From practising as a dental therapist in Brisbane to becoming a global active-living advocate, business entrepreneur, fashion designer and author, Lorna Jane Clarkson is a remarkably Australian success story.
“Who would have thought when I started making activewear all those years ago that Lorna Jane would one day be a leading global brand?” she says. “It just goes to show where passion and following your dreams can take you.”
And dream she did … on a grand scale. Modern women around the world love her comfortable yet fashionable activewear line because it truly caters to their busy lifestyle by closing the gap between gym gear and café attire.
In fact, the Lorna Jane brand sparked the sport-luxe craze before it was even a thing; now chic sportswear is a globally-recognised fashion trend. Launching a fitness-fashion movement was always front of mind for Lorna when she created the LJ label some 30+ years ago.
“From day one my vision has always been for women to wear their activewear beyond their workouts,” she says. “I’m so pleased that my persistence has paid off and women around the world are proudly wearing their activewear to do almost everything — and looking great while doing it!”
What’s new with Lorna Jane?
Lorna remains Founder & Chief Creative Officer of the brand, described as “an iconic Australian entrepreneur, fashion designer, author and well-regarded advocate for women’s health and wellbeing.”
Recently, she purchased a luxury wellness retreat in Byron Bay hinterland (Ewingsdale) as the next step in her “Active Living” vision — signalling a deeper push into the wellbeing/retreat space, not just apparel.
She’s also launched a vodcast titled “Never Give Up with Lorna Jane Clarkson” where she interviews inspiring women about their journeys.
Lorna Jane’s Conversation With Women Love Health
We sat down (virtually) with Lorna to talk about empowering women, her active-living philosophy, and her advice for female entrepreneurs.
Q: You already launched the popular online destination Move Nourish Believe. How has the reaction been—and what do you hope this offers the “Lorna Jane woman”?
“Put simply, the Move Nourish Believe blog is a roadmap to Active Living. It’s where women can come to learn how to MOVE, NOURISH and BELIEVE and ultimately lead amazing, positive lives.
Thousands of women around the globe visit the blog every day for everything from their daily dose of inspiration and healthy recipes to up-to-date ways to get moving. It’s also a great place for sporty sisters to share advice and words of encouragement with one another.”
Q: You’re now celebrated as an icon of Australian fashion; you live and breathe your brand. How do you juggle each aspect of your life—and what’s your secret to achieving balance?
“This is where my Active Living philosophy really comes into force! It allows me to feel energised and positive every single day, which is essential when you have a busy schedule and want to achieve great things in life. The key for me to a balanced life is taking time out to dedicate to yourself every day.
Exercise is a non-negotiable part of my day and I start every day with a workout—whether it’s yoga, walking my dog or strength training. This energises me, makes me feel positive and ready for another amazing day.”
Q: What’s your daily mantra or motto that helps you get through tough days and inspires you to keep going?
“Active Living is easy to achieve by just about anyone when you break it down into the daily practice of Move, Nourish and Believe. If you simply make the commitment to MOVE your body every day, NOURISH from the inside-out and BELIEVE anything is possible (if you are willing to work for it).”
Q: And your ultimate indulgence?
“I absolutely LOVE the homemade raspberry and hazelnut chocolate recipe from my cookbook — NOURISH – The Fit Women’s Cookbook. It’s the perfect chocolate treat because it’s made with cacao, is sugar-free and actually good for you!”
Q: What’s the best business advice you could give to young women who aspire to achieve similar success in the fitness/active-living field and beyond?
“Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and never, never, never give up!”
