This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we make a small commission when you place orders using our links.
“Wildly Inspiring” in a series of talks with women and men who are fearlessly following their hearts–and being successful at it. It’s undeniable: the most moving conversations happen over food, and the best of them–over breakfast. So it was with founder of OKREAL Amy Woodside, who came over to Breakfast Criminals HQ to chat about living in New York, the importance of kindness, and love for peanut butter.
Indulging every word on OKREAL is one of my favorite things to do. In a world of Instagram and Snapchat where writing rarely go beyond “YAS? ” and “on fleek”, OKREAL is changing the game. With its minimalist design and brilliant writing, it’s bringing back the basics… the ones that truly matter.
A “guide for women to get real about what matters most,” OKREAL is a brainchild of a Kiwi turned New Yorker Amy Woodside (who is also an incredible artist). Amy talks to some of the most inspiring and successful women from the worlds of fashion, art, food and beyond, and asks them exactly the questions that you would want to ask (but aren’t sure if it’s appropriate).
How did you get into writing?
I begged my mother to teach me how to read and write when I was little. I have stacks of story books and diaries from when I was a kid. At 4 years old I wrote, illustrated, xeroxed, bound and distributed a newspaper about my life to family members. OKREAL is just a more sophisticated version of that, except it’s online and about other people.
What role has your family played in you developing this gift?
My father is a storyteller. My mother has a gift with people. They have both given me a lot of love. I am a hybrid of those 3 things.
How did OKREAL come about?
I noticed an abundance of stories and content out there but a lack of meaningful information. Particularly around how you go about figuring your life out. OKREAL fills that gap, exploring a range of pathways to help people define their own. I like to think of it as a curation of wisdom for how to be who you want to be.
What’s your big vision for OKREAL?
OKREAL has always been about creating something bigger than simply a digital platform. We’re moving into events and workshops which is exciting. I have a master plan which I try and keep a safe distance from. By which I mean, keep the big idea in mind but don’t hang on so tightly you self-sabotage.
What do all women that you interview have in common?
Sincerity. Each person I interview is doing something that is an expression of their real self.
What’s the most unusual experience you’ve had within the OKREAL work?
This is perhaps more fascinating that unusual—but I am constantly humbled by the women who I speak with. I am in awe of how brilliantly diverse, brave and open they are.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I ask you what you’ve learned from those interviews?
That kindness is the most important thing.
Growing your own business consumes all areas of your life. How do you keep a healthy balance? Do you have rituals or rules that keep you on track?
Balance is a glamorous myth. It’s more about learning how to be happy in the mess of it all. I enjoy working hard and I enjoy taking time off. I make time for things that are important to me: family, reading, writing, eating well, working out, sleeping. I have a tendency to over-extend myself, and I’m constantly reevaluating and reestablishing my boundaries. I try not to complicate this kind of stuff and just get on with it.
What role is social media playing in the development of OKREAL?
It’s a concentrated snapshot of our message. It’s an accessible way for people to resonate and engage with OKREAL, and the community grows subsequently. I love hearing that people see themselves in quotes. It reminds me that OKREAL is providing something relevant that may help someone, even on a small scale.
What’s your food philosophy?
I am slowly turning into peanut butter.
Words you live by?
Stop complaining.
Favorite thing about living in New York?
The people.
Go-to breakfast?
Toast with peanut butter and banana, cinnamon and sea salt, or scrambled eggs with spinach, sweet potato, avocado and homemade sauerkraut (from Sarah Wilson’s IQS For Life). Coffee from Happy Bones: black on a weekday, flat white on a weekend.
Favorite breakfast to eat out?
Ovenly granola and yogurt at Happy Bones. I’m also into Dimes and Hu Kitchen.
Subscribe for OKREAL on OKREAL.co, follow @heyOKREAL on Instagram for daily wisdom that’s cool, pin away on Pinterest and connect on Twitter and Facebook.