Being a MUM comes FIRST
“Seeing the world through my children’s eyes is something that I really appreciate” –KERR
THE AUSSIE MODEL TURNED BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR CHATS ALL THINGS KORA ORGANICS, KIDS AND KEEPING FIT AND HEALTHY, AND HOW SHE JUGGLES IT ALL
Just take one look at that glowing skin and gorgeous face and it’s clear you’d be a fool not to take beauty advice from Miranda Kerr. So when she rings through to chat about her new Berry Bright Eye Cream, we’re all ears. “It’s a wonderful new addition,” she tells WHO of introducing the product to her Kora Organics range. “It’s just so exciting to see the results that it’s been getting for people (in our consumer trials) … so it’s exciting to get it out there.”
While many celebrities have put their name to beauty brands over the years, plugging their products on Instagram while not having much to do with the actual development, the 38-year-old – who launched Kora Organics way back in 2009 – isn’t one of them. “I work on each product for almost two years,” she explains of what goes on behind the scenes. “I put everything into getting the product to be as powerful, and as clinically active and results driven, as it can possibly be. I push our chemists, because, for all our products, getting the formula right is crucial.”
It’s pretty obvious Kerr knows more than her fair share about skincare. Discussing her products, the model-turned-entrepreneur confidently rattles off dozens of ingredients
“My children know that they are loved” KERR
and their benefits for each one with the ease and passion of someone who knows their stuff. Despite having traded in her life in the small town of Gunnedah in NSW many moons ago, she clearly is still proud of her roots – often taking inspiration for her brand from her family Down Under.
“The Berry Bright Eye Cream has a couple of ingredients from Australia, actually, like the Kakadu plum, which is known as a super fruit and has the world’s richest natural source of vitamin C,” Kerr excitedly explains. “My mum used to drink the Kakadu plum – she still drinks Kakadu plum powder – to get her vitamin C. I just love incorporating that internal and external beauty, and when I spoke to our chemists about incorporating Kakadu plum, they were excited because it’s rich in antioxidants. It’s a great ingredient.”
While her products work their magic on the outside, for Kerr, beauty is more than skin deep. “Basically the most beautiful person is someone who is kind and you can feel that kindness when you speak to them and when you’re in their presence. And that is what is so beautiful when you really meet someone who has a kind heart and that generosity of spirit,” she shares of how she defines beauty. “That’s something that my grandmother had, that I really was so attracted to about her, that kindness and that generosity of spirit. I just thought she was the most beautiful woman.”
Although it seems she could happily chat about beauty and skincare for hours, having already mentioned her mum and grandmother, it’s evident family is always front of mind for the star. So when the conversation turns to how she juggles a global beauty brand with motherhood – Kerr shares sons Myles, 3, and Hart, 23 months, with husband Evan Spiegel and 10-year-old Flynn with ex Orlando Bloom – it’s no surprise her kids take priority.
“It’s definitely a balance and my family always comes first,” she tells WHO of the juggle. “I’m so grateful that I have a wonderful team at Kora Organics who understand that. There’s so many meetings that I’m in, where children are on my lap and they’re in and out. For me, it’s just about balancing, and letting my kids understand the importance of having a good work ethic because that’s something my mother taught me. But at the same time making sure they know they are my priority.”
With Spiegel, 31, being the CEO of social media company Snap Inc, you can imagine that finding time together as a family doesn’t always come easily. But Kerr says the couple make a point to have “special time” together with their kids on the weekends – enjoying picnics outside, or a hike where she’ll load the younger two into her double pram. “It’s just fun having those times together,” she continues. “Seeing the world through my children’s eyes is something that I really appreciate, but
I also see the importance of them understanding that work is a natural part of life. It’s important they see that and it was something I think that was instilled into me. The drive that I have today was from seeing my parents working very hard on their passions. I think our children see both my husband and I working very hard on our passions and they know they’re loved, and that’s the most important thing.”
Running a business and raising a family is no small feat, and the fact Kerr manages to do both and still keep her health and wellness in check is something to be commended. Having taken up Kundalini yoga when she was 18, the model is still an avid yogi and tries to get her workouts in after she wakes.
“I exercise for about 45 minutes to an hour before the kids wake up every morning,” she explains of how she keeps her amazing former Victoria’s Secret bod in check. “Although I have maybe one day off on the weekend. It feels energising to get the exercise out of the way first thing in the morning.”
Like her beauty regimen, Kerr’s wellness practices ensure her inner health and mind are nourished as well. “I also love meditation, I find it to be super-helpful,” she continues. “And having like a little gratitude practice – when you wake up in the morning
and think of three things you’re grateful for. I try to incorporate that with my kids. When we go for a little walk in the morning, I’ll ask them, ‘What are three things you’re feeling grateful for today?’ It’s just a good little practice to get into.”
Although it seems she has it all figured out, Kerr stresses it’s a balancing act for her as well. With both herself and Spiegel working from home at the moment, the star says it’s important to “find your rhythm”. And for any mums out there finding it difficult, Kerr leaves WHO with this piece of advice. “Try to schedule in things as much as possible – like for me, I also schedule in one-on-one time with each of my children,” she adds. “Make sure that you don’t feel bad asking for help ever. Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself and try and take it day by day.”