KATE RITCHIE ON BODY IMAGE, EMPOWERING WOMEN AND MOTHERHOOD
BY JESSICA BOSCO
Kate Ritchie is a national icon, she’s Australia’s sweetheart. With that title comes a lot of pressure, but it’s one she easily lives up to. Growing up in front of our eyes and on our screens as beloved Sally Fletcher on Home & Away, she faced the same issues we were all facing, albeit hers with the eyes of the country watching. Going from cute child star to navigating those awkward teenage years, to life after Summer Bay - and now her greatest role as mum to five-year-old daughter Mae, she’s done it all with class and that signature down-to-earth attitude, you just can’t help but like her.
These days she graces the airwaves each afternoon on NOVA FM’s drive show, Kate, Tim and Marty and has just launched her fourth campaign with Jockey as the underwear brand’s long-term ambassador. This latest campaign is all about celebrating the modern woman - supporting and empowering a women’s strength of body and strength of mind.
“The BRAVO campaign is about lifting other women up by supporting and empowering each other to what we do best,” Kate tells NotSoMumsy. “I think it’s kind of nice to be applauding ourselves for being exactly who we are. In all our shapes and sizes and stages of life. If only we took more time to do so.”
We chatted to Kate about all things body confidence (it doesn’t get much braver than stripping down to your skivvies!) empowering women and the next generation, and of course, motherhood.
Tell us about the new Jockey collection and campaign?
This season Jockey are celebrating the launch of their new Contour Bra and women everywhere with a love letter to modern women! The BRAVO campaign is about lifting other women up by supporting and empowering each other to what we do best. I think it’s kind of nice to be applauding ourselves for being exactly who we are. In all our shapes and sizes and stages of life. If only we took more time to do so.
What are some of your favourite pieces from the new collection?
I don’t think you can beat a good contour bra. For me, they are a favourite because I will often change my wardrobe a couple of times before walking out the door (yes, I can be indecisive!) and a great, comfortable and stylish contour piece ticks all the boxes. I have to say though, I also love the Parisienne Vintage Bra. It has lace detailing around the cups so I can match it back with the Parisienne Vintage Briefs. I love the black for every day and there is a brand new range of gorgeous florals as well.
The new Jockey campaign is all about empowering a woman’s strength of body and strength of mind, you’ve openly talked about struggling with body image issues growing up in the public eye so what does this campaign mean to you personally?
Yes, it is only now as I continue to mature and learn more about myself that I realise the effect of some of the public scrutiny I endured going through my formative years. As a result the BRAVO campaign speaks to me because it is about applauding and embracing all of the things that make me exactly who I am. And hopefully encourages other women to do the same.
You’ve been with Jockey for a while now but do you still get nervous getting shot in your underwear?
Of course but my mindset has changed since de-robing for that very first time. I am not a model. I have never claimed to be. I am a mother and an actress. A radio host, a children’s book author and most of the time a good person! I am a woman who tries to be the best version of herself rather than anyone else around her and hopefully, that is why my role as an ambassador for Jockey works. When I am in front of the camera I just need to keep telling myself that being me is enough and any nerves that I may have settled.
Has your idea of body image changed since becoming a mum?
Absolutely. In my youth, my body didn’t receive the respect and kindness it deserved and really my attitude towards it was more about fitting into a particular pair of jeans rather than it being treated like the loyal friend it has been. I am not saying I don’t have wobbly days but I am saying that since having my daughter I am able to be thankful for it and in awe of what it is capable of.
How will you tackle the issue of body image when you’re raising your daughter?
I think I am still learning and researching this one and I’m sure the most tricky days of this life lesson are ahead of me. Thankfully we live in a forever changing world and hopefully that’s for the better. I guess that begins with self-love and respect. And the rest I will have to keep you posted on.
How did you find the transition into the role of mum and how did that fit in with all the other roles you play in your day-to-day life?
My transition wasn’t too overwhelming as having a baby had been something I wanted so much and it came along at exactly the right time for me. I had moved into a radio gig with Nova and my schedule in that role is about as good as it gets, let’s be honest! I know that one of the greatest challenges throughout that transition can be time management and worrying whether you’re giving enough love and energy to everyone and everything that demands it. My radio career meant I could be in control of and create a greater work/life balance than others may be able to and I have never taken that for granted.
What do you find the most challenging thing about motherhood?
Remembering that self-care is as important as caring for others. I am a much better mother and person all round if I spend time nurturing myself too.
What do you love most about being a mum?
I love that the little people in our lives teach us as much about ourselves as they do about parenting. I also appreciate being reminded to soak up the joy in simple things, finding fun in what we may, as adults, now see as mundane.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
That my inner dialogue was never as kind to myself as it should have been. Having a young set of ears by my side soaking up everything I say has taught me to retrain my thinking. Looking in the mirror has had to become purely that rather than it being filled with criticism and questioning.
What do you do when you need a little “me” time? How do you unwind/practice self-care/switch off?
My happiest of places would be in the garden. This is where I am most present. Where I can work hard or soak up the fruits of my efforts. It is still and full of natural beauty and I relish in watching my daughter discover that too. Besides that, I love to cook and I love having the time to leave a treatment in my hair for more than five minutes… Which doesn’t happen often!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I have received so much advice over the years… Some I have taken on board and for some, it has been best to nod and smile and get on with my day. The one piece that sticks with me, so very clearly, was given to me by fellow actress Lisa McCune as she was presenting me with my Gold Logie in 2007 from memory. I doubt she would even remember how important her words were on that night because I am sure it was a throw-away comment for her, made in the moment that I approached the lectern. She handed me my Logie, gave me a kiss and whispered kindly ‘Just Breathe’... I couldn’t have asked for better words as I was preparing to speak to a room full of peers and that same advice is perfect in the majority of life’s challenging situations.