Little Tienda Muse Amy Crawford, founder of The Holistic Ingredient, is passionately pro-age and her Podcast a must listen for women who want to get the most out of life. Welcome Amy to the journal. 

Welcome Amy Crawford - tell us a little about yourself?
Hello! I’m Amy, founder of The Holistic Ingredient. I live in Melbourne with my 11 year old labradoodle Wilson and my husband Andrew. I met Andrew on 31^st January 2021 and we were engaged 14 days later. After 3 failed attempts to marry (during the pandemic), we eloped to Flinders Island and tied the knot in August this year. When I’m not working in or on my business, I’m tending to one of 40’ish indoor plants, walking my dog, cooking with Andrew, devouring a Scandi Noir ep and likely dreaming up the next pivot in my business! I am passionately pro-age, and on a journey towards grey hair (it’s a slow one!)

You founded The Holistic Ingredient - can you tell us what that is? 
I suppose the overarching objective of the work I do via The Holistic Ingredient is to help women squeeze more juice out of life. I work as a therapist to help women let go of addictions, fears, programmed patterned of behaviours, anything holding them back. I host a podcast called ‘Woman, Conversations for the Curious’ – and love to have the juicy conversations many women wish they could have on the couch with a girlfriend. I have a wonderful growing range of Marine Collagen, Greens and Maca blends to help us feel our best. I also work with little kids to help them navigate their big feelings. Oh and I create recipes, whole food recipes for the good of our health! 

You haven’t always been a wellness practitioner - what brought you here? 
I spent the first 18 years of my career building recruitment businesses and was getting sicker and sicker amidst lots of testing. I was finally diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2011 and had to turn the key in the door and walk away from my business. I went ‘home’ to Tassie to live with my parents at the age of 39 for a year, unable to work. Through no business plan or big vision, my journey to health somehow morphed into The Holistic Ingredient - the ‘ingredients’ being all the things that I focussed on reclaim my health – mindset, exercise, relationships, low tox, nutrition etc.

Favourite go-to at-home lunch? 
Got to be a green smoothie - I love them for their ease and speed really. Baby spinach, avo, cucumber, banana, almond milk, protein powder, my collagen/greens/maca blends! 

What’s been your biggest inspiration/motivator?
Achieving great health personally, and hearing stories of women in my community who have been moved by a podcast, an article, a recipe or something – their stories fuel me to keep on creating and being in service.

How do you take care of yourself? 
I prioritise sleep over all else. I walk twice a day every single day of the year. I hydrate with lots of water. I am very conscious of supporting my mental health. I try not to get so invested in my business that I forget to connect with people I love (this can be tricky, I LOVE to work!). I have learnt the hard way that my health must be prioritised over all else, so I am a very good boundary setter – I know my limits and I set them without apology.

What’s one thing we should all do to take better care of ourselves?
Prioritise a good sleep routine – know what you need to function well and don’t overlook it. Poor sleep impacts everything – what we put in our mouth, how we feel, whether we get active, our mental health etc.. 

Essentials:
Beauty – I grew up with a mother who maintained a strict skin care routine and it’s rubbed off. I cleanse, tone, serum and moisturiser twice a day every day. Currently trying a beautiful new range called Purely Byron. I can’t seem to let go of my favourite lipstick, Lady Danger by Mac.

Wardrobe item – good fabrics always! Plus, a really good pair of sneakers, a great white T, a pretty frock and a fab pair of jeans. Currently wearing flares from Rolla’s, LOVE THEM.

Pantry – crunchy peanut butter is life. That is all. Oh and 85% dark choc.

Favourite: 
Dinner date: Flathead fried in butter, a salad of butter lettuce, avo, toasted walnuts, mango, red onion, and a side of kipflers drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt. 

Song on repeat: Melbourne Bitter by Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird. 
Instagram account: That ebs and flows, but lately it’s Jimmy Rees because some days I am just grateful for the giggles he brings! 
Fashion inspiration: I am always inspired by my best mate Kylie Radford (founder of Morrison). I adore her simplicity and her ability to wear one dress 5 different ways. She’s taught me to shop for quality and longevity. Much of my wardrobe are quality pieces I’ve owned for 5+ years.

You’d rather be: 
Country or city? City to live (for now, because of my product business) but country for R&R and wide open skies!  
Tea or coffee? If you had a gun to my head, coffee. But I’ll take both, thanks.
Vegemite or peanut butter? Really? You need to ask me this!? Crunchy peanut butter (smooth should be eradicated).
Summer or winter? Summer. And since I’m allowed to choose, I’ll take 24 degrees every day. Please and thank you. 

Best advice you’ve ever received? Ooo, can I have a couple? If nothing changes, nothing changes. And,  your energy is your currency. This has been some of the most useful business advice, I can’t do what I do without great energy, so it helps me put my pen down when I’m pushing! 

Favourite Little Tienda piece? I am brand new to this gorgeous brand and I hope to grow my collection, but I love this piece – it’s bright and playful, and I love the organic cotton.

In one month Amy Crawford will be… starting to think about all the wonderful adventures and opportunities 2023 will bring!

Thank you so much for chatting with us Amy and we wish you continued love and joy in 2023.