Verse Mother Tori Johnson: by Hamish & George

Short Profile
Name: Tori Bowman Johnson
DOB: 2nd March 2024
Place of birth: Perth, Western Australia
Occupation: Writer

1. What is your personal style signifier?

Ooo, do you know what, I think it’d perhaps be a scent? I’ve loved Diptyque Tam Dao EDP for years (it’s layered in notes of woody sandalwood & cedar). On the days I’m not wearing Diptyque, I lather my skin with the Gentle Habits Yamba Balm and shower oil (both of which have scents of Cedarwood, Vetiver and Patchouli). Other than that, I do love a high top Converse, a gold earring and slouched jacket or coat. 

2. What is your most cherished piece of jewellery and why?

It’d have to be my engagement ring and a ruby I wear from my Nini on the opposite hand. My engagement ring (I don’t wear a wedding band) represents my husband Will. Sorry for the cheesiness but he really is my universe. Just looking down at it reminds me of him and lends me a sense of security. He proposed on Cottesloe beach when I was pregnant with my first born son, so the ring is special for many reasons. 

The ruby (also a ring) belonged to my dad’s mum, my Nini. She (Ying) was Chinese Malaysian and holds a cherished place in my memories. Sadly she passed away when I was very young, however I have vivid memories of her smile, her skin and hands. Chinese women are innately wise, so wearing her ring allows me to feel a sense of her guidance. 

3. What is the last thing you purchased and loved?

Funnily enough, despite living in Western Australia … a very warm, dry and beachy place, I am a coat girl! Always have been, always will be. It’s a love I share with my mum. This year I purchased a woollen/cashmere Hyde & Stone full length, tailored coat. I am almost tempted to turn the aircon on during summer just so I can wear It more often. It was a treat, but my golly I adore it! 

4. What is currently on your wish-list?

Who wouldn’t want a Celine leather sandal in time for Spring … 

Having said this, I recently read the story behind the divine footwear brand MARIA FARRO. MF was born out of the desire to support the Cretan community and develop modern footwear incorporating techniques mastered by one of the world's oldest civilisations. I admire this socially conscious approach, not to mention the true craftsmanship. Plus they’re gorgeous sandals! 

5. Your earliest fashion memory?

It pains me to say this, however Sketchers in the mid 90’s. Britney Spears was the ambassador and I felt exceptionally trendy wearing my slip on sneakers. Other than this, we went to New York when I was about 10 years old. My mum brought me the silver ‘Heart’ ring from Tiffany and Co which I wore for about 10 years (or more). I still have it and will find someone special to gift it to one day. 

6. The beauty staple you’re never without?

I’ve fallen in love with the Chanel BAUME ESSENTIEL Balm in Translucence. It’s nice on the cheekbones and under the brows to very quickly wake your skin up. And without a doubt, rain, hale or shine I use People4Ocean’s SPF 50+ Mineral Bioactive Shield - Lightly Tinted Cream. It is undeniably the best face sunscreen I’ve ever used! It gives you a luminous finish with brilliant protection! 

7. What will you always find in your fridge?

Soda Water. A probiotic One million yogurt pouches (kids!) 

8. How do you stay healthy, physically and mentally? Any tips or advice?

My advice on health would be to keep your body moving and hunt hard for the love of endorphins. Also, be honest with yourself in terms of both doing what makes you feel good and doing what makes you feel challenged. 

It’s hard to get up early, however it’s even harder to sit with the regret “I should have gone.” Life can be really hard a lot of the time. The ability to create endorphins is such a gift to the human race. We can all access it when we make the time. 

I’m a big spin class kinda gal as I love a good sweat with blaring music. I find it’s the only thing that gets me out of my own head. I’m a creature of habit though, and I know my body needs to be challenged! I’ve recently swapped the spin for pilates and I’m enjoying the deep focus on stamina. It hurts but the challenge is great. 

Swimming laps will always be where I feel most natural. Perhaps it’s because I am a Pisces, but swimming feels almost magical to me? That first 50 meters, I actually think I smile underwater every time. 

Exercise combined with a clean diet is really good for my mental health. I love a glass of red most nights with my husband. And I’ll never let this bring guilt. It’s my vice… and I’m sticking to it ;) 

9. Any great discoveries recently? Cafe, restaurant, shop, online etc…

Gentle Habits … their swimming masks, body balms & oils and their sensational range of incense. Gentle Habits is a brand I’ve built into my every single day because of the way each of their products makes me feel. The scents especially have had a profound impact on the ‘manic’ headspace I adopt between the hours of 4 and 6pm - dinner, bath, bed! I find it deeply calming and uplifting. 

Restaurant wise, if you , make sure you get to Vin Populi in Fremantle .. the porchetta is TFD. And if you’re a bread lover - Common Bakery on Carrington Street is a true gem.

10. What object would you never part with? 

There is a wooden trunk in my bedroom that’s been in my family for years. My parents had a turbulent relationship, often breaking up before divorcing when I was 16. Despite having a glorious and loved upbringing, divorce is hard on children. I’d say I am only really feeling the true impact now, now that I’m a little older. I think for many years, I was just hard wired on making sure my mum was ok and knew we (my brother and I) were always ok.

The trunk reminds me of when my family of four lived under one roof. I try really hard to treasure the togetherness we had and the special times I know we experienced along the way. I guess the trunk holds an element of symbolism. Even when times are turbulent, find what is constant in your life & hold onto it.

11. What are some of the challenges of being a working mother and how do you juggle it all?

My biggest challenge is letting myself off the hook. I never just ‘sit down’ when an opportunity presents itself and I deeply regret it every so often. The reason I feel deterred from sitting and rest is due to guilt … if I sit down and relax, my mind starts to spin! I should be working, I should be washing, I should be helping my friend, I should be calling my Nan, I should be playing with my kids. 

I should actually be recharging and putting myself first during these rare moments of stillness. 

Slowly I am learning this & I’m constantly reminding myself, we only live once! Life is there to live. And living means feeling content, rested and therefore energised. 

Tori wears One Letter Pearl Bracelet 

 

 

 

 Film photography: Hamish (4.5) George (2)