FEATURE: 5 MINUTES WITH... NICOLE TRUNFIO

5 MINUTES WITH... Nicole Trunfio

Since 2017, Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio has been living on a horse ranch near Austin, Texas with her blues musician husband Gary Clark Jr, and their three children. The stunning 36-year-old touched down in Sydney recently where she was unveiled as the global brand ambassador for Inika Organic, Total Beauty Network’s premium brand.

-By Michelle Ruzzene

WHY DID INIKA ORGANIC RESONATE WITH YOU?

Our core values are very much alike - pure intentions and pure purpose. I have always wanted to align myself with a beauty brand but have never been ready or the brand simply hasn’t matched my values. With Inika Organic, working with them just felt right. It was almost primal. I remember the first time I tried the products, it had been a long day and our team was having a meeting. I get sent a lot of PR mail but I knew this one was coming and had been looking forward to it. I was unboxing the products and actually had to interrupt the meeting just to take it all in. I was just so taken by them. It was almost a bit of a sensory immersion from the beautiful fragrances from the natural botanicals they use in the range, which is equally nostalgic to me as it reminds me of home. Then, learning about their certifications, and specifically their plastic neutrality status it was just a no brainer. And the products actually work!

WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DOES BEING A BRAND AMBASSADOR ENTAIL?

Being an ambassador is easy when it’s a brand you truly, fully believe in. It doesn’t ever feel like “work” when you’re doing something you love and I really look forward to the events, content shoots and of course the opportunity to communicate their messaging - they are such leaders in the natural beauty space and I’m so proud to share their vision and values which align with my own.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD BRAND AMBASSADOR?

Like I said before, it should be an easy job if you’re an ambassador for a brand you completely align with. But a GREAT ambassador understands the inherent nature of the partnership and lives it.

WHICH IS THE MORE DIFFICULT CAREER PATH – MODEL OR BUSINESS WOMAN? WHY?

Owning your own business is such a rewarding and enjoyable venture, but it really is a full time job in itself. Throughout my career as a model, I have gained so much experience and knowledge of the industry and find that although the job itself is never easy, it’s manageable with a family. I am so incredibly proud of creating my three businesses Bumpsuit, Erth Jewelry and Erth Swim, and am really grateful that we have created a great community of supporters. Although it is not difficult, it is definitely a much more demanding job. My work day starts at 9am once the kids are at school and usually wraps up around midnight, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I’m so incredibly lucky to have built these businesses, maintain a modelling career, care for my wonderful family and now be an ambassador for Inika Organic.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST VALUABLE LEARNING IN YOUR CAREER?

My kids and building three businesses from the ground up, definitely. My children are full of amazing, life-changing ideas, and it’s eye-opening to see how they view the world and has totally changed my perspective. Zion, Gia and Ella have taught me so much in such a short time. My son, Zion, never wanted to eat meat because he never wanted to kill an animal, which I find beautiful. He taught me that what we consume has an impact on the environment, and I love that he came to us with this important issue knowing we would back him 100%. His inquisitive mind influences how I make business decisions and why each of my businesses are earth-led, and of course lends itself to my partnership with Inika. Being a business owner is such an enjoyable, creative job. I think I underestimated the amount of effort that goes into creating a business - but loved the journey so much that I have done it three times!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF BRAND MAKERS / CREATORS?

My honest advice is do what you love and be involved with something you’re passionate about. Authenticity Is key. So long as you 100% love your ideas, and believe that you can do something, you will.

AS A MOTHER OF THREE, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK LIFE BALANCE?

It’s definitely no secret that work life balance is not easy! But, I really try to make time for my kids. I have such a great and supportive team around me to help where needed so I’m not bogged down, which really helps me breathe a sigh of relief during those crazy busy weeks. I really value self care and making sure I am the best version of myself for my family, friends and those around me. Some of those things are working out, spending time in our infrared sauna (which helps me unwind) cooking with the produce from our ranch and having a glass of red!

MY CURRENT FAVOURITES:

SKIN

• Phyto-Active Micellar Rosewaterthe first thing I do in my routineis to cleanse and removeimpurities. I love this one as it’salcohol free, super gentle onmy skin and can remove justabout anything - even a full faceof makeup.

• Phyto-Active Botanical Face Oil- love this to restore goodnessto my skin and extra hydration.It sits underneath makeupbeautifully too!

• Phytofuse Renew Maca RootRich Day Cream - I bring thisright down my neck and it’sthe last step in my routine.Super restorative!

MAKEUP

• Lip & Cheek Cream which I alsouse as a lipstick coupled with alip liner. Sometimes even on myeyes as a shadow.

• Limited Edition Liquid GlowIlluminisor and BB cream comboas foundation or a highlighter.

• Baked Mineral Bronzer forevening looks which I softlyapply below the cheek bonesand to the forehead and jawlinefor a sunkissed look.