K R I S T I N A LU M N I – W E L L B E I N G I N N OVATO R
Laura Segedin Laura Segedin (Class of 2010) is a wellbeing innovator who has created a dynamic platform for people to share their stories and support one another. Needsandco was born from adversity and provides a valuable supportive space to share lived experiences. After Kristin, Laura focused on her passion of photography, embarking on study at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design. Following her studies, Laura immersed herself in the photography industry, spending three years as Fashion Editor for Remix Magazine and then pursuing a freelance career in fashion styling and photography. Fast-forward to 2019: Laura had a son, Myler, and ventured into motherhood wholeheartedly. In her 28 years Laura has suffered many traumatic experiences, outside of her control – from losing a close friend to suicide at 16, to losing a child at seven months pregnant and having suffered a blood disease that almost took her life. Out of that trauma, Needsandco was born. We caught up with Laura recently to find out more about how Needsandco came about and learn more about the wellbeing benefits of ‘open journaling’. Tell us a little about Needsandco? needsandco.net is an online public storytelling platform. It’s a place to give a voice to those of us who have lived experience and want to speak out about it. It’s also a place for people to come together to support others and provides valuable links to support mental wellbeing.
Tell us more about 'open journaling' – what is it and how does it help people? Creating a platform for people to have a voice and submit stories to share with our community allows individuals to feel they are valued. So when we say ‘open journaling’ I guess that’s what I have tried to create here: a place for others to speak up about topics that make us human in a non-judgmental way. How do you think your traumatic experiences contributed to your drive to create Needsandco? Why do you think it’s important for people to share their stories? I think my traumatic experiences showed me personally that you don’t have to go through it all alone. There is help out there – whether it’s opening up to friends, a professional or journaling – to allow others to know how you are feeling. I always thought it would be powerful to have a platform where we can share stories wholeheartedly and openly, in the hope that others could relate and know they are not alone in their struggles. How do you see Needsandco developing in the future? What are your aspirations for the platform? I have so many plans for needsandco.net but my one goal will always be consistent: to help others – to let others know they are not alone in their struggles and to grow together as a community, and learn the tools that we need when we may be facing uncomfortable turbulences in life. You can follow the journey with us on Instagram at @needsandco and join our online community at www.needsandco.net. We would love for you to come along for the ride with us. Let’s talk. Your story matters. Your life matters.
If this article has raised any issues for you and you would like to speak to someone further, you can free text/call 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor (24/7).
44 Kristin Kaleidoscope Magazine Issue 70 2021.indd 44
8/06/21 11:09 AM
