Stacey Keillah On Low-Tox Living And Byron Bay With Young Kids
The Lord Byron is your invitation to hit pause and slow down. Here, we extend that invite – with a space to soak in the simple joy of reading, indulging in stories from fellow travellers and creatives. Our chat below is with business owner and mumma of two, Stacey Keillah. Stacey’s journey has led her into the world of slow-living, finding low-tox alternatives and co-creating The Natural Mumma’s Toolkit.
Hi Stacey! Welcome back to Byron! We’re so happy to have you, your husband Ash, and your gorgeous children (Jaiya, 5 and Zaela, 1) with us here at The Lord Byron. Having relocated to South Australia earlier in the year, how does it feel to return for the week?!
Thank you so much!! Gosh being back in the Bay has been a total breath of fresh air.
*Spoiler alert: we’re actually in the process of moving back hehe.
On Byron Bay Recommendations: Eats & Activities
As Byron locals, foodies and nature lovers, we’d love to know some of your favourite picks when in town! From cafes and restaurants, to family adventures or even hidden gems, what are your must-visits when you’re in Byron Bay?
Oooh where to even start!
Favourite cafes in Byron Bay:
Folk Cafe. Their new menu is a must try. Plus, they have the most amazing drinks menu (think ceremonial cacao, turmeric lattes, etc.).
Bayleaf also packs an amazing brekkie/brunch. If you can score a table out the front, it’s the perfect spot to catch a bit of sun alongside an amazing meal.
Favourite restaurants in Byron Bay:
Treehouse Byron Bay is an absolute must. We have always had a soft spot for this place ever since my husband and I started dating. That was 6+ years ago and let me tell you, it is better than ever now! Super family friendly and the menu is packed with so many amazing options. We were genuinely blown away with every dish and they have acoustic music on certain nights of the week which is a total vibe.
Loft also has amazing share plates. It is set on the first floor overlooking Johnson Street, so it’s the perfect spot for a cocktail with a side of people watching.
Balcony Bar was also such a hit this trip (we ended up going twice). They have recently updated their Spring/Summer menu and every single dish was amazing. Very Mediterranean-based and so many options for the kiddies, too.
And this trip, have you discovered any new spots – whether for a meal or an explore?
Hmm not a new spot, but I was sooo excited to do a Lighthouse Walk finished by an acai at Top Shop. Sitting on the lawn in the sun after a workout is such a nice start to the day.
For guests travelling with little ones, what are your favourite Byron activities or places?
I feel like Byron is so family friendly. All of the restaurants/cafes are so accommodating. But nothing beats getting a takeaway woodfired pizza and sitting down at Main Beach at sunset. There is usually live music playing, fire twirlers or some other creative types putting their talents on display, and it’s always such a nice way to end the day with little ones.
On Starting A Business & Low-Tox Living
On the topic of kids, since becoming a mumma you’ve started The Natural Mumma’s Toolkit alongside co-founder and Clinical Nutritionist Lynsey Koch. It’s such a wonderful platform that focuses on natural remedies and therapies. What led you to starting this business?
This came about when I would rush to Lyns with any and all of my health questions regarding our family. She would always have the best tips or tricks. We would always say ‘Wouldn’t it be nice for parents to just have all of this knowledge, or a natural first aid kit ready to go!?’ Cue: Natural Mumma’s Toolkit.
For those looking to transition into a more natural or low-tox way of living, where do you recommend they begin, or what’s one change you’d recommend starting with?
The biggest tip I would say is to really look into ingredients of what you’re both ingesting and putting onto your skin. Unfortunately a lot of our food these days has been pumped with fillers, enhancers and preservatives, so next time you’re purchasing something check the ingredients list to make sure there aren’t any nasties.
A little tip: Colours and/or numbers are never a good sign. The smaller the ingredients list, the better!
On This Holiday: Highlights & Outfits
Diving back into holiday mode, what parts of The Lord Byron have you enjoyed the most during this getaway?
The whole trip was a total dream. It was the most special few days wandering around Byron and spending time by the pool. The location was just perfect – being so close to all the shops and a short stroll to the beach was heaven. The boys had the best time cruising around on the complimentary bikes and although we didn’t get an hit of tennis in this time, it’s definitely on the list for the next trip!
And if we were to have a peek in your suitcase, what are some of your favourite holiday pieces you’ve packed (for yourself, or even the kids!)?
Oooh in my suitcase you would find lots of lightweight linen pieces (how very Byron haha) and a few knits. I’m not a serial over-packer and I tend to pack too light if anything. But classic basics done well can always be found in my suitcase. And mostly local brands too, like Deiji Studios and Opia Byron Bay.
As for the kiddos, their suitcases were just packed with a tonne of clothes because they’re both grubby bunnies that go through several outfits a day.
That wraps up our chat with Stacey! To keep up with the Keillah chaos and Stacey’s wellness tips and low-tox suggestions, you can find her on Instagram @staceykeillah