Leigh Westley

Leigh Westley speaks about her long journey to understand and manage her mental health and how she has now found happiness in the most unexpected of places. She describes how, after many years of working in a high stress corporate environment, sacrificing both her mental and physical health, a case of burn-out in 2021 forced her to take some time off to figure out her next steps. Her life-long passion for creativity, design and flowers (which had largely lain dormant during her corporate career) eventually led her to starting a business in the dried flower industry.

Leigh emphasises that despite having no direct experience or skills in running a small business, she has been successful due to an unwavering passion for her work and a determination to succeed. She speaks about how, after years of ongoing struggles with her mental health; raising a family and working full time in a career that never felt like the right fit, she has finally found contentment and joy. Her message is simple – take the time to truly understand what’s important to you and do those things as much as possible; learn to silence your inner critic; and don’t be afraid to take a brave step when needed, because what lies at the other end is so very worth it.

Today Leigh and her business Magenta Blooms are both thriving – she sells her dried floral designs through her website www.magentablooms.com and in select stores and markets in Wellington.