Melissa Jeffcott

Welcome to the first interview in my new monthly series, ‘Fabulous Women on the Other Side of Forty’ At the beginning of each month I will be featuring a woman who has followed her passion and created a new and exciting life for herself on the other side of forty.  My hope is that this series is an inspiring insight into how everyday women are breaking out of their comfort zones, looking deep within, and finding what it is that truly nourishes their soul (and at the very least, it gives you a break from hearing me ramble on every week!)

I can’t think of a better way to kick off this series than with the lovely Kathy Wong, founder of Soul Republic and Moeloco, a soul driven enterprise selling beautifully designed thongs with inspirational messages imprinted on the sole.  Even more inspiring, with every purchase, Moeloco donates a pair of shoes to orphans supported by the Hope Foundation (a buy one-give one philosophy).

Kathy’s background is an interesting and diverse one.  The daughter of migrants, she completed university and ran her own successful design business for 19 years. However feeling increasingly unfulfilled, she sold her business and moved to the country. For the next nine years she explored her own personal development, and transformed herself into an artist – exploring her creativity and then helping others to unleash their creative souls. After leaving the country, Kathy returned to Sydney, remarried and established a new life after realising her deeper calling was to be a catalyst for positive change and to do something on a grand scale that would channel her talents, give back to the world and make a difference to those in need.  She knew she could have an impact on the welfare of children living in poverty. Her first step was to create Soul Republic through which she provides daily inspiration, encouraging people to follow their dreams. The next step saw the emergence of the social enterprise Moeloco, which means ‘dream crazy’.

Kathy’s ‘dream crazy’ is to go beyond inspiration and start creating products that contribute directly to the welfare of children. Moeloco is about leaving a lasting footprint – one step at a time.

 HOW HAS LIFE CHANGED FOR YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FORTY?

It’s just become more enriching. The quality of my connections especially. I keep meeting so many new friends where we connect instantly on a much deeper level. I feel more confident in my own skin. I love who I am instead of always wanting to be something I was not. This happened more in my late forties as I approached my 50’s.

HOW EASY/DIFFICULT WAS IT FOR YOU TO MAKE THE CHANGE TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW?

Quite easy. Once I knew I was going to make a difference, everything has flowed so naturally and easily. The idea for Moeloco was born in April, 2014 then in November that same year we went to market. I’ve never manufactured a product or retailed before, or had a social enterprise, so I could not have done this so quickly without passion and knowing this was my calling.

ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Enjoy the ride and don’t take yourself so seriously.

WHAT ARE SOME SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU DO FOR SELF CARE?

Exercise daily, yoga and meditation regularly, get grounded in nature once a week, weekly nurturing through just taking a day out to do nothing. Eat well, consciously.

ANY ADVICE FOR WOMEN THINKING OF MAKING A BIG LIFE CHANGE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FORTY?

Just do it! What have you got to lose. Once you get out of your own way, amazing opportunities will open up way beyond your wildest dreams! Dream crazy, of course our Moeloco mantra!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

Be the change you want to see in the world!

Thanks Kathy, I love your advice to get out of your own way and just do it! 

You can check out the Moeloco website and pick yourself up a beautiful pair of thongs (or flip-flops for our international friends who may think I am talking about something else altogether!) at http://www.moeloco.com