Jessica Peris
I own a beauty space in Canberra called The Beautique, where I manage a team of gorgeous staff and wear many hats. I specialise in nail art and bridal makeup.
In my personal life – I love to cook, sing, and do anything that allows me to express myself creatively and bring joy to those around me. I’m an animal lover, a fiery Aries, a big dreamer, and an over thinker. I feel like these are some things make up a part of who I am, and no matter what it is I’m doing, I always try to put my best foot forward and stay true to myself in every way I can.
Like most business owners I struggle to find that precious “balance”, but in an active effort to take better care of myself I am learning the importance of boundaries and sticking to them.
I always start my day by making my bed in the morning, and every evening before bed I apply my favourite hand cream and lip balm. Most nights, I listen to peaceful piano on Spotify as I’m lying in bed. A few years ago, I was in a bad place mentally and struggled to fall asleep. My mum used to play piano cassettes for myself and my sister as kids, as falling asleep to the music helped us learn new songs for our lessons. It really helps me drift off, I guess it’s a familiar comfort that I’ve subconsciously revived from my childhood.
To me, wellbeing is tuning into your “self” – physically, mentally and spiritually. When we listen to our bodies and minds, and nourish our needs at all levels. Wellbeing is a deeper state of contentment, where although every day struggles may be present, there is an underlying state of gratitude. I believe it is the understanding that we are human “be”-ings, not human “do”-ings; that we can just be, and that we can be well.
beauty is an appreciation of all things. It’s about finding something lovely in unexpected places, the resonance in something that inspires happiness inside. It’s a feeling. It’s kindness, warmth and acceptance.
I return to myself by switching off screens, listening to music or playing the piano, singing an old song or creating a piece of art purely for the enjoyment of it. It’s like food for the soul. Spending time in nature or at home in the garden gives me a chance to calm my mind and go through my thoughts without any external distraction. I find solitude to be extremely important for my wellbeing, and every now and then I love to travel on my own. I think this is so important, especially in an industry where there is a natural tendency to always care for others, as being on my own forces me to put myself first and make my own decisions. It’s a lot easier to listen to my head and heart when everything else is quiet.
