Remember her name, because Jessica Sepel is an Aussie blogger to watch. After launching jessicasepel.com just two years ago, the nutritionist and wellness coach swiftly built up an avid following. This popularity attracted the attention of a number of brands, with Whole Foods the latest to team up with the health blogger. Sepel’s role? To endorse and educate consumers on the benefits of taking vitamins that have been sourced from nature (not a laboratory).
Here, BD finds out how Sepel got involved with blogging, what she thinks about the Australian blogging industry, and why teaming up with Nature’s Way Whole Foods was a natural (ahem) fit.
How did you get into the health industry?
Like so many young women, I spent my teenage years and early 20s struggling with negative body image. Back then, food was the enemy and my body a burden. It took some time, but I finally realised hating my body was affecting every aspect of my life. From that point on, I made a commitment to study nutrition and how my body works. I completed a Bachelor of Health at Macquarie University, Sydney. I wanted to be a clinical nutritionist, so I followed my degree up with a two-year course in Nutritional Medicine.
What prompted you to start blogging?
I truly felt the need to connect with my fellow Australians and talk openly about my personal journey with food and body image. I am so lucky that people all over the world have given me a chance to let me into their lives. At the time, I had been studying health and nutrition for five years and felt I HAD to share what I had learned along the way. Plus, my friends kept asking me about healthy recipes I was making. I decided to start a casual blog for myself and even kept it on ‘private’ for six months. Dean, my partner, begged me to take it live as he believed people would respond well to my honesty and informative posts about nutrition.
Do you find that your blog works hand-in-hand with being a nutritionist?
Blogging has become an incredible outlet for sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through nutritional study with other women on a similar journey!
Can you describe your average day?
Morning:
- I wake up at 6:30am to warm lemon water and a quiet meditation session.
- I try to squeeze in a quick workout and a coffee (just one a day!) at my favourite local cafe.
- I enjoy a wholesome breakfast - usually eggs or a delicious, nutritious smoothie.
- The rest of my morning is usually spent in clinic or in meetings with various health companies or my PR team. I also respond to emails and update my blog.
Afternoon:
- I always sit down to a wholesome lunch – no matter how busy I am!
- I set time aside to respond to emails and schedule blog posts for the next day.
Evening:
- At around 7-8pm, I try to switch off from technology.
- I then move to the kitchen and get super excited about creating a nutritious dinner for my family or fiancé – it’s my favourite part of the day!
- After dinner, I treat myself to an epsom salt bath, herbal tea and eight hours of sleep.
Have you always been passionate about health?
Always. I was born into a very health-conscious family. From a young age, I would watch my grandmother eat grated carrots and meditate. My mum and dad took care of their bodies and cooked wholesome meals. I feel health is just a part of who I am - it’s all I have ever known.
Do you believe there are lots of successful health bloggers in Australia?
Of course. I get so inspired by the people who are interested in health and starting to blog about their journeys! I think it’s becoming the most desirable profession.
What is your recipe for success?
Be real, because real is relatable. You have so much to offer the world and everyone can learn from your story. Don’t be afraid to share your story, and be okay with being imperfect.
Do you think Australian consumers are more perceptive about health and wellbeing matters?
Yes, and I think us Aussies are realising that health is a priority and a lifestyle.
How did your partnership with Nature’s Way come about?
From a very organic place. I’m VERY particular about the brands I align myself with. I’m fussy as I feel I have a responsibility as a nutritionist to be honest about what I think we should be consuming. Natures Way Whole Food vitamins hit my desk and I was impressed as these vitamins are derived from 100 per cent natural wholefoods.
Why did you choose to partner with Nature’s Way?
Because I believe in the product! I use it personally. I believe the body can really digest and absorb wholefood vitamins.
What is the best thing about the Nature’s Way brand?
It’s unique. There is nothing else like it. I travel to the US often and I have not yet seen a product that is 100 per cent made from wholefoods. Eating as close to nature as possible is the best thing we can do for our health.
What attracted you to working on the Whole Food Vitamin range?
Exactly that - because it’s WHOLE food. This is my mantra. This is what I believe in. We are not designed to consume synthetic and processed foods.
Why are the Whole Food Vitamins beneficial for consumers?
Because they are easy to absorb. They will fill the nutritional gaps for each individual – especially considering 94 per cent of Australians are not eating enough vegetables.
What is your favourite product in the range and why?
The magnesium supplement. It’s my favourite mineral in general. It calms the nervous system, helps many people sleep better, relieves constipation (works like magic!) and relieves muscle cramps/tightness.
What are your responsibilities in your role as a Nature’s Way ambassador?
To be honest and real. To genuinely love and use the products myself. This is so important to me; I need to feel comfortable with any product I endorse.
What things have you done in your role as a Nature’s Way ambassador?
I have gently educated the public on the importance of getting our vitamins from wholefood sources. People are often so unaware of what they consuming, and where their food/vitamins are coming from. My role is to guide people to make their best possible choices for optimal health.