#AlmightyPeople- Julie Rowlands & Lesley MacDonald

• Hi Julie and Lesley, can you please tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Julie

I am the mother of 3 adult children who are all living overseas at present. I live on a farm in the Waikato with my partner of 15 years Graham, who is a beef farmer. I work in Hamilton as an account manager so I get the best of both worlds. Graham and I love travel, great food, great fashion, great music buying art and antiques and anything French. Overall I am a positive, fun-loving human.

Lesley

I was born on a dairy farm in Matamata, which was an amazing place to grow up as a child, attending calf club and pet shows was so much fun.  I got married in 2018 to an amazing guy who drives to Auckland most days for work, he has two wonderful children who are a huge part of our lives.  I have just started in real estate with a very good friend of mine, it’s the best job in the world.

• Together you are the epitome of friendship, can you please tell us how your friendship started?

Julie

Lesley and I worked together for at least 10 years when I moved to Hamilton from Taranaki and is an absolute treasure.

Lesley

Julie and I met at work, and we hit it off immediately, I think we have the same weird sense of humour, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously which is important.  We are also both young at heart.

• Do you have any advice for maintaining a strong friendship?

Julie

Regular communication helps, Lesley and I haven't seen each other for a while but when we do catch up it's always a blast. Social media posts also helps.

Lesley

I believe that being able to listen, have empathy and just be there when needed is a great attribute in being a friend and of course, you must have FUN!

• We had the privilege of joining you for the Grapefruit & Tangelo campaign photoshoot, can you tell us your favourite moment from that day?

Julie

Catching up with Lesley and having loads of fun and giggles. It was a very natural shoot. I was impressed by the professional manner and the team and the "mood board" sent through suited the environment. Having everyone for lunch and making everyone feel like it was a family event.

Lesley

For me, it was reconnecting with Julie, as I hadn’t seen her for so long since I got into real estate.  Boy, we had so much fun, my face hurt due to laughing so much.  Also meeting all the Almighty marketing team.

• Being a part of a photoshoot can be nerve-wracking and you both smashed it! What is something you do to help you feel confident?

Julie

Already knowing the team apart from the photographer and lighting dude. I generally go with the flow. Having it at my own place made it very relaxing.

Lesley

I guess the main thing is maturity, when you get older you tend to have dealt with a lot of obstacles, this is just life, but it certainly stacks up and prepares you going forward

• At Almighty, we’re all about encouraging a balanced lifestyle. How do you practice balance in your life?

Julie

Great food, regular exercise, rest and relaxation - I love to read and lie by the pool.

Lesley

My husband and I are lucky enough to have a Bach in Whangamata, there is nothing better than walking along the beach or reading in the sun. Exercise is also a constant, this consists of long walks, biking, and rowing.

• It's been a golden summer thus far! What’s been a highlight of yours this summer?

Julie

Catching up with my children in Aussie. I have a busy social life coming up with weddings and music events which will make summer last longer!

Lesley

The weather is certainly a key recipe for making it a great summer, also catching up with friends for drinks on the deck and BBQ’s every night.

• If you had to drink one flavour of Almighty for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Julie

Grapefruit & Tangelo or Blood Orange.

Lesley

Grapefruit & Tangelo Sparkling Water, so refreshing.  I have even tried it with Gin and a couple of slices of cucumber.