June 25, 2019

At home with Kristy Von Minden

Tell us about your business Mind Bright. How did it begin?

We work with individuals and organisations to reduce stress and enhance health and happiness, using science-based mindfulness strategies. I retrained as a Mindfulness Teacher and launched Mind Bright two years ago after a 15-year-career in the media and PR industry which saw me eventually burn out mentally and physically. I started learning about the brain and realised how little we actually get taught about it, at school and in life, yet it impacts absolutely everything about the human experience from our mood, to the quality of our cognition and creativity, right down to our physical health.  So I now spend my days running events and workshops, getting people to know their brains a little better, which for me,  is the most rewarding and exciting way to earn a living!

You live in Muriwai on Auckland's west coast. What do you love about living there?

We moved there from the North Shore to be closer to nature and also to try and find more of a community to bring our family up in as we don't have any family in Auckland. We have not been disappointed. We spend our weekends in the ocean, at the beach, bushwalking or at the park and we had made lifelong friends within the first few weeks of moving. Everyone says hi and has a conversation when you are out and about and helps each other out whenever they can. It feels like stepping back in time.  I also love how down to earth everyone is. People care about things that really matter. People, animals, the community and environment. Not stuff. We are living in a tiny 70 square metre bach for the next few years while we slowly design and carry out our renovation, and aside from the fact that we don't have much space (my husband and I are sharing a teeny tiny wardrobe!) we are so happy out here we could easily live in this small house forever. It's helped us realise we don't need that much to be happy.

Three things you cannot live without at home?

Without doubt, our outdoor bath, up in the bush overlooking the ocean. My husband built it for us when we first moved in, which makes it even more special. I fill it with Epsom salts and lavender from the garden and either watch the sunset or star gaze in the dark. Utter relaxation after a long day. I also love our Coast bean bags and swinging chair on the deck, perfect for relaxing with a wine and watching the ever-changing ocean and sunsets.

Favourite fragrance?

My go-to perfume is Narcisco Rodriguez, I adore the combination of musky, woody and floral notes.  I also love the scent of fresh roses on the table or walking past a vine of jasmine, so the Palm Beach White Rose and Jasmine scented candle is a favourite of mine too.

Must do's for visitors to Auckland?

Auckland is such a large city that's the perfect mix of nature and urban. As for nature, I'd recommend coming out to Muriwai, just 35 minutes from the city, to  walk the beautiful Goldie's Bush Walk (bring your togs for a swim in the river!), a picnic at sunset on Muriwai beach, a surf at Maori Bay or a visit to the world famous gannet colony. Pop into The Hunting Lodge Winery on your way back to the city for a beautiful glass of local wine and woodfired pizza in the garden. For your city fix, try  Britomart, which houses designer boutiques, eateries, bars, and health & beauty offerings in some of Auckland's oldest, recently refurbished heritage buildings.