INBLUEM: STEPHANIE MANDICH
The INBLUEM Series delves into the hearts and minds of beautifully inspiring souls who explore their journeys of growth, Self Love, and vibrant connection. This week, we shine a light on Stephanie Mandich, a dynamic force and a co-founder of Joywave, an impactful organisation dedicated to raising funds for crucial conservation projects. Stephanie's work bridges the gap between online influence and real-world change, embodying a spirit of purpose-driven creativity and environmental stewardship.
My name is Steph and this is me, INBLUEM:
“I’m a tapestry woven from the many threads of love and beauty I have encountered. I’m defined by the moments where I could have chosen anger and hardness, but instead I found softness.
I’m inspired by the relentlessness of nature. She reminds me that storms are inevitable, but so is the warmth of the sun.
She teaches me about my place in the world, how I should move through life with endless curiosity, and with a generous and open heart that expects nothing in return.
Perfection was at one point my goal, but now instead, it’s purity in my actions and my words. To be INBLUEM is the quiet courage it takes to show up as yourself, to let the flowers wilt and fold over and over again, and still have the hope and knowing that they will come back.To know deeply that you are worthy of more than just being seen for your flowers, but to be loved by your roots and to experience the incomparable joy that comes from finding those who do.”
A glimpse into Steph's world:
What are you watching/reading/listening to at the moment?
I've recently started reading the ACOTAR series, a fantasy romance filled with mythical creatures and otherworldly realms. It reminds me of when I read the Twilight series when I was around 12 —sometimes a bit silly and random, but so much fun to get lost in. I know some people prefer non-fiction for its direct knowledge and life lessons, but I think the beauty of fiction lies in its subtlety. Through understanding the characters and their choices, we can uncover deep life lessons. Fiction requires more introspection and analysis, but the wisdom it offers is just as meaningful, if not more so in my opinion.
Who in your life or beyond inspires you and why?
The women in my life who I love, inspire me the most. I’m surrounded by incredibly intelligent, kind hearted, resilient, and creative women - I could go on and on. I feel deeply grateful for their patience, understanding, and whole acceptance of me. Each of them is so different and unique in their own special way, yet they all carry this inevitable courage and grace in how they navigate the world. They inspire me every day, constantly reminding me of my own strength. My recognition of their inner beauty reminds me that it must exist somewhere within me too, and that gives me more courage to keep moving forward.
If you could sit down with your younger self, what wisdom/advice would you share with her from where you stand today?
To not take others’ words and actions so deeply to heart, especially from those you don’t even admire or aspire to be like whatsoever. I’ve learned that people’s reactions often reflect more about their own struggles than anything about you. Negative comments and hurtful behaviours are often projections of their own insecurities. For many years of my life, I was struggling with mental health and low self-esteem, I tended to subconsciously seek out confirmation of the negative beliefs I held about myself from others. Knowing that now, I’d want to tell myself to focus less on external validation (especially from those whose opinion doesn’t actually matter) and more on cultivating self worth and self love, and hoping little me could see how deserving of it she was. Today, as I’ve grown to see myself more truthfully, I find myself gravitating toward people who love themselves (or are at least in the process of trying to, as this is definitely a long process) and are able to love me truly in return.
What INBLUEM ritual or potion is resonating with you most in this season of your life?
My favourite product is the Buddhawood face and body oil. I've always been very into skincare, but it’s often been from a reactive and analytical standpoint—focused on addressing issues as they arise, or preventing them, rather than embracing skincare as a ritual of self-care and self-love. What I love about this oil is that it’s designed for both face and body, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the process of caring for my entire being. It acts as a reminder for me to slow down, and tend to each and every part of my body, turning my routine into a bit of a meditative practice. Plus, I of course love the scent and texture of the oil, making the entire process even more enjoyable.
What is a unique way you practise self love?
A unique way I practise self love is probably just doing things, or pursuing things, that scare me in some sense, not recklessly, but as a way to reconnect with the brave and carefree child I once was. I felt fearless as a child and I’m sure that’s a feeling many can relate to, as you get older reality tends to break you down a little more and the self doubt creeps in and can take over. I grew older and somehow became smaller, avoiding confronting the possibility that I was or wasn’t capable of something. Facing my fears now serves as a little tribute to that little version of me, a reminder that she still exists within me, and I am in a continual process of rediscovering her.
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