Elyse Interviewed for WHO'S YOUR... the curated black book of the best in their business...
Name:
Elyse Knowles
Home is…
Brunswick, Victoria
What do you do?
Model, founder and designer of Evrryday.
We love your label Evrryday and it’s giving initiative. What made you choose Water Aid as the charity to donate to?
Giving is very important to me. I love knowing that I’m also helping people in desperate need every time someone buys an Evrryday item! I decided to donate 10 per cent of the profit, and hopefully as the label gets bigger I’ll be able to donate more. Water Aid has always done a fantastic job and I wanted to help them in the process to help bring sustainable water facilities to those in need.
What have been your biggest learning curves since starting your business?
I have learnt so many things along this journey. One main thing I have learnt is to take my time and make sure everything is 100% clear before I say yes. Quality is very important to me. It may cost more but it’s so worth it for a label’s reputation. I want to ensure my customers keep coming back because their staple item they just brought is so insanely good!
What’s your daily beauty routine? What are you Holy Grail beauty products?
My skin is very sensitive so I use Meki I cosmetics. It’s very gentle and helps my skin deal with different make up I have to wear every day as part of my modeling work. I find it so important to moisturise twice a day to keep my skin hydrated.
You just came back from a spontaneous trip to Bali. Can you share with us your favourite places over there?
It was a little bit of a drop everything and go trip. I always find they are the best kind My favourite place was Nusa Lembongan! It is so clean and beautiful; just a little town where I found the locals are very kind.
What has been the best or “pinch yourself” moment in your career so far?
It would have to be travelling to Tahiti and Bora Bora! I never thought I would ever end up there. It was magical. Hopefully I’ll be able to go with my boyfriend Josh one day. I swam with a 4 foot shark, jumped into schools of fish, travelled on a boat to private islands, and did a photo shoot in crystal clear water with magical scenery behind me.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Natural Confectionary snakes. If I’m having a bad day all I want is a packet of Natural Confectionary snakes. It’s a tad weird but I’m in love with them! It makes my mind feel better, but my tummy hating life afterwards!
What’s your go-to outfit for a casual day?
In winter; black jeans, casual singlet and a big jacket with some boots and a nice handbag. Summer; denim shorts, bikinis, singlet top, hippy cardigan and a hat.
What did you think your career would be when you were a teenager?
I never thought I would be where I am today. I nearly quit (modeling) at one stage. I went to hundreds of castings and wasn’t getting anything or anywhere so I nearly chucked it all in the bin, but my mother wouldn’t let me. She persisted and drove me to every casting and said I should keep going and that it will pay off – thanks Mumma!
Do you have any advice for girls who want to go into modelling?
Sure do! NEVER GIVE UP. You might feel like you are not getting anywhere, but keep trying hard, everything happens for a reason. And always be yourself. Stop checking out all these other hot girls out on Instagram (as it’s not good for the head sometimes) Take a week off social media and focus on you – make yourself feel good and happy!
What’s next on the cards for Evrryday as a label, and Elyse as a model?
Evrryday is bringing out some key ultimate items, which I’m so excited about! So stay tuned. As for Elyse, I’m just working hard and trying to figure out where to go and what to do next:) I’m heading to the US in July so that’s very exciting!