*Aiming to aspire to inspire as I chat to others, picking their brains, exploring their gifts and practices.
All posts are raw & unedited because f**k none of us are perfect & it is time to celebrate that - I'm here for the honest & real, you?
Who are you?
Never an easy answer! But to sum it up best, my name is Katie Croft. I love the finer things in life. A nice dinner, cocktails, a cute kit & beautiful spaces/places. I also love to capture it all!
What sets your soul on fire?
Feeling inspired/when I’m inspired. Which I can find in so many things! It’s a feeling. The right company, a good meal, a pretty space, an artsy movie, a Pilates class. I can find inspiration in a beautifully detailed plate, the colour of a wall, a chair, a song. Inspiration finds me everyday! That soul on fire get out there and live sort of feeling.
What environmental or conscious traits do you practice?
Over the past few years I am massive on dress hiring! Fast fashion isn’t a thing for me these days. I farewelled that unhealthy part of my life. Quality over quantity! Less is more. I’m so much more aware of what I buy etc. I sit on things and ask myself questions. Do I really need that?
What do you wish you could have told your teenage self?
That you are beautiful just as you are! Be proud. You don’t need to dye your hair, you don’t need to get a boob job. Who cares what these silly little boys think of you. You won’t in 10 years time. Do the things that make you happy. Don’t dwell on the unimportant. Be patient with yourself.
What was your childhood like?
I have fond memories of my childhood. Pre high school I was a very confident, happy & loved little human! I have a big and beautiful family. Although I struggled with a lot of anxiety whenever apart from my mum & just in general. Always have been quite an anxious person. Didn’t really know what it was at that time or what to do with it. I just grew to live with it. (What’s changed)
If you could go back in time and change one thing in your life, what would it be?
It’s hard to want to change anything when I know everything has led me here to this space of self-love. I can say I wish I didn’t dye my hair for over 10 years and that I wish I didn’t get the boob job. I wish I didn’t NOT sleep with that person out of care and fear of being judged. How sad. But at the time it was the be all or end all if I didn’t. It was important to me and I unfortunately cared too much about what unimportant people thought of me.. I have learnt to forgive myself for that. Everything has happened for a reason. Of course I would change that mindset if I could. But I am at peace with where I am now. I was young. I was learning. I am learning.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I work 2 days a week in childcare! Everyone seems surprised when I tell them that. I am mumma Katie in that time!
What is your proudest achievement outside of work?
My family. My older brothers. My partner.
What nourishes you?
The right people. The right drink. Travel. Movement. My own time & company.
What are you currently working on?
Being a better me! Always. Sitting with myself and questioning how that looks. How that feels.
What do you think we are about to see a lot of in your industry?
I like to think of myself as a bit of a ‘fluffer.’ I don’t do one thing. I do lots of things! I learnt a long time ago that I wasn’t destined for just one thing or one career. I hope to see more of people like me! More openness. More seeing my way of life as normal and okay & more discussion around that. Less pressure that their is one destiny for all of us. One passion. I think in my city of Canberra especially it can be a very white picket fence, marriage & working a 9 to 5 way of life.
What was your journey to making your passion your everyday?
I feel that I am still on that journey. Maybe even still on the journey of completely understanding what that passion looks like. Honestly? I don’t know if I’ll ever know. I’m just trying to do more of what I love doing & getting more recognised for that. I just love creating. Content, shoots, Pilates flows etc and I hope to do so much more of it.
What has a challenge been when establishing yourself within the industry?
I guess getting enough of it. I would ideally love to stop doing the work I don’t completely love & focus more on the work that I do. I think establishing what the work I want to do actually is, has been a challenge within itself. That I don’t have one calling in this life. One big bursting passion. But I’m lucky because I get to have lots and I get to put my love and my energy into different things.
What has been your favourite moment so far as a teacher?
I've collaborated with esteemed local entities like Mrs Fray, Wiluna Studio, Out In Canberra and The Lab, spanning diverse domains such as fashion, bridal, florals, wellness, skincare, food & events. I’ve also worked with much loved worldwide brands creating content for them & welcoming expression and play. Any job that I get to do that is a favorite moment. Being able to express myself & my craft is a beautiful thing and fills my cup the most. I also get to express myself weekly in the shape of programming my Pilates classes which is a big creative and rewarding outlet for me.
What is next?
I’m always so hopeful and excited when I hear this question! I can’t wait to continue creating. More and more and more! I take pride in capturing/creating moments with a touch of authenticity and detail. I celebrate my sauce. I know what I bring to the table.. I guess I’m excited to bring it to yours. I’m eager to meet & work with like minded people & brands. Sitting down with myself & becoming more clear with my vision is what’s next. Putting out there in a bigger way my offerings & services.
How would you describe your day-to-day work life?
Different everyday. 2 days a week I teach Pilates. Most days l practice it. 2 days a week I work in childcare & the rest of my time is spent creating content or modelling for shoots. Both work & play.
Advice for anyone wanting to start in your field?
In whatever field that may be! Whether that be in one or in three, be yourself. Go all in with anything that sets your soul on fire & be patient with yourself whilst you understand what that looks like for you.
What is your biggest goal for your business in the next 5 years?
To leave childcare. Whilst I love it & it’s a safe and comfortable space for me, there’s no passion there. I’ve been in childcare for the better part of 10 years and I’m very much ready to leave the nest & focus on my bigger passions and goals. Doing more of the things that align with who I am at this point in my life.
What does success mean to you, and how do you measure it in your business?
Doing something I love every day. Being happy. Is my work welcoming that or not? Does my job bring me joy?
A song or movie to represent your life?
Like every other question it’s so hard to pick one! I am such a mixed bag when it comes to music & movies. Let’s say something like the Sex and the city theme song, or a gorgeous French jazz tune by Ella Fitzgerald.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. Sipping an Aperol on the Italian Coast? Done. Give me the travel without the actual travel.
What is your favourite hobby?
Keeping on theme with myself.. I have many. Pilates, crosswords out of magazines, eating at new/bucket list restaurants, travel planning, lazing in bed, Pinterest.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
Marilyn Monroe.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
My partner and I travelled to Maui, Hawaii. Me being me found lots of little local gems, one of which forced us to abseil down a rockface to a beautiful Little Rock pool. Stupid, but adventurous! Will never forget it.
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
I would love a monkey if I could have any! But also really want a Corgi. I’m not fussy hehe.
When has been a time in your life you felt defeated? How did you overcome this?
A member of my family suffers from alcoholism. I guess seeing them on life support wondering what more I could’ve done was heartbreakingly hard. Watching them come out and continue drinking, has been harder. I have had to emotionally separate myself massively to protect my heart. But everyday that they are here is a miracle and a blessing and I love them more than words, more than they’ll ever know. I’ll always hold space for hope.
Being constantly creative, how do you balance?
I’m a Libra. I’m the queen of balance!
What do you think is the meaning of life?
To love and to be loved. One of my favourite movies is ‘Into The Wild.’ A feel everything deep in your soul meaning of life movie.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
There’s too many things that need change. War. Hate. Violence. Addiction.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing the people I love. Death scares the shit out of me.
What is something you believe in that not everyone agrees with?
Opposite >> I don’t really believe in marriage. It’s more that I just don’t really see it for myself. Not something I feel is a priority in my life. I’ve been with my partner for 8 years. We’re happy.
Currently, how is your relationship to yourself?
How is this different to a year ago? I love the women I’m becoming everyday. I’m a work in progress and I always will be. But I’m the happiest/ healthiest I’ve been.
What is your definition of success, and how do you measure it in your life?
Just doing what makes you happy! Finding a healthy balance between work and play. I make sure that I’m showing up for myself and taking time for the things that make me feel good. Living life on my terms as best and as much as I can.
You make beautiful content, what do you enjoy most about creating?
Thank you for saying so <3 Just the outlet it gives me. The creative freedom/ expression! Since I was a kid I have always found joy in snapping photos, creating dance routines, decorating. It’s a forever childlike joy & feeling for me. It’s a purpose in my life. I think I’d feel pretty bloody down and average if I couldn’t create.
What was your journey to focusing on Pilates?
I was always curious about Pilates. After my first class I was hooked. I fell in love with movement! I enjoyed it for years before even considering teaching it.. but once it did really cross my mind I went all in and I’m so glad I did! Sharing the joy of Pilates is very rewarding.
What is your favourite class to teach?
I’m a light spring gal! Rarely will you catch me teaching with super heavy springs. I love the balance challenge and bodywork that a light spring brings! I’m a sucker for a long lunge, scooter & plank to pike flow. Transitioning into each movement as seamlessly as we can.
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