Supermodel and KORA Organics founder and CEO Miranda Kerr’s passion for health and wellness started at a young age. Born and raised on a farm in the small Australian country town of Gunnedah, Kerr’s childhood days were filled with nature—tree-climbing, river swimming, and riding horses—as her family prioritized organic and natural living.
When Kerr was a teenager, her mother received a cancer diagnosis, which spurred Kerr and her family to take a closer look at the ingredients found in the everyday products in their home. They were shocked to find that so many contained potentially harmful ingredients and chemicals. It was a revelation that stayed with Kerr—and one that inspired her to start KORA Organics, a clean skincare line of cleansers, oils, masks, and more.
We’ve been huge fans since KORA Organics’ 2009 launch and were so excited to have Kerr—who’s also a Certified Health Coach and who happens to be a longtime Sakaralite—craft a Signature Nutrition Program menu featuring her favorite dishes.
We sat down with Kerr to discuss everything from her company to her spiritual nourishment to how she—a supermodel, mom of three, holistic wellness expert, and founder—finds balance amidst it all.
Let’s dive right in! What differentiates KORA Organics from other clean skincare brands out there?
KORA Organics is so much more than clean beauty; Clean beauty is a step in the right direction, but unfortunately, it isn't regulated and it can be very misleading—each brand or retailer has their own set of rules of what they deem to be “clean.” That’s why, from day one, I developed our products in accordance with Ecocert/COSMOS, an independent globally recognized certification body.
Both Sakara and KORA prioritize organic ingredients—for Sakara, it’s because we know they’re the most nutrient-dense. Why is choosing organic important to KORA?
By prioritizing certified organic ingredients, we’re avoiding the use of potentially harmful pesticides sprayed on the crops. This means not only are we avoiding unnecessary chemicals in the formulations themselves but also reducing exposure to these potential carcinogens on your skin—and what you put on your skin soaks in! Organic ingredients also produce up to 60% more antioxidants than non-organic ingredients according to a study from Cambridge* which compared the antioxidant profile of ingredients that were certified organic and those that were farmed commercially. Lastly, organic farming is better for the planet by involving less pollution, less soil erosion, and less energy than non-organic harvesting practices. We partner with the Organic Farming Research Foundation to stay up to date on the latest research.
(*British Journal of Nutrition Volume 112, Issue 514 September 2014, pp. 794-811.)
You’re a longtime Sakaralite! What resonates with you about Sakara?
The “food as medicine” wellness philosophy. I believe in feeding our bodies with the nutrients needed to function at their best. Plants in their purest form can be the most powerful and healing ingredients on the planet.
What’s been your favorite part of Sakara—any products or our Signature Nutrition Program?
I was immediately drawn to Sakara’s Nutrition Program. I’m a busy working mom of three so the idea that I can get a week of delicious, organic meals made with nutrient-dense ingredients delivered to my door is amazing. I’m also obsessed with the Beauty Water Drops for their collagen support and love to keep a Metabolism Protein Super Bar in my purse while on-the-go.
We live by the phrase “eat clean, play dirty” here—all about finding balance between the things that make us feel truly good and the things that bring us joy. What does “eat clean, play dirty” look like for you?
I follow the 80/20 philosophy – 80% healthy and 20% indulgent. For example, I start my day with 32oz of celery juice and a heavy metal-detox smoothie, but I have a sweet tooth and often treat myself to some dark chocolate. I also love to celebrate with a glass of champagne or my signature cocktail, tequila and coconut water.
Let’s talk summer. What are 3 things that keep you in balance even when the season gets super busy?
- A color-coded calendar, so I can plan and coordinate between the kids’ activities and take time out for myself.
- Meditation apps, like Insight Timer, help me start the day with intention.
- Regular workouts. At the moment, I love pilates, resistance training, and I’ve started doing weight training.
How do you flex your time, habits, and rituals to leave room for fun, spontaneity, and joy?
I’ve learned over the years that by starting my days before the boys wake up, I can focus on self-care rituals that I wouldn’t have time for otherwise. Most mornings, I’m up around 5 a.m.—I get in my morning meditation, a workout, and shower all before my kids wake up and then we all have breakfast together. I also like to build in some of those moments of joy, movement, and nourishment together by taking family walks, cooking together, swimming, or picnics in the garden.
What’s one Sakara essential you’ll lean on to support your summer?
I have quite a bit of travel coming up, so I’ll be leaning on the Detox Tea. With its immunity and digestive support, it’s the perfect travel tea.
Speaking of travel, what are your must-have plane essentials?
Drinking plenty of water when traveling is so important. Cabin air is extremely dehydrating and water makes such a difference in combating the side effects of a long trip and jet lag.
I prefer going make-up free when I’m on a flight. As soon as I get on the flight, I cleanse my skin and apply our Turmeric Glow Moisturizer followed by our Noni Glow Face and Eye Oil. I finish with our Noni Glow Sleep Mask (I apply this on my hands and feet, too).
Essential oils are also a staple in my toolkit. I carry Saje’s Pocket Farmacy wherever I go. They help alleviate stress, support your gut, and soothe your head. My favorite is the Peppermint Halo—it’s so uplifting!
How do you nourish yourself apart from food—in mind, body, and spirit?
My favorite thing to do when I wake up is my 15-minute meditation. It helps me to set my intention for the day and start the day with a positive mindset. I've [also] been using crystals, affirmations, and aromatherapy since I was a teenager. They’ve been such important therapeutic tools in my life.
What inspires you?
My mother – she is a fearless, strong, loving woman. She always said, “Give 100% in all you do, or don’t bother doing it at all,” and that echoes in my mind multiple times a day.
Do you have a personal mantra or quote that helps guide you—in work, in love, or in life?
Shine your light – my mum has said this to me for as long as I can remember.
