Meet Vivian, the founder of Five Plus Smoothies and green smoothie evangelist! She's just opened her second store, so it's safe to say all that green goodness is definitely working...
What does your morning routine look like? I wake up 6.30am, try to do half an hour of exercise and have a good breakfast. I always look forward to brekky, it is my favourite meal of the day. I try to do some reading during breakfast so I can have a quiet moment before I start the day.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Hahaha, there were so many things I wanted to do: be an architect, a pilot, a translator, an interior designer, a photographer, a programmer, a sushi chef. And I haven’t become any of these things, at least not professionally.
But that is the great thing about growing up. You are able to see so much potential in what can be done in life that our dreams are often endless. I am extremely happy where I have ended up and I am blessed to be doing what I am doing now.
What inspired you to start Five Plus? Honestly? Vanity! When I turned 37 two years ago I thought that now is the time that I really want to focus on looking after myself.
I wanted to feel good and look good from the inside out. I wanted to have glowing skin, get the rock hard abs (if they exist!) be more tone and lean, the whole lot.
At that time, I followed a lot of fashion bloggers, fitness people on Instagram, they were all talking about and drinking green smoothies. So I gave it a go. And I won’t lie, it was pretty nasty at first! I had no idea what I was doing and I was making some horrible concoctions but I soon discovered recipes and flavour combinations that worked well together.
Your big on inspiring people to make healthier choices, has health always been a big part of your lifestyle? I was bit of a late bloomer and I only really started caring about my health in my late 30s. But as they say it’s never too late to start.
I think healthy choices need to be intentional, conscious and at the same time balanced. I love going out and having a drink every now and then, so I don't deprived myself from that but when I can, I try to eat well. I think health really does start from the inside out, we only have one body and we need to make sure we look after it well.
If you aren’t in store (or busy opening your second one), where would we find you?Maybe getting a massage or reading a book.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women wanting to start their own business? Do it. Don't wait. Of course it is not without careful planning and consideration. But don't wait. The universe is waiting for your idea you just need to get it out there.
What’s your secret to a good smoothie? Love. I love what I have created. Hope you will too… that and a handful of kale of course!
Melbourne babes, definitely check 5 Plus out when you get a chance:
