I’ve known Anita now for a few years via working together in fashion retail and it’s no surprise that the first thing I noticed was her beautiful smile – the smile of an instant long time friend and of course her ridiculously cool style.
Last year Anita faced one of her toughest years and faced it with the strength and courage of a much loved woman and mum.
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, I’d like to shine the spotlight on this inspirational mum, wife, friend and fellow Swish retail sales member, Anita Arnold.
When life throws us a challenge we can stomp and yell, shut down, ignore or face the challenge head on.
Life is full of wonder, joy and the unexpected. Courage is the strength we often need to face its challenges.
In this interview, Anita shares with us the importance of listening to our bodies and how love and family are what matters most in life.
2016 was a challenging year for you, how have your life priorities changed?
2016 was a pretty tough year for me.
Family is, without question, the most important priority in my life. Nothing else comes close.
I lost my father in June last year. It highlighted that life is precious, unpredictable and we only get one go at it.
Dad’s favourite quote was “this isn’t a dress rehearsal”. He faced life head on, didn’t back down from a challenge and taught me to do the same.
As a woman over 40 in Australia, what do you think woman 'must do now' to maintain their health today?
As an Australian woman over 40 (well actually over 50), I feel it is important to have those health checks we tend to put off and not want to think about.
A quick and simple mammogram, for example, may save a life. Make those appointments now ladies. Early detection can make all the difference.
My health forced me to acknowledge that I needed to make a few changes in my life.
I have always struggled with my weight, but it was never really a priority until it directly affected my health. I want to be around for my boys for a long, long time. After losing 10 kg I now sleep much better, have heaps more energy (essential with young children), and have more self-confidence.
I have also made myself a priority for the first time since I was single. I take time out for me.
I am blessed to have a supportive and understanding husband, and a wonderful circle of friends always offering to help get the boys to their sporting activities (there are a lot of these). The juggle of work, family and life in general sometimes needs a little help to stay on track.
How important is it to work in a job that you love? What is it about Swish fashion and the Swish customer that make you excited to go to work?
There is so much to love and no day is the same as the last. It is my calm, happy place, where the chaos and stresses in my home life don’t intrude.
I love our Swish customer, each of our customers is unique. I love our product – great quality, fashionable and Australian.
We have a great team who are loyal, supportive and hard working and I enjoy being creative, I love dressing our window displays at the Swish Malvern, Glenferrie Road store.
One of the financial side-effects of losing weight is the need to buy new clothes, luckily I love shopping.
My favourite plus size Swish outfit this season is teaming the fabulous Ponti Pants, Patchwork Top with the gorgeous new Black Suede Vest. Super comfortable, flattering, and very ‘on-trend’.
Next month, you will be visiting friends and family and sightseeing on a dream holiday to New York and Martha's Vineyard. What are you most looking forward to seeing and doing?
My next challenge is a fun one.
We will be visiting friends on the gorgeous island of Martha’s Vineyard, and relatives in San Francisco.
My camera mad 12-year-old will no doubt take a gazillion photos that will trigger lifelong happy memories of our wonderful family adventure.
How will you pack for one of the world’s hottest fashion meccas?
I’ll probably only be taking black and/or white (mostly Swish) clothing,reducing the pairs of shoes I’ll need, and, they will mix and match with each other.
I’m visiting the shopping capital of the world and I’ve been saving madly so that I can bring home a few fashionable souvenirs.
Anita pictured here with her beautiful mum.
My mum is my inspiration –bravely facing new challenges of a life without her husband of over 50 years. I am so proud of her.
Balance is what gives us the space to create lives that we love.
It takes courage to put a self-care regime in place and surrounded by her family and loved ones, Anita has created that space for her heart to be filled with more joy, health and love.
She shares this message by encouraging us all to make time for ourselves and to embrace the best possible version of themselves.
I think this is the perfect family, life, work balance space to live, to love and to celebrate in.
Have a fabulous holiday Anita X