Background

Why hello there, my name is Lauren, I live in North Devon, now, after a decade in London, a stint in Morocco and originally coming from Essex. I own Aleafia (it’s Arabic for: to be in the state or condition of good physical & mental health), a wellbeing company that has a Family & Community Wellbeing centre in Barnstaple, and offers online executive coaching for all those busy people.

I have been a matcha lover for years, but have found a fabulous resonation with OMGTea. I love the scientific research around the benefits and the loving story the brand lives upon.

For me, the connection to the natural properties of the green leaf is massive! I was diagnosed with cancer in October 2018 and have just finished a long slog of Immunotherapy treatment (writing this in July 2020). So the health and well being benefits as well as the yummy taste from OMGTea are just all round winners.

The OMGTea 60 Second Interview

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Generally, knowing that my family understands the meaning of wellbeing, inside and out! Also, that there are no judgements inwards or outwards, to ourselves, each other or indeed others.
My daily example? Sitting on the base of an old tree in a lush green field, next to a stream, or running river listening to the sound of the birds at dawn in the morning dew. Matcha in hand (I don’t start any day without one!), writing in my journal ready for a powered up day ahead. Can’t beat a powerful morning of rituals!

2. Do you live to work or work to live?

“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life” - heard that one before? I don’t work.
My whole career background ‘working’ has led me to where I am today, all the loose ends have finally tied up. No regrets, but working to live did not suit me.

3. What one thing are you most passionate about?

Educating & facilitating wellbeing, making it available to all. No matter what their background and/or circumstances. I am lucky to feel privileged in what I do.

4. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The confidence and drive I found to pack up my corporate business (I was a Consultant Operations Director for Global Luxury Fashion) and jump on a plane, alone, to live in Morocco. It was there that I learnt to be truly happy, it’s not about your title, your career, your bank balance, it comes from within. Luckily when you’re truly happy things start to fall into place and from there you can build an incredible world (see questions 1).

5. Who's the person you would most like to share a cup of matcha with and why?

My brother Sam, he died from suicide age 18, and if I could have him for the length of time to drink a matcha (OK go on make it a large one!) it would most certainly be a start to filling that void.

6. What is the best piece of advice you could give someone?

Get up with meaning. Early. Breathe.
Consciously breathe, ground yourself in the present moment, love wholly, be honest and repeat.

7. If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

Time Travel! So I could go back and share the knowledge that everything will be OK. That’s to myself and anyone else that has struggles. Anxiety is the little red man on my shoulder!

8. What is your motto?

You don’t only live once.
You only die once.
You live everyday.