I fell in love with Lola when I stumbled upon her Instagram feed, almost two years ago while living in Melbourne. From there, I went hunting for her website and youtube channel, and found myself hanging onto every single word she had to say in her unapologetically, beautifully-bogan Aussie accent (Lola babe, I promise I mean that as a compliment!). And every time I would traipse around Prahran market- one of her favourite organic hangs- I’d hope to see her, just so I could let her know how rad she is.
It’s not hard for nutritionists to seem ‘stuffy’, and so often well-known food experts present themselves ‘professionally’, with slicked back pony-tails and power suits. Not Lola. And THAT is why I adore her most. Her radiant quirkiness, the playful- almost flirtatious- relationship she has with food and yoga, and her non-stop musings of tree houses and big crystals rings… She may not know it just yet, but I think we’re soul sisters.
While in Melbourne recently for a speaking gig, I DID see Lola in Prahran, and finally got to give her that hug that was meant for her two years ago. And as a total bonus- she approved of the hunk of moonstone on my finger. Lola Berry, you sure know how to make me swoon…
Sum up your mission in one sentence.
To live my bliss, which is inspiring people to be the best versions of themselves.
Can you share with us one of your most vulnerable moments (and in hindsight, what made it so beautiful?).
I was so lucky to be filming for an Australian morning show in New York, and I did some fun stuff for an American telly show. American’s love our Aussie sense of humour and vernacular. Anyway, for one segment we filmed at the West Harlem food bank, where homeless people go for a free feed each night. And I interviewed a man called Kevin who’d been coming to this food bank for 15 years. I asked him what he liked about it, and he replied, ‘well on Thanksgiving they go all out and put table cloths on the table.’ I was blown away, here’s me in my designer outfit worried about how my hair would look for filming and this dude was looking forward to Thanksgiving because there would be a tablecloth on the table! It was a very grounding and humbling experience. And Kevin seemed genuinely happy to be part of this family where they shared food and got looked after.
What turns you on?
In a person? A soul with spirit. Someone doing whatever feeds their bliss, anyone who seems free is always very intriguing to me too.
What makes your blood boil?
Nothing really, I mean I don’t like experiencing hurt, heartbreak or feeling used but I always learn the biggest lessons when I get knocked the hardest. I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason.
How do you define confidence?
Living your bliss in total freedom, doing what you love… for you.
When was the last time you experienced pure, unadulterated joy? Can you give us the juicy details?
I f-ing love being out in nature, biophillia is one of my favourite words, it’s the healing power of Mother Nature, so swimming in the ocean for so long that i think i might turn into a mermaid, or being a total forest fairy. That stuff brings me mega joy.
What makes you feel most ENLIVENED?
Doing what I love and sharing that with other people.
Combining my passions with a business I love makes me feel …
Like it’s the way we should all strive to live, I mean if you’re job is doing what you love, then it’s never really work. The way I see it, I get paid to do exactly what I was put here to do. That makes me happy.
Few people know this about me, but I …
I am actually obsessed with music (like ridiculously obsessed, I can only write to certain types of music). Also, I want to build and live in a treehouse one day, and I sleep with crystals under my pillow.
I secretly wish I could …
Have magic powers that heal people on the spot, that would be pretty cool, taking this health thing to a whole new level.
To me, the words ‘Such Different Skies’ mean …
Do what you love, I mean what you really love, what works for me doesn’t work for you, trust your inner sparkle it will guide you to so much amazingness, even in the dark times, it still knows how to get to the light.
Colourful, adventurous and with a healthy dose of Aussie eccentricity, Lola Berry is definitely not your average nutritionist. There’s little Lola won’t to do to get her message across: eating and living well is easy and fun! Her enthusiasm is contagious and her knack for translating the most technical information into easy-to-follow advice has made her one of Australia’s most popular nutritionists. She is constantly finding creative ways to help people make small achievable changes in their lives in order to better their health.
Her September 2012 release, The 20/20 Diet, guides readers through a 20-week process that Lola promises will help them reap major health benefits. The 20/20 Diet became the number one diet book in Australia within weeks of its release.
Lola is based in Melbourne, where she runs her own nutrition clinic.
Keep up to date with her at www.lolaberry.com and follow her on Twitter, Facebook an Instagram (@yummololaberry).
Love Lola, what a great interview. She is so quirky and authentic, an her enthusiasm is infectious! Xx
Absolutely love this lady- she’s a bit of a fire-cracker and so magical, sparkly and authentic. Oooh, it gives me the shivers!
Great interview- thank you my lovelies! x
Totally joining you as a forest fairy! Trees rock my world :)
Very cool chick. Love that she brings her own unique spin to this industry that can sometimes be seen as a bit bland. Great interview, Tara xo
“Living your bliss in total freedom, doing what you love… for you.” THAT is what life is all about.
Fab interview honey. xx