Kiddipedia
Elle Macpherson is undoubtedly one of Australia’s greatest success stories. From launching onto the modelling scene at just 18 on a TV soft drink commercial to one of the most famous models in the world to a career as a top businesswoman, it’s not just Elle’s beauty that everyone admires, but her tenacity as well.
Also admirable has been Elle’s journey in raising her two boys, Flynn, 25, and Cy, 20 who she brought up as a single mum. Here the ageless 59-year-old shares her thoughts on how she mothers young men as a single parent, ageing and wellness.
What kind of a parent are you?
I try and be ‘real’ over laid-back or strict. I tell them what I think, guide them in the best way I know how and don’t pussy-foot around any of it! I’m lovingly real.
How have you found parenting boys as a single mum?
To be honest, I still find myself being hands-on even though Flynn and Cy are now young men. Naturally, while respecting their freedom and independence, we remain close, and they still come to me when they need guidance. Happily, I don’t think that will change with age. Obviously, we have a close biological bond, but I also really feel the responsibility to guide and nurture boys who go on to show up as loving, creative, wonderful beings, to see them grow into that. That’s the best gift I can give the world – my very best work. For me, it’s the most important thing I do.
You founded WelleCo at the age of 50 which is a challenging time for women as far as ageing goes, what was the inspiration behind it?
At 50, I began to notice how run down I felt. I was taking a host of vitamins and supplements, but nothing seemed to be working. I was struggling with sleep, my skin was dry and dull, my hair was brittle and I felt unmotivated. I didn’t feel like myself anymore. I wanted answers so I sought the advice of Dr Simone Laubscher PhD, a clinical naturopath, at her Harley Street clinic in London. Simone helped me to better understand my body and its functionality. It turned out inflammation was a severe problem.
Simone blended a custom anti-inflammatory formula for me which ultimately formed the basis of our iconic super-greens mix, The Super Elixir™. Within weeks, my energy surged back, I felt lighter and leaner, and my digestion improved. My hair thickened, my nails were stronger, and my skin was clear and glowing. It was life-changing. So much so that I felt an undeniable calling to share it with others, so I launched my brand WelleCo in 2014 with The Super Elixir™. We feature plant-based, vegan supplements made with superfoods, herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals.
The Super Elixir™ was the first of its kind in Australia and for me was truly miraculous. That composition of greens proved to be remarkable — over 40 ingredients curated to work in synergy with each other to support all 11 systems of the body. It’s so effortless you just take two teaspoons of water every day, consistently. I was so grateful for such a transformation. Our WelleCommunity also loves our Nourishing Protein, The Skin Elixir, The Collagen Elixir and The Hair Elixir.
It’s hard to believe you are turning 60 next March! How have you found the past decade navigating your 50s?
I’ve found there’s a kind of liberation in menopause — freedom from cyclic responsibilities and uncertainties. It’s a time to fully discover who we are and what we truly love and want in life. Redirecting creativity into realising your personal dreams, this liberation can be one of the most fulfilling times in life.
That’s why our product The Goddess Elixir was formulated is aimed at those in perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause – to support you through this journey. It’s a blend of red clover, agnus castus and Siberian ginseng which supports a healthy mood balance and your nervous system. Taking two capsules daily can help you to awaken your inner goddess.
WelleCo also has superfood-related products for kids – was that inspired by Flynn and Cy?
Yes, particularly Cy, who had a penchant for white foods! He’s much better now, but I also put that down to The Super Kids Elixir + Protein, developed in his honour. I told Simone I was worried about Cy – his blood sugar was all over the place, and he just didn’t look great, so she packed this powder full of fruit, veggies, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. He’s taller than me now!
WelleCo is exhibiting at the Naturally Good healthy living trade event in Sydney on June 5 -6 which showcases food, beverages, homewares, healthcare and beauty products to industry. What is the business hoping to get out of the show?
It’s a wonderful branding exercise for us. We love connecting with the greater WelleCommunity to not only spread our message that beauty begins within, but also to spark new relationships and maintain existing ones.
What’s your favourite healthy meal and go-to treat?
Being plant-based, I prefer meals with those I love, made at home with love. All my groceries are locally grown and organic, handpicked from the farmer’s market. I love Dr Sara Siso’s miso mushroom soup recipe with Japanese sweet potato. A sweet treat might be my 4-ingredient chocolate mousse. I guarantee you’ll love it!
