Throughout the time since we launched Sea & Sarong we have worked with many creative, inspiring and talented women. Women of the ocean, women who live and breathe a lifestyle we know so well. Melodie Shakespear, surfer and model, is originally from Cornwall in the UK but now resides in the magical little surf oasis of Philip Island. This is Melodie...

Tell us who Melodie Shakespear is?

Hey! I’m Melodie! I’m a 22 year old British gal originally from a cute little town in the UK called St Ives, however have recently moved with my boyfriend to Phillip Island in Aus and have fallen in LOVE with it! I grew up travelling around Europe in various camper vans with my family where I was home schooled on the road, it was such a cool way to grow up experiencing different cultures and incredible sceneries I will never forget. Basically I’m someone who loves, loves, loves to travel, be at the beach, watch sunsets, and be around the ocean! 

So you're originally from Cornwall UK, what brought you to the land of Aus (apart from the waves, babes and weather)?

Yes, I’m from a quaint little surf town in Cornwall called St Ives (which will always be home for me and hold a special place in my heart). Coming to Australia was always a huge dream of mine as I grew up looking at surf magazines filled with perfect pictures of Aus and had heard how incredible it was! So it was always in the back of my mind that I NEEDED to see it for myself! I later met Harry who is now my boyfriend who has family in Australia (three sisters, his dad and step mum) so he ended up taking me to meet them, from that moment on I literally fell head over heels for this little slice of paradise called Phillip Island and knew that it would one day be a place I call home. But yes, that and of course the waves, babes and weather.

How long have you been surfing?

I have been surfing for around 9-10 years, it has always been a part of my life I just didn’t really start until I was about 12. Surfing is such a special part of my life, it's like an escape from reality, you could have had the worst day then have a surf and it literally washes the bad day away. As soon as you hit the water you feel at ease, I love it so much. I have also met so many amazing, like-minded people who feel the same. There is nothing better than spending the whole day at the beach in and out of the water sunbathing and surfing. 

Favourite break/breaks?

My favourite break is probably Woolamai on Phillip Island, the water is so clear and there's always (well most of the time) perfect peeling waves and peaks for days! My favourite time of day to surf here would have to be at sunset with friends when the waves are perfect, the whole ocean lights up and reflects the beautiful sky making you feel like you’re surfing in a dream! Other than Woolamai, my other favourite surf break would have to be our hometown beach in St Ives called Porthmeor, I just love it because every time you surf you know everyone in the water and you have such a laugh every time! It's also pretty cool because the houses are literally on the beach (google Porthmeor beach, St Ives).

You’ve been able to weave surfing and modelling together which is awesome, when did modelling come into your life?

Yeah, it’s been pretty cool combining the two at times, moving to Aus has definitely helped this! I started getting into modelling when I was around 16/17, this was around the time when I first got Instagram. It’s never been anything really serious, I’ve just always had a bit of fun with it and worked with some super cool brands over the years which have helped boost my confidence a lot. I’ve also met some amazing people who have taught me a lot throughout the years, I feel so lucky.

Ok, skating scares the hell outta us, any tips for mastering just a simple technique to cruise?

To be honest, it scares the hell out of me too haha! My advice would be to not take it too seriously, just relax and have fun with it. For cruising a long just take it slow, don’t start on the steepest hill, just start on a nice flat smooth surface making sure you bend your knees and don’t have your feet too close together.

Fave piece from the Sea & Sarong collection?

That’s a hard one! I can’t choose just one, but if I have to it will probably have to be the Oahu Sarong, such summer vibes!

How is IM Glamping going and for those that don’t know what’s it all about?

It’s going great thank you! It’s been so much fun so far. So for those of you that don’t know, my best friend India Payne and I have just started up a Glamping business located right by the beach just off of Phillip Island, we wanted to create somewhere people could come and enjoy and fall in love with our beautiful island at the same time. I think we have created a cute, unique space that we are so proud of.

We work with Take 3 For The Sea to help reduce plastic pollution, tell us a few simple ways that you reduce your use of plastic or any tips for doing so?

So good! I try to reduce my plastic use in any way I can, even if it’s something small like taking your own bags to the supermarket or not using a straw, or picking up rubbish from the beach rather than just walking past it. Any little thing can help, if we all did something small it would add up! I feel so passionate about looking after the beautiful planet we live on, it’s so incredibly sad seeing the devastation that is happening it. We seriously can help!

We love chatting to you and thank you for taking the time, lastly, life can get pretty hectic these days…what’s your key to living a life that makes you happy?

Yes, that’s very true, life can get very hectic! I always just try and make sure I take time out for myself, even if thats just a little walk to the beach, or taking your book into the garden, just doing something that makes you feel relaxed. I also try and stay off my phone if i’m feeling stressed, sometimes you just need you time. However I’d say my key to a happy life is being at the beach, its honestly like medicine, try it.