus, of everyone who's inspired me, it's that silly accent that pops into my head first when the going gets tough

Thanks for sharing all that you do with us Kirsten. You rock! x