“We need darkness to frame the light.”

When you hear Amelia Zadro talk about her journey to happiness, you get the impression that she’s searched high and low to find things that leave her truly happy. Among a world that often asks us to look to more shallow things, this isn’t an easy feat. We first met Amelia on the streets of Sydney as she became the face of our ‘17 Winter collection with fellow model Nathalie Darcas. The baby-faced brunette has blue eyes that tell quite a story, an old soul, and an infectious spirit. Plus a beautiful take on what the world could be if we were all living a life we loved.

WHERE IS YOUR ULTIMATE HAPPY PLACE?

That first moment when all my senses are consumed in the sensation of jumping into the cold ocean water.

IF YOU ARE NOT PHYSICALLY THERE WHAT DO YOU DO TO HELP EVOKE IT?

Close my eyes, breathe, shake, move, dance – something to make me feel alive and present in my body.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU HAVE TAKEN IN THE NAME OF HAPPINESS?

Letting go of significant work and personal relationships with hope to move forward into better situations.

DID IT PAY OFF?

Definitely, when one door closes, many new ones open.

IF YES, WHAT ABOUT ANY RISKS THAT DIDN’T WORK SO WELL? WHAT DID THEY TEACH YOU ABOUT HAPPINESS?

Since I turned 18 I have been making the most of the opportunity to travel and work as a model. A number of times I have found myself alone in a foreign city feeling lost, hungry, unfulfilled, and confused about why I was following these shallow dreams of money and success.

The upside is that I pursued them very intently at such a young age, so I have been able to see how underwhelming the outcome really feels and go on to explore my journey of deeper happiness. I want to help other young people find this path too, I feel like people don’t commonly go through this awakening until later in life, after spending so much time, money, and energy in trying to achieve happiness through focusing on external ideas of success rather than tuning in to the internal signals of what makes them feel vibrant, energised, and fulfilled.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE WORLD WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN EVERYONE IS DOING WHAT THEY LOVE?

We will be a more fulfilled, open hearted, and compassionate global community in our approaches to each other and our planet.

WHO IS THE HAPPIEST PERSON YOU KNOW?

My friend Elsa Pea is a bewildering ball of consistent crazy, fearless, playful, loving happy energy who lives life fully following her individual desires, unswayed by worrying of external implications. In contrast, my mum has a beautiful, gentle happiness in the opposite way – greatly sourced from her compassion and sensitivity to others needs and fulfilling her calling to that.

WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING THEY HAVE TAUGHT YOU?

The greatest teaching comes from the contrast in their sources of happiness and how they choose to live their lives. Both content, fulfilled, and admirable in very different ways. Highlighting the need to tune into what our own individual balance looks like.

WHAT DOES HAPPINESS FEEL LIKE FOR YOU?

Warm, bright, emanating from my heart outwards and flowing with connection to myself, nature, and others.

TALK US THROUGH A HAPPY DAY FOR YOU…WHAT’S INVOLVED OR PERHAPS NOT INVOLVED?

Rising in the early light, well rested, somewhere in nature, waking with embodied movement – yoga, dance, or running. Meditation, tuning in, listening to the wisdom that arises from inside for my journey on this particular day. Yummy vibrant plant based food, a swim in the ocean, connecting with other open, conscious, creative people.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO?

A few. “This too shall pass.” “It is both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so deeply.” “We need darkness to frame the light.”

WHAT’S A SIMPLE PICK UP THAT WORKS FOR YOU EVERY TIME?

Some sort of mindfulness/meditation practice to bring me into the present moment and my physical body.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR THOSE WANTING TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE?

Start exploring what REALLY makes you happy each day. It is constantly evolving and unique for each one of us, as we learn to tune in and know what fulfils us, our life adventure becomes richer and more enjoyable.

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING MOST?

Getting naked and running free.

ARE THERE ANY ELEMENTS OF THAT IN YOUR WORK TODAY?

I’m constantly changing clothes in public places and running around the world so I guess there is.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’D LOVE TO TELL YOUR 8-YEAR-OLD SELF?

You are enough, simply in your existence. Trust yourself, the answers come from inside if you take the time to listen.

AND YOUR 80-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Well done for getting here. Cherish every year of added wisdom; aging is growth and not deterioration.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WERE DOING AT 8 YOU HOPE YOU’RE STILL DOING AT 80?

Playing. Life can be a fun adventure at any age if we approach with curiosity, love, and an open heart.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHEERLEADER?

Leela Kalyani Carroll. My twin flame, soul sister, and of course my mum. They both exude unconditional love, which is a truly inspiring way to live.

WHOSE GREATEST CHEERLEADER ARE YOU?

Both of those wonderful women and so many more.

WHAT IS ONE THING ALWAYS GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SMILE?

Adventure.

PLEASE FINISH THESE SENTENCES:

If I wasn’t afraid I would… Set off on a lone travel expedition with no return date, no fears of loneliness, and no rigidity about how and what I will achieve.

I come alive when… I am truly connecting with others, myself, and nature.

Everyday I… Smile.

If I ruled the world… There would be more individualised education, encouraging people to find their unique talents and passions to live a meaningful life. More emphasis on mental, physical, environmental, and spiritual health from a young age. Equal distribution of wealth and power.
Respect and love for one another as a global community and for our source and sustainer Pachamama!