Women in Wellness - Ellie Halo

Tell us about yourself - who you are, what you love, and the journey that led you here:

I’m a seeker of beauty in everything that pertains to the natural world. I’m led by inspiration, the curiosity of the human experience and most importantly, love in all its forms. I’m deeply emotional and expressive. I find meaning in everything and love to lose myself in thought.

Through my transformative years I battled massively with self acceptance. After many years of self harm and emotional destruction, I found myself slowly rebuilding my inner world through introspection, self compassion and a desire to live a life through a lens of deep, unconditional love for self.

Journaling is such a personal practice. What first drew you to it, and how has it changed the way you move through life?

I’ve always loved the potency of words. I remember receiving a book full of Sylvia Plath’s poems for my fourteenth birthday and spending hours dissecting and interpreting her art. There is something so magical about the way in which you can articulate your own personal experience in a way in which others can relate to. 

I used to love to write poetry as a vessel for my emotional turbulence. It felt like sharing my internal world in a secret language. It felt safe. From there I began the practice of journaling with guided prompts which encouraged so much more depth in terms of self reflection. I was able to access parts of my emotional self that laid dormant for so many years. Although journaling has become such a powerful tool that I turn to in times of chaos and anxiety, it is also a ritual that I consider to be deeply cathartic and one that I use to express emotions of deep reverence, gratitude and love. Journaling has been the catalyst for enhanced self awareness, stronger relationships and the ability to connect to my internal world and discover what it is asking of me.

If you could sit with your younger self before she began journaling, what would you tell her?

"Take the mask off. You don’t need to perform or pretend anymore. What is it that you really want to say? Your words are safe here. Let them pour out of you without hesitation. Don’t let the fear or opinions of anyone stop you from discovering the parts of you that are aching to be seen. Give yourself a voice. Vulnerability is potent."

What inspired you to create Words of Introspection? Was there a moment when you knew this was something the world needed?

I became increasingly aware that people were looking for answers, and unfortunately looking in the wrong places. With Social Media becoming a prominent part of our lives, I saw a huge increase in poor mental health, constant comparison and self destruction. Quick fixes of dopamine, physical self modification and obsessing over trends to ease the disconnect. I wanted to create a tool that drew people away from screens and allowed them the space to connect with their internal self. For me personally, I found solace in empty, quiet spaces. I wanted to channel that concept into the design of the journals — providing an introspective prompt and a big open space for the mind and heart to wander freely, without the noise of the external world. I experienced the self growth and healing that introspection could cultivate first hand, and was eager to create a tool for others to experience the same.

As a woman and a founder, why do you believe supporting women-led businesses is so important?

A world where female led businesses flourish is a world that's led by love. Women are innovative, compassionate, creative and deeply resilient. By nature, they hold so much innate power in their heart. They use systemic issues as fuel to their fire and are unstoppable when they utilise their passions for revolution and ever lasting change.  

When women lead, they don't just build a business — they cultivate community, create space for diversity and inspire change where it’s needed the most. 

You have been connected with INBLUEM since the early days. How has that relationship influenced your path, both personally and as a founder?

Working closely with INBLUEM over the years has taught me so much about heart-led business. The whole team have such tenacity and care for their brand and really pour their hearts into everything they do. Both personally and professionally I have witnessed their ability to create space for community, vulnerability and connection amongst women from all walks of life. I have so much respect for their incredibly innovative approach to business and their big big hearts, that are at the core of INBLUEM. 

Beyond journaling, what are some unique ways you practice self love?

Movement — Boxing is my form of meditation. It’s my favourite way to be in my body and out of my head. It allows me to access a part of me that is primal and expressive yet focused and in control. 

Community — Creating space for authentic conversation and intimacy amongst loved ones. Giving myself permission to be my fullest, juiciest self in the presence of those who care for me is a ritualistic act of self love.

Presence — Absorbing the solitude that comes from existing in my natural form in the natural world. Floating in bodies of water, witnessing bees pollinating flowers, caressing my skin in the warmth of the sun. These are the things that make me feel the most connected to my deepest hearts desires.

What does being ‘in bloom’ mean to you in this season of your life?

Being embodied in self trust. Knowing that I’m capable and resilient and exactly where I need to be. Trusting myself to grow and evolve and shed the layers that no longer serve me. Being a witness to my evolution and gently removing any hinderance that presents itself along the way. Being In Bloom is a commitment to surrendering to the cyclical nature of life and trusting that you will always find your way.

What INBLUEM ritual resonates with you most?

It will always and forever will be the Self Love Ritual! I’m the biggest fan girl of the Charcoal Konjac Sponge and it’s detoxifying properties and I will never be able to choose just one out of the Finger Lime and the Kakadu Plum Serum. I love to use the Konjac Sponge and Finger Lime Serum in the AM, and then finish the day with the Konjac Sponge Kakadu Plum Serum for maximum nourishment. I love how lightweight the serums feel. I'm extremely grateful to have found skincare made from plants that actually work!