LEOPARDBABES X Jody Shield

So tell us about where you live and work currently?

I live in SE London in Canada Water, and I work from home and in Shoreditch.

What’s your favourite thing about where you work?

I love working from home because we have a lovely open flat with lots of sky-lights so it’s really light and airy. The energy is very clean too as we have lots of crystals everywhere. It’s a nice contrast to working in Shoreditch where it’s a bit smelly! But I do love the street art, and it’s a really cool area of London. It’s inspiring when you walk along the main streets and see all the boutique shops and lovely cafes.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a self-help author, inspirational speaker, blogger and wellbeing expert. I’m also a meditation ambassador of sports brand Lululemon.

What’s the best piece of career advice you were ever given?

Be open to ALL possibilities, because it keeps your mind open and optimistic, and allows new opportunities to come in, which might be completely unexpected.

What’s your morning routine?

I rise at 6am, head downstairs and make a large mug of hot water, lemon and ginger. I follow this with a glass of Baobab superfood powder and water, then I meditate for at least 30 mins, sometimes longer. I then speak my positive affirmations (phrases) out-loud to myself, and allow myself to choose to be happy (it’s a choice we all make, or don’t!) then I’ll do some stretching, make a bowl of porridge with almond milk, nut butter, goji’s and seeds, then a shower, get dressed and start work.

What keeps you busy outside of your primary work? Any secret skills or side hustles?

I’m training at the moment with a PT, so working on my physical strength and fitness. It’s something I’ve been meaning to focus on for the last 5 years, and I’m so happy and focused now. I’m also a self-help junkie so I’m often on the hunt for new inspiration and wisdom, courses, talks to watch, so I spend quite a bit of time on this.

How would you describe your personal style and how does this change when you’re in work mode?

If you’d asked me this a year ago, I’d have told you that my style was smart sportswear as I was always head-to-toe in Lululemon, but now I’ve smartened myself up, and wear feminine dresses, skirts and skinny jeans. I love Dancing Leopard jumpsuits too, and always have one handy to throw on.

What do you like to do, when you need to escape?

Get in our car and drive out to the countryside somewhere. I love the Cotswolds and sometimes head to Soho Farmhouse. Or my family just bought a flat in Paris so I have Paris to go to if I want a city escape. I’m very lucky and grateful :-).

What makes you happy?

Weekends, bank holidays, time-off and being with my fiancé and best friends. Also staying at a spa and being pampered is my happy place too. Of course being on holiday, when I’m able to switch off.

What’ s one thing you do regularly in order to look after yourself?

Meditation, every, single day. It’s a practice so it’s about commitment. If I miss a morning where I don’t meditate I notice how different my mood is for the whole day. I need it in my life. It’s an addiction, but a very positive one!

If you were taking yourself on a date, what would you arrange for yourself?

I’d head somewhere lovely for breakfast in West London (breakfast is my favourite meal) then I’ll have some treatments at Cowshed, followed by lunch at the Mae Deli (my friend’s cafe) and then yoga in the afternoon. Lots of little treats that boost my wellbeing!

Where is your dream holiday location?

I have to say the Maldives. I’m so blessed to have been there 3 times. I’ve no idea how I’ve managed to go so many times. To me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime destination. I first went there 16 years ago with an old boyfriend. I’ve since been twice in the past 2 years, the last time I was invited there as a work job by a luxury hotel brand. How amazing is that??!!

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