Staying In with Kat

We sit back with Palm Founder, Kat, as she expresses her current daily routine at home.

She has managed to create a Stay-Cation, turning her beautiful home into a space of pure bliss whilst trapped in isolation.

Here is what she has to say…

How many days have you now been in isolation for?
I have no idea…3 weeks? Or has it been more?

How are you feeling?
At first it was hard adjusting to working from home and coming to terms with the impact that COVID-19 would have on the industry and small businesses. I am now feeling more optimistic. This experience has given me a chance to step back and work on things that have been getting less attention. I have also been trying to give myself more time and space to rest, eat healthy, exercise more and focus more on my mental health. I didn’t have time to stop and realise how stressed and out of balance I had been. It has given me the opportunity to simplify and really appreciate the smaller things in life. 

What does a typical day look like for you right now?
My day always starts with coffee! Then I get straight into my emails and follow up with any admin work. The later part of the day is more focused around content creation, design and marketing. I always wind down in the evening by going for a run in the park, doing a home workout, cooking a meal or watching a movie.

What do you miss the most? Took for granted?
Being able to hug my friends, not worrying if your standing too close to a stranger in a queue, freely jumping on a plane to see my family interstate, going for long drives, laying on the beach and going hiking!

Has your life changed drastically? Is it more simpler or more difficult?
Life in most ways has become simpler, that's not to say that there should be no reason for anyone to feel less stressed or lonely. What is happening is unprecedented, so it's important to be kinder to yourself and allow yourself the time to process how much the world around us has changed. There is this underlying pressure to 'optimise' this isolation period. This has made me rethink what is most important in life and to ease back. The last few years I have felt I have been chasing the wave and it's taken something like this to make me take a step back.

How is Covid-19 affecting your production and business?
What are the biggest challenges?
Our biggest challenge is working with our international suppliers and manufacturing partners within the seasonal timeline to ensure our deliveries meet deadlines. Our fabric mills are in Italy who are currently on lockdown. Everyone is facing some sort of lockdown or limitation so there will inevitably be delays with material and production. This has also impacted the retail industry drastically with stockist closure for the unforeseeable future. We also manufacture in-house in Bali. I am in Australia and haven't been able to travel to visit our staff due to the lockdowns. I am most concerned about the livelihood and health of our sewers so have been implementing ways to ensure they are well. We are so lucky to have a team of dedicated and skilled people who we keep in touch with daily.

Is it difficult to stay calm during these times?
Honestly, it's been hard to keep calm. When you have this type of business, you spend so much time and energy in protecting and developing it. It has taken years of hard work and heart to reach the point we are at now and the situation has felt like it has taken us back a few steps. I have just taken this time to re-strategise and think about our next move forward. At the end of the day though, these times are unprecedented and nothing compares to the loss of lives and impact this has struck with people around the world.

What have you been doing to pass the time?
Work, cook, read, design, draw and exercise. And looking for a puppy to add to our home.

Currently reading?
The Body by Bill Bryson

 I’ve been snacking on…
Chilli Seaweed by Ceres Organics (addicted!)

Best iso series to binge on?
Ozark, Fleabag, When they See Us… need some recommendations!

Films to help you escape?
Before Sunset, Call me by your Name, The Motorcycle Diaries, The Beach, Amelie

Is there a recipe everyone should try?
Spinach, Feta and Lemon Spanikopita!

What are you most excited / looking forward to?
Getting married! Unfortunately, we had to postpone our Bali wedding in August this year.

The first thing on your bucket list when quarantine is over?
See my family in Perth and travel to Bali to see our team.

Home essentials for isolation?
Aromatic essential oils and a diffusor, books and my fiancé (in the reverse order of course!)

Home workouts…
Alo Moves Barre, Good Vibes Online Yoga and 8 week Nike App programme which we have been doing at the park.

Calming apps?
Breethe - sleep hypnotherapy

How to keep focused when working from home?
Stick to a schedule, have a dedicated work space with natural light (if possible), take regular breaks and exercise outdoors once a day.