Women In Business Blog Interviews

Introducing the beautiful Isha from Isha Chatterjee Art. Get to know Isha and learn why art has been an integral part of her life.

Leave a Comment / Women In Business Blog Interviews / Rebecca Peters / June 1, 2023 / Adelaide Hills, Art Workshops, artist, Isha Chatterjee Art, Pottery, Raffia, Weaving

Before you jump on into the blog I just wanted to share a little bit about our story.

I met Isha through attending one of her weaving workshops. I found her through Instagram. I then joined her for a few hand build pottery workshops. I made some cute things in these sessions. Isha is a great human, with a beautiful soul. She’s a great teacher and an amazing cook among many other things. Isha is so down to earth, sweet and caring and her workshops are so much fun. I love spending time with Isha. I feel grateful to have connected with her, learned from her and had many soulful conversations with her. When we catch up the conversations inspire some great ideas and beautiful creations. You never know what might happen. Please enjoy getting to know more about Isha.

Name: Isha Chatterjee

Business name: Isha Chatterjee Art

What part of South Australia are you in?

I currently live in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, in this picturesque little town called Uraidla. There are probably more farm animals than people here and I love it!

A little about me ….

My name is Isha and I come from a beautifully chaotic country, India. A lot of what I do is a representation of where I come from and how it has had an impact in making me the person I am today. I moved to Adelaide six years ago when I decided to pursue a Master of Teaching (Special Education) at the age of 30. It wasn’t easy to leave my family and home and come all the way to Australia, but if I was given an option I would do it all over again.

Since finishing my Masters in 2018, I have been working as a primary teacher with children with disabilities. I am a strong advocate for building a sense of belonging and giving young children a voice to advocate for themselves. If there is one thing I have learnt from moving to a new country where I knew nobody, it was the incredible strength one gets from the feeling of belonging.

Art has been an integral part of my life for over a decade. Although I enjoy working with different mediums and forms of art, I keep coming back to ceramics. There is something about the process of moulding clay which has moulded me in many ways. How beautiful to be able to dig up a handful of earth and giving it form and shape?

South Australian Artist Isha Chatterjee's pottery pieces

Weaving has been another medium that I have been working with for the past few years. I love that I can take my bag of raffia and needle with me anywhere I go to keep me in the moment in this very chaotic world.

South Australian Artist Isha Chatterjee's raffia weaving pieces

Crafting is such a wonderful gift. I still feel mezmerised every time I see a malleable material take a beautiful form in our hands. And, that magic is what I envision sharing with my community through my workshops. Bringing my two passions of teaching and art is what fills my cup.

My work is spontaneous, and each day is different and my work is based a lot on how I am feeling on the day. I take a lot of inspiration from nature and earthy designs and textures. I enjoy the ambiguity of making rustic pieces without a big focus on making matching ones.

South Australian Artist Isha Chatterjee's hand built pottery

What is it that you most love to do?

As I grow older, and hopefully wiser, I have noticed that I tend to only engage in things I love to do. Every aspect of my life is an opportunity to be creative whether it is working with children in the classroom or cooking or crafting.

Who inspires you? Is it a place, a person, or a combination of things?

I am inspired by the complex and wonderous world around me. Kind and gentle people inspire me. Creative people inspire me. My puppies inspire me.

Is there something you really want to do or try?

Travel, travel, travel!!

What are your final words of wisdom for someone starting out in your field?

Just start. Stay kind and gentle in your thoughts, actions, and words. It isn’t about what people think of you or your art. It is only about how you feel when you create. There is no wrong art.

Thank you beautiful for sharing what’s in your heart. Where can the readers find you?

For now you will find me on Instagram and facebook under Isha Chatterjee Art. Find the links below.

Instagram

Facebook

Introducing the beautiful Isha from Isha Chatterjee Art. Get to know Isha and learn why art has been an integral part of her life. Read More »

Get to know Kirstie Maddocks – Matrescence Mama Rising facilitator.

Leave a Comment / Women In Business Blog Interviews / Rebecca Peters / December 13, 2022 / doula, mamamentor, wombhealing, womeninbusiness

Name: Kirstie Maddocks

Business: Kirstie Maddocks Mama Mentor

Life coach, NLP practitioner, Doula & Matrescence Mama Rising facilitator, supporting women and families through their most sacred journey.
Life coach, NLP practitioner, Doula & Matrescence Mama Rising facilitator, supporting women and families through their most sacred journey.

What part of South Australia are you in? I live south of Adelaide nestled between the city and the sea

Please tell us a little bit about what you do … yourself and your business. When you started and what led you to this work? Or did it find you?

For me this work took me on a journey & found me. I became a mother over 7 years ago now with my little boy and it was the most life changing event I have experienced. It unexpectedly cracked me open in all aspects, from experiencing postnatal depression to having a spiritual awakening and having my whole world shift in a new direction through that time. Which led me step by step to the work that I do today.

I had been working with women & babies for the past 15 years in Midwifery and Early Childhood Nursing. But I knew deep within me, that the mothers needed more support, honouring and nurturing them through one of the biggest transitions of their life – Motherhood. Especially from my own experience when I entered into motherhood for the first time.

So a few years after the birth of my second baby, I took the plunge and left my government job and became a life coach, NLP practitioner, Doula & Matrescence Mama Rising facilitator, supporting women and families through their most sacred journey. It was so amazing to be able to give women the support that they deserved in a myriad of ways. From 1:1 motherhood mentoring, Doula support, group programs & hosting Nurture & Mindful Mothers Groups. I just absolutely love it.

But I had a deeper calling to dive into the sacredness & potency of the womb. Which led me to awakening & healing my own womb and supporting women to do the same, through energetic womb healing, along with my most recent training in Womb Hara Massage. Healing, clearing and reclaiming a woman’s divine unapologetic feminine self. This work absolutely lights me up and to be a contribution to a women’s awakening journey through motherhood and beyond makes my heart feel completely full.

What drives you to do this work?

For me, the drive comes from being in service to the feminine, to bring women back into their bodies and remember their innate gifts and purpose. Along with the necessity of healing our own trauma’s for our future generations that are coming into our world. They are energetically different and require so much more from their birthing mothers, which I love being in service to. And being the bridge that heals those that walked before us and those that are to come to support a new paradigm into evolution.

What truly lights you up and makes you feel alive?

I absolutely love the work I do. Not that I call it work, as I get so much joy out of being in service to others. I love all things spiritual, sister circles, oracles cards, crystals, oils and deepening my learning. I also love going to the beach with my family, markets and going to a good cafe for brunch. As it totally fills my soul.

What is it that you most love to do?

A combo of the above things.

Who inspires you? Is it a place, a person, or a combination of things?

My amazing mentors, who’ve journeyed with me over the years, the beach, Nature. So many, often I’ll be listening to something and it sparks a moment of inspiration.

If you could spend a day with someone who inspires you who would that be?

Gabby Bernstein I think, or Eckhart Tolle

What do you do when you experience a creative block? How do you get your creative juices flowing?

I pause and stop. I choose to move out the space I’m in, move my body, get out in nature and allow it to be. I tend to get creative when I’m sitting in a cafe, at the beach, catching up with a friend or listening to a training call, that the things start to drop in for me.

Is there something you really want to do or try?

Totally random, but I really want to get another tattoo. I’m just waiting for the one to land that is meant for me.

What is your favourite food?

Ohh I’m a lover of all food! I don’t think I could narrow it down to one… I do love a sticky date pudding and tapas though.

What is your favourite Season?

Spring for sure! I’m a November Scorpio baby!

What is your biggest fear?

Falling off a bridge

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Stay in your own lane and what is meant to be yours will always find it’s way to you.

How do you handle work/life balance?

I try my best to take weekends off to spend with my family and have boundaries with socials and choose times that I engage and reply to emails etc.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of myself for birthing two little humans most! I am also proud of taking the unknown step into my souls purpose..

How do you want people to remember you?

I want people to remember me with thoughts of how compassionate, supportive and nurturing I was.

What are your final words of wisdom for someone starting out in your field?

Follow the breadcrumbs that light you up and trust your intuition. It never lets you down!

You are worthy of being the best, most fulfilled version of yourself.

Where can the readers find you?

You can find me on IG at www.instagram.com/kirstie_maddocks_mama_mentor OR www.instagram.com/nurtureandmindful_motherhood

Website: www.kirstiemaddocks.com

FREE FB group: www.facebook.com/wildwombmamacollective

Thank you for sharing your story and beautiful soul work with us Kirstie. I’ve been lucky enough to experience working with Kirstie and I absolutely love the womb work that she does. Kirstie holds a safe place to share and for me, the experience was not only nurturing but helpful in my own womb-healing journey with endometriosis.

I hope you enjoyed the read please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to either of us through our websites or social media platforms. We will be happy to chat with you.

If you wish to find out more about this Blog Interview Project I’m working on please reach out to me at https://www.instagram.com/bec.peters

Much love and gratitude, Bec xo

All photographs are by Bec Peters, Natural Light Lifestyle Photographer for women and their loved ones.
Find me here: http://www.instagram.com/becpetersphotography

Get to know Kirstie Maddocks – Matrescence Mama Rising facilitator. Read More »

Get to know Sophie Bretag, Metta Leaders Kindness Consultant.

Leave a Comment / Women In Business Blog Interviews / Rebecca Peters / November 6, 2022 / adelaidehills, femaleentrepreneurs, heartcenteredbusiness, kindness, kindnesscoach, mettaleaders, soulled, southaustralia, spiritualbusiness, womeninbusiness

Welcome to my very first Blog interview with the adorable Sophie Bretag. It is such a pleasure to share this beautiful woman with you. Soph is warm like sunshine, a breath of fresh air, and I love her and her energy. This series is called ‘Sacred spaces & studios of creative women in business in South Australia’. I love to share a good thing it would be selfish of me not to. Make yourself a cuppa and enjoy the read. From my heart to yours, love and gratitude. Bec x

Introducing this kind-hearted soul … Sophie Bretag Metta Leaders Kindness Consultant. Helping leaders and organizations to create Cultures of Kindness™.

Business name: Metta Leaders

From: Adelaide, South Australia

What part of South Australia are you in? Adelaide Hills

Please tell us a little bit about what you do … yourself and your business. When you started and what led you to this work? Or did it find you?

First and foremost I am a mama to 2 wildling boys, a wife to an amazing man, a barefoot walker, squeezy hugger, sunshine and rainbow chaser. My heart-lead purpose is to show people how they can be seen, heard and supported in workplaces. In my day-to-day work, I am a Speaker, Kindness Consultant, National Mental Health Ambassador, Certified Mindful Mentor, Meditation and Breathwork Teacher, Women’s Circle Facilitator and Happiness Coach – and I LOVE what I do!! I named my business Metta Leaders because a Metta Leader is an individual who leads with love and kindness to maximise workplace wellbeing and build a team’s strength and capacity.

I live and breathe authentic, creative and courageous leadership. I’m a passionate advocate for mental health and psychological safety in the workplace and believe that kindness will change the world. My background in Executive Human Resource Management, mostly in the Aged Care Sector and it has been through this work that I realised that my passion was for supporting those who support others. The reason I started Metta Leaders was because I saw so many people struggling to find a voice in the Corporate world and I knew that I could help change that. I help leaders and organisations to create Cultures of Kindness™, to use kindness as a leadership superpower!

What drives you to do this work?

Kindness – I’m ALL about it. It’s my jam, my purpose, my have-to-do and be – in life and business. I know that kindness will change the face of business, leadership and workplace culture and I’m here to make it happen, even if it’s only one heart at a time.

What truly lights you up and makes you feel alive?

Being with my family and friends, walking barefoot in nature (forests and beaches in particular!), meditation, listening to music and reading.

What is it that you most love to do?

I am always laughing and having fun and I love to share happiness and laughter with people. To be honest, if I could spend my life wandering barefoot and exploring the world with my kids and hubby – I would be in heaven.

Who inspires you? Is it a place, a person, or a combination of things?

A combination of things. I am often in awe of nature, inspiring humans who have overcome difficulties, people who are creating a better world by helping others.

If you could spend a day with someone who inspires you who would that be?

Oprah or Michelle Obama

What do you do when you experience a creative block? How do you get your creative juices flowing?

I meditate, listen to music, get outside, become still and then journal.

Is there something you really want to do or try?

I want to climb Mt Everest Base Camp. I’ve hiked the Annapurna Range but have always had Base Camp on my bucket list. Oh – and Japan – I’m obsessed with Japan and its culture.

What is your favourite food?

Curry – especially green chicken curry – oh and Raspberry Bullets (not food really haha)

What is your favourite Season?

Spring

What is your biggest fear?

Dying alone

Celebrity crush?

I don’t really follow celebrities, to be honest.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Attitude reflects leadership. At work and in life. What you give out you receive back and is reflected in our behaviours and conduct.

How do you handle work/life balance?

In 2021 I decided to move from a full-time People and Culture Manager corporate job into HR consulting and then created my business.

I decided that I didn’t want to miss out on my boys growing up and I also didn’t want them to see that the only way to succeed is by being stressed and working all the time.

My consulting work, both in HR and in my own business gives me freedom, flexibility, happiness and a good income – abundance in all aspects.

I now make sure I have an excellent blend of ‘self-kindness’ time, family time and work. It’s a balance and I don’t always get it right but I know my red flags and attend to my emotional needs first so I can be there for everyone else afterwards.

What are you most proud of?

My children are happy, curious and healthy. I’m also really proud of creating a business that helps others to find their voice.

How do you want people to remember you?

As someone who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what I believed in and didn’t stay quiet when I saw something that I didn’t think was right. That I helped people to become happier and more connected, that people felt loved, seen, valued and heard when they spent time with me.

What are your final words of wisdom for someone starting out in your field?

Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, even if you’re scared you might fail. You might. But you might also find something that sets your soul on fire and you succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

Also, be choosy with who you spend your time. Find people who lift your energy – they either match your energy and your energy rises together, or you feel elated after being around them. These are your people and are the ones who will help you to succeed.

Thank you beautiful for sharing what’s in your heart. Where can the readers find you?

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sophiebretag

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mettaleaders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mettaleadershipandwellness

Website: www.mettaleaders.com

Email: info@mettaleaders.com

Hey there, so glad you made your way to my blog. This blog is for the dreamers and doers, the creatives, the adventures, the open-minded and the free spirits. A safe & welcoming space for heart-centred women who wish to be inspired. I hope these interviews make you really feel something and inspire you to chase your dreams and live a life that lights you up.

My intention with this interview series is to share other inspiring local women in Business who are making an impact on the lives of others while making their dream their reality.

sophie bretag kindness consultant — Sophie Bretag.

Get to know Sophie Bretag, Metta Leaders Kindness Consultant. Read More »