ALEX VAN OS
Sydney eco-stylist, Australian Red Cross ambassador and founder of Op Shop To Runway who’s demonstrating that second-hand doesn’t mean second best
MY PARENTS ARE MY BIGGEST ROLE MODELS – THEY’VE ALWAYS SUPPORTED ME. Beyond my family, I draw inspiration from humanitarians and everyday people who volunteer their time to make a difference. And I will eternally be inspired by Sir David Attenborough and Dr Jane Goodall.
INSTAGRAM HAS PROVIDED ME WITH AN INCREDIBLE to instantly and personally connect with an PLATFORM online community and share my eco ideology, op-shop finds and creative collaborations.
I PRIDE MYSELF ON BEING CONFIDENT AND POSITIVE but sometimes, with the constant exposure to the apparent “perfect, beautiful, high achiever” on social media, I start to compare myself. In those moments, I simply switch off. I put my phone down, remember there’s no such thing as perfection and continue on with my beautifully imperfect life.
TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES WOMEN WITH INSTANT ACCESS TO PLATFORMS THAT AMPLIFY OUR VOICES AND ALLOW FOR DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES WE FACE. These platforms empower the individual to define their own topics for discussion, seek refuge, provide support and invoke change.
WHENEVER I’VE BEEN WORKING CRAZY HOURS – LIKE 60 TO 70 HOURS A WEEK – I MAKE
I feel SURE I TAKE TIME OUT TO RECUPERATE. most balanced when I exercise every day, eat nutritious food, get outdoors in the sun and spend quality time with my partner, family and friends.
I FEEL SO PROUD WHEN SOMEONE TELLS ME THAT I’VE INSPIRED THEM TO LIVE A MORE
Shopping second-hand, supporting SUSTAINABLE LIFE. ethical brands, purchasing locally produced goods, consciously reducing waste and being mindful of our everyday impacts... these simple changes can make a huge difference.
Stand up for what you MY ADVICE IS: LIFE’S SHORT. believe in, question and challenge the status quo, be a voice for those who don’t have one, encourage positive change and channel your passion to make a difference – no matter how big or small.