ELLE IS WELLE

Australia’s most famous model of all time, Elle Macpherson, is a one-woman phenomenon. Not only has “The Body” had an insanely successful 40 plus year modelling career, but she’s also helms a very popular wellness brand WelleCo. Launched nine years ago when Elle turned 50, WelleCo, which features plant-based, vegan supplements made with superfoods, herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals, is a venture close to Elle’s heart. Here she shares her personal wellness journey and lets us in on the loves of her life – her sons Flynn, 25, and Cy, 20.

You famously once said your family was your “greatest achievement”. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mum? For me, it’s the most important thing I do. Obviously, we have a close biological bond, but I also really feel the responsibility to guide and nurture my boys who go onto 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.

What’s your parenting style?

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 do you find parenting young adults?

To be honest, I still find myself being hands on. 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.

What was the best kid’s party you’ve thrown for Flynn and Cy and the most special times you’ve shared?

Oh, we’ve had many great party events over the years but for me, our happy place is the Bahamas or the ski slopes where we can unwind and reconnect as a family.

What inspired you to found WelleCo?

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™.

Tell us more about The Super Elixir ™ –we’d love to know!

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 in water every day, consistently. I was so grateful for such a transformation.

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!

Your product The Goddess Elixir is aimed at those in perimenopause, menopause and post menopause – was that partly inspired by your own journey into your 50s?

Absolutely, The Goddess Elixir is important to me because I was able to cherry-pick the ingredients I most needed to support my journey. I’ve found there’s a kind of liberation in menopause — a 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 The Goddess Elixir was formulatedto 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 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 sneaky 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!

Find more about WelleCo and some of Elle's great recipes at welleco.com.au