Cosmic Conversations: Jennifer Atilemile
Welcome to Cosmic Conversations, an interview series where we discuss the spiritual and substantial, wine and wisdom, intuition and indulgence.
For our second guest, another dear friend, Jennifer Atilemile.
Jen is a …
trailblazing model, writer, home cooking enthusiast and advocate for positive change.
Strutting the runways of Victoria’s Secret and gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated, Jennifer has taken her modeling career to remarkable heights. She is equally amazing beyond the fashion world where she uses her platform to speak up on issues including social justice, gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability.
Sun / Moon / Rising:
Sun Taurus / Moon Leo / Rising Aries
How do astrology / tarot / esoteric arts play a role in your life?
I jumped into astrology the most during the pandemic, I would pull cards and then journal what they meant for me based on the lunar cycle. I definitely think it helped me understand that time in my life, and just allowed me to access parts of myself that I would have otherwise kept buried deep within. Astrology really helps me make sense of the world, and the people I surround myself with.
What limiting beliefs / blocks have you worked through to get where you are today?
I’ve worked through a lot of imposter syndrome. I recently saw an infographic doing the rounds on Instagram saying something along the lines of ‘it isn’t luck, you’ve worked incredibly hard to be where you are today’, and that resonated with me. Even when it’s hard, I have this ability to show up for myself and believe that I can do anything I set my mind to. Believing I’m deserving of the good things that come to me has been hard but I’ve been able to get myself to that place.
Why do you think creative exploration and expansion are important in today’s world?
I will always take a photo of the label. I think that’s one of the most ritualistic things I do - only if the wine is good though. And if we change wines, we must always cheers to the new variety, or bottle. I don’t know if it’s bad luck, but I’m superstitious. When I am cooking I love to drink a glass of wine. It relaxes me and eases me in to the cooking process. The appreciation of that nice glass of wine allows me to let go and be more experimental with my flavour combinations.
How do you nurture balance in your life? Any tips / tricks on how to enjoy yourself and stay grounded?
Learning to say no! Believe it or not, things can wait. Setting boundaries around my work and travel schedule has been instrumental to me enjoying my life, and the people that add value to it. I’ve also been good about resting when I feel tired, and not burning the candle at both ends - fomo is real! But so is burn out.
What’s filling your cup this season?
Literally can’t get enough of this beautiful light red that’s stocked at the Hollywood Bowl, called Jazzy’s Juice - has an incredible label (I’m a sucker for good marketing) and it is so light and easy to drink. AND. watching my little dog run around having fun on our walks. About 3 months ago he was completely paralysed from a genetic back condition, and by some miracle, he’s able to walk again!! So, that really fills my cup.
Who and what is inspiring you right now?
I don’t think there’s a specific person that’s inspiring me right now, but I’m definitely inspired by a collective energy I’m feeling, I have a lot of hope for the future of the world. Also, I’m really inspired by my trainers, because they have me waking up at sunrise to workout at 7am nearly every morning, and I feel like a very strong version of myself right now, mentally and physically!
Dream dinner party guests – dead or alive.
Audrey Hepburn, Joni Mitchell, Julia Child, Dr. Jessica B. Harris, Maya Angelou, Robin Williams.
Where’s your happy place?
My happy place is by the beach. But a deserted beach. Like those open stretches of beach in the Hamptons, or just the miles and miles of white sand beaches in Australia. That’s my happy place.
3 companies that represent the energy of LOVER / BEST FRIEND / RIVAL for you
LOVER: Salt + Stone
BEST FRIEND: Emma Lewisham
RIVAL: Phoebe Philo. She’s chic, sophisticated, but way too expensive for me and doesn’t make my size.
