#LETSCHAT: Meet Melissa Chalmers of @MelissaChalmers
Last Fall I introduced a series of interviews called #LETSCHAT with the amazing women that inspire me. This weekly series is based on incredible, strong and empowering individuals that inspire me through health and wellness. They are people that have made an impact on my life, big and small, that motivate me to be a better version of me, and I hope they can inspire you as well.
Happy Sunday and the very first Sunday of April, my beautiful friends!! I couldn't be happier with this #LETSCHAT series to kick off the month. Each week, I've been shining the spotlight on someone that we all love in the community or someone that we might not know too much about. Someone that continues to inspire not only me but others as well each day is New Zealand-based Melissa Chalmers of @MelissaChalmers. If you don't already follow Mel, let me just tell you... She is a globetrotting fitness and lifestyle YouTube personality that's going to bring you plenty of wanderlust and inspiration.
When I first connected with Melissa Chalmers on Instagram last Fall, I was impressed by this babe, and have been a huge fan ever since. And, I'm pretty sure we bonded over our love for travel and avocados! ;) My insta-friend from across the globe is a strong, confident and fit woman that will inspire you and spark a fire in you to love life and love all that you do.
She is very much an inspiration to me and fitness role model. I feel so lucky to have been able to connect with Melissa for many reasons, but primarily because she's a rad chick with a genuine love for living a balanced, healthy happy life. Her feed and YouTube channel are filled with plenty of travel, fashion, fitness, and health. One glance, and you'll be hooked. (Caution to the wise, her feed will make you jeally!)
So, let's get started...
VF: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: WHAT DO YOU DO, LOCATION, HOBBIES...
MC: I live in beautiful New Zealand and own a property business with my husband - but we have also been in the fitness industry for the past ten years. We owned our own transformation challenge throughout gyms in Auckland. My hobbies are working out, traveling, connecting with people that are on the same frequency and exploring the beautiful sites in New Zealand. I am constantly on the go, and I love it!
VF: WHAT GOT YOU INTO HEALTH + FITNESS?
MC: It was vanity that actually got me into health and fitness! I wanted to look great for my wedding, so I started eating really healthy and working out - the results were amazing. However what kept me going was the fact that I felt great in my own skin, my acne cleared out, and I just felt vibrant, happy and healthy.
VF: WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS SECRET?
MC: I don't have a secret! I work out four times a week (sometimes more sometimes less depending on my travel schedule), and I eat mostly good stuff. I eat chocolate every day, and I believe in moderation and balance. I am not obsessed with fitness or eating perfectly. I just do what I like and what makes me happy - and that has served me well!
VF: YOU ARE CONSTANTLY SEEKING ADVENTURE, WHAT IS YOUR #1 TRAVEL TIP?
MC: Check for cheap flights online and also hidden gems in your area where you live !! I bet there are tons of places nearby that you have not yet explored. Explore your own backyard, and it might surprise you!
VF: ANSWER THIS: “THE FIRST THING I DO WHEN I WAKE UP IS…”
MC: Take my dog out to wee haha!! He is quite old and usually busting to go by the time it is the morning.
VF: FINISH THIS SENTENCE... "THE ONE THING THAT I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IS…"
MC: Bill (my husband)
VF: WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA/WORDS TO LIVE BY?
MC: Do the best you can until you know better and when you know better do better.
VF: I'M INSPIRED BY YOU AND THE AMAZING ADVENTURES YOU SHARE WITH US ON INSTAGRAM. WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU?
MC: My husband is my biggest inspiration. He has always been into outdoor, and the smallest things make him so happy. He is super humble and appreciative of everything he is surrounded by. He has great values and ethics, and we share the same passion for almost all things in life. He constantly encourages me to get out of my comfort zone.
VF: WHAT IS YOUR RECIPE FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY LIFE?
MC: You are what you hang around. Minus the bullshit and insert the good stuff. Hang around good vibes!
VF: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GO-TO FOODS?
MC: Oh my God… I love all sorts of food haha. My favorite is probably Colombian BBQ ribs, chips, and salad on the side to get some greens in haha.
VF: I’M ORIGINALLY FROM SAN FRANCISCO, BUT HAVE LEFT MY HEART IN BARCELONA. OUT OF ALL THE PLACES, YOU’VE TRAVELLED TO, WHICH PLACE HAS STOLEN YOUR HEART?
MC: ITALY hands down! Italian people are the kindest people I have come across during my travels so far. I’ve left my heart with the beautiful people in Italy - especially in Cinque Terre. However, Greek Islands were a close second!
VF: FINISH THIS STATEMENT: "EVERYTHING TASTES BETTER WITH A LITTLE…"
MC: ...lemon juice haha.
VF: WHERE CAN WE FOLLOW YOU?
MC: You can follow me on Instagram @melissachalmers. And also my YouTube Channel: Melissa Chalmers
Images courtesy of Melissa Chalmers.