This week on #TheBite, we're chatting to Financial Coach and Founder of This Girl Talks Money, Ellie Austin-Williams. Ellie talks to us about finding balance amidst chaos and prioritising time-off in a busy schedule.
Tell us a little bit about what you do and how you came to be doing that?
I'm the founder of This Girl Talks Money, a financial education platform focused on opening the conversation about money and helping to make money make sense. I started my working life as a lawyer and then moved into marketing, starting TGTM as a blog when I couldn't see any content out there that answered the questions I had about money.
What drives you to do what you do?
Feedback, interaction and seeing the positive impact that starting conversations about money can have.
Following this past year of COVID19 and the global upheaval we’ve all experienced in different ways, we at BOBBIE’S feel that as a result we’re really feeling the need for more ‘balance’ in life; balance in the choices we make, balance for a healthy mindset, finding balance in the things we enjoy and balancing what we all do with the way we put back into society and support others.
How has your perspective on life or work perhaps altered given your experiences of this past year?
In all honesty, it's been a struggle to find a sense of balance amidst chaos and being stuck in one place. My work and my life have blurred, and over the last few months I've realised how much I need to build in more downtime to allow myself to be creative and grow my business further.
Where you do see the need or the advantages of balance in your own work/life perspectives?
One of the major perks of being a business owner is running my own schedule, but that also has a downside too - I often struggle to factor in time off into my schedule, which is something I am learning to prioritise more and more.
When it comes to balancing treats and moderation -
What’s your biggest #treatyoself indulgence?
I'm a huge chocolate lover and almost every day i will have at least a few squares of dark chocolate - with orange is my favourite!
Your self-care non-negotiables?
The gym and regular trips to the nail salon!
During a busy period, how do you stay balanced?
With difficulty! in all seriousness, making sure to get outside and breathe fresh air, as well as eating healthy food to stay nourished.
What do you do to relax? (activities, sports, indulgences, tv, cuisine, etc…)
Walking outside in nature, baking, going to the gym, watching Love Island!
Your no.1 tip for a healthy mindset?
Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't ask for advice
Your ideal brownie combination?
Chocolate orange
Now for your recommendations, tell us about your favourite…
Restaurant or Dish you're loving?
Stir fry tofu with udon noodles - so simple and delicious
Series on Netflix?
Currently watching Modern Family again - classic and still brilliantly funny
Podcast you’re listening to?
Pseudocide - one for true crime fans
Most recent guilty pleasure?
It's got to be Love Island
Thanks Ellie! You can find and follow Ellie at @thisgirltalksmoney on Instagram and @girltalksmoney on Twitter.
