You’ve just launched Lulah Collective! What inspired you to start this company?
Lulah Collective was created to disrupt the plus size fashion and activewear industry in Aotearoa by removing the shame and stigma that exists around curvy bodies and fitness. We share a strong body positive message that empowers gals to move their bodies for the joy of it, and as a means of self-love. You could say that we are the #antifitspoactivewear brand. We’re here to shake things up and represent plus size bodies in a space where they are often excluded.
I launched Lulah Co following my own life experiences as a plus size woman who was body shamed in a very popular activewear brands store. I now work as a therapist and support women and girls struggling with body image, they often note that the activewear and fitspo industries contribute to their body dysmorphia greatly. In response to this, I decided to create an activewear brand that provides clothing for women who struggle to find something to wear that actually fits and supports them to learn to love and accept their bodies.
What excites you most about Lulah Collective?
I am excited to see how Lulah Co will grow! We are creating waves and so far, the feedback from women who have tried our activewear has been incredible. Women who haven’t been able to access activewear are now able to find pieces in their size, designed to fit their bodies. Women who haven’t moved in years have been in touch to let me know that they are exercising again, and with confidence and joy! I am overjoyed and excited as I can feel the possibilities for this community!
You’re also working as a therapist. Was this a career path you were always interested in?
I have returned to study at UC three times, you could say that it has taken me some time to find my place in the world! I have always been interested in working with people and within the mental health field – I wasn’t sure how I would do this. My career as a youth worker in mental health inspired me to continue to upskill – I saw professionals around me making an incredible impact in their therapeutic work. I also wanted to make this positive contribution in the community. I decided between psychology and counselling, finally deciding that counselling was the best fit for me as I preferred to work away from a medical model and loved the freedom that the profession could offer me.
What brought you to study at UC (and keeps you studying here as you work towards your Masters of Counselling)?
I studied an undergraduate degree in Psychology and then worked in youth community mental health for some years. I realised that if I wanted to make more of an impact I needed to return to study. I then completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science and am now completing my Masters. I am loving my Masters – it is such a validating experience to return to university as an adult and finally feel as though I am on the right path. My class is full of people with similar life and career experiences as me, and an equally bright passion for our chosen field. It is also really lovely to be able to spend more time with lecturers and get to know one another, as in my undergraduate degree I let myself fly under the radar. Postgraduate study demands more of you, but in doing so it allows so much more growth.
Looking back on your time at UC, what memories and experiences have stayed with you?
As I have stated, I have completed a number of degrees at UC. My Masters has been my favourite thus far and it comes down to being surrounded by passionate and inspiring individuals, lecturers and classmates.
What advice would you give to a new student looking to study at UC?
It's okay if you take some time to find a field of study that you are really passionate about, it's okay to change your mind and your path. It's never too late to start again or return to study – it's ultimately worth it!
