Muse of the Month: Abigail O'Neill
Fashion Model. Author. Raw Chocolatier. Blogger. Food Photographer. Expert in Vegetarian, Raw, Vegan Cookery. What a MUSE!
Name: Abigail O’Neill
Occupation: Model / Raw Chocolatier / Author
Can you walk us through a day in the life of your fabulous self?
It varies so much. I’m either in the kitchen creating delicious chocolates, writing inspirational health articles for various blogs, or travelling to some photoshoot, SOMEWHERE. I’m also a mum of some awesome teenagers so I have lots to do at home.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Flamboyant. Loving. Creative.
What makes you come alive?
FOOD. Glorious, healthy, life giving foods – containing a high nutrient density and lots of colour. My chocolate in particular makes me very ‘alive’.
What makes you feel vulnerable?
Not having access to my kitchen! Sometimes when I’ve been travelling I’ve had to go days without my delicious fresh food supplies. I’ve certainly learned to prepare for such emergencies with lots of planning.
How does your work reflect you?
Lately my ‘work’ has mostly been that of writing; inventing the recipes for, and creating the gorgeous imagery in, Model Chocolate (my new recipe book). I’ve been able to let loose… that’s been super fun!
What is your latest project?
Model Chocolate. Finally, we can eat chocolate everyday! To our health. Model Chocolate is a 224pg recipe book full of sugar free, dairy free, gluten free, raw chocolate creations, along with fashion/beauty imagery and more! It’s a license to indulge in superfood chocolates in every imaginable flavour, with no guilt; instead only enjoying feelings of beauty, energy and love.
How did you make the dream a reality?
Lots of hard work, along with lots and lots of faith.
Can you share a Stella lesson you learned along the way?
I’ve learned that even when you arrive, you haven’t arrived. There’s always another mountain to cross so I’m learning to appreciate every moment of every day much more.
What is one Stella moment of your career so far?
Being locked in my kitchen with only raw chocolate ingredients and lots of delicious essential oils, dried fruits, spices then saying to myself ‘ok… CREATE!’ without allowing myself to be inspired by anyone else’s pictures, or ideas. Just being free to play and express myself in the kitchen with one ‘kind’ of food was so empowering. Loved that!
Do you have a favourite ritual?
My chocolate facemask and bath salts (both in the book). Extreme rejuvenation!
How about your favourite inspirational quote?
I love quotes! One I’ve shared in the book, which I especially like goes like this:
Who is your greatest Muse and why?
I don’t know if I’d say I have one greatest Muse, although lately I’ve been really inspired by Jamie Oliver and his Instagram. He just puts so much love and passion into his work. I’m sure the world will be a better place for him having lived in it.
What are your stand out Stella tips from your journey so far?
If you really want to be good at anything, I heard that its about 10,000hrs… we can either be encouraged or discouraged by that. I suppose we really should only take such a ‘journey’ if we really, really love and want it.
What encouragement and wisdom would you tell your aspiring younger self with the experience you have now?
Ha, I actually liked my younger self, I think she made some great choices! She was a very young mummy though. Dress sense maybe?!
What can’t you live without?
CHOCOLLAAATTTEE !!!
