Established entrepreneur, founder of 3 businesses, “The Revive Lab; Fit By Kl & Gabriella Luxury”, a Barre & Fitness instructor, Cosmetologist, Nutritionist, Wife and Mother, it’s not hard to see why SA Life Magazine wanted to shine the spotlight on the women who wears many hats. Inspiring women all over the country to chase their dreams, follow their hearts and always focus on their passions, meet Katerina “Nina” Lambrakis.
Q1: Firstly, let’s get down to the basics, how do you balance such a hectic schedule with work, being a mum, fitness instructor, wife and cosmetologist?
Like every working mother, it’s a juggle. I rely on help and my incredible support team . I’m blessed to have my family around me,who are always on speed dial and ready to take over “ mum role” if I can't be present. My husband is very hands on and his my greatest ally. If I cannot get something done his the first to step in for me - his my team mate in life, my biggest supporter and is always ready to back my crazy ideas. Having and growing any business is incredibly demanding, as is having young children. There is simply no way I can do it all alone. I’ve had to work hard at letting go of that expectation of myself. There are days where I honestly feel like i am rushing through life with my children and not spending the time I should be with them -and mom guilt hits insanely hard but I rest in the fact that everything we do is ultimately for our girls. They are and always will be our priority.
Q2: Everybody starts their working careers off small, what was your very first job?
My very first ‘’real’’ job was in the field of beauty and aesthetics, I managed a small day spa in the westrand called Bella-Donna Day Spa. I was the head skin care therapist, specializing in all skin and body treatments and honestly the amount of knowledge I gained working with so many individuals, treating and assisting them with different conditions has till today played a vital role in every business I’ve started. I would say working first hand with people and understanding their skin and body concerns has been the greatest text book life could have given me. This is where the foundations became solid, I love and thrive to help people and see them comfortable in their skins.
Q3: What inspired you to start each of your businesses and if you could look back now, what advice would you give yourself to make the start-up process go smoother?
Having a vast background in health and nutrition, Skin care and beauty along side the desire to help people and improve their quality of life has always been the root to every business I’ve started. Gabriella – A retail brand of luxurious bubble baths, hands soaps , air fresheners and many more products was inspired by the birth of my daughter Gabriella.
I wanted to be able to gift her with her own business one day and possibly give her a head start into her career and dreams -whatever path she decides to go on. And of course being in the category of personal care it was easy enough for me to develop with my husband who was already in the world of manufacturing. You probably thinking what about your second child Milana. We have something up our sleeves that will be launching soon. To be honest, every business you start up has it’s own challenges .
I don’t think there has been one that I can say has started off smoothly. Every business started was based on passion and if I could give myself advise it would be to have a better understanding of brand architecture- have a road map to envisage where the business/ brand is going. I’ve mastered this a lot better now but I haven’t perfected it. Its a guideline and its really key to growth.
Q4: Looking and feeling your best is clearly something that is very important to you. Evident as you explored a career in the health field, what would be your top 3 tips to give all women and girls in getting started on their health, wellness and fitness journey?
My key advise more so than tips would be to begin this journey for yourself and nobody else. There is enough pressure in the world thanks to the likes of social media expectations -don’t fall victim to that but rather learn to fall in love with yourself as you take this journey to becoming a fitter healthier you.
Set smaller, more realistic goals. They easier to achieve and always motivate you to push on to the next level. Its key to success. Create a routine that is enjoyable and easy enough to follow. Find workouts that you find fun yet challenging. When it comes to nutrition, find a healthy balance, - eat wholesome nutritious meals. Keep hydrated – its vital for your body. Focus on yourself, you are your only competition. Stay motivated and remember Consistency is key.
Q5: In your line of work, you get to meet a wide variety of people. Who was your most
memorable?
I am fortunate that I do get to meet so many amazing people however one very special woman has always stood out and that would be the very beautiful and glamorous Jo-Ann Strauss. I met Jo-Ann many years ago and what a woman-Elegant, smart and inspiring.
Q6: Who are you when you’re simply at home, on a Sunday afternoon?
I’m a mom and wife, usually cooking up a feast. I LOVE food! And enjoying quality time with my hubby, my daughters and our entire zoo of animals.
Q7: When did you first discover a love for the career you are in? Was it a childhood passion, or
something you fell into by chance?
Hmm, as a young girl probably as young as Gabi (4) I remember being obsessed with everything skin, hair and make up related but then again show me a little girl who Isn't. I went through stages in my life where I literally wanted to be everything. A lawyer, a doctor, a business women following in my parents footsteps and well I guess you can say a seed may have been planted from a young age but really my own experiences and a love for people led me to where I am today.
The Revive Lab
Q8: Revive is a brand developed to encourage consumers to perceive skin health from the
inside out, with a holistic approach to skincare. Why is that your main focus area when it comes to brand image?
Revive as a brand was developed and designed to encourage the consumer to perceive skin health from the inside out. One of our key focuses in development was looking at a person from the inside out -its not just what you put on your skin that matters. Revive takes a functional and integrative approach to skincare.
We understand that people today live busy, stressful lifestyles and that one lifestyle varies from another and there are many who don’t have time for superficial beauty or complicated regimes.
Revive specializes in active skincare solutions and scientifically formulated ingestible nutraceutical supplements clinically proven to stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and assist in preventing premature aging. Our priority is to create powerful, effective, easy to adopt products that deliver visable, tangible results and can be used in combination with topical skin care or in isolation effectively.
At Revive we believe in pushing boundaries and taking skin care to a new level. We aspire to have an impact on peoples lives through innovative ingestible solutions.
Q9: The Revive Lab products are said to aid in multiple health benefits. What is the main benefit as an active individual when using your products?
Each and every individual can benefit from a collagen supplement regardless of level of activity or age. It truly is a product designed to fit into your daily routine at every stage of your life. Each of our clinically backed Bioactive collagen peptide powders provide different benefits to the body. For example our Oceanglo marine collagen is clinically proven to improve skin tone and texture, promote skin firmness, increase elasticity and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Studies have also shown marine collagen benefits hair and nails, significantly improving their quality, strength and growth.
Revives Glotrition bovine collagen is clinically proven to significantly reduce joint discomfort, improve osteoarthritis, repair and improve gut health and improve overall skin quality. Studies have also suggested that our bovine collagen may support health in a number of other ways, such as promoting normal inflammatory processes and supporting immune function making our bovine collagen a stand out supplement for overall wellness Our latest product launched Revive’s Ultra Sculpt is a multifuctional body and muscle toner made up of clinically backed high performance peptides designed to target specific cells within the body to stimulate fat and muscle metabolism- decrease fat mass and increase lean muscle mass when used in combination with exercise and a balanced whole food diet.
At the end of the day when choosing the supplement best suited for you, it simply boils down to what your main concern is your looking at targeting.
Q10: Describe yourself in 5 words?
Dynamic
Loud
Fun
Positive (not covid) lol and somewhat crazy.
Q11: Who is your role model and why?
I have so many people I look up to and for various reasons. However from a very young age my father has always been a man I look up to. A successful businessman, an amazing husband to my mother and the most perfect father any girl could have. My father had no head start in life, he made many sacrifices and he worked extremely hard to get to where he is today. My father is the most humble man you will ever meet.
He has always reminded me that nothing in life comes easy and if you hungry enough for it you must be prepared to fight for it. Ironically the man I married is my role model, a lot like my dad just a much younger version, he has the most insane inner drive I’ve ever seen always striving for more, pushing harder no matter how many times a door may shut in his face. His positivity can uplift an entire room of people and he has the determination of a tiger -never gives up. Qualities of success- he encourages me daily to be more like him and never give up on my dreams no matter how unreal they may sound to some.
Q12: What are you top must have items for summer?
Must have summer essentials I cannot live without would have to be Revive Ultra Sculpt Multifuctional Body and Muscle Toner and my Revive Oceanglo marine collagen .This dynamic duo keeps my skin and body glowing from the inside out.
Nuxe Sun Light Fluid SPF50, I don't go a day without it and it gives you the most incredible glow other than high sun protection.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or dry oil. Its my go to body oil, incredibly moisturizing yet it doesn't leave you feeling oily or sticky and of course its on my top list due to the golden shimmer in it . I am all about the GLOW.
Sarynakey Repair Butter Hair treatment, takes care of my curly locks during summer. Curly hair is naturally porous so hours spent in the sun and pool takes a massive toll on my hair. This product here definitely does wonders keeping my hair moisturized and protected from the outside.
Huda Beauty Glowish skin tint I am OBSESSED , i am not a huge fan of heavy foundations. I love being natural and this skin tint is worth every cent -light, dewy and breathable on the skin.
Avene Thermal Spring water spray this is a must for any skin type refreshing, soothing and re-balances your skin.
Essence cosmetics Lash Princess False lash effect mascara -Simply the best.
Essence Hydrating Nude Lipstick, its my new favorite, lightly pigmented super hydrating with caster oil and Shea butter in it.
Q13: Any fitness trends, in your opinion, we should keep our eyes peeled for?
Current fitness trends making a huge impact in the fitness world and that I believe will be growing is definitely Virtual training. The upward success with online / virtual training has opened up new perspectives for the foreseeable future.
Q14: What motto or words do you live by?
There is no limit to what you can accomplish. If your dreams don't scare you,they not big enough.
Q15: Final Question. If you could choose any superhero to play on a big budget Hollywood
production, who would you play?
I would definitely want to be Bat woman
Quick Fire Questions:
Favourite chocolate? Nestle Bar One
Favourite TV show? Queen of the South
Favourite movie? The Notebook
Favourite Clothing Brand? Elrico Zarr
Favourite childhood memory? Getting my first horse
Favourite holiday destination? Cyprus back to my roots
Favourite woman in the health industry? Andrea Leigh Rogers – total fan
Must have fashion accessory? A great pair of Heels
Favourite drink? Pina Colada
Stay up to date and follow the inspirational women online:
Instagram: @ninalambrakis
The Revive Lab: @revivelab_sa