When Stacey talks about home, there is a little hesitation with her answer. Dunedin is home, but so is Manchester, England. She first went to England as a young chef on a short working visa. That two-year adventure turned into an almost decade-long affair. New friendships and connections were made, and the move became one of the most important decisions she has made.

Stacey describes growing up without a father and navigating a difficult home life, recalling that she carried quite a bit of anger as a young person, and this shaped her life as a young adult. However, moving halfway across the world gave her the opportunity to reset and rediscover herself. With no close support systems to rely on, Stacey had to trust herself and the process, to adapt to her new environment. She had to become more independent, and this only pushed her personal growth in a positive way.

A chance conversation in a pub led Stacey on an entirely different career path when someone recognised her ability to connect with people, and encouraged her to try something new. Stacey then found herself helping run an advertising company, in a role that felt far more aligned with her personality and energy.

There is no doubt that new experiences and years spent navigating life overseas helped her become more confident and self-assured by the time she returned to New Zealand. Stacey is passionate about encouraging others to travel, if they get a chance, for this reason.

Ten years ago, the loss of a baby who was born sleeping became an unexpected turning point in Stacey's life. While also recovering from her own health challenges, she made a conscious decision to prioritise her health, for herself but also for her young daughter. Stacey tells me that decision led to significant lifestyle changes that continue to influence the way she lives today. She now follows a plant-based diet and has a renewed focus on her wellbeing, both mental and physical. 

Today, Stacey finds herself at the beginning of another life chapter. Following a difficult year and a major shift in her working life, she has immersed herself in creating content, building an online community around her experiences, and inspiring people to recognise their own value. What could have felt like a setback has instead become an opportunity to focus on work that feels more aligned with who she is and the message she wants to share with others.

Stacey's portrait was captured in the Dunedin Botanic Garden, a place she chose as the setting for our conversation and portrait session. 

Looking ahead, Stacey talks about a dream to be on stage, speaking to rooms filled with people, inspiring others to recognise their own worth. The young woman who once described herself as being so “shit-scared” of standing up and speaking in front of a group would never have imagined such a goal for herself.

As I listened to Stacey's words and her approach to life, it became clear that this message applied as much to herself as it would to anyone listening. Know your worth, trust in yourself, and stop waiting for someone else to give you permission to live the life you want. As we finished our conversation, I asked what advice she would give to others.

"To know your worth, to find that inner cheerleader."