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If you own one of our swimsuits, you will likely have received them in one of our beautiful Luxe Gift Boxes... They're too pretty to throw away so we have come up with some ideas on how you can recycle and reuse them! By not throwing them away you are helping to reduce waste, plus our boxes are made from recycled materials to do our part in helping toward sustainability!

1. Store your favourite Jewels

Store your favourite jewels safely in our luxe gift boxes. Some of our favourite pieces lately are the amazing shell earrings from Sophia C jewellery and delicate necklaces from Amy-O Jewellery.

2. Keep your favourite memories safe

We all love the memories a Polariod can remind us of... keep them safe in our luxe gift boxes so you can relive the moments.

4. Store your Swimwear

Of course you can keep all your Ete Swimwear pieces together in our luxe gift boxes so they are easy to grab and head down to the beach!

Pictured: Mia bikini top & Harper bikini bottoms

Have fun coming up with your own uses for your boxes, we would love to see them so be sure to tag us on social media! 

@eteswimwear

1. Lauren Bullen ~ @gypsea_lust

2. Leonie Hanne ~ @Ohhcouture 

3. Janni Delér ~ @jannid

4. Angelica Blick ~ @angelicablick 

1.2M Followers

5. Madeleine  ~ @pilotmadeleine 

6. Tara Whiteman ~ @taramilktea

7. Debi Flügge ~ @debiflue

8. Belen Hostalet ~ @belenhostalet

9. Hildegunn Taipale ~ @hilvees

10. Aggie Lal ~ @travel_inhershoes 

11. Polina ~ @polabur

12. Simone ~ @si_sichen

13. Matilda djerf ~ @matildadjerf

14. Jamie Mansfield ~ @jamienkidd

15. Claudia Padgett ~ @zeebalife

252K Followers

16. Elise Cook ~ @elisecook

17. Cara Jourdan ~ @carajourdan 

18. Christine Tran ~ @tourdelust

19. Lisa Homsy ~ @lisahomsy

20. Lisa Smith ~ @lisadanielle_

200K Followers

21. Emily Hutchinson ~ @emelinaah

156K Followers

22. Ellie Bullen ~ @elliebullen 

153K Followers

23. Chloe Barry-Hang ~ @chloe_bh

142K Followers

24. Kimi Juan ~ @kimijuan

135K Followers 

25. Katerina Stavreva ~ @katerinastavreva

109K Followers

26. Lara Kamnik ~ @your_passport

100K Followers

27. Sarah ~ @saltyluxe

99.4K Followers

28. Lucia ~ @lucyinthesskyy

74K Followers

29. Charlotte Louise ~ @luluescapes

36.4K Followers

30. Adri Alvarado ~ @maya_gypsy

22K Followers 

Coachella is just around the corner so we have put together our top tips for surviving Coachella and a list of necessities to pack!

TOP 10 COACHELLA FESTIVAL TIPS

1. Leave for the festival early in the morning

If you’re not camping, make sure to leave for the festival early. Traffic can get very congested and it can take hours to get to the festival.

2. Buy merchandise on the first day

Don’t miss out on the pieces you want. Buy your merch at the beginning of the first day before it gets too busy and things sell out.

3. Have a physical meeting spot for you and your friends

Come up with a unique physical spot that you can meet your friends if you get separated. 

4. Porta-pottie necessities

Be sure to bring extra seat covers, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitiser.

5. Save your phone battery

There are no charging stations in the festival grounds. Turn off your wi-fi, bluetooth, data and close any background apps to save battery life.

6. Plan your outfits for each day

Planning your complete outfits for each day helps save time in the morning before heading to the festival and means you wont forget a thing! Take photos of your complete outfits so you have a reference for the day when getting ready.

7. It takes time to get from stage to stage

If there’s an act you really want to see, leave early to get there. It can take a good half hour to walk between stages when it’s crowded.

8. Print out the setlist

Festival staff do hand out set time pamphlets, but don’t spend time looking for one. Print out the set times before you arrive.

9. Make a plan

Highlight the artists you want to see before you get there. Making a plan is the best way to maximize your time.

10. Don’t forget to eat and drink lots of water

Looking after yourself is the number 1 priority to make sure you last the whole weekend. This is the most important Coachella tip!

WHAT TO PACK

• Cute outfits
• Swimsuit – for pool parties or to wear as an outfit
• Comfortable shoes – You will be on your feet for 13 hours a day so while some shoes look cute, you will wish you opted for the practical option.
• Water– Bring an empty water bottle (no metal though), to fill it when you get inside.
• Warm jacket - Always bring something warm for the night time. You will thank us for this one! 
• Cash – Most transactions will require cash.
• Sunscreen– The sunshine and warm weather is what makes Coachella so much fun but you don’t want to be hiding away on day 2 and 3 because you are burnt!
• Poncho
• Phone charger– Because who wants a dead phone?
• Earplugs
• Chapstick 
• Hand Saniriser
• Bandana – to avoid breathing in a tonne of dust
• Spare toilet paper and wet-wipes

For more Coachella inspo check out our festival themed look book shoot here.

Coachella is just around the corner so we have put together some of our favourite festival looks for this festival season! Dreamy skies and a magical vibe...

SHOP THE LOOKS HERE > 

Shot by @_jypsea

Makeup @makeupbymelanie_

Hair @amylee.artistry

Models @shendellhay & @m_narcisa 

SHOP THE LOOKS HERE >

Bikinis in order of appearance:

Bella bikini top Lace & Bailey Bottoms Lace

Luana top & Bailey Reversible bottoms

Harper one-piece swimsuit

Celine top & Chelsea Skirt

Tula top Lace & Luci Bottoms Lace

To see more festival inspiration read our blog Top things to pack for a festival

Earlier this month we headed all the way to California and were lucky enough to have some time to visit Venice Beach! The sun was shining, it was 30 degrees, in the middle of winter and I couldn't be happier!

We met up with Raven (@helllosunshine) and enjoyed the sunshine!

Pictured: Luana top & Luci bottoms

Pictured: Bella top & Luci bottoms

Pictured: Aurora top & Bottoms

Pictured: Alexis one piece

For more travel inspiration check out our Rottnest Island Guide.

Photos copyright of Ete Swimwear

Tell us about some of the places and where your favourite spots are?

Recommendations?

Food?

Best road trip songs/playlist?

Ete Swimwear pieces featured in the photos:

Last Saturday we celebrated an amazing year for Ete Swimwear the best way we know how, by the beach! It was a magical night filled with amazing food and great company.

We had the most amazing set up by Perth Picnic Hire, blooms by The Bohemian Flower Collective, and food by Table & Plate, Tapas Addict, Raw Kook and Lena Lu, plus the most amazing custom macarons by Yim Yums. 

Thanks to all our loyal customers and friends who have been a massive part of our journey this past year! We cannot wait to bring you more amazingness in 2018.

Love, Ete Swimwear xx

It's the Christmas season and our gift guide is here to help you find something for everyone on your Christmas list or even a special treat for yourself!  

1. Triple Treat Bundle ~ Boracay Skin 

Know someone interested in achieving a stunning tan all year round? This Triple Treat Bundle is something you need! It includes a limited edition gold shimmering body oil, bronze shimmering body oil and natural sun and body oil. Formulated with all natural ingredients to hydrate and nourish the skin.

This Australian made and owned company is inspired by the tropics and provides coconut-based products to achieve the perfect glow. They are proudly vegan friendly and cruelty-free.

Shop Boracay Triple Treat Here.

2. Wategos Round Towel ~ The Beach People 

Hanging out at the beach this summer? A unique round towel from the Beach People is the perfect gift for any beach lover, definitely a summer staple. 

This particular round beach towel is inspired by the costal town Wategos,  featuring clean blue and white hues, with hand drawn icons. There is a range of designs, so there is something suitable for everyone’s taste.

The Beach People were the original designers of the round towel and makers of luxe seaside essentials. They partner with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, to help preserve the Great Barrier reef, which is currently under threat.

Shop the Beach People Round Towel Here.

3. Essentials Pack ~ Santorini Skin

Having trouble finding natural and luxurious skin products to add to your skincare routine? Look no further then the essentials pack which includes an Elysian pink crystal sea scrub, Aegean pink crystal sea soak and summer sac. Products are all natural with no chemicals or nasties to leave your body nourished and revitalised.

The perfect gift for someone striving to embrace natural beauty products to take care of their skin.

Santorini Skin is Australian made and focused on providing all natural luxurious skin essentials that are good for the body. Ensuing their products are chemical free, enriched with vitamins A, B and E and packed with 80+ natural minerals.

Shop the Santorini Skin Essentials Pack. 

4. Globetrotter Necklace ~ La Luna Rose

Know someone going away after the Christmas season? The globetrotter necklace is a stunning design from the Bon Voyage collection. It features a small globe that spins, that works as a reminder for the wearer of the larger world they live in and aims to inspire adventure.

This Globetrotter necklace makes for the perfect gift for a keen adventurer. However, La Luna Rose offers a range of designs, something for everyone.

“If life is just a series of moments, then the best ones are wild and free”. These moments are the inspiration behind the pieces created by La Luna Rose.

Shop La Luna Rose Necklace Here.  

5. Coffee and Coconut Exfoliating Mask ~ Bare Babe

If you or someone you know is obsessed with face masks, this is a must try item! Bare Babe is a facemask designed to use at night, formulated with organic, natural and raw ingredients. It contains multiple benefits, the grounded coffee and pineapple extract (AHA) acts as a gentle scrub to deeply cleanse and banish blackheads, breakouts and debris from pores. The coconut oil nourishes, heals and reduces the signs of premature ageing revealing your skins natural glow.  

Perfect for someone looking to re-energize their skin, as the product has no nasty chemicals. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cocoa is amazing for those coffee lovers.

Australian made and owned, this company is proudly vegan friendly and cruelty-free.  

Shop Bare Babe Face Mask Here. 

6. Luxe Lie-On Float Watermelon ~ Sunny Life

Summer is here and so are the Insta-famous floats. They can be found on beaches, in pools or at sun drenched holiday destinations. The Watermelon Luxe Lie-on Float is definitely a favourite, with its fun design and bright colours. 

The perfect gift for any water lover. There is range of designs, so there is something suitable for everyone. The designs include ice cream, pineapple or even a tropical island.

Sunny Life was conceived on the beaches of Sydney. The goal was to share Australia’s authentic summer style with the rest of the world.

Shop Sunny Life Watermelon Float Here.

7. Face and Body Exfoliant ~ Musq

The face and body exfoliant is mineral based, which gently buffs away dead skin cells and impurities. It is formulated from a blend of rice and clay, which leaves the skin feeling polished and refined. The rose element hydrates to leave the skin radiant and glowing.

The perfect gift for someone looking to take care of their skin naturally, without the nasty chemicals or toxic preservatives.

Clean skin, clean living. Pure and simple. They are proudly vegan friendly and cruelty-free.  

Shop Musq's Face and Body Exfoliant Here.

8. The Ventura Straw Hat ~ Lack of Color 

The Ventura raffia straw hat is a summer essential, you’ll feel like you’re always on holiday in this stunning piece. The design features frayed raffia edging, trimmed with black ribbon.

It's the perfect gift for someone who loves being stylish in the sun. You’ll be able to find a gift suitable for anyone, as there is a range of designs. 

9. Hydrating Skin Tonic ~ Born Again Body

   Keep Hydrating Skin Tonic in your beach bag this summer! It's a lightweight body spray that can be used as a daily moisturiser. Formulated with a blend of aloe vera, vitamin E, coconut oil, witch hazel, rose oil, green tea and peppermint oil to tingle the senses and soothe the skin.    

   The perfect gift for someone who loves being in the sun and sea. As the best results are seen by applying the product directly after showering or sun exposure.

   A skin care brand with a love for travel, a lust for adventure and a heart for nature. Australian made, proudly vegan friendly and cruelty-free.  

   Shop Born Again Skin Spray Here. 

                                                                                       

10. Chelsea Wrap Skirt ~ Ete Swimwear

The stunning Chelsea wrap skirt is the perfect gift for any swimwear collector and beach babe. The feminine and classic design matches any swimwear and features an adjustable tie-up waist, which allows for the perfect fit.

If you're still unsure, but you know they'll love to add to their swimwear collection. Give them the gift of choice with an Ete Swimwear gift card. Gift cards are delivered by email so are the perfect last minute gift idea!

Ete Swimwear was designed for the feminine adventurer. Creating swimwear designs that are as comfortable to wear, as they are beautiful.

Shop the Ete Swimwear Chelsea Wrap Skirt Here.

Shop the Ete Swimwear Gift Card Here. 

For more Instagram inspo read our blog Top Vegan Beauty finds on Instagram.

Soft, glowing skin and hair… who doesn’t want it? We have been scrolling through our Instagram feed and wanted to share with you some of our favourite all time beauty brands… Instagram can be a dangerous place for your purse but with these products you won’t be disappointed!

Best of all, they’re all vegan, cruelty free and made in Australia!

1. Bare Babe

Coffee & Coconut Exfoliating Mask for clear glowing skin:

Bare Babe is a face mask designed to use at night, formulated with organic, natural and raw ingredients for all of you coffee and coconut lovers.

It contains a wide range of benefits, the grounded coffee and pineapple extract (AHA) acts as a gentle scrub to deeply cleanse and banish blackheads, breakouts and debris from pores. The coconut oil nourishes, heals and reduces the signs of premature ageing revealing your skins natural glow.  

View @bare_babe on Instagram.

2. Boracay Skin

Body oils for a moisturised summer glow all year round:

Inspired by the tropics, Boracay Skin are coconut based products that make you glow.

It will help you achieve a deep tan in the sun and is also the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine as a moisturiser. Formulated with all natural ingredients to hydrate and nourish your skin.

Get the Boracay glow day or night with their Bronze Shimmering Body Oil. With the hydrating properties of coconut oil, this tempting body oil will give you a subtle shimmer for that sun kissed look.

View @boracayskin on Instagram.

3. CocoBetty

Coconut Oil Facial Wipes (do I need to say more?):

Say Sayonara to plain Jane face wipes wipes that dry and irritate your skin and say hello to the new babe in town. Coconut oil wipes conveniently packaged individually for the late night lady and the gal on the go.

Drenched with coconut oil to cleanse away your sins and nourish thirsty skin. Wipe me on to wipe the day off. Zero nasty water-based ingredients, wont leave the skin tight, dry or irritated, soft on the eyes and face and keeps a hint of its natural coconut scent.

Coconut oil is a powerful moisturiser that is beneficial to restoring dry or flaking skin and suitable for skin breakouts. 

View @_cocobetty__ on Instagram.

4. Hello Hair

Hydrating Hair Mask:

Hello Hair Hydrating Mask is a 100% natural treatment which uses the benefits of Coconut, Almond and Argan oils to reconstruct and strengthen stressed out and damaged hair.

It is a great remedy for colour treated and bleached hair, chemically treated hair, and hair which is regularly affected by heat exposure from the sun, blow-drying, and straightening. Hello Hair can also assist in the management of dandruff and dry, flaky scalp issues. It leaves your hair feeling softer and easier to manage after use.

View @ohhellohair on Instagram.

5. Mud

Detox bath and body mask:

MUD is a clay bath powder designed to detox your body, smooth your skin and relax your mind. It's pure bathing bliss. MUD's key ingredient, Bentonite clay, has an electrical charge which comes to life when married with water.  The negative charge in the clay attracts the positive charge found in toxins, and this is how toxins are extracted. After bathing in this pure bliss, your skin will be clean and smooth and moisturised whilst relaxing the body.

View @mud_co on Instagram.

6. Sand and Sky

Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask:

This 4-in-1 treatment detoxifies and brightens skin in only 10 minutes to tighten pores, invigorate a dull complexion and instantly boost radiance. This mask draws out impurities, toxins and pollutants and deep cleanses the skin. Helping to regenerate skin cells and stimulate cell production and gently removes pigmentation clusters from the skin's surface whilst stimulating collagen production. What more could you want?

View @sandandskyaus on Instagram

7. Musq

Skincare and makeup without the nasties:

Clean skin, clean living. Pure and simple. Musq never use any nasty chemicals or toxic preservatives. It’s about choosing the best ingredients for your skin, and taking care of the world around us. With everything from face cleaners and exfoliators to foundation and bronzer, this is your one shop shop for vegan beauty.

View @musqcosmetics on Instagram.

8. Kester Black

Vegan Nail Polish, yes please!

While no nail polish can ever be fully free of chemicals, Kester Black does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates and animal derived or tested ingredients. Kester Black has also never used ingredients ethyl tosylamide, triphenyl phosphate or xylene.

Using water permeable nail polish can help to improve the health of your nails and the quality of your manicure. This new and improved base allows nails to behave naturally and grow without the restrictions of non-breathable polishes. 

Available in so many amazing colours, we want them all!

View @kesterblack on Instagram

9. Frank Body

The Original Coffee Scrub that made Frank famous:

A natural blend of coffee, oils and vitamins to give you the best exfoliation of your life & banish dry skin forever. Coffee stimulates blood flow, promotes collagen production & scrubs away dry skin plus, these natural ingredients will make you smell like an orange mocha frappuccino.

View @frank_bod on Instagram.

For more Instagram inspo read our blog Top 10 Beach Babes you should be following.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am loosely based in two countries - Australia (Byron Bay where I’ve lived for 7 years) and New Zealand (where my fiancé is from).

In my spare time I love to read (at least a novel every two weeks) and write (writing makes up about 40% of my work, with modelling and content production the other 60%). I go on a lot of hiking adventures and if it’s warm you’ll never find me far from the ocean.

Obsessions at the moment hmmm...I’ve recently been getting into jewellery and makeup. I’ve never really worn either and it’s been nice playing with styles and colours recently.

We heard you grew up in so many amazing places, tell us about where you grew up and what you loved about it?

I grew up in Samoa, Fiji, England and Australia. I guess at the time I didn’t realise it was an unusual thing, but looking back it definitely helped shape who I am today. There were tricky parts - friends came and went and trying to constantly fit in was at times really hard - but being surrounded and introduced to different cultures and people was something really incredible for a child to grow up with. 

Where do you call home now?

Because of my time in so many places, I get itchy feet a lot. My brothers and parents are always on the move too, so there’s no real ‘home base’, and because I am constantly on the road I guess ‘home’ is more of a person than a place!

You travel a lot, where are some of your must-see places? Favourite places so far?

I’ve just finished working with Cotton On in Far North Queensland and I’d encourage everyone to explore that place - it truly took my breath away.

I also love Florence in Italy, and the craziness of Japan. Santorini will also always be special as it’s where Tom (my fiancé) asked me to marry him.

Dream destinations?

Oh so many places - everywhere! Off the top of my head, I’d love to explore more of Europe, and travel through South America. I’d also love to explore more of our own backyard - I’ve never been to Western Australia and many friends say it’s beyond beautiful there.

You travel a lot with your (boyfriend/fiancé??) how did you and Tom meet?

We met in Byron over three years ago. He was working in Brisbane at the time and had three more weeks left in Australia. After we met, he quit his job to stay in Byron with me; and a few weeks later I quit Byron life to go to New Zealand with him. A few very spontaneous decisions, but definitely the right ones.

What goes into creating the beautiful photos we see on your Instagram?

For me, I try to be as genuine and authentic as possible. The photographs are always professionally taken and I try to present the brand/client/location in the best way possible. But nothing overdone, and nothing fake. My write up in the captions are also important to me, and if I’m feeling strongly about something I express it, or if I’m feeling cheeky and silly I’ll express that too.

Top tips for creating amazing content? 

1. Don’t try to be somebody else or copy.
2. Don’t be fake - everyone can spot it and you’ll only start comparing yourself which can be damaging.
3. Be careful not to over-edit. Imperfections are beautiful (and normal!).
4. Don’t take this Instagram business too seriously. It isn’t real life, and it’ll all fade away soon enough.

Top travel tips

1. Learn at least a few phrases of whatever country you’re going to - locals appreciate others who are at least trying to speak the lingo. (google translate is amazing)
2. Take a drink bottle, a sweater, and some cash (but not too much) everywhere.
3. Say no to plastic bags everywhere.
4. Be mindful of others. Basically be kind, be weary, and don’t be a dick (haha).
5. If you’re backpacking - less is more. You really don’t need that many clothes.

One thing you can’t travel without?

Glasses, comfy shoes, toothbrush and Tom (not necessarily in that order ha ha).

Where are you heading next?

I’m heading to Nicaragua in two weeks to shoot with Soludos, and then meeting Tom to explore Central America and shoot some content there.

Whats something most people don’t know about you?

I’m blind as a bat but always forget to wear my glasses. Really, really blind haha. I’m also older than many may think… ;-)

 See more from Christina on her instagram @christinamacpherson and blog christina-macpherson.com.au

 Read about one of our other favourite globetrotters Lucia in her Greek Island Travel Guide.

We recently caught up with one of our favourite Hawaiian babes, Alyssa Shreeve, who's built a massive following online (@lyssielooloo) and takes the most amazing photos! So we just had to ask her for her top tips when it comes to photography.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Well hello there!

I'm Alyssa. I'm from Idaho but I'm based out of the beautiful island of Oahu! I absolutely love exploring the world and meeting new people.

When I'm not snapping pics or filming,  I'm probably falling on my skateboard, reading in a comfy bed or eating frozen yogurt.

Hawaii must be an amazing place to live, what do you love most about living here?

It truly is! The most amazing thing about living there to me is being able to surf during the day and then skate during the sunset and eat yummy food in between (-: Exercising is so hard for me if I’m not having fun, so surfing and skating are perfect for getting me in shape while having a blast!

Tell us a bit about how you got into modelling and photography.

I never really had aspirations of becoming a model until some of my photographer friends were hitting me up to do little projects with them. I started posting the photos from these little projects and then businesses starting reaching out to me asking me what my rates were and I was honestly like WOW YOU CAN GET PAID TO DO THIS?

The companies I worked with in the beginning are people I still work with, and they are absolutely amazing! I guess ,y passion for photography came when I started modelling. I would see the pictures and be like OH YES, this is magical. I want to be able to create something like this too. So I bought a camera and practiced, practiced, practiced.

What camera do you use?

I use a canon 6d for photography and a Panasonic GH5 for filming! 

What are your top 5 photography tips?

1. Take photos of everything! Then go through them, get a feel for what you like and in which style you like to edit them.

2. Make lots of mistakes, then learn from them. It took me a solid 2 years for me to understand what kind of style and lighting I liked. I still don’t know, but I am defintely learning.

3. Get to know every part of your camera. There are so many hidden features of my camera that I didn’t know about. I use them every time I shoot now and they really help!

4. Aim for a lower aperature to make photos and portraits really pop! I always use an aperature around 1.4 to 2.0 to try and focus on the subject of the photos.

5. Always straighten the horizon line of your photo when editing

What lighting do you prefer when taking photos and why? 

I used to think that I liked shooting really bright photos, but I have discovered lately that I like shooting the photos a little darker and then editing them brighter, the colors pop more when I do this and the photos seem much easier to edit! You can correct a dark photo, but it’s much harder to correct a photo that is too bright!

What programs/apps do you use to edit your photos?

I use lightroom and made my own presets for editing. Sometimes I will bring the photos to my phone and edit them on VSCO.

How do you edit your photos?

I have my own little presets on Lightroom and almost always work with the hue, saturation and luminescence of the colors first before anything else. I desaturate all blues, green and yellows, then I usually increase their saturation.

What do you use to edit your videos?

I use Finalcut for editing my videos! It works great because with Finalcut, I can use my color presets from Lightroom so that my photos and videos have a similar look. I mostly always edit all clips in my videos to be slo-mo, it adds a more emotional and dramatic effect.

You have so many amazing photos in so many different destinations. What are some of your favourite places that you have been to?

I think one of my absolute favorite places to go was Ibiza! Just walking down the little, all-white corridors was a dream for me. Another favorite is definitely Kauai, that little island is insane! It’s seriously incredible how beautiful everything is there.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

I went to a “nerd school” in high school, and there were about 60 people in my graduating class. We took a program called International Baccalaureate, an international system based on developing intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills. It was seriously one of the hardest things I’ve ever accomplished, but it was so worth it!  I also can lick my elbow!

What is something you are passionate about/loving at the moment?

Man oh man, I have been so into reading lately. Specifically books on spiritual awakening and self-realization. I was never one to be into this kind of topic beforehand, but once I opened myself up to it, I found I really liked it! It definitely helps me overcome the adversities in my life. Lately, mediation has been really important to me as well. It helps me to calm down and stay grounded in my day to day life.

Do you have any tips or messages for girls aspiring to make their dreams come true?

Just start working on it, right now! The simple act of working on something, even if you don’t know where to start or what to do, will eventually allow you to have greater insight on how to make it happen. We don’t always do something because we are motivated, we are motivated because we do something! So go start doing something for your dream, the answers will follow.

All photos by Alyssa. Alyssa wears our Blushing velvet bikini and our Isla bikini top and Isabella bottoms - Shop them here.

To see more from Alyssa, find her on Instagram @lyssielooloo

For more Q&As, read our interview with Cali Beach Babe @_gypseaa

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Marisa! A 22 year old, half German, half Brazilian girl who grew up in the south of Germany and works as a model for many years now and believes in Karma! :P

Tell us a bit about how you got into modelling, where it all started, why you started, what age when you started and what you are doing at the moment with modelling.

Well, it all started pretty early, to be specific, at the age of 6!

My mum always dressed me up, in those super cool dungarees and converse sneakers, so I think I rocked that look pretty much & that´s why one day a woman came by and told my mum that her blond angel, would be the perfect choice for their shoot!

Since that time, I always used to model a little bit, but hey - there are some duties you need to fulfil like going to school and graduating!

After I graduated, I started with modelling again, this time more intense!

I have started to love it even more and more, so I decided, at the age of 19, to make it my main job! And that’s the story behind it! :)

What do you love most about being a model?

I think most of the people who are in the same business, would say: “the traveling”. And so do I! My opinion is that you're growing a lot, and getting to know yourself better, if you're traveling a lot and getting to see a lot of different cultures and people; that´s the second thing I love the most about being a model, getting to know so many different people, different characters, people with a different perspective on life, business and even love! I’m learning a lot while traveling!

Ow, and guys! don't be shy, always try the traditional dishes of the country you're visiting! :P

Least favourite thing about being a model (if any)?

THE WAITING! I’m super inpatient and waiting is one of the biggest parts of this job so I always carry a good book with me so not one second is wasted!

Things you have learnt along the way?

Don’t wrack your brain on comments from people who don't really know you! And NEVER EVER do something you don't have fun with, something that makes you sad or uncomfortable!

You mentioned on your Instagram how you have struggled in the past with body image, what issues are there in society with this?

The thing is, I’m 178 cm (5’10) tall, have always been skinny with super long arms and legs, so what? But that has been the reason why the kids in school made fun of me, called me: “giraffe”, “bone”, “beanpole”, “anorexic”, and several other things. It made me sad, I was feeling different than all the other girls around me, way too tall and way too skinny.

I came home and cried, I actually put on two pair of leggings underneath my jeans just to look a little bit ‘bigger’! And that’s the point! I tried to change myself, because I did not feel accepted, just the way I am. I’ve tried to change myself, only for them. It still makes me sad, while I’m writing this down, because that’s what society still has to learn. We’re all different, we all have different types of bodies! And guess what? That’s a good thing! We all need to accept that and finally start to love ourselves! Stop judging, stop body shaming!

How do you manage to stay confident and promote a healthy body image? How do you embrace your natural body?

To be honest, I think it is not the easiest thing these days, to stay confident in your own body.

Because of all the pretty and “perfect” people on several social media platforms, we’re putting so much pressure on ourselves. We think we need to have a butt like the Kardashians, lips like Angelina Jolie, legs like one of the VS Angels, etc. just to get accepted by people we don't even know. Doesn’t that sound wrong? Why would we all want to look the same?!

The best way, to stay confident in your own body, is that you just need to be aware that it´s not important what other people may think about you! For me, it also helped to go to the gym on a regular basis, it gave me a good feeling about my own body. As long as you feel confident in your own body you’re reflecting that to the outside.

How do you manage to stay healthy with such a busy lifestyle?

A lot of people think that staying healthy is so hard. But, should I tell you something? It´s not! I love to cook fresh (so you know all the ingredients) and I'm always taking food and snacks with me, while I´m traveling. Especially breakfast, I LOVE a good breakfast!

So my tip: preparing food, or taking snacks with you, is saving you from eating fast-food on the go.

Guilty pleasures?

Popcorn!!!

How do you spend your down time?

Because I’m surrounded by so many people during my jobs, I really appreciate to have some time with myself & a good book or a good movie! 

Dream destinations?

Bali, Santorini, South Africa, NYC & Australia - and of course Brazil, because I have family over there.

What is something you are passionate about/loving at the moment?

I never thought that I’d ever say this, but it is… hitting the gym!

Do you have any tips or messages for girls aspiring to make their dreams come true?

Nike has one of the best slogans: “just do it!” don't think too much, it won’t make it better :)

It doesn't matter if other people don’t believe in you, the only person that matters is YOU! 

To see more from Marisa head to her Instagram @marisa_dos_santos and modelling agency http://www.eastwestmodels.de/women/main-board/1507-marisa-stangle/

 For more of our favourite babes read our Q&A with Cali babe Melly Wright