Creator's Corner: Little Bantam Sustainable Living
Elise Carver
Elise is a surf + fitness trainer and sustainability advocate based in Torquay, Vic. Through a holistic approach to training and education, she aims to inspire, encourage and guide those with the drive to improve their health and take care of the planet.
From healing mental trauma to encouraging sustainable lifestyle tips, Elise shares the toughest lessons she’s learned and the values that help her lead a balanced life.
Where did the idea for Little Bantam Health and Fitness come from?
It started when I moved to Torquay and needed to change the way I trained to improve my surfing and the overall health of my body. Rather than the usual cookie-cutter gym styles, I had to adapt to unique training formats.
How has your focus shifted and evolved from training and fitness to now include sustainable lifestyle tips and solutions?
I’ve been slowly transitioning into a sustainable lifestyle since we bought our house four years ago. It feels natural to start sharing the whole picture of my life rather than just a snippet. The physical training I do still falls under “sustainable living” as its a maintainable way of training and staying fit.
Where did your passion for sustainability and spreading awareness about it come from?
I found myself talking to my clients about it day in and day out. Finally one of my clients said, “Why don’t you turn this into a business, like a sustainability mentor?” I wanted to do something for others rather than just myself and encouraging others to live sustainably seemed only natural. Plus, I’m passionate about it and passion in your work life is hard to come by!
What are your guiding values, and how are they reflected in the messages you share with the students you coach and your online followers?
Strength, balance and harmony. These three words, no matter what the topic, always seem to apply. Strength: mentally and physically in whatever you do. Balance: which ultimately comes from making sustainable choices. Harmony: with your surroundings and your soul, which I believe is only achievable if you lead a balanced life.
Photo by Shaun Tunny
What are three sustainable swaps that people can make immediately to help mama Earth?
Swap single-use items for reusable ones, eg. drink bottles, coffee cups, straws.
Start buying bulk instead of packaged foods.
Compost your food scraps.
What’s your favorite thing about the career and lifestyle you’ve created for yourself?
It’s balanced :) I’m pretty sure I have almost as much leisure time as I do work time.
What’s one of the hardest lessons you’ve learned as a business owner?
Success isn’t measured by notoriety or fame but happiness and free time.
Do you have creative habits or rituals that help you stay focused?
I always start the day writing my fantasy novel before I do anything work-related.
When you’re not working, what can we find you doing?
Surfing, writing, gardening, cooking and anything Harry Potter related.
What is the proudest moment in your journey so far?
Healing my mental trauma from when I was younger and officially getting off my Gastritis medication after 6 years!
What’s next for you?
Publishing my fantasy novel and my cookbook, releasing the Sustainable You eCourse and going on a trip to Tassie and then the USA.
What advice would you give aspiring women wanting to step away from a traditional career and create something different for themselves?
Be patient! Good things take time and lots of feel-good snacks.
Photo by Shaun Tunny
What’s your guilty pleasure after a long work week?
A Gluten-Free Vegan sweet pie of my own making. I’m stock piling recipes for the cookbook.
What do you look forward to each day?
Each and every day without fail….good tasty food!
Finish these sentences
My favorite place to travel is HOME.
I lose track of time when I’m on social media.
I can read Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling over and over again.
In 5 years I’ll be a published author.
Follow Elise on Instagram
Visit her website: Little Bantam Health & Fitness
Images provided by Elise Carver
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