From the outside, it all looks so perfect: a former miss Universe, TV host and model-turned-wellbeing entrepreneur; a beautiful beachside home, a happy marriage to Michael Miziner and their two gorgeous children. But life, as Rachael Finch is happy to admit, is never perfect for anyone.
“I have the same struggles and worries, the same mundane life chores as everyone else,” she laughs as her children come bounding up the stairs from tennis lessons, a cacophony of excited voices bouncing off the walls. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Violet bounces into the kitchen to play barista (decaf anyone?) while Dom is keen to demonstrate his Sonic the Hedgehog gaming skills. When Rachael suggests heading out for some fresh air, both kids race enthusiastically to the door.At the beach, the kids dig in the sand and splash in the water, giggling as a larger-than-expected wave drenches their pants knee-down. In between impressive cartwheels, Violet attempts to rescue a small fish washed up on shore while Dom goes on the hunt for precious purple shells. Mentally recording these quality times is important to Rachael, but she is selective about what she shares online. “Social media is significant for me, but when it comes to my kids, I’m conscious about what I post,” she says, “Their privacy is essential, and most times are reserved for just us as a family. I’ve been the target of trolls many times.”
Dealing with online trolls
Most recently, Rachael faced attacks regarding how she feeds her children. Pictures of her kids eating healthy homemade breakfasts were met with a slew of insults. Trolls claimed that she was depriving them of sufficient food and a proper childhood. Nowadays, these comments are water off a duck’s back. Rachael confesses she has grown a thicker skin. “I react very differently to negative comments now compared to 10 years ago,” she tells The Weekly. “I’ve experienced enough that I’ve learnt how to deal with them internally and emotionally. I’m able to read them and laugh. Michael has really helped me to flip my thoughts and made me realise that what matters most is what’s on the inside and family.”
Relationship challenges
Although she clearly relishes being a mum, Rachael acknowledges that relationships can easily take a backseat when kids come along, so spending quality time with Michael has become a priority. “We set aside time each week to go for a walk or have dinner together,” she says. “I’m very passionate about making the effort to do that. I recently started dance lessons with Michael. He wasn’t keen when I asked him, but I love the way it makes me feel, it’s very expressive. It also means there’s a set time for me to catch up with my husband.”
Healthy lifestyle
But whipping up a storm on the dancefloor only forms a small part of Rachael’s dedication to active and healthy living. Being in tune with her body helps her to manage her overall wellbeing and keep her anxiety at bay. “I’m very passionate about what I eat and drink, and limit my caffeine and stimulant intake,” she says. “I drink a lot of water and make all my meals from home so I’m nourishing myself from the inside out. I limit incoming technology and media as that can be a huge trigger when I’m feeling more susceptible to anxiety, and I’m very diligent with my sleep. I aim for at least 8-9 hours of quality sleep a night.” Her daily morning meditation is also non-negotiable and she rises an hour before the kids to meditate on the couch or balcony. “It is literally the difference between my brain being calm or frazzled,” she says. “I love the practise of just being still and not thinking. It really sets me up for the day.”
Mirroring thousands of houses across Australia, a typical weekday morning for Rachael Finch consists of getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, finding that misplaced homework and rustling up breakfast. “I try to cook something different every day,” she says. “I make homemade waffles with bananas and a chocolate sauce on the side made from cacao and coconut oil, or I’ll a big protein powder smoothie with almond milk and fruit or vegetables.”
It’s not only Rachael that feels at home in the kitchen. Her kids do too. Rachael jokes that she often has to jostle for space as they whip up a variety of salads on the weekends. “They’re obsessed with salad!” she laughs.
Running a new business
Rachael’s passion for health has led to a new business venture. As well as skincare, Kissed Earth now boasts a range of health products and supplements. “The uptake from day one has been amazing,” she says. “Sourcing and developing products that people have fallen in love is the best feeling. Knowing that I’m making a difference is so rewarding.”
As the sun is high and the kids sopping wet and peckish, it’s time to head home. When questioned about what lies ahead, Rachael radiates a positive warmth. “People ask me where I see myself in five years’ time but it’s hard to say because I really love exactly where I am right now,” she says. “There are days that I’m just crazy busy with life and it’s hard, but I feel lucky to have all that I have and lucky to be able to say that.”
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