Jëssica Vandër Lëahy

Talk us through your creative journey? What inspired you to start writing?

I guess I’ve always had an interest in reading — I admire people who can express the world around them, or the worlds they imagine, through words so much. I think I try and emulate that. I think we all can be storytellers and I like to use writing as my way to channel my experience so others can potentially understand and learn.

Where do you call home?

I spent my early years growing up in my first home of the Western Highlands of PNG. Then I spent my later childhood years in Sydney. Nowadays, after living in London and New York I call
Byron Bay home.

Talk us through your creative journey? What inspired you to start writing?

I guess I’ve always had an interest in reading — I admire people who can express the world around them, or the worlds they imagine, through words so much. I think I try and emulate that. I think we all can be storytellers and I like to use writing as my way to channel my experience so others can potentially understand and learn.

Where do you call home?

I spent my early years growing up in my first home of the Western Highlands of PNG. Then I spent my later childhood years in Sydney. Nowadays, after living in London and New York I call Byron Bay home.

You have such a vibrant energy, where do you source your joy and drive from?

That’s so kind of you to say. I guess I’m mostly grateful to be alive; as far as I can tell it’s better than the alternative so why not be joyful about that?!

How do you practice self care?

In so many ways. Mostly I have rituals that include waking up slowly, taking some quiet time to do some meditation and then exercise. Exercise is such a good thing for me overall — gets me out of my head and completely in the moment and in my body.

Who is your ultimate style icon and why?

At the moment it’s Bianca Jagger and Cher — I’m a maximalist. I fight it but, I am. So I love people who have fun with their clothes and really use it to tell a mood and again, a story.

You have such a vibrant energy, where do you source your joy and drive from?

That’s so kind of you to say. I guess I’m mostly grateful to be alive; as far as I can tell it’s better than the alternative so why not be joyful about that?!

How do you practice self care?

In so many ways. Mostly I have rituals that include waking up slowly, taking some quiet time to do some meditation and then exercise. Exercise is such a good thing for me overall — gets me out of my head and completely in the moment

and in my body.

Who is your ultimate style icon and why?

At the moment it’s Bianca Jagger and Cher — I’m a maximalist. I fight it but, I am. So I love people who have fun with their clothes and really use it to tell a mood and again, a story.

Congratulations on the release of your book! What inspired the story behind Loved People Love People?

Thank you so much! It’s so exciting to have made something and see little kids, and adults, read it and feel some type of way about the words you put on paper and also, the brilliant illustrations by @heymill. I guess for me, body image is such a tough subject for people and, because I come from an industry where there’s been so much emphasis on that, I thought I could speak to younger people about trying to frame their bodies in a joyful and appreciative light from really early on.

What important messages would you like your readers to walk away with from your book?

I think before the world gets in, if people can remember they’re worthy of love and taking up space, maybe that’s going to help stop some of that negativity that gets chucked at us daily through every screen possible.

What is on your 2022 reading list?

So many books I need to finish but I think the teal MVP of covid times content is Stanley Tucci so I’m keen to read his book about food and travel — both of which excite me for a return to some new normal.

Tell us about what you hope to accomplish through your creative endeavours in both writing and modelling?

More books. Maybe some more film series? I’m so fluid with where my career paths take me. I guess like everyone, I hope I end up somewhere that feels authentic to who I am and I can be proud
of going to work.

Which look are you loving the most from our Utopia Collection collection? Are there any go-to styling tips you have been loving recently?

I love that there feels like with this collection there’s a nod to the classic Spell fave prints but I’m obsessed with the crochet pieces. For me the Mirage Crochet Dress is so good to wear in the day and then dresses up with a heel and cute bag.

Follow Jess @jessicavanderleahy

What is on your 2022 reading list?

So many books I need to finish but I think the teal MVP of covid times content is Stanley Tucci so I’m keen to read his book about food and travel — both of which excite me for a return to some new normal.

Tell us about what you hope to accomplish through your creative endeavours in both writing and modelling?

More books. Maybe some more film series? I’m so fluid with where my career paths take me. I guess like everyone, I hope I end up somewhere that feels authentic to who I am and I can be proud of going to work.

Which look are you loving the most from our Utopia Collection collection? Are there any go-to styling tips you have been loving recently?

I love that there feels like with this collection there’s a nod to the classic Spell fave prints but I’m obsessed with the crochet pieces. For me the Mirage Crochet Dress is so good to wear in the day and then dresses up with a heel and cute bag.

Follow Jess @jessicavanderleahy

jëssica vandër lëahy

Customer Care

Discover

Follow Us

Contact

Cart

Adventure Boot

Adventure Wrap Sandal

Aquarius Bias Maxi Skirt

Aquarius Fixed Headscarf

Aquarius Shirt