Spirit Sister Series - Avalon from Trader Trove
Bowing deep to all our beloved Mothers today, but also to all women, the magnificent creative beings that we are, each and every one of us mothering something in this world whether it be children, businesses, relationships, fur babies, projects even ourselves. Sending deep love and infinite blessings to every woman and soul, you are seen, you are heard, and you are so loved.
It feels so special that this series landed on this day and that on Mothers day, we are honouring a beautiful mama, my dear friend and spirit sister Avalon, from Trader Trove who has graciously agreed to join her Sisters in this series and step into the light, to be seen in this space.
This beautiful woman has been such a divine inspiration to me both in life, my spiritual work and business and I feel so deeply blessed to know her and to have her share some of her journey with us today.
Not only is Avalon a beautiful supportive friend, yogini and goddess mama, she is also the founder of the furniture, homewares, and lifestyle temple that is Trader Trove, as well as co-founder of the incredibly successful surfboard business, The Surf Board Warehouse and most recently she also established the stunning Avalon Abode. She is such a beautiful and creative being with a knack for creating sacred space and I just know you will love her as much as I do!
In this interview Avalon shares with us a little about her life, how her journey with yoga began and what her practice looks like, and some of the lessons and blessings she's experienced on her path to present.
Let’s start with the basics, how old are you? And where did you grow up?
I’m 37 years young and grew up mostly in the Byron Shire.
I was Born in Sydney, then moved to Brisbane with my mum while my Dad purchased and made semi liveable the farm he still resides. My parents separated when I was 4 and I moved west 7 hours to a small town called Boggabilla with my mum and sister, we lived there for 3 years before moving back to the Byron shire where I finished my schooling. I was 18 when I moved to the Gold Coast where I still call home.
Where are you currently based?
I’m living on the Gold Coast in Burleigh Heads
What three words best describe you right now and your Intention/Essence/ offerings?
Surrendering. Remembering. Becoming
Can you share with us a little about your Journey with Yoga and or Spirituality, whatever that means to you?
I started doing yoga when was around 14 years old. Yoga has always been my connection to self and spirit. I just wouldn’t have survived my late teens and beyond without it being a big part of my life!
As disjointed as my upbringing felt, I was blessed with dual living between my mother and father who both have very open (yet differing) beliefs of spirituality. I was exposed to a lot of different information, views and outlooks from a young age which I could bounce my own beliefs off therefore cultivated a deep sense of knowing and connection which I carry today.
I was called to do my yoga teacher training a few years ago, which has brought a new sense of confidence in my own practice, and offering.
Can you Share with us a little about what led you to begin starting your biz/ sharing your current offerings?
I’ve had a few different businesses over the last 10 years. My husband and I founded The Surfboard Warehouse, which we sold last year. That business grew from a garage sale style weekend project in 2011 to a 6 store, 50 staff operation in 2019. What we achieved with TSBW is the power of manifestation in it’s most tangible form. It still feels surreal how the last decade unfolded for us!
After having my sons whom are now 7-1/2 and 4-1/2 years old something stirred within me, a sense of purpose wanting to be uncovered and re-discovered.
After suffering with postnatal depression after the birth of my youngest son I started to do deep work on myself. This led me to opening my current business Trader Trove which has been a healing journey in itself and also work deeper with my own spiritual gifts of channelling energies and activating my own and others soul purpose.
This spiritual calling is a work in progress for me, all –ways, always.
We used our settlement funds from TSBW to purchase a home in Currumbin which we’ve set up as a luxury holiday rental Avalon Abode. This was such a fun project of creative expression for me as I feel my best when creating places of intention with soul and substance.
What have been your biggest triumphs?
When I follow my ‘knowing’ which usually goes against what others feel is what I ‘should’ do, and I do it anyway, bringing an outcome of peace for myself, this is where I feel the most triumphant!
Naturally birthing my two sons brought a respect for my body, mind and strength unfounded before.
Creatively living my dream life, bringing the freedom, which I have today, feels triumphant!
What I’ve learnt about success and triumph is that it looks and feels very different to each soul.
What have been your biggest Fears, obstacles and challenges along the way? And what has really helped you in overcoming them?
Deep down I’ve carried a real fear of not being loved. In essence this comes down to abandonment issues I’ve carried I believe through many lifetimes.
I’ve spent so much of my life trying to please others and have them like me, which has led me to do many things that I wouldn’t choose for myself now.
Creating clear defined and healthy boundaries has and is my greatest challenge as well as
being patient with myself and others.
My children, husband, family and business has been my greatest source of growth.
Navigating life in general is constantly bringing me ways to learn how to surrender more fully into flow.
What lessons are you most grateful for in life and in what you do?
Unlearning so much of what has been programmed into my intellect and dropping into my heart and own innate guidance system, which always leads me to the truth, however challenging that process is.
Learning to love what is! Be present, be content and continue to be grateful for everything.
What advice would you give another facing a similar challenge?
I feel it all comes down to self-love. We so want others to show us love in the ways we need to learn how to show ourselves. When we value and love what is within our own selves, its impossible to be mistreated by others. Valuing all of our feelings. Always speaking our truth, however hard that may feel at times. The truth will set you free!
What are the biggest challenges you face now? Either personally or in what you do? or both?
I’m working deeply on inner child work at present and also speaking my truth. I’ve abandoned my self for others so forgiving myself for that and moving on with more clarity and presence toward the new!
We all deal with fears and insecurities; how do you combat overwhelm and self-doubt?
Breathe! I do a lot of breath work and different rituals including movement and visualisation.
I work in my Akashic Records often and channel many energies. When I’m in meditation experiencing the love and support that is available for me (us all) at all times, this brings me so much comfort and peace.
What do you currently most crave in life and in what you do?
I crave to be seen and revered for who I am and not what I do. I crave for all to feel the power, kindness, compassion, connection and truth we all are capable of and that we operate in a world together where this is the root of our existence. More heart, less intellect!
What’s next for you, any exciting plans on the horizon that you would like to share?
I’m in total surrender and flow to what is at present. I’m not feeling to start anything new in the current climate of the earth. I have been doing some distance readings and soul activation which feels very nourishing for my soul and my clients I’m sharing these experiences with.
I’m feeling collectively this is a time we’re being called to connect to ourselves more, go internal and not external as there is a lot of upgrades and new energies coming through at present to support what we’re navigating on earth at this time.
Spirit Rituals, can you share with us any practices or routines that you do to keep you feeling inspired, grounded and connected?
I do a heart activation through breath work everyday. It’s my own guided practice which only takes a few minutes with my feet flat on the earth, I use my hands, breath, visualisation and intention to move energy through my chakras and body. I cleanse my energy, renew from the earth and transmute any energy I’m carrying that I don’t need to.
I don’t often get a full hour or two to sit silent or practice yoga with my two sons at home full time now, but I use all moments to stretch, breathe, laugh, dance, play, create and be. All are equally important to me.
Every night after bedtime routine I sit silent and pray (ask), and/or meditate (listen).
Who have been the most influential or inspirational people/ teachers/ Books or places on your path? and why
Oh gosh this is a big one! I am constantly devouring material on spirituality, health and philosophy.
A few of my favourite authors and spiritual teachers are: Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Brene Brown, Glennon Doyle, Peta Jean Kelly, Gabby Bernstein, Michael A singer, Activation Vibration, & Sahara Rose.
I’m big into Christ consciousness and what’s been left out of the religious scripture so must reads if you’re curious are: The Magdalene Manuscript: The Alchemies of Horus & the Sex Magic of Isis by Judi Sion and Tom Kenyon and the Mary Magdalene Revealed by Meggan Watterson.
Also a must read for all women is: Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.
I use animal wisdom messages daily and my favourite guide and author is Scott Alexander King.
Oracle card decks I use mainly are: Wisdom of Avalon by Colette Baron-Reid and Angels and Ancestors by Kyle Gray
Music is huge for me. I love everything medicine drumming, Aurora, Vibration, Sacred Earth, Deva Premal, Snatam Kaur, Deuter, Craig Pruess & Ananda, Enigma, Trevor Hall… This is just a few of the more alternative vibes.
I love all other genres like alternative, blues, rock, pop, you name it for a boogie and uplifting vibes.
Inspirational people: Aside from the list of amazing souls above some other big names include Ellen, Opera & Tesla, who do great things but those who inspire me daily to be my best version and love and accept me fully for who I am are people like my meditation teacher Greg, My dear friends like Gemma from Spirit People and Nicola Laye whom I do my breath work with, my 3 sisters, Katrina from Heart and Hands and Bebe from Earth Energy medicine.
My wider spiritual community who I resonate with and receive endless guidance from are Cheray from Tree of stars, Sydney Campos and Amber Valdez to name a few.
What does #iamspirit mean to you?
I am spirit to me means; Remembering our true essence that we are spirit, we are our higher selves and embodying that onto earth.
Connect with Avalon and her creations at the links below.
Top Middle and Second from the bottom Images - Avalon wears the Seamless Legging and Zen Bra in Marsala with our Atoms of the universe Kimono from warriors of the Divine.
Third from the bottom image - Avalon wears our Icy Hot Leggings and Boxy Crop Bra in Charcoal
Images Captured for Spirit People by The Goddess Michelle at Eyes of Love Photography
