#EteLove with Victoria, Co-Founder The Beach People
I'm sure you have all come across The Beach People, and their relaxed beach vibes... We have been obsessed for a long time and recently caught up with Victoria, the Co-Founder of this amazing Aussie lifestyle brand to find out a bit more about her and her thoughts on loving yourself.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Victoria and I am a wife, mother, daughter, friend… currently living seaside in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.
My sister and I are the founders of The Beach People. The Beach People are a lifestyle brand who make beautiful products, designed here in Australia and available for sea lovers near and far…
Fun Fact? I am always barefoot and constantly getting in trouble for forgetting my shoes… I also carry a pair of swimmers, a Roundie and a set of goggles in my car… You never know when a little under water time is just a quick dip away…
What made you decide to start the beach people?
It was so simple… Emma and I were sitting on the beach one day watching our husbands surf and she turned to me and said… “I think I am going to make round beach towels want to do that with me… also want to have tacos for dinner…” I said yes to both...
When are you at your happiest?
With my boys. My husband Jesse (childhood sweetheart, he was literally the boy next door), my son Theodore and Puppy Duke. When we are all together and preferably outdoors we are in our happy place…
As a mum, what do you hope to teach your kids about living their best life and embrace who they are?
Great question! I think my role as a mother is my greatest yet. It’s so wonderful. I want to raise the kind of human that I enjoy being with… I want Theodore to make a great husband one day… To be a great employee or boss… a kind and generous person. You know when you are talking to someone and you leave the conversation feeling inspired, uplifted and comfortable with who you are… I want Theodore to be that kind of person. He’s only 2 but everyday I think how am I exampling that and what do I need to pull into line in his little character that isn’t that… I also hope that he always feels comfortable in his shoes… he’s quite a serious little kid and I often try to get him to lighten up a bit… but them I’m like that’s ok… just be yourself.. ha!
We have seen that you are unapologetically yourself, have you always been this way?
I just love when other people are themselves and I always try to be this way… I’ve always liked to do things differently and I guess that’s caused me to be myself. It was tough as a teenager… but I had an incredible support in my big sister, my parents and my local church youth group which all were saying the same message “you are amazing, just the way you are, be yourself” I was very fortunate to have that environment growing up.
Have you made changes in your life that have helped you on your journey to self-confidence?
Absolutely, I am a natural people pleaser, I like people to like me. Sometimes they don’t. ha! So I have a few little positive self talk things I say to myself. “That doesn’t matter” “You know who you are and you like it” Simple statements but it helps. “You are fearlessly and wonderfully made” is a verse from the bible that I repeat… saying these things out loud even really helps form your perspective. Words are so powerful.
What does loving yourself mean to you?
Being comfortable with who you are. Not what you do, wear, look like… but the deeper things of the heart. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious….” that’s another verse I memorised when I was a teenager… truthfully I absolutely LOVE getting dressed up and LOVE wearing nice clothes and getting my hair done… but if you are completely yuckky on the inside… or uncomfortable without those things on… what’s the point… I think beauty truly does start within… and it shines out…
Any tips for others to live their best lives?
Surround yourself with lovely people and just be yourself… you do you babe… ha!
See more from Victoria on her Instagram @mrsvictoriabeattie and @thebeachpeople
For more #EteLove stories read our Q&A with Jes & Alyna from Healthy Size You
To help support the Positive Body Image movement, we are donating 100% of Profits from the sale of our Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful T-Shirts to the Butterfly Foundation and ProjectHEAL - Shop the T-Shirts here (as worn by Victoria)
