I have known this gorgeous, down to earth, talented soul since primary school; both of us growing up in the same town on the West Australian coast. After successfully graduating university with a degree in journalism just over 2 years ago, Telissa was immediately sought out by a popular radio station in the heart of Sydney. The world was calling her name & she answered: leaping away from family, friends & everything she knew for the great unknown.

As we sat & caught up over yummy smashed avo late-lunch in the heart of Newtown, Telissa opened up to me about how just how rough the adjustment from our calm roots to the chaotic nature of inner-city Sydney life was for her. I shared in her experience as I reflected on how tough I also had found it moving to Melbourne. She has since trumped fears & settled into her new busy rhythm that the city just seems to ingrain into you when you’re immersed in it!

With the voice of an angel, she has always been a gifted singer & now she is using her voice reading the news for the Edge on 96.1. She also runs her own business, coaching a team of likeminded women alongside her to live healthier lives with the aid of simple nutritional adjustments that make mass impact. She is just an overall wonderful human, & I am so happy that she is here on the blog.

On the day of the shoot it was her 23rd birthday, & I felt so lucky to be apart of that with her. I watched her transform into a badass in front of me & she completely rocked it! Enjoy this uplifting, incredible interview & in bloom session.

You can find her on instagram at @telissa_lee & over on her business Instagram at @telissa.bombshells & I’ll hand it on over now to Telissa.

‘Hey I’m Telissa! A big-hearted, small town girl trying to navigate city life and all the unchartered waters that come with it. A beach loving, music enthusiast who’s been living in Sydney for the past 18 months as a brekky radio newsreader. Lover of food, books and dogs (but who isn’t right??)’

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was younger I was convinced I was going to be a pop star. I grew up listening to music everyday and sang every spare minute I could. I was super shy about it though – I remember I made my parents turn around and count me in whenever I sang in front of them! A lot has changed since then and I’ve followed a different path – but music is still a huge part of my life and always will be. It gives me a sense of happiness that nothing else can. I’m lucky I work in a job that allows me to listen to music every single day – but sometimes I do catch myself day dreaming about being a muso and touring the world like I did when I was 10 years old!

3 words to describe your ‘now’ season?

Changing. Uncomfortable. Exciting.

What is it that inspires your creations/practice/or just inspires you generally?

The people around me I’d say. I’ve learnt that you’re a direct reflection of the closest people you surround yourself with. So being around people who constantly challenge my way of thinking, who push me past my comfort zone, who are truly authentic to themselves inspires me the most. But also nature. It’s crazy how much your mind can open up simply by just sitting by the ocean or watching the sunset. There is so much beauty in this world that can easily be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life. I’m guilty of that at times. So forcing myself to take a step back and look around me can often be when I feel most inspired and creative. I love observing people – I think you can learn so much by watching how we interact with each other and what makes us all so different…it’s so fascinating!

5 words to describe YOU?

Heart-driven. Courageous. Loyal. A Dreamer. Kind.

What most people wouldn’t know about you?

I’m the biggest hopeless romantic. I come across as pretty care free person when it comes to dating and love – but I’m a sucker for chivalry. Soppy movies, Hand written notes, that stuff gets me everytime. I’m not grand gestures kind of girl. I think there’s something so romantic in bringing someone their favorite coffee or asking about their dreams & aspirations and really listening. That sounds so cheesy but that’s the stuff that makes people feel like they really matter.

What light’s you up?

I’m a very sentimental person so for me it’s the little things. My favorite song playing on the radio. Sitting by the ocean. Seeing two people in love. Watching my friends achieve their dreams. That first hug at the airport after not seeing my family for months . Laughing until my belly hurts. Listening to old records with my Dad. So many little moments that we often take for granted are usually the best – so I try savour them as much as I can.

Do you manage a day-job-hustle? How do you find that balance?

I have my own side business on top of my full time job in radio, and have just started a podcast with a co-worker. I feel like in a place like Sydney it’s the new norm to have multiple jobs, passion projects and hobbies. It’s a busy place and people like to be busy. I think balance has always been a struggle for me no matter what I’m doing or where I am. I’m passionate about so many things and love immersing myself in new projects so can often over exert myself and burn out. I really try to make a conscious effort nowadays to put my health first – both mentally and physically – and be okay with saying no. I am only one person and can only do so much….so knowing my limits and getting into somewhat of a routine has been difficult but something that has helped me a lot in juggling everything. I’m a pretty free flowing person so staying organised is never an easy task but I am getting there! It’s all a learning curve and something I take day by day.

Where are you being called towards in the future?

At this present moment I’m finding myself being drawn to adventure. Ticking things off the bucket list and learning more about myself. Travelling is something I have always wanted to do more of but never really had the funds or the time. It’s crazy to me that being able to go and explore the world really is dependent on those two things. So I would really love to devote some time to doing that – experiencing new cultures, meeting new people and continuing to grow as a person.

Anything you are working on within yourself right now?

I think finding that healthy balance between work and rest. I can be a bit of a workaholic at the best of times, and struggle to say no to new plans, opportunities and callings. Life is always going to work in ebbs and flows, so for me it’s about really learning to be in tune with myself and adapting to life’s changes and altering my work load according to that. Learning how to rest and not feel guilty about it is a huge thing I’m working on right now. I think for a lot of creative people who are used to their mind going a hundred miles an hour and always thinking what’s next….It’s so hard to just sit and be still sometimes. But I’m learning to acknowledge when my body needs that and trying to accommodate it as best I can.

What is most coming forward / blooming within you currently??

I think just a lot of self reflection at the moment. I’m in a period of growth and personal development and although it’s uncomfortable and scary at times I’ve learnt that my vulnerability is strength. I’m slowly becoming the person I’m meant to be so letting go and trusting the process is difficult but so worth it at the same time. It’s insane to think about how much I’ve changed and evolved in the last 12 months….so it’s exciting to see where I end up a year from now. I believe in fate to a certain extent but now more in the sense that we are in charge of it…..I used to take the back seat a lot when it came to my life….so taking charge of myself, my life and new opportunities is something I’m growing into as I continue to grow as a person and something I’m really proud of.

A little piece of advice for anyone following the non-linear whispers of their heart in this linear world?

Trust that intuition and follow your heart. I have always been a big believer in following my heart over my head – and although it’s seemed crazy at times and caused me pain, I wouldn’t change that part of me for anything. It’s taught me so many valuable lessons in life already and brought me opportunities I never thought possible. Your head will help you make the smart decision. Your heart with help you make the right one. We weren’t put here on this earth to all be following the same path and achieving the same things at the same time. Celebrate your individuality & quirks and use that to make your imprint on the world – whatever that may be. You’ll only regret the chances you never took.