SELF CONVERSATIONS | with Alicia Penhorwood of Harper Collective
We took a moment to sit down with Sydney based Marketing Strategist Alicia Penhorwood to discuss her connection with Self Care, how she balances business and creativity and what led her to create her Marketing Agency Harper Collective.
What does your morning routine look like?
Once I get ready in the morning I head straight out the door with my full of energy puppy, Harlow for a morning walk down to the coffee shop. I leave my phone at home and this is my uninterrupted time to get my body moving and centre myself before I focus my energy on anything else.
What activities do you find most regenerating?
Spending time in nature is my favourite way to fill up my cup. Whether it's planting new flowers in the garden, going on a coastal walk with a friend, or reading a book in the afternoon sun, these things always make me feel renewed.
How has your approach to self care evolved over time?
Over the years I've embraced self care as being a practice that I have to create time for, instead of expecting it to happen after I get the never ending list of things done first. This shift has allowed me to be fully present and to value the opportunity to pour into being the best version of myself.
What led you to create your business?
After working as a Publicist for many years, I felt the nudge to create a business that aligned with the lifestyle I wanted to cultivate and that also gave me the opportunity to use my skills in a more intimate way to support brands to reach their full potential through strategic marketing.
As a small business owner what tools help you stay organized each week?
Being organised allows me to have a clear mind in a business where there can be lots of moving parts. I use Asana for my project management to plan what I need to focus on for the month ahead and I use Acuity for all of my 1:1 coaching session bookings to streamline the experience.
What is your favorite form of physical exercise, and why?
I love Reformer Pilates because it's both challenging and fun. You can find your flow, while being able to push yourself out of your comfort zone to realise you're often more capable than you think.
What are your go-to practices for ensuring a good night's sleep?
As a creative business owner my mind is always ticking so I need to bring in rituals that help me to wind down. My go-to practices begin with setting healthy boundaries around switching off from tech, then I love to do a simple skincare routine, and read a book before bed.
When do you feel your most feminine?
I always feel most feminine after a day at the beach, when you can throw on a flowy dress and soak up the summer vibes.
When do you love your hair the most?
Straight after my appointment at Suukha - but seriously it always feels so healthy and fresh.
Can you share a simple self-care practice that anyone can start today?
Something I've recently introduced in the morning is putting an essential oil roller on, rubbing my hands together and then taking a few deep belly breaths. Sometimes I feel like dropping into a meditation and other times that all I need to ground myself so that I can show up with intention.
Warm beverage of choice for this Winter season?
I love my morning coffee but I've just started having a Matcha Latte with honey in the afternoon and I'm loving it.
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