IN HER SNEAKERS with HANNAH MELLSOP (a.k.a @realradfood)

Where to start with the beautiful, talented, girl boss Hannah Mellsop! This gal is absolutely killing it with her business REAL RAD FOOD. She has turned her passion into her full-time job and is making the most amazing morsels. I cannot wait to head along to one of the many markets this gal is at and try one of the treats, lets be real though it won't just be one. Hannah's gram is one of the first foodie grams I followed and I have always been in awe of what she produces, she is super inspiring and it's so cool to have followed her journey for quite a few years now and to see where she is now! 

Enjoy reading through this as much as I did, and head along to the markets at the Mount or Papamoa at some point to say hi to Han and show her some support! 

Hannah Mellsop  

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1. A little bit about you gorgeous .. who are you, what do you do and what are you passionate about?

My name is Hannah Mellsop, I am 21 years old and live in Mount Maunganui. I am currently self-employed and am the director of my own business, Real Rad Food. We specialize in the wholesale and private order of Raw Vegan deserts and custom made celebration cakes. I am incredibly passionate about creating and sharing plant-based foods with others on my social media platforms. This passion and hard work has fortunately turned into a viable career option in which I am incredibly excited to develop into something that I have always dreamed of.

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2. What does health mean to you?

To me, health isn’t an image or diet, but a feeling. It’s waking up everyday with mental clarity, vision and purpose. It’s having motivation and drive to achieve my daily, weekly and monthly goals. Energy to let me lead a well rounded and balanced lifestyle of work, exercise and fun. It’s getting excited over a bomb smoothie on a Monday morning, and having a glass of red wine on a Friday evening.

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3. What does a typical day in your sneakers look like?

A typical (ideal) day in my sneakers would consist of waking up around 6.30/7am (depending on how much I have to do this particular day). I run up The Mount every morning and then come home to shower and make breaky - This meal can take from 5 minutes to 45, depending on whether or not its going to make it onto the gram ;).

Once I’m all showered and ready for the day I like to sit and do emails, make phone calls and organize my meetings and errands for the day. I am a huge lists person and I write multiple lists daily.

Depending on my cake orders for the week ahead, I’ll spend a few hours in my commercial kitchen and will without a doubt get a coffee and run to the supermarket at some point. I love, love, love to spending time creating meals my kitchen and this is something that I do everyday.

In the evenings, I love to go on beach walks with my two flat mates, Tori and Jane (also best friends). We often make dinner together, which is followed by Netflix doco’s and peppermint tea.

I try and get to sleep by 10.30pm, but the black whole that is YouTube often distracts me. (WATCH; Cam & Nina, Sarahs Day, Hot For Food…. Thank me for that later).
 

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4. What does a normal day of eating look like for you?

Breakfast -

Avocado on Midnight Baker loaf (I always have this stuff in my freezer)
OR

Oats with Banana & Cinnamon (and other random toppings that look good on the gram hahaha god I am lame)

Lunch –

Sushi if I am out and about. Or lately I have been obsessed with these Lebanese wraps (get them from new world). I lather them in hummus, my mums home made chutney and heaps of fresh veggies… They are off the chain good.  I also use them as pizza bases! Yum.

Dinner –

Something warm for sure. A huge pile of roasted veggies with spinach and avocado.. Or maybe a hearty soup served with some midnight baker bread.. Or a vegan curry of some description (currently really into coconut, cauliflower & Kumara!!)

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5. How do you maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle and your tips and tricks for others?

I make sure that I enjoy the exercise that I am doing and that I am doing it at least once a day. This gives me mental clarity and encourages healthy eating habits. Its like a domino effect I guess.. I feel as though when I don’t exercise, I just think ‘Well shit, I have been so lazy today so why not just have a bag of popcorn for dinner”. Whereas when I run in the morning, I come home and I am all like “YEAH! MOVE YA BODY! EAT YA GREENS!” type of vibe. Endorphins and stuff ya know.

6. How do you deal with stress and pressure in this fast paced world we all live in?

Hmm tough one. Its something that I struggle with for sure. I’m definitely someone who is affected by stress and anxiety more than others. I am a perfectionist with my work and am incredibly passionate about seeing my business grow. A great combination in most peoples eyes, but I definitely let it get to me a little more than I should at times. As I said before, I write a lot of lists. This is a huge tool that I use to lift some weight of my shoulders when I’m stressed. As soon as I write something on paper and can physically see the ideas in my mind translated onto a physical piece of paper, it feels like half the stress of it is gone. Other than this, I often take myself to the kitchen and use my stress as a creative outlet, or ill go for a run and listen to a podcast.

7. What has been the hardest part of your wellness journey?

I really struggled with the idea of ‘wellness’ during my time at university. It was a huge change in my life, and I think I got a little bit obsessive with the concept of ‘health’ in my first year.. This then rebounded back in my face in second year, and I gained a lot of weight. Putting my body through these huge changes (physically and mentally) was really tough to deal with. But I finally feel like I am at a stage where I am at peace with my mind and my body. Its nice.

8. Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given and from who?

“Right now, you are exactly where you need to be” – Honestly can’t remember who said it, but it really stuck with me.

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9. Favourite treat?

Oh my god - Raglan sweet and salty popcorn. I have at least 2 bags a week.

10. 3 foods you couldn’t live without

Avocado. Kumara. Popcorn.

11. Favourite way to move your body

Running up the mount, skiing and surfing.

12. Any last words of wisdom …

Have purpose, vision and passion in everything you do. It’s like the fuel of life. Be someone who inspires others and is inspired by others. Be a learner and a teacher in every aspect of your life. Be humble but proud of your efforts. Oh, and smile as much as possible :) 

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You'll find Hannah @realradfood !! Hope everyone has a lovely day! 

Love and Health, 

Charlie xo 

 

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IN HER SNEAKERS with BREE MILLS (a.k.a @vitaminbreee)

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IN HER SNEAKERS with LUCY MACDONALD (a.k.a @feeling.foodie)