WOMEN WE LOVE | RANI WEST

Women we Love - Rani West @raniwest_


18.08.20


Introducing the face of our Spring campaign, Rani West. Not only beautiful, but a vivacious spirit and and a joy to be around. Read on to find out a little more about Rani; we caught up with her for conversations around body diversity, positive mindset, wellness routines, advice for younger selves and to chat about what Rani is working on right now. 

Body positivity is an important global conversation. How do you feel about the body diversity movement right now and is there anything we can do better as an industry?  

"Beauty is in individuality.  I am so grateful for how far we have come with this movement, although I don’t think we are where we need to be I wouldn’t be where I am today in the modelling industry without it. Seeing myself represented in media only last year was a huge reason I started to believe in myself, and diversity should be something that is normalised. As I’ve become apart I’ve realised that most of the time this is not the case, where to be included is one thing but the be genuinely accepted and treated equally is another. I’ve been on set and been treated differently and made to feel less because of the way that I look and frankly that really is not okay. I can’t explain how special I felt shooting with ALULU because I was equal and most importantly, celebrated for everything that I am as a model and a human being. 

No human should be compared against another, and what we should all be valued for is our energy and the way we treat others. That is true beauty, and it has nothing to do with the way you look but how it glows from within. I remember so clearly the way seeing someone with similar features and body made me feel and every single person deserves to feel that way. As an industry, the way forward is making diversity reality and for us all to feel that what we are is more than enough. It is such an incredible platform for us to express ourselves and we have already come so far. It comes down to people transforming their attitudes, being kinder and more understanding, and our mainstream media and social platforms redefining what is known as ‘ideal beauty."

We had the pleasure of spending the day with you and your positive and relaxed vibe. If you are ever feeling off, how do you regain a positive mindset?   

"Sunshine, salt water and exercise! This combination never fails to boost my energy and mood. If there is no sunshine, I will focus on the fresh air and how grateful I am to have it and be alive. I will always also talk to my mum, and my family and friends who love, listen and support me when I’m feeling down or unlike myself. A good mental and physical break always helps too, more than anything. I can count on recharging when I can be quiet and focus on what I need as opposed to pouring from an empty cup to meet unrealistic expectations.  

In general though, I have always been very positive and get a lot of that from my parents. They keep me grounded and remind me always that there is a ight at the end of the tunnel. I find peace in knowing what is meant for me will never pass me and this makes me totally okay with the lows and lessons in life. I would say my trust in my own path keeps me positive, oh and a little of dancing like nobody is watching."

Do you have a wellness routine that keeps you healthy and feeling good?    

"The importance of a healthy lifestyle was engrained in me from a young age. As a very sporty child and teenager, wellness was always about how I felt and never about how I looked. To this day I live by those values and everything I do is to give me energy and light from the inside out. I don’t follow anything too strictly because I am always listening to my body, which I feel works best for me. However, moving my body, journaling, the beach and getting fresh air are consistent parts of my routine. I go to a personal trainer to keep myself accountable, because although I know how good I will feel afterwards, the motivation to move can sometimes be really hard for me! I’ve also recently started running, and the way that it has help improve my mental health and sleep in particular is crazy! 

Another big part of my routine is being organised, I am an extremely detail oriented person and can, most of the time, successfully have a bit of work like balance when I know what is going on in my life. Sort of like controlling what I can control!  

Structure and routine are ultimately what help me tick, but I am definitely not afraid to completely switch off when I need to."   

What are you grateful for?

"I am grateful for so many things, and it is different every day. I am always grateful for my health, safety, to have a roof over my head and food to eat. I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for the supportive and unconditionally loving family and friends that I have around me. I am so lucky to have beautiful people support me in my endeavours with uni, life, modelling, and anything I want to do. I can’t explain how lovely it is for people to love me for me, and to listen and love what I have to say about things I am passionate about.  

Right now I so grateful that I was able to make it home to visit my family amongst everything happening and take time to really enjoy the little things, like going on walks, having meaningful conversations, sitting down to watch TV or eating dinner together. I hadn’t seen them since Christmas so my heart feels full again."

What’s inspiring you right now? 

"Living in 2020, there are so many things enlightening and inspiring me right now. I am inspired and motivated by our current world events to be better and advocate for what matters most. This year is a crucial turning point in our lives that will change the way we live and think forever. I am inspired to love more, spread more awareness, educate myself and work as a force to slowly make the world a better place for everyone.  

Every day I am inspired by what I do and how I can become the best version of myself. I love immersing myself in my passions, like sport, especially competitive swimming, science and anything creative. I really enjoy learning and being a part of things that will make a difference."

If you could give your younger self any advice based on everything you know now, what would it be?   

"There are so many things I would say to younger Rani. The first and most important thing is that, you are more than good enough just as you are and your worth is not defined by other peoples opinions. The way people treat you is a complete reflection of themselves and their insecurities have nothing to do with you. You don’t need a lot of friends, just keep that one’s around that allow you to be yourself, unapologetically. Keep following the path less followed and be yourself. You can do anything you want to in your life, you just have to believe in yourself.  

Be confident in everything you do and compromise nothing. You are beautiful, talented, intelligent and valued. Do not be afraid when things might not work out, trust the process and don’t give up. If you love something enough and get to work at that every day, you have already won. Be honest with others and yourself, take it easy, you are in control of your own life, and love and learn as much as you can, from your experiences and the people around you. Life is short and everyone has different journeys, live completely in your moments."

How do you start your day?  

"Not going to lie, some days I struggle getting out of bed because I love my sleep. If I can, I get up slowly and with the best intentions for the day. I am a big believer in creating your own reality, and because I am studying at uni and only working part time I have the flexibility to plan my day however I want to. Some days I will get up first thing and go move my body or to the beach, and other days I will take my time. Every morning though I will always text my mum, have a cup of tea, eat breakfast and journal.  

I work best in the mornings and am less productive in the afternoon so I try to get what I can done as soon as possible. However my day works out, I super strict with my work life balance, which looks different every day."

What are you working on?   

"Right now, for myself, I am working on successfully completing a PhD, creating meaningful and helpful Instagram posts that reflect who I am and what I’m passionate about, and everyday trying to make a difference in some way.  

What I am on working on internally is consistently striving to be the best version of myself so I am able to give my best to others, working hard for myself, understanding that some things are out of my control, living in the moment, taking breaks when I need them, staying connected within my relationships and taking responsibility for my energy and the way I respond to what life throws at me."

Follow Rani on Instagram @raniwest_


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