Elyse Lauthier

What role does creativity play a role in your life? 

Creativity has been at the core of everything I do and the lens I view life through, since I can remember.

It’s a state of being I have always naturally gravitated toward; as a child it came naturally, and as an adult who can often be consumed by all of life’s distractions and stressors, it’s a state I’m often reminded to return to.

Creativity is a big sigh of release, a return to self, and a deep form of expression. Creativity is a continuous exploration. I think the true nature of creativity is what’s allowed me to lead the life I live. I’ve always had that urge to either create, or to observe and be inspired by other creators. 

The thought of having to live a life where I don’t get the chance to create, whether it be due to lack of time, energy, or resources, doesn’t feel like an option for me. It is my driving force to be creative in my career and goals in order to live my life by my design.

How do you spend time with nature?

Beach days, hiking, daily walks, watching the sunset, observing the clouds and decompressing by watching the waves.

Daily walks have been part of my routine for as long as I can remember — it’s the part of my day where I get the most introspection. 

The simplicity of nature, fresh air, gentle sounds, being barefoot walking on the beach creates much-needed space in my mind.I have always had a bit of an obsession with the beach and bodies of water. I’m mesmerised by clouds, and when I really think about how nature works in harmony, I’m absolutely stunned. 

The natural world is, in my opinion, the most important thing we have on earth; it feeds us physically and spiritually, and I think that’s important.

Tell us about beaches and hikes that has inspired you. 

It depends on my mood. If I’m feeling social, I’d have to say Wategos Beach at low tide — it’s so dreamy, and I’m guaranteed to run into some friends. If I’m needing a solo beach day, I always love going to the beach in Suffolk NSW; it’s so vast, with so much space to really feel secluded, and it’s so close to home that I can ride my bike down. 

As far as hikes, I’m deeply moved every time I do any hike on the Hawaiian Islands — whether it’s in Waimea Canyon on Kauai, or the east side of Oahu, they are just incredible.

You have explored so many parts of the world, what makes Australia unique?

I don’t think there’s one defining factor that makes Australia unique. Instead, I think it’s the small things that make up Australian culture and landscape. Our beaches are known for being large, clean, and relatively empty; this alone makes Australia special and unique to me. Something else I really love about Australia that I haven’t found elsewhere is the tiny, humble coastal towns scattered all along the coast, that seem to be stuck in the ‘80s with their corner stores and friendly warmth.

I love going on a road trip and being able to pass at least six small towns with incredible empty beaches, surf and unique knick-knack stores, within a six-hour drive or so. It’s just the best!

Australia is so multicultural — especially in Sydney where I grew up. Looking back, it was such a beautiful experience getting to know at least five or six different world cultures in my own backyard.

What is a quote or way to think that inspired you?

Not necessarily a quote, but a journey that allowed me to reflect on song lyrics.

I used to be a pretty anxious person. I’d be stressed about something even when there was nothing to stress about. Honestly, I’ve experienced quite a few health issues that were 100% made worse by stress.

I’ve always loved reggae music, and when I really started listening to the lyrics, a lot of the time it’s all about letting go and being stress-free. It’s a mindset I adopted in the last five or so years,   and I’m always inspired to slow down and appreciate life when I listen to reggae music.

Curiosity is a large part of your life, why is it important?

I actually think curiosity is so vital for us as humans — it’s how we learn and evolve. Curiosity and exploration allow us to learn about ourselves, keep us humble, and connect us to the world around us!

I honestly can’t help but be curious, even about things that don’t necessarily interest me. The more I learn, the less I know, and the more curious I become.

Your favourite uses for a hat?

Oh gosh, I need a hat every day, so the uses are all kinds. I go for at least one walk a day with a hat. It keeps the sun out of my eyes and holds my hair in place when it’s windy. And of course, living by the coast in Australia, I’m always bringing a hat (or two) to the beach. 

I’ve got my favourite little cap and wide-brimmed hat on rotation, and I’ve got a couple of pairs of each — stored in my car and in my bag at all times!

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