Amanda Millie’s Friday Female

Hello Lovelies, so I’ve decided to start a new weekly post called Amanda Millie’s Friday Female. I’ve been wanting to do this for a while and I actually don’t know why I haven’t done it till now to be honest. I have grown up with so many strong women around me who have really inspired me to the person I am today, and I think there is nothing more beautiful than women celebrating other women. I would love for you guys to get involved as well, if there is anyone in your life, work or whatever form whom you consider worthy of being in the spotlight, then please drop me an email and I will be more than happy to feature them.

So, without further ado, I’m starting this new tradition off with someone I consider one of my best friends, biggest cheerleader and most of all BAD ASS female….happy reading;-).

Meet Victoria Phelps, the happiest person I know and believe me that is no joke, this lady right here knows how to live fully. She is the founder of Planet Tor, a travel accessory brand inspired by the joys of travel and embodied by a belief that life is supposed to be fun. I sent Vickie a few set questions that I thought would be beneficial to most people, here goes.

1) What was your very first paid job, and do you use any skills you acquired then in your present role?

My parents owned a camp and activity centre for children and I worked there from the age of 14. I helped to put up and take down tents, I cleaned out the animals beds, painted the toilet blocks and helped with activity lessons such as horse riding and canoeing. As well as this when I was 16 I got a summer job in a local ice cream shop. What I learnt during this time was how great it was to make my own money, I loved it, earning and saving – I saved enough to buy my first car. Of course I also learnt the skill of interacting with other people, those my age, younger and older. I started off assisting in the horse riding lessons but by 15 I was taking the lessons, teaching a class of 12 children plus 2 teachers. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, it was great character building for me and a wonderful chance to realise my own capabilities. 

2) Which person had had the biggest influence in your life so far?

Both my parents. They had a desire to experience a completely different life for themselves, me and my sisters. We moved from a town in Essex to a small village in Wales, where they had just bought a camp and activity centre. We moved from a detached house in a busy county, with a garden, a dog and a cat. To a farm house in a small village with a children’s activity business, 50+ acres, 1 cow (that needed milking), 40 + sheep (that needed sheering), Lama’s, Chickens, Pigs, 1 Turkey and 15 Horses. They didn’t know anyone, they had zero experience but they wanted a new life for themselves and there 4 daughters and that desire drove them to make it happen. They have shown me that anything is possible, this was a very powerful lesson for me.

3) What is the best piece of advice you have been given? 

Nothing is more important than being happy.

Work is a big part of adult life so to make sure that I always did something that I enjoyed. 

I am important, not more important than others but still very important and valuable.

4) What is the best piece of advice you have ever given and to whom?

I used to send out emails to a few thousand people everyday, offering a little support and nuggets of wisdom, the emails that were always well received were about being kinder to yourself, accepting yourself as you are right now.

5) What has been your biggest obstacle in life and how did you get over it?

I had a situation that I had created, that didn’t turn out as I had expected, and then caused me to doubt my own judgement. It took me a while to realise that this was happening and I knew something was going on because my happiness was taking a knock. How I overcome it was to first realise it and then to change the way I was looking at things, I simplified the situation by reminding myself that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know. Over time I was softer towards myself, I allowed myself the freedom to not always get things right first time and gradually I slipped back into feeling good and trusting that everything works out for the best.

6) How do you relax?

Spending time with my large family is my favourite way to relax, as well as this I like to do Qi Gong, Yoga, Walk, I love to read and listen to Abraham Hicks on You Tube. 

7) Did you plan your career/life or have events just happened?

A bit of both, but like most things most areas of my life have evolved out of small ideas, hopes and wishes. 

8) One piece of advice/ words of wisdom you would tell your 16yr old self?

Not to worry too much about the outcome of things, enjoy whatever it is that you are doing for the sake of pure enjoyment.

9) How would you describe yourself in one word?

Happy

10) What is your favourite saying, or piece of poetry, or book?

Only love is real by Brian Weiss, I had had a life changing trip and this book reflected what I had experienced and helped to expand my awareness. 

11) What has been your biggest achievement to date, the thing in your life that you are most proud of?

Achievement to me is staying aligned with feeling great, sometimes this isn’t only about the things that I have done but not putting up with things that weren’t right for me.  On reflection, speaking up for myself and walking away from situations which were toxic to my well being are some of my most proud moments. 

12) If you could change one thing in your life right now, what would it be?

Thankfully I quite enjoy change and I say thankfully because change is inevitable, everything always changes. If I could change something at the click of a finger it would be to laugh easier, the things that tickle me are usually awkward situations, but I have a friend who slips into laughter so easily, everything tickles her and I would love to laugh as easy as she does.

There you have it folks, our first friday female spotlight done! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did and I would love to hear what you think of the Interview format and really your thoughts. Leave me a comment below and let me have it:-).

Until next time, love the life you’re living and stay happy! xoxo

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Amanda Millie

I am addicted to living up to the best version of me i possibly can. Perfectly imperfect and biohacking my way to long healthier and longer so I can be a present mama for my kids and myself.

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