Miranda Kerr knows that, for career longevity, models need to think beyond runway shows and photoshoots.
Kerr, best known as a Victoria’s Secret model — she was an Angel for six years, hanging up her wings in 2013 — was discovered at the age of 13 in her home of Australia. In the 20 years since, she’s modeled for top fashion houses, including Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney.
In 2009, she launched Kora Organics, a line of skin-care products.”I wasn’t able to find anything that was non-toxic and really worked,” she said. “It was also at a time when I was conscious of a career outside of modeling, and I was looking for something that combined my passion for health and well-being.”
Though many celebrities have been known to slap their name on a brand and call it a day, Kerr said she managed every decision. She worked on the formulations for two years before going to production, with a team of researchers, consultants in microbiology, and experts in aromatherapy and organic chemistry who specialize in organic and natural ingredients.
“It was important that my products not only deliver results but also carry a positive energy to inspire and uplift customers,” she said. “I was inspired by many aspects from my own spiritual beliefs — namely, the power of using healing crystals (all of our products are infused with Rose Quartz), the use of positive affirmation (there is one on the back of each product) and the benefits of aromatherapy.”
Ad position: web_incontent_pos1
She said the brand’s sales have grown in step with its social media and online presence. By the end of the this year, it will be carried in 2500 stores across 25 countries.
And maintaining that momentum has become her priority.
“Ten years ago, I was flying all over the world, sometimes going to two to three different countries in a week to work for and grow other businesses and brands,” she said. “Now my focus is on building my own — and, of course, my family.”
Ad position: web_incontent_pos2
Kerr walked us through a typical day in her life, which included a product-packed beauty routine, a campaign photoshoot featuring her friends and a meditating session with her 7-year-old son.
5:30 a.m.: I wake up when my husband [Evan Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc.] does, at around 5:30 — we’re early risers! We like to get up and make the most of the day. First thing in the morning, I like to have a warm glass of water with a squeeze of lemon, and I do a meditation for 20 to 30 minutes to set my intention for the day so I start it with a positive mindset. While I do that, Evan has his shower and gets ready for work.
6:00 a.m.: I dry-body-brush all over — it’s a great way to get the circulation going and remove dead skin cells. Then I jump in the shower. Once out and while my skin is still damp, I apply Noni Glow Body Balm and Noni Glow Body Oil all over — I applied this combo twice daily throughout my pregnancy to help minimize stretch marks.
6:10 a.m.: My general skin-care routine in the morning is super simple: I use a Kora Organics cleanser, then I love to do cool compresses on my face to help stimulate circulation and de-puff. I then use the new Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating 2-in-1 mask, which will come out at the end of June. I love the effect this has on my skin! I use it three to four times a week. Next, I spritz the Energizing Citrus Mist on my face – the aromatherapy really wakes me up. I follow that up with the Noni Radiant Eye Oil, which helps improve elasticity and smooth fine lines, reduces puffiness and brightens the eye area. Then I add a few drops of Noni Glow Face Oil to a few pumps of the Hydrating Moisturizer, and apply it to my face, neck and décolletage. Finally, I take my Rose Quartz Heart Facial Sculptor and massage my face in upward strokes to get the circulation going and help reduce puffiness.
6:20 a.m.: I get changed so I can do school drop-off — my go-to is generally jeans, a simple T-shirt and trainers. If I have a workout after, I wear my gym gear. Today, I’m shooting a campaign for Kora at my Malibu house, so I opt for navy dungarees, a white tee and trainers.
6:30 a.m.: Flynn [my 7-year-old son] comes in for a cuddle, and then we head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast together. We use the time in the morning to connect and discuss what we all have planned for the day, and also talk about what he’s learning at school. Today, though, we talk about how exciting it is for him to be a big brother, and all the things he can teach my son, Hart [who was born last month].
7:00 a.m.: Breakfast! We generally start with an organic, cold-pressed green juice and some fresh-cut fruit. This morning, we are also having mashed avocado with hard-boiled eggs on gluten-free toast with a little sea salt. I love to drink tea, and today, I’m having a Rooibos tea with goat milk and a little honey. I have a special teacup (it’s one from the collection I designed for Royal Albert) that I use every day, even if I’m traveling.
7:30 a.m.: I take my vitamins, pack Flynn’s lunch and lots of snacks for me, including a smoothie.
8:00 a.m.: As we’re heading out the door, my phone dings — “cha-ching!” I have the Shopify app, and it notifies me whenever there’s a sale on the Kora site. I’m obsessed. I drop off Flynn at school, then head to work. Today, I’m shooting the #myKORA campaign — it’s the first time I’m getting behind the camera to shoot a campaign, so I’m really excited. I have all different stations set up to shoot and film 13 women from my circle of friends who use Kora — it’s a big production! As I walk back to my car, I check my emails and respond to a few. Weekly sales just came in for the endcaps we launched in select Sephora U.S. stores, and they’re great — beyond what was expected. “Go team!” I reply all. Then I set off for Malibu and start a podcast. Today, I’m listening to Tich Nhat Hanh’s “How to listen with compassion.”
9:00 a.m.: I arrive at the shoot — it’s already organized chaos, but everyone is super excited and there is a really positive vibe! I rally everyone together and go through the running order for the day. All of the girls are coming at staggered times in groups of four, and each will rotate between hair and makeup, and the three different stations: my photo station, an iPhone selfie station and an interview station. The first group of girls is already here! I remind everyone, including the girls, to please take behind-the-scenes footage on their iPhones throughout the day, as we are going to incorporate all the footage into the campaign.
9:30 a.m.: The glam squad is putting finishing touches on the first group of women. They’re all nervous, as they’re not used to having their photo taken. I give them tips and get them to loosen up by making them laugh.
10:15 a.m.: Evan calls, and I step away to take it. He’s really excited about this shoot and is checking in to see how its going.
10:30 a.m.: I shoot the first three women. Both of them are actually really great and natural behind the camera.
11:30 a.m.: I take a quick break to walk around to the other stations. I also check my emails and grab a snack: toast with Vegemite.
12:00 p.m.: Time for models No. 4 and 5. The hour flies by, as we are having so much fun!
1:00 p.m.: We break for lunch. I’ve arranged a caterer to provide healthy selection of grilled salmon and chicken, and salads. The house is buzzing as everyone gathers around to eat, but it’s more of a working lunch, no one really stops. I check in with Flynn’s nanny to confirm she’ll pick him up after school then bring him by for a visit.
2:00 p.m.: Back to shooting! One of the women, my good friend Michaeline, brought her 9-month-old son with her — we have a blast dancing around with him on set.
4:00 p.m.: Flynn arrives to set — he runs up and give me a big hug. I show him around and show him some of the photos I’ve taken so far. He loves when I involve him! I give Flynn a kiss and hug goodbye as he leaves for a playdate. I get back to shooting. The day is running about an hour or so behind schedule, but that’s normal for a photoshoot.
5:00 p.m.: Three more girls to go! I’m feeling a bit anxious, as I’d like to make it home in time for a family dinner, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen tonight. I text Evan and the mother looking after Flynn to give them a heads-up.
6:30 p.m.: We wrap, at last. I can’t wait to pick up Flynn and get him home. I quickly say goodbye, thank everyone and grab my dinner to go: turkey burgers.
7:30 p.m.: We finally make it home. I help Flynn get ready for bed: We read three books and do a meditation, and then it’s lights out by 8:15.
8:15 p.m.: I go downstairs, and Evan is home. I sit and have something to eat with him so we can have some quality time together.
9:00 p.m.: I check my email, then I put away the phone and put on some relaxing music. I head to the bathroom to get ready for bed. In the evenings, I double-cleanse, then I spritz our Calming Lavender Mist on my face and my pillow. Then it’s eye oil, face oil and hydrating cream. Lights out!