The Rurbanist: Jasmine Hemsley

Interview with Jasmine Hemsley

What’s bringing you joy at the moment?

My little girl, Mahi, who will be one next month. She’s an absolute hoot, she’s always laughing.

What keeps you awake at night?

Anything and everything that I haven’t dealt with before bed, which is why a meditation practice and bedtime routine works so well for me. I’ve got these touchpoints: dimming the lights, changing the music, doing a bit of breath work for 60 seconds before I lie down, and doing a kansa wand massage on my face. All of these things help me get out of my head and into my body.

Best life hack you can share with us?

Don’t eat late at night. One of the first things that led me on my wellness journey was making my evening meal smaller and earlier, typically around 6.30pm. It had an incredible knock-on effect on when I became tired, how well I slept, my appetite the next day, my energy and my mood. In Ayurveda, digestion is absolutely central to your wellbeing.

Where do you go to escape?

If I’m feeling really overwhelmed, with work or too much going on, then I go outside for some fresh air, space and light. Or if I’m feeling really anxious, then I’ll turn more inwards and make a cosy spot my sofa or bedroom.

Best way to put a smile on your face?

Doing a kansa wand massage on my face; it gives me a dreamy smile, and my jaw relaxes. I’ve incorporated it into the signature massage at Hari’s salon, where they’re doing my Ayurvedic treatments at the moment.

Your favourite pet?

I had a rat called Emily when I was a teenager, and she was awesome. I would take her to Sixth Form with me and smuggle her in.

You wouldn’t know it but…

I once sung on stage with Stevie Wonder, in Las Vegas.

The book you wished you’d written?

I’d have liked to have been in Rumi’s head when he wrote some of his beautiful poems. The Guest House is such a revelation in terms of allowing your thoughts and emotions to come in and teach you something, and then to let them go.

The film you wished you’d starred in?

Strictly Ballroom. It’s like the Aussie version of Dirty Dancing, and I love everything by Baz Luhrmann.

Your epitaph would read… The quote from Rumi: ‘You are not a drop in the ocean but an entire ocean in a drop’.

Hari’s x Jasmine Hemsley Ayurveda-inspired hair treatment rituals are available now, harissalon.com