Q&A with Chloe Brotheridge | Rainforest Alliance

Inspired to be their best selves

Over the last 4 years, we have been running our #mybestself campaign, to learn from different women about what makes them step up to be their best self in any given situation.

In 2021, we decided to focus on a particular audience, to understand what drives them: the women and men who set up or work in the charities which we support through our ‘Mantra Changes Lives’ initiative. Does it take a particular kind of person to devote their working life to helping people? Is it a calling? Or did an event occur in their lives which drew them to this work?

I’m sure we will get 12 different answers from 12 different people, and I am fascinated to find out what those answers are. Stay with me through the year as I interview some remarkable people who work in the charitable or not-for-profit sector, who are changing lives every day. They are people who have truly stepped up to be their best selves.

One of our long-standing collaborators is Chloe Brotheridge, who helps women to live calmer and more confident lives, through coaching and hypnotherapy. Bestselling author of two books and successful podcast host, Chloe used to struggle with anxiety and self-doubt, suffering from debilitating panic attacks – until she went on a journey to become a calmer and more confident person.

We worked with Chloe to create a mantra to say to yourself when you need to summon your inner strength, and brought it to life as a powerful necklace. The mantra, ‘I am brave. I move forwards with confidence’ is a clear and positive affirmation to say to yourself when doubt or fear sets in.  

The necklace design is based on the Solar Plexus Chakra, which is associated with your level of confidence and personal power, giving you the energy to move forwards in life with courage.  

Chloe chooses to donate her commission for this necklace to the Rainforest Alliance, a charity which is close to her heart.  

I was excited to find out more about what drew Chloe to support this charity in particular; her hopes for what this charity can achieve; her wider concerns about the environment; and her commitment to helping women find a sense of calm and peace of mind, in these challenging times.

 Read our interview below...

JO: Tell me a little about the Rainforest Alliance’s aims?

Chloe: The Rainforest Alliance support farmers, forest communities and indigenous people all over the world. They support projects that help people and nature to thrive in harmony. Their work supports the climate, sustainability and biodiversity.

JO: And tell me – what was it that prompted you to support them?

Chloe: From a young age I’ve been interested in topics like climate change, I remember learning about it at about 6 or 7 years old. I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life and my parents were hippies! In 2019 I visited the Amazon rainforest and spent time with a tribe called the Huni Kuin and learned more about deforestation and how it impacts Indigenous people. The Rainforest Alliance are doing lots to support causes I care about.

JO: What do you hope the charity can achieve this year, and longer term?

Chloe: It seems like a massive tasks to reverse climate change but we’re becoming more aware of what needs to be done. The Rainforest Alliance are doing incredible work to support forests, our best means of carbon capture and protect biodiversity. They are also a global leader in sustainability certification, educating farmers on how to be more sustainable.

JO: There are innumerable challenges affecting the environment, which have been made worse this year due to the devastating impact of Covid. How do you stay positive and optimistic about the future, through all of that?

Chloe: Sometimes I don’t feel that positive and I don’t think that’s a bad thing because it motivates me to want to do more to help. But equally, when we dwell in negativity, that can mean that we give up and that’s not good either! I like to focus on what’s changing, for example the recent protests by Extinction Rebellion in London and on spreading the word about what we can do to help.

JO: You have helped hundreds of women discover a calmer and more confident version of themselves. Did you intend to set out on that path?

Chloe: I set out only to help myself to manage my own anxiety and low confidence and through learning about myself and what helps, I have been able to help others too. The journey is on-going and I’m not calm all the time, but I’ve seen myself make so much progress and I know it’s possible for all of us to make a change.

JO: Do you have a mantra, or positive phrase, that you live your life by?

Chloe: I like to say ‘Make peace of mind your priority’ to remind myself to always make time for things like sleep and meditation so that I can be my best for myself and for others.

Our Mantra Collaboration

We are helping to support the Rainforest Alliance’s vital work, by donating the commission that Chloe would earn from her collaboration with us (20% of the sales of our necklace and bracelet) directly to the charity, at Chloe's request. 

September Competition

This month, there is a chance to win one of our ‘Solar Plexus’ necklaces. Visit our competition page, for details on how to enter. 

One lucky winner will win a 'Solar Plexus’ Necklace in Sterling Silver. Competition closes midnight on Thursday 30th September. One winner will be chosen at random from across our social platforms, on Friday 1st October.