It would be impossible to talk about inspiring people in my life without mentioning the creative and kind Anna Campbell. Anna is a very clever lady who has been a huge support and inspiration to me. It has been a joy to watch Anna’s own ‘sunday project,’ the Oatery, blossom from her first brainstorms over porridge in London, to a market stall in Thorndon, to a now fully fledged food truck and catering business. The Oatery has been subject to a lot of positive reviews and Anna has developed a very loyal following, with a range of her own products stocked in a variety of cafes and stores. If you are in Wellington, you should definitely stop by for a nourishing bowl of oats and a chat from this bright young lass.

As well as starting her own successful business, Anna has, through creativity and a lot of hard work, built a deep and meaningful life that is completely her own. I really wanted to ask Anna some questions for this Journal because I think we all have so much to learn from Anna’s quiet confidence and how she lives her life completely her own way. Everything Anna creates is of a really high quality and is done completely and utterly authentically and according to her own ethics. Plus, of course, she is gorgeous and looks tOATally stunning in the ‘oatmeal’ Billie dress… see what I did there? ;-)

I loved chatting to Anna about life and business, and I hope you will take something from her interview below. I especially love what Anna said about feeling uncomfortable and how it can be so good for us… Completely agree with her on that and think its great to talk about. Maybe Anna will even inspire you to take the plunge and start up your own little sunday project!

If you could put a quote in every school what would it be and why?

“Be confident, back yourself and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Could you share something that recently made you laugh?

This is a pretty obvious answer seeing as it was at a comedy festival but Kura Forrester’s act at the comedy festival was hilarious, defo recommend going to see her if you get the chance.

How do you look after yourself physically and mentally?

Porridge, fresh air and a good face cleanser ;)

*Anna has turned oats (an often overlooked food) into a beautiful blank canvas for a variety of creative and delicious flavours. Photo from The Oatery.*

What gave you the push to turn The Oatery from an idea into a tangible business?

I knew if I didn’t give it a go that it would be something I would always regret not doing. It came down to gut feeling in the end I think.

What is something you wish someone told you at the start of The Oatery journey?

This is going to sound so cliche but to be honest, nothing. There are things I could have done a lot faster if I had known certain things earlier but you just learn as you go and it’s all part of the journey.

What word or emotion do you think is underrated and why?

Confusion or feeling uncomfortable. I think feeling uncomfortable is the catalyst for growth and it always leads to the most interesting of places!

What is a quality you look for in the people you surround yourself with?

Honest, genuine and kind people who don’t take life too seriously! (sorry that’s three lol)

In this time of constant content being pushed at us through social media and other diverse platforms, how can a brand or business be truly authentic?

I think if the person behind the business is authentic and genuine in what they’re doing/selling, it comes through on social media pretty prominently. Also, taking care with things you don’t necessarily ‘have to’ such as being environmentally conscious, paying employees fairly and taking care with the small things are tell tale signs for authenticity.

How has being a business owner changed your consumption patterns?

I’m definitely way more careful with what I spend my money on, I buy less but better quality items. I like to support small business and NZ owned business as much as possible and it’s always nice when you can put a face to the brand. It’s made me much more aware of what things are made of and the impact things will have on the planet also.

You are constantly coming up with new creations. What inspires you to think of new business ideas, recipes, photography etc?

I get inspiration from so many different places. With food, the seasons play a huge role in my inspiration as I try and make new recipes to suit what’s in season. I’ve also got a mild obsession with recipe books so they also serve as a huge inspiration when I’m lacking ideas. When it comes to business ideas I've always had an overarching vision with the Oatery so I guess I just continue on that path and tick things off as I go along, I love that I can incorporate my own interests into the bizo too.

What is a book or film you have recently recommended? Give us a little run down of its contents?

The only books I really read these days are cook books so I would have to say ‘The Modern Cooks Year’ by Anna Jones, little notes are woven throughout the book which I really love.

What do you think the world needs more of?

Greta Thunbergs and David Attenboroughs!

Have a look at Anna’s work on her website, or follow her beautiful Instagram page for regular updates.

Thanks for reading!

Josie X