The Not Drinking Alcohol Today Podcast
Meg and Bella discuss the ups and downs of navigating an alcohol free life in Australia's alcohol centric culture. This highly rated podcast, featuring in Australia's top 100 self improvement podcasts, is a must for those that are trying to drink less alcohol but need some motivation, are curious about sober life or who are sober but are looking for some extra reinforcement. The Not Drinking Alcohol Today pod provides an invaluable resource to keep you motivated and on track today and beyond. Meg and Bella's guests include neuroscientists, quit-lit authors, journalists, health experts, alcohol coaches and everyday people who have struggled with alcohol but have triumphed over it. Our aim is to support and inspire you to reach your goals to drink less or none at all! Meg and Bella are This Naked Mind Certified Coaches (plus nutritionists and counsellors respectively) who live in Sydney.
The Not Drinking Alcohol Today Podcast
The Unstoppable World of Rocky Rafaela: Rochelle's Recovery Journey
Australian fashion designer Rochelle Gregory shares her transformative journey from alcohol addiction to creative success with her clothing line Rocky Rafaela. In this ep, we cover how:
• alcohol initially provided social connection, but led to dangerous situations and repeated rehab stays
• purpose through fashion design offered moments of peace allowing racing thoughts to disappear
• how learning to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable" was crucial to maintaining sobriety
• sobriety has opened up opportunities and new beginnings, including a full-circle moment when the school that asked her to leave invited her back to speak about her success.
If you're struggling, remember you're in the perfect position to transform your life. Get clear on who you want to become, reach out for support, surround yourself with supportive people, and know that change is possible for everyone.
ROCKY RAFAELA
ROCHELLE
https://www.instagram.com/rockyrafaela/
MEG
Web: https://www.meganwebb.com.au/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meganwebbcoaching/
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
ConnectAF group coaching: https://www.elizaparkinson.com/groupcoaching
BELLA
Web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Insta: @alcoholcounsellorisabella
Bi-Yearly 6-Week Small Group Challenges: Learn more: https://www.isabellaferguson.com.au/feb-2025-challenge
Free Do I Have A Drinking Problem 3 x Video Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/JTFFgjJL/checkout
Free HOW DO I STOP DRINKING SO MUCH Masterclass: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/7fvkb3FF/checkout
Online Alcohol Self-Paced Course: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/fDzcyvWL/checkout...
Today I would love to welcome Rochelle Gregory, Australian fashion designer and founder of Rocky Raffaella, a beautiful clothing line to the Not Drinking Alcohol Today podcast. Huge welcome.
Speaker 2:Thank you so much. I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 1:I am just thrilled that you are here to tell your story, because it's stories like yours, like mine, like all of us, that really resonate with our listeners, and you know there's probably somebody out there that will need to hear this story. So I just wanted to open up with a question what made you decide to embark on the mission of farewelling alcohol from your life?
Speaker 2:Oh God, where do I begin? Okay, so I think for me it was like you know it started at 16, right? So you know it becomes fun, you know socialising with friends, but my kind of story goes back to a lot of mental health issues in my teens, you know, even going back to like some childhood trauma stuff. You know that rewired my brain and my relationship with alcohol started from, yeah, around 16, and it's just been been a crazy journey up until 13 months ago where I decided, yeah, this will no longer be my life. So, yeah, I don't know where to begin. What was the question? I know.
Speaker 1:I know, you know what. It's really hard just to suddenly launch straight in, because often the story is massive. It's one that, um, you know it's created in childhood experiences, uh. It then slowly morphs over years, with lots of turbulence, until you work out. This has just got to stop, um, I guess a question that might naturally flow is what were the signs for you? Some warning signs, uh, that just created that fear, because often fear behind the decision to stop.
Speaker 2:So when I started it was kind of like I was numbing a lot of pain and you know, I had that very social side to me. I kind of had two contradicting parts to me this lover of life who was super social out all the time, loved drinking, and then there was this part that hated herself and that was where all the trauma was and the negative belief systems that you know and you just never not knew what was going to happen with me. So you know, I was really really bad with alcohol. You know, alcohol always drove these insane. You know experiences like riding off cars, like the story goes on, ending up in rehabs. And I think what happened was I'd get, I'd try, I'd fall back, I'd try giving it up, I'd fall back and as much as I started to heal.
Speaker 2:You know, growing into my late 20s and even early 30s, it was this you never know which side was going to come out, like if I was out drinking I'd be the life of the party and so much fun, or something small would trigger me and it would be like my eyes would change. You know, there was a few things that easily could trigger me and I was just a different person and then I was, you know, had no control. So I was just in scary situations for 20 years, like ones you wouldn't even believe, and I kept recreating these horror stories. That would still haunt me to this day. But 13 months ago, you know, I was in a good space, but it was still like you know, I can drink. I was like I can drink, I know I, you know, I'm in a better space now, and then something would happen and I think the pressure was like a pressure cooker and it just stopped because I did, I did support, and this time it was like one more try, yeah, and then, it just worked, and that was by myself.
Speaker 1:Oh, congratulations. How relieving, I know that feeling of just finally getting off that bloody merry-go-round and just thinking, oh, I've done it and I'd love to. We'll come back to, I guess, a little bit about how you did it and, I guess, only sharing as much as you're comfortable with. But sometimes, I think, often in these podcasts and these stories, we often skirt over the relevance of perhaps adverse childhood experiences, which very much contribute or increase that likelihood of being a person that's susceptible to drinking. Was this something that showed up in your life? Had there been childhood experiences or some form of I don't know something in the environment that just kind of led to?
Speaker 2:that.
Speaker 2:Yeah it changed the way my, yeah, there were childhood experiences, you know, something really early on, at like three or four, and then something you know at 13. And it wasn't until I worked out the thing at 13 that the memories of the three-year-old happened, not true? You know, I've done a lot of research, because the number one thing is I became so aware because I wanted to change, so I started learning about behaviors and habits and you know the science behind addiction, you know. So what actually happened was my, because when something happens at such a young age, your brain kind of stores it away. Yeah, and what happens is the trauma. And to me, you know what trauma is loosely talked about these days, and I believe trauma is kind of like an experience that's almost, you know, emotionally disturbing, infected, um, you know the all the parts of the brain, like your prefrontal cortex, the way serotonin is, um, you know your imbalance of serotonin, and it even goes, you know, on to oh, there's so much science behind.
Speaker 2:Yes, basically, as a teen, I didn't know how to control my emotions. You know I wasn't good at making decisions. Yes, learning became a problem. I didn't naturally, because I'd, you know, affected my serotonin and my dopamine levels. Nothing was enough.
Speaker 1:And that's where the addiction comes in chasing for that feeling of feeling good yes, um, so much of what you said just really resonates with a lot that comes up um with anybody that has just been caught in that. That cycle um and emotional resilience, nervous system regulation sounds like there is a system.
Speaker 2:I forgot about that. Even now. Someone said to me they're're like you move a lot. I think my body's just used to thinking something bad's going to happen all the time.
Speaker 1:Being on alert, being on alert and I think those two in combo they're probably two elements there that feed off each other can lead to that person who's prone to wanting to numb out and avoid those uncomfortable activating sensations. Gosh well, thank you just for touching on all of that, because, yeah, these things are real. They're the building blocks to what can lead to looking for self-soothing sources outside of our own bodies. I guess a question that I'd love for you to talk about is what do you think alcohol gave you? Because often for lots of us, until alcohol becomes, you know, the absolute monster at some point at some time in our lives, it can give us some sense of positivity. What was it that you were seeking from it? I guess is a better way of asking the question.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what alcohol did for me, like I said previously with you know that part of me that was super social. Obviously yeah, the numbing, of course, course, because everything goes away and it's instant um, but also that socialness. Like I, I didn't relate to a lot at school, like I had learning difficulties, you know I had all these problems, but I had a lot of friends and I loved having fun and you know I was, I was good at that. So I actually became good at partying, like I was good at being out all night, like that's where I connected with at that. So I actually became good at partying, like I was good at being out all night, like that's where I connected with people, that's where I got my validation from. So drinking gave me connection. It gave me. You know, I was addicted, without knowing, to excitement and because of my personality being so out there, a lot of exciting things came on a night out. But then you know there's a shadow effect of that of you know all the really scary stuff that happened too.
Speaker 1:You can make sense out of alcohol to a point, until the trade-offs just become way too much, much um. You mentioned rehabs. I too um experienced a treatment center um environment for a period. How was it useful? Pros and cons of that experience for you, rochelle?
Speaker 2:yeah, I actually. I I loved them. Um, again, I think I'll tell you, but I really used them. Like my story is, I always wanted to get better. I just didn't know how. So I would go into these places and I guess it's what you do with them. So I was always like the biggest nerd there, like I was still naughty in these places. This is a bit part of my personality. But I was always really interested in learning why and you know, it kind of takes you out of life to be like all right, where do I want to go? You know. You know as well as you're taking, you know all the stress out of your life. You can become clear of the next path. But my story also is I'd get good for a bit. I'd get. You know, it was like you know, and it wasn't just the drinking, it was the clinics, the eating disorder units.
Speaker 1:They were all played the same part yeah, yeah, I can certainly um relate to that feeling of once you were removed from the environment that you're in, that, I guess, exacerbated the whole drinking lifestyle. It can be such a beautiful sense of relief. I had that as well. I remember that feeling of just oh, I'm removed from me, my identity myself, and I can get some breathing space.
Speaker 1:Let's recreate this person? Yes, and I too had those questions. I was. I was a hunter for why I was doing this. Why was I caught in this cycle which I never really got the answers to in that space? Um, did you find those answers?
Speaker 2:yeah, I started look, really looking at like my identity and what what alcohol did for me and and and other drugs. And it wasn't, you know, they weren't the problem, it was me and it was about trying to work out who I wanted to be and where I wanted to go. Um, yeah yeah, it was just, and also the other thing. I always felt so alienated, alien and different. So even being in these places, you're relatable to other people going through the same stuff, so you don't feel you know.
Speaker 1:You're not yeah, you're not the only person messing up in quotes. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so yeah, to answer that, I just kind of got clear of like it was pretty much unlearning, you know, unlearning everything that I had learnt to cope with.
Speaker 1:That's the most beautiful way of putting it. You're untangling, aren't you Unlearning that you don't need to reach for drugs or alcohol to put the fire out of a stressful situation? Yeah, so what was the turning point for you? How did you get there?
Speaker 2:So I think I remember being out one night and you know I was intoxicated and I had a situation with, you know, a family friend you know from Hong Kong that was here and she came to say hi to me and I just looked at her like I didn't know who she was, like I, I was so like something had triggered me and I was just you know. And then I went home and I was the type of person where my actions really affected me the next day. Why did the guilt, the shame, why did you do that?
Speaker 2:blah, blah, blah and I'd turn on myself yes oh that feeling and then, you know, I drank a couple more times after that, I think around boxing day it was December and then I was just like nah, and obviously it wasn't just the nut that made me, it was everything I'd pretty much done. You know, in 20 years I was always doing something to try and you know, stop. Yeah, I think it was just trying again and it was just that pressure of just no.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I often talk about this with people that sometimes it just it has to be the right time doesn't it?
Speaker 2:Yeah, you have to be ready. Also, you know, through training in my late you know teens, I worked out that. You know I had a purpose of designing and you know that creating or using all this pain and hurt to users like motivation and power, you know I found my purpose through design and I think that's a huge help as well, having Rocky Raffaella and, you know, being like, do I keep wanting to affect that that I've created? Yeah, you know, or you know so I was very lucky to have all these other good things happening in my life, but that also, you know, that came from getting help too previously.
Speaker 1:Oh, I think this is an amazing topic and I'm really quite obsessed about this topic of purpose and alcohol. Yeah, when you a certain personality is susceptible, who doesn't have that purpose, or you know, your phase shifts in life and your purpose is taken away. You're floundering a bit, aren't you, and you can really find that self-doubt, self-esteem issues, all those negative ruminations that you were talking about. That often we reach for alcohol to regulate, yeah, but then that, the reestablishment of your sense of meaning that's greater than you, that gets you out of bed every day.
Speaker 1:Yeah yeah, can really help in recovery.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, I think that's like I remember. When I first started getting help. I was in a very bad place at probably 20 years old I'm 35 now but you know, I was seeing someone and she said what do you want to do with your life? And it's literally the first time I sat up, like I used to sit on a chair, like this, like so, in another world, and I said anything but this, like I wanted to change. I didn't know how and I didn't think I was good at anything, like I was good at school. All I did was party. I didn't see that I had this creativity because you're so dark, I had so much self-hate. I didn't want to be who I was. How did I think I was good at anything? Yeah, but through that you know it was like oh, I actually love design.
Speaker 2:So when I started fashion school, it's the craziest thing, because when I designed it was the first time I actually felt like Rochelle Gregory.
Speaker 1:Wow, yeah, gosh. Craziest thing, because when I designed it was the first time I actually felt like Rochelle Gregory. Wow, yeah, gosh. What was it about um creating these you know a fashion line and creating um clothes that really allowed you to feel, I guess, embodied and and empowered. What was the connection there for you?
Speaker 2:I think what happened when I designed? Everything just went away. You know, like it was just me in the moment. I could never be in the moment. You know racing thoughts, you know horrible thoughts, but when I designed or created, it was just like. Sometimes, you know, I explain it like someone's using me higher above as a mechanism, because it's just so natural. And later on I worked out that I was always like that. Like a lot of people would say remember you cut up this for a party or the? You know memories of watching my grandfather sew on his machine after school All these had been blocked out because I was. You know and this is important for listeners because if you're sitting back and thinking I don't have a purpose, I'm not good at anything, you know there's nothing I can do. That's exactly where I was. And now, you know, I close my eyes and create. You know just. You know what I'm saying like I built this business that I didn't think I was good at anything. So it's not true. These are stories we're telling ourselves.
Speaker 1:Oh, I love that. So so much, I really do, because a lot of people really get quite stressed with that question what's your purpose? What's your passion? Yeah, I don't know particularly. You know what could happen at any age and it can be the thing once you tap. It can happen at any age and it can be the thing, once you tap into it, that can set you on the right path. But how did you? I'm curious, what made the link there for you? That fashion school was going to be it. I don't. This is good. I love this question. How did you get there?
Speaker 2:Okay, so my mum was a buyer for children's wear, so I would go, you know, on trips to Florence and around Italy, you know, doing showings, and I was around fashion, you know, I also was, you know, wear modern Greeks and we, you know, my family friends, always the mums were dressed and my aunties were all dressed to the nines, Like, I think it was around. And then, knowing that creativity, you know, was I don't know, I think it just was like a lightbulb moment, you know, I actually don't know, but yeah, yeah, whatever it was, it was the right answer.
Speaker 1:I think that it was the right answer. The reason why I love this so much is that there is this great woman, her name's Darlene Park, and she just has this wonderful coaching method. Couldn't Nourish an acronym? Has this wonderful coaching method called Nourish an acronym. But just the relevancy here to this conversation is that creativity, things where you're using your hands, you're creating, you're self-expressing are the best ways to meditate, self-soothe and regulate your nervous system. And when you just said it just took away the yeah, the mind talk.
Speaker 2:It's funny you say that because you know, looking back um that's a form of healing too it's systematic healing.
Speaker 2:It's when you're using an experience or emotion, you know, and creating it into something tangible. And I, I think now you know, from even talking about it, my fast-overactive mind just goes, yeah, but you also created Rocky Raffaella, you know, as a universe, you know, to kind of escape to this powerful universe and if you think about it when you put on an outfit, it's your identity. So I think it all just kind of made sense Like I wanted to create this, you know, unstoppable world, and I think it was because the energy through when I was designing would transform into the clothing. Yes, um, and yeah, do you? Just you can dress any way to feel a certain way too.
Speaker 1:I probably will be asked well, how did Rochelle do it? What was the main shifts that allowed her to move into this new space where she just knew it was time and she could do it? How did you get you know? Yeah, how did you get you know?
Speaker 2:what was it? Yeah, I like this. So you know I wanted to change. But also you've got to ask yourself get really clear on who you want to become.
Speaker 1:Like I know I want to stop.
Speaker 2:But what do I want to do? Like, who do I want to be? You know, start making choices that align with that future self, and the choices I was making weren't aligning, so it was kind of like contradicting in a way. So, yeah, I think that's so important to. I think that's what I was doing. I was like, okay, you know, this is where I want to go and these are the decisions I want to make, and it's actually time now to give yourself self-discipline.
Speaker 2:Yeah yeah um, and then, as well you know I, I realized I was playing the victim a lot and I didn't even know. It was like you know your past, because there is a huge, huge you know who I was to. Who I am are very different people, so it's like I'm still living with that person but it's like, you know, recreate it like that was. I did the best I could with what I knew. I didn't really have great you know coping mechanisms or you know so many people and clinicians and therapists were telling me so many different things do this, do that, do this. And it was like, because I had so many diagnoses so young, it was like too much.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it was. Either she's in the too hard basket or it was. I was being swayed in too many directions. So I decided to also go a very spiritual way as well, and you know, it all comes down to self love. I just started to feel comfortable in my body, um, and yeah, just recreate your story like that was my past and I'm okay with that. I don't blame you know this person and that person anymore. You know, I had a lot of anger towards my parents because they should have dealt with me a different way, but then now I can actually see they also did the best they could with what they knew. You know they grew up in different eras. You know how were their parents towards them. Like, I can now be in a space where I can be okay with how they were. So another thing is I just became really uncomfortable.
Speaker 1:No, I came comfortable with being uncomfortable yeah, that's the biggest learning to take away.
Speaker 2:I think isn't it, because when I gave up alcohol, the universe was like to me all right, you know you're now taking away. The one thing that you know was numbing you from actually feeling all these inner things. Now you're ready, yeah, and that's when other things, the universe, put a relationship into my life that you know I had terror. I had a terrible relationship with relationships. So even going out and stuff like that, like I'd just keep going out and it was uncomfortable. People were drinking around me. It was uncomfortable but I would keep on doing it because that was. I found that through doing things that you avoided, that's where the magic happens. Like healing isn't easy. Like none of this is easy. If you want to like push through and become this actual, unstoppable person, you have to get comfortable with being so uncomfortable.
Speaker 1:It's true, because you cannot, otherwise you're avoiding life, and your same old avoidance patterns are just going to keep going around and around and around. So you're stuck in the status quo.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and you have to believe also that it changes. Like now, you know, I identify as someone who doesn't drink. I don't even want one. Like now I go out and I party because I didn't want that element to leave me. I like, I'm still a party girl. I love it. I love going out dancing. You know it's always alcohol around me. Like I'm, I have created this person that can go out and have fun without drinking.
Speaker 1:Oh, was it hard at the start, of course.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and that's what made me kind of talk about just keep going, just keep going to that event, keep going to the drinks, like that's the only way you're going to learn, and you just got to be okay with it.
Speaker 1:Because you're providing yourself with evidence that you're going to be okay. You can actually do it, but you don't know it until you give it a go. You're going to feel unsafe for a little bit, until suddenly it clicks, don't you?
Speaker 2:Yeah, and that's why a lot of people are probably hesitant this day. They're like, oh, but I won't be invited to be invited to that. Or oh, no, I don't want to take the social scene. Or you know, friday afternoon drinks and you know what the best thing is. I like the fact that we have so much variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Like, I drink non-alcoholic wine and you know I get the placebo effect. It's funny. I'm like, are you sure there's no alcohol in this? Like, but it makes me think I'm drinking again because you know, these days you can get all that and that's what I love. Like you can still go for drinks.
Speaker 1:Like yeah, yeah, you can still go. I love that. You can still go out and dance and see a lot of people discover. Oh well, maybe I am a bit more of an introvert than I otherwise thought I was when you remove alcohol from the scene, but it sounds like you've still got the same rituals, but with alcohol removed.
Speaker 2:I prefer people to drink with me, Like, yeah, I prefer people to drink and yeah, oh, I love it.
Speaker 1:I guess what were the hardest parts for you in that early sobriety? So if you're thinking of our listeners, they range on the spectrum. Some are really trying and failing, caught in a bit of a hard cycle. Some are six weeks, in three months to a year. For you, what were the hardest parts of breaking free and transforming your relationship with alcohol?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think at the start I had all those thoughts of you know the exciting part, like I won't have that excitement anymore, you know, like I think going to things was harder, obviously I think going to things was harder obviously Also, yeah, like that was a huge part of my personality, like that social girl. But you know, that obviously was really true to who I was, because it's still here, yeah, so that you know you just become more yourself and more true to yourself. But the hardest parts was, yeah, going to things and not drinking. That was definitely hard. Oh, I think it just was. I think I say it was the hardest, easiest thing I've done because my body and my mind just wanted it so badly.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it was like you had such a drive. There was no other way and to some extent, you'd been on this whole journey for decades.
Speaker 2:You do, you have to watch, you know, once you give it up, it's like where does it go next? Yeah, because you've got to think of it like this, like addiction, or you know whatever is their behaviour. It's like where does it go next? Like, yeah, because you got to think of it like this, like addiction, or you know whatever is their behavior. So it's like, okay, if you stop that, where does it go? So it's just about watching where it goes next and just being aware and being like, oh, that's why I'm doing that and that. And then, once you start to get so aware, yeah, that's where the control is oh, beautifully said, yeah.
Speaker 1:Well, what are the good bits? How have your life, how has your life changed for the better?
Speaker 2:in so many ways, I mean, I don't have to sit there and be like what did I do last?
Speaker 1:oh yes, the ruminations, the beating up oh, who did I piss off?
Speaker 2:you know, like a lot of anger there um the good bits was just prospering in my work. The situations that you know happened last year, although it was a year of going into, you know, face my actual fears and pain and everything it opened up, like this whole new world. You know I really am spiritual, like I really believe that a lot came to me last year because of you know giving up that one thing. And you know I actually got invited to speak at my high school. That was a huge turning point that I really enjoyed.
Speaker 1:That is amazing gosh to be yeah, sorry.
Speaker 2:The funny thing is I actually was asked to leave this school and so they've invited you back.
Speaker 1:Was it almost like a transformation story or your beautiful clothing line? Tell me what what was the why wasn't? I invited back. No over to you.
Speaker 2:I remember getting the email. I was like this can't be right, because I was asked to leave because of my behavior. So I obviously I was on a behaviour card, really bad behaviour, and then also I wasn't passing. So you know, behavioural and also like academically, I just didn't get things, yeah, and so I went to another school and then last year I remember getting an email being like you know, we want to hear about your journey, your success, your brand. You know, addressing all these people like famous people around the world, like how did you get there? So it was just going back.
Speaker 1:Going back.
Speaker 2:That's when I was like whoa, yeah, you're a very different person.
Speaker 1:That must be like a sliding doors moment and full circle moment, which is just a beautiful way of, I think, illustrating how you take alcohol away and it opens up opportunities, horizons and never, I guess.
Speaker 2:yeah, sorry, I was going to say I guess also just like learning who you really are. Like you know, I've never felt more myself ever and taking away alcohol has honestly been the best thing I've ever done ever.
Speaker 2:I just would love for you to tell me just a little bit, just tell me about this fabulous clothing line and what you do, who you dress and just um, yeah, what you love about it and where people can find find it as well, okay so, yeah, after uni, it kind of took me um the like my graduate collection, um to start actually winning awards and stuff, like at the start it was like, still, I was having all these learning problems and then I missed out on a internship with Alexander Wang and that was a huge thing to one other girl. So I was like I used that rejection as like fuel and motivation. I was like, you know what, I'm gonna start my own brand. I very much had my own style, um, and so, yeah, I created the brand, you know, this powerful world, rocky Raffaella universe that I talk about, and within two years, I think. You know, I was aligned with this unstoppable energy. So I was dressing.
Speaker 2:You know, ruby Rose um, oh my god, I don't even know where to start, ruby Rose. Oh my God, I don't even know where to start. Ruby Rose. Then the Hadids, like Valerie and Virginia Hadid, and then I did a collaboration with one of the Hadid sisters, and then it went on Dua Lipa Wow, hayley Bieber has two jackets. And then Kendall Jenner.
Speaker 1:It just spread like wild. Just amazing Just amazing.
Speaker 2:You know what. This is how it happened. Like I was at this tennis event, you know I got invited to. I knew someone on the table. I was always wearing my clothes, I was wearing a jacket, novak Djokovic was there with, you know, lily Becker, boris Becker, all these big names in London and the wives all wanted jackets. I was like, where's it from? It was always a conversation starter because it was always quite unique and different. Yeah, and they got jackets and they went back to London and then they were at all these elite, you know fashion shows, victoria Beckham's fashion show, they got caught, you know paparazzi, and then every you know. Then their friends wanted jackets and I started just dressing the elite of London, which spread to LA and you know it was amazing because these women, you know, could afford all these big jackets. But I guess I mean sorry, they could afford all these, you know big labels. Yeah, and yes, I just, you know, created garments that was different and weren't around and they just kind of jumped at it.
Speaker 1:Oh, congratulations. I just heartfelt congratulations because I just admire any entrepreneur that has built something from the ground up that has sprung from their own creativity and vision. I find that so amazing. I often wish I had that talent.
Speaker 2:I just love it in others, just situations, just kept you know coming, I guess, and that's kind of where the whole trusting the universe comes.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, it's beautiful. Now, rochelle, I just would love to ask you what would you say to somebody that is just caught in that that shitty moment, that the, that sort of you know? Is this the rock bottom, or is it going to be another one? They've tried, they've failed and they're feeling a bit bit lost. What might you say to to her?
Speaker 2:I would say you're in the best position. I'll tell you what I think being stuck or, you know, in a really bad way is the very start to directing yourself out of it, and it's a great place to be because you're acknowledging that there is a problem and you want to get out of it, and this is very much my story. So, instead of acting and doing all that and you know you're okay with doing it you're actually being like no, I want to change, right? And you do not think. You know how, you do not think it's possible, right? So I say great, like this is a good start to be in this position.
Speaker 2:You know, like I said earlier, get really, really, really conscious of where you want to go, who you want to be, and you know how, how your behaviors and your actions and your thoughts affecting where you are. Like you're stuck because you've obviously got really bad, negative self-talk. You know you can't help yourself, right? So it's just about you know the person you want to be. You know, and I know I could go down the whole spiritual thing, but I won't, but just learning, you know, like self-love is a huge thing, but that takes time as well. There is a reason why you are currently sitting there stuck. You know there's a lot of self-hate involved. You know you're conditioned to. You know, be in the past of what's happened or why you don't like yourself, but that's the best part. You can change all that. I mean everyone thought I was going to be dead. You know, um, at 25, 21, everyone's like you. There's no way you're going to make it. But why? Why I'm saying that is because if I did it, you know, anyone can.
Speaker 2:And yeah, my stories are horrific and it. What am I trying to say?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's just, if I did it, I seriously think anyone can yeah yeah, if there's beauty in a rock bottom moment, yeah, yeah, if there's beauty in a rock bottom moment, it is that it gives you opportunity to pause and craft a plan out, and that's where hope come from, I think, is crafting a plan, gathering your resources, and I love what you've said earlier about thinking about who it is you want to become. And I think I'd love to hear at some point maybe it's a whole other podcast about your ideas on spirituality, because you know we haven't delved down the spiritual path on this podcast before, but it's often very much associated with that sense of purpose. There's something bigger than us, something that gives us meaning, that drives us to get out of bed, and, oh, it's really important in recovery to have that yeah, exactly right uh, is there anything else you'd love to like to say, rochelle?
Speaker 2:yeah, I just want to kind of you know I really if if you are listening and you know if you are really stuck, you know there is just so much support these days you don't have to be there. You know I was at the very end, I didn't want to live. You know the whole trying to end my life. That was a weekly habit. You know like it was rock bottom and you know through support and wanting to change, people can help you and it's just about.
Speaker 1:You know who's?
Speaker 2:lifting you up as well, and who's in the circles. There's so much you need to change habits, choices, beliefs. You know like it's time for transformation and it's exciting. Get excited Like you do not have to be this person.
Speaker 1:Yeah, beautifully said it's exciting get excited like you do not have to be this person. Yeah, beautifully said. Uh, rochelle, it's been absolutely a delight to meet you and uh, I also just want to say thank you for for going deep, um, really opening up your life, your story. Uh, not many people do that, you know, because all of that takes away that stigma and the shame and the blame and feeling alone. Yeah, I really appreciate you coming onto the podcast Now. I know people are going to want to find out what you design and where to find you. Where can they find you?
Speaker 2:So I'm online, so wwwrockyraphaellacom on. Instagram Rocky Raffaella. And yeah, we are starting to wholesale around Australia. So yeah, I'm around.
Speaker 1:Fantastic, and I also know that I'm going to get emails of saying I can't believe. You asked Rochelle where we can find her, because we already know, because we know that we know that label. So yeah, I'm sorry, I'm just a Gen Xer that has no idea. Absolutely lovely meeting you. Thank you so much. Thank you very much.
