If Souza’s old proverb is true and happiness really is a journey, not a destination, then Kerrie Nelson is on the right path! Her jewellery, accessories and home furnishings brand, Gypsy River, takes you on a global wander, full of beautiful eclectic treasures along the way.

No matter what exotic corners of the earth designing, styling and sourcing has taken her, Kerrie is ultimately happiest at home in Melbourne with her family, in nature and surrounded by the beautiful discoveries she has gathered over the years. Sounds like a winning formula to us!

HS: WHERE IS YOUR ULTIMATE HAPPY PLACE?

KN: Wherever my family is. Often at our beautiful home, spending time playing and working outdoors together.

DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO PRACTICE THAT LIFTS YOU?

For being it’s all about getting physically active in the morning as it clears my mind and sets me up for the day ahead. I start with a walk or run with our Chocolate labs along a bush track next to my local gym, then finish off with a class or PT session.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU HAVE TAKEN IN THE NAME OF HAPPINESS? DID IT PAY OFF?

Starting Gypsy River so I could work from home and have an amazing work life balance was a big risk. Before that, I was at Sportsgirl for 15 years as the National Visual Merchandising Manager.

I love how working for myself means having the time and freedom to be able to also be there for my family when I want – so yes, a great pay-off!

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

Happy, loving and free-spirited with a lot less violence and stress-related illnesses.

WHO IS THE HAPPIEST PERSON YOU KNOW?

My 8-year-old son River. 

WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING THEY HAVE TAUGHT YOU?

To live in the moment, to stop looking around and appreciate the now.

TALK US THROUGH A HAPPY DAY FOR YOU…WHAT’S INVOLVED?

Watching my son play sport as that’s his happy place right now; spending Sundays with the family, generally over a beautiful lunch, followed by some ‘me time’ exercising.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO?

Yes, always trust your gut instinct, mine is generally never wrong in any situation.

I’ve definitely taught myself to listen to it more over the years – I think that comes with life’s experiences and becoming more relaxed about things that are out of my control.

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING MOST? ARE THERE ELEMENTS OF THESE IN YOUR LIFE NOW?

It was always sport, art and family holidays. I’m still not great at sitting still for long – I have such a love for ‘doing’ and being hands-on.

I travel a lot less than I used to now – most of my sourcing is done online through contacts built up over the year. I like to go away twice a year to get re-inspired.

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

Don’t worry – everything happens for a reason, so it all works out in the long run.

AND YOUR 80-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Enjoy everyday and hug your family.

WHAT ABOUT ADVICE FOR THE NOT SO ENJOYABLE DAYS?

We all have not so great days, but it’s about putting those behind us and trying to find good in everything even the crappy! Some days it’s just ok to breathe…

PLEASE FINISH THESE SENTENCES:

If I wasn’t afraid I would… jump out of a plane.

I come alive when…I travel and the sun is shinning.

Everyday I… do my best to be my best.

If I ruled the world… I would find more funds into cures for terminal illnesses and create a way for all of us to live on earth together in our happy place.