Meet Heidi Peuten - co-founder of Ulu Hye, busy mother and kindness ambassador!
Driven by a desire to establish a sustainable business and disturbed by the amount of milk cartons they would dispose of each week, Heidi and her best friend Vasia set out to reimagine milk - that's when Ulu Hye was born.
How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
I am a down to earth, fun and optimistic woman, juggling too many things on my plate but loving every minute of it.
What does kindness mean to you and how do you apply it to your life and the work that you do?
Kindness is acting from the heart, rather than the head and I try to do this in both my business and personal life. Every morning I ask my daughter, Zigi, "what are we going to be today?" and her response is "kind". I think it's super important to remind ourselves to check in and look at areas in our life where we could be that little bit more thoughtful. Use it as a daily mantra as such.
How has being kind helped you along your journey?
Just being understanding of people's needs and expectations is huge. Accepting that no one is perfect and being able to pivot is super important to getting anywhere in business.
What inspires you?
Sunrises, my mum, anyone with more than 2 children, people who can have all components of a dish ready at the same time, those who don't drink coffee, patient drivers, so many!
Do you have any daily rituals?
Every morning making the bed followed by 500ml of warm water with lemon. I make sure that i move my body for 30 minutes each day which is essential for my mood and practicing patience and kindness. Anything from there is anyone's guess!
Do you know what your purpose or ‘why’ is?
Other than just trying my best to make a small difference in this world and being the best mum to my children, I just want to be happy and to be able to reflect back on my days with a smile. I think that is enough.
What is your #1 book recommendation and why?
Oh gosh, there's too many! What a hard question! One Hundred Years of Solitude would have to be up there.
Who is your #1 kindness role model and why?
I have a good friend, Ebony, who is easily the kindest person I know. She sees the best in everyone and everything and you can't help but be a better person when you're around her.
Any thoughts about The Karma Collective and what we are trying to achieve?
It's just very impressive and inspiring what you guys have achieved and continue to achieve to protecting our animals.