The Joy is your new weekly read, a chance to meet cool people, and find a reason to smile about the week that's been.
Josi Jentzsch started ethical fashion brand,
Z. The Label
Hey Josi! Tell us:
Why do you love what you do?
I am the owner and designer of Z. The Label. I love what I do because I get to spend my time being creative, I am also able to support fellow Australian makers, which is a dream come true. I get to raise my kids, whilst running a business. Although it’s a (at times tough) balancing act, I love it so very much.
What are you currently working on?
We are currently working on a Christmas in July shoot. We are all expats and really miss our cold and snowy winters so it’s our aim to capture that. We are also working on a fun and creative project to re-use some of our scrap fabric. I am always thinking of new ways to meet and collaborate with other Australian businesses.
What are you watching at the moment?
When my partner and I left the UK 6 years ago we never bought a TV and since having children we realised it has been one of our best decisions. It’s much easier to avoid screen time without a screen. BUT, I am a complete sucker for a True Crime documentary, The Jinx is still one of my all-time favourites. I also love Babylon Berlin, I am originally from Berlin so I can skip the subtitles and it makes me feel right at home.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I love listening to Podcasts, and True Crime is my number one. I find the investigative reporting absolutely mind-blowing. I also really enjoy The Deep. It is an incredible podcast that delves deep into some really wild subjects. My last audiobook that I really loved and can highly recommend is The Trauma Cleaner, I could barely turn it off.
Who is inspiring you at the moment?
I think the world is full of incredible creators and many inspire me. For all things plastic-free, Kate from @plasticfreemermaid is my go to. For a laugh, the boys behind @theinspiredunemployed are fantastic. We work with a vast number of talented women, that show the world how our designs can be styled. I also love new recipes, Luka from @boobtofood is giving me all the meal inspiration.
What do you drink when you're not drinking?
We love our Soda Stream! I brew my own Kombucha and throw all kinds of fruit into for some additional flavour. I also love tea, you will find plenty of forgotten cups of teas in our house. I haven’t had any alcohol since falling pregnant with my second son, nearly two years ago, and I haven’t missed it.
What food brings you joy?
I love to bake! It is part of my self-care routine. I get to create in the kitchen and then I get to eat it too. I love all things that involve chocolate. Be it cookies, cakes or just straight up chocolate. The darker the better, and the less chance there is of anyone else in the house stealing it. It also gives me the most joy to see my loved ones devouring my creations.
What has been the most joyful moment of your life so far?
Without a question the birth of my two sons. Our firstborn, Zeppelin, inspired our label Z. His arrival earth-side really got us thinking about our impact on the environment and how we can make a difference. Our second son, Baer, arrived earth-side just over a year ago and his birth really made all my dreams come true.
What has brought you joy this week?
Spending time outside in nature with the kids and getting to catch up with friends. After a few days of solid rain, we all just spent the entire day soaking up as much Vitamin D as possible and letting the kids run wild. Zeppelin is a mad cyclist and it's really epic to see him jump on his bike at 3.5 years old (no training wheels) and just speed up and down our driveway. We live rural and being so close to nature is my biggest joy every single day.
For more info on Josi and Z. The Label, check out www.zthelabel.com and @z.thelabel on Insta
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipe of the week ✍️
The Cuban
INGREDIENTS
45 ml FLUÈRE Spiced Cane
120 ml Cola
Lime wedge
METHOD
Fill a highball glass with ice then add the FLUÈRE Spiced Cane and top with Cola.
GARNISH
A lime wedge on the rim, or squeeze the lime in for extra freshness.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📖 Joy Story 📖
Legally Blonde oral history: From raunchy script to feminist classic
It's been 20 years since Elle Woods, against all odds, got in Harvard Law, fended off a professor's advances and came to the legal defence of a sorority alumna. She remains an emblem for challenging stereotypes and embracing female empowerment in the face of misogyny.