This International Women's Day we are excited to introduce our next #KINNship interview with the founder of Planet Organic, Renee Elliot. We are big fans of Planet Organic, our co-founder Sophie's old haunt before and after uni lectures, and so when we got the opportunity to interview Reneé Elliot, the founder of Planet Organic and Beluga Bean we were over the moon!
When you wake up what are the first three things you do?
Make coffee, spend 30 minutes with my husband and listen to a classical bit of music from ‘A Year of Wonder’ by Clemency Burton-Hill (http://www.classicalsource.com/db_control/db_features.php?id=15042) before the children join us.
What does your average day look like?
Work day = a Connect Breakfast like the one we’re doing through Beluga Bean (https://belugabean.com/ ) on February 27, followed by meeting mentoring clients, getting home to collect my kids from school and making dinner that the five of us share.
Weekend day = coffee with my husband, Brian, an hour of NIA dance in the village and then relaxed time to hang with my family, call friends, cook, bake, read and be still.
What is your one 'pass it on' piece of advice?
Have fun. Now. Every day. And in every area of your life including work, with your partner, your kids, with your sibs, on the weekend…
How would you describe your personality in three words?
Industrious, determined, thoughtful.
Personal success. What does that look and feel like to you?
It feels like wellbeing in all of its forms - economic, intellectual, emotional, psychological, physical, spiritual and social.
What's your favourite thing about your home? OR What says 'home' to you?
It's my home because it is filled with my family and beautiful things from my family - from furniture brought from France to New Orleans by my great great great grandfather to ceramics made by my youngest daughter.
Where do you go or what rituals do you have for those moments you need to feel inspired or energised?
I meditate, walk or go to a dance class.
Favourite podcasts and other digital inspiration?
Hmmm, not so much inspiration digitally. I prefer print and am being inspired by books like ‘You are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter'(http://www.youaretheplacebo.com/ ) , 'Grit: the Power of Passion & Perseverance' (https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/) , ‘Eighteen & Cancer’ (http://batortabor.hu/en/2017/11/03/eighteen-and-cancer-when-growing-up-is-not-an-option/) and ‘The Secret Life of Cows’. https://www.farmdrop.com/blog/secret-life-cows-rosamund-young-review/
Which five sites are always in your browser history?
Planet Organic, You.Tube, Beluga Bean, The Royal Academy of Arts, London Theatre Direct
How do you feel the organic movement has grown since you started Planet Organic?
I feel as committed and enthusiastic about the organic movement as when I started, because it is sustainable farming that creates the best quality food while protecting our precious soil, our resources and our planet.
What excites you about the organic movement?
I love where organic provides great free-from products that are packed with nutrition, unlike free-from products of old that were highly refined and not organic.
How important is it to you that your beauty and homecare products are clean?
Clean beauty and homeware products are non-negotiable for me. I give my body and my skin the best possible products and ensure that our home is without chemicals, too.
What inspired you to launch your Beluga Bean initiative?
Planet Organic was about the physical aspect of wellbeing. Beluga Bean, which offers courses on life skills and business skills for women, is about wellbeing in its other iterations. My desire is to support women on their personal and entrepreneurial journeys.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever given and received?
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK1kbJiisLk) , the father of Transcendental Meditation, said, ‘When you are tired, take rest.’