Alex Topakas is a multidimensional creative with an eye for design and a conscious approach for drawing out the heart of brands, connecting them with those that resonate. As the founder of Sentience Studio, photographer, marketing and branding specialist, Alex is familiar with the necessity of balancing work, life and rest.
I recently had the pleasure of spending sunset with Alex at Pikt Flower in the Northern Rivers. With warm golden light and nothing but plants and distant hills as far as the eye could see. We chatted about our goals, life, trauma, what inspires Alex's work, how she is embracing a slower way of life while running her business, and what Seizing The Day looks like in Alex's world.
TW: In today’s culture almost everyone is affected by stress in some way. Has there been a pivotal moment that led you to wanting to embrace a way of slower living?
A: Since my youth, I've held ambitious dreams—to excel in my career and embrace an independent lifestyle. My mother, who raised me on her own and similarly always aspired to see me thrive independently, ignited a passion in me to pursue my wildest aspirations. Yet, this path often led to a fast-paced existence—which clouded the sight of my values at times. Whether this meant taking on more than I could handle, confusing the act of love and respect, and losing time with family and friends — these invaluable experiences and a pivotal event in my life eventually led me to find the practice of yoga. The practice's wisdom centred around the art of being "present”, teaching me to slow down and make discerning life choices — and this newfound mindfulness became my compass. Even now, while I am still continually learning and healing, I always strive to move forward amidst the perpetual waves of change that life offers. A cherished quote of mine remains, "be still in the eye of the storm," signifying the calm and centredness I continue to strive for every day.
TW: To some, the idea of running a business and embracing a slow lifestyle are completely juxtaposing concepts. How do you integrate these into a way that works for you?
A: As a photographer, and also a digital marketing specialist, I understand the apparent contradiction between running a business and embracing a slow lifestyle. However, I now have found a harmonious balance by prioritising mindful practices in both my professional and personal life. By organising my workflow efficiently and setting realistic expectations, I can strive to ensure that I deliver quality work without compromising on the peace and intentionality I seek. Embracing a slow lifestyle allows me to approach each project with clarity and creativity , while also nurturing lasting connections with clients. This intentional approach not only benefits my well-being but also resonates with the conscious brands I work with. By finding this integration, I've discovered that a slower pace can lead to more meaningful and impactful results, fostering a sense of fulfilment and purpose in both my work and life.
TW: As a creative, a large part of your work requires you to be bringing new ideas to the table. Do you ever experience creative blocks, and if so, where do you turn for inspiration?
A: As a creative, I do encounter creative blocks from time to time. When faced with such challenges, I find inspiration in various ways. Nature plays a significant role in reinvigorating my creativity, as I often take walks or spend time outdoors to clear my mind and connect with the world around me. I’ll often draw parallels between occurrences in nature and balance this with concepts in my work, however they may evolve. Additionally, I explore art and photography exhibitions, read books, listen to music or immerse myself in different cultures and experiences to stimulate new ideas.(See Freedom Through Expression for how the power of nature for creativity.)
At my core, I do find that I am more introverted than extroverted, so taking time away from my work to re-energise and recharge benefits my creative process significantly. By embracing these diverse sources of inspiration, I can continuously bring innovative and meaningful ideas to my work, ensuring a dynamic and impactful approach to creativity and problem solving.
TW: No matter how hard we try to be zen, the reality is that it’s a challenge in today’s world. What are your favourite tools or practices that help you feel more grounded when the stress starts to creep in.
A: When stress starts to creep in, I turn to various tools and practices that help me feel more grounded. Going for long walks amidst nature allows me to reconnect and find tranquility. Spending quality time with friends and family brings a sense of comfort and support. Embracing sunlight and going for swims helps to revitalise my energy. Engaging in yoga and pilates sessions help me find inner balance and focus, and also supports my self-confidence. Lastly, embarking on adventures to new places ignites a sense of wonder and allows me to escape from the daily pressures of life. Combining these practices contributes to my overall wellbeing, ensuring that I stay centred and resilient in the face of stress and challenges.
(See why Body Oiling is the most underrated ritual for easing stress)
TW: What does ‘Seizing The Day’ look like to Alex Topakas?
A: To me, seizing the day is about embracing each moment with a purposeful and mindful approach. It involves striving to be fully present in every aspect of life, cherishing meaningful connections with loved ones, and passionately pursuing creative endeavours while balancing this with the demands of life itself. There’s no doubt that it is a challenge to do so. But by taking small steps to practice the art of slowing down, and honouring that “time is short” — this can make our decision making processes shorter, bringing us closer to the decision that will be the most impactful in allowing us to grow and evolve. All in all, seizing the day is about making intentional choices that align with personal values and foster a positive impact on others and the world.
