Meet The Staff - Naomi, Ballarat

What is your role with The Lab and how long have you been with us?

I have been the Store Manager at The Lab in Ballarat for the past 5 years. It will be 10 years this coming October that I have been with the company. I’ll be expecting a cake.

What’s one thing you love most about The Laboratory?

Have you seen my wardrobe!?

I really love that the Lab covers so many aspects of your wardrobe, from unique statement pieces to wardrobe staples. The fact that we cater for all body types and all ages makes work a beautiful place to be as my customers leave happy and confident – the way all woman should feel about themselves. Our customers know there is something for EVERYONE at the Lab, you got to love that!

If you had to be on a reality TV show, what would it be and why?

None! I am not a reality TV fan. The only reality TV show I do actually love is Queer Eye.

I would go on that in a heartbeat as I just love the gang and the happiness they bring out in people. What they have accomplished in all types of communities is amazing.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?

Always be true to yourself, do what you love and not what others expect of you.

And I will pass this advice on to my 2 daughters. We are told who to be by society and that the choices we make for ourselves are not up to the ridiculous standards out there. But I believe you just got to do what’s best for you and the life you choose to live by. Being happy and healthy is what is most important in life and surrounding yourself by those who love you, just the way you are.

Put together your 3 favourite outfits from the AW20 collection so far.

    1. For your casual weekend look my go to is a pair of the E&D boyfriend jeans in black (or blue!) and the chunky splice knit in multi stripe – so cosy for a winters day. Chuck on a pair of ankle boots or casual white runners and off you go.
    2. For a fun look I would have to go the Little Birdie overalls in leopard print. I am obsessed with any kind of jumpsuit! Pair it with the black turtle neck top and a pair of casual runners and you’ve got a super cute outfit.
    3. For a more dressed up look, the Alessi pleated skirt in the spliced print paired with one of our essential tops like the mock neck top in black, pop on a pair of heeled boots and a denim jacket and you are set for a night out!

What’s your favourite thing about your hometown?

The weather. Said no one ever from Ballarat.

I love the sense of living in a town that’s big enough but doesn’t have the crazy buzz of city life. I have never had the desire to live in a big city; being stuck in traffic for more than 5 minutes drives me crazy! I like living in Ballarat as it has the balance of everything you need and that it’s the perfect place to raise my family.

How would your friends describe you?

The first word that comes to mind is honest. I see no other way to be with my friends.

They would say I’m a caring, friendly person who is trustworthy and always there to support my friends and family. I will always lend an ear to anyone who needs it; supporting each other is so important, it really can go a long way. They would say I’m down to earth, a bit of a nerd and always up for some fun!

If a millionaire decides to fund your all expenses paid one week trip to anywhere, where would you go and what would you do?

Ohhhh so many choices... I am an animal lover and my absolute dream holiday is to go to Africa and have the full safari experience. I’d love to see the Elephants, Giraffes, Monkeys and Lions in the wild and I know my family would absolutely love coming, especially my 3 year old daughter Mackenzie, who like me loves animals.

If I was being selfish my second option would be a beach hut in the Maldives, relaxing, sipping cocktails and snorkelling!

What is something you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about setting a good example for my daughters. Motherhood has changed me in so many ways and I feel it really has made me see the world in a different way.

Naturally I want to raise my girls to be good people but I’m passionate about showing them respect, kindness and compassion to all walks of life, something I feel gets lost amongst all the chaos in our day to day lives. We are given one life and only one planet to live that life on, that’s something I believe we all need to be more mindful of.

If you were a drink, what would you be?

This is a hard one. Most days I’m Coffee or really I need coffee to function.

I would say a fresh summer drink like The Mojito!! It’s a little sweet, a little sour and after a few of them, it will knock your socks off!!

May 21, 2020 — Marnie Harris