Just One Thing: with India Stibilj

“I’m not really an activist, I’m a human being.”

Hey India! It’s great to meet you. Tell us, how old are you?

I’m 16 years old.

What do you do with yourself?

Currently, I’m still in school and I’m also signed with Chic Management. My school is really supportive of my career and is great in providing me with the resources to balance my two worlds.

Where are living currently?

I live in Sydney, Australia, but I was born in Singapore and lived the majority of my childhood overseas in the UK and Singapore.

Tell us about your heritage.

A complete mix! My mother’s side is Anglo-Indian and my Father is Scottish-Slovenian. I’ve been so lucky to be able to travel to Slovenia with my family. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. I’ve also had the opportunity to go to Chennai, India, with my grandmother to visit her home and listen to all her stories.

What’s your star sign?

Aquarius, the water-bearer. I am such an aquarian: a leader, independent, enjoys helping others. But sometimes I’ve got to remember to keep on my toes and stay grounded because I get lost in my thoughts.

There’s a lot to care about in the world. What are you most passionate about?

The environment. At the basis of all issues in society is the wellbeing of the earth, and the maintenance of this planet relates back to every topic we can advocate for. It’s all about respect for our surroundings and gratitude.

Totally agreed. So, what are you doing to fix it?

I want to reinforce that it’s not about making people feel guilty because we’re all human. Sometimes we don’t have time, sometimes you forget your keep-cup and that’s okay, but being more aware and transforming your actions to be more conscious is what we need. Bring reusable coffee cups and invest in a little cutlery travel pack – they are lifesavers on set. Buy less, choose well.

What would you tell your younger self?

It’s okay to cry! Let those emotions out. I used to be notorious for internalising my emotions, I would bubble up over the most random things. But everyone should know that their feelings are valid, no matter how out of place!

Looking locally, what do you think Australia needs right now?

I think we need to be more conscious of our surroundings and think about ourselves less. Just step back and think about what impact you are having and start to action the impact you could be having.

What is the quality you most admire in others?

The ability to listen without judgement. Every person should practice non-judgement, we need to rise above the physical, focus on being there for each other.

Let’s talk self-care. What do you do to switch off?

Yoga, cooking, and reading. I know that I sometimes push myself too hard and having time for yourself is so important. Even if it’s just catching a film on a random evening, just giving yourself room to breathe.

What is the one thing you are currently changing about yourself?

I’m trying to change my subtle perfectionism and embrace an ability to let go. Although I’m definitely not neat and organised I have a very stubborn personality. Sometimes you’ve just got to let go.

Tell us a story that’s likely to inspire us.

My mother is an amazing woman. She and her best mate have created a beautiful label together, slumwear108, made through vocational training from up-cycled saris in Jaipur, India. They do talks and hold engagements on educating the community on the circular economy and how to use what you have already, and get out of the poverty mindset, our love and kindness has unlimited potential.

How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as the girl who transcended the archetypes of the modelling industry. I’m not going to fit one label or magazine or be thrust from commercial to haute couture. I’d love to be unconventional, someone that people can relate to deeper than surface level. I hope to use my platform as a voice and to create community. I’m not really an activist, I’m a human being.

You can say anything to our FJ community. Go.

Never forget the power of vocalising your thoughts. Connect to others, talk to others, reach out! I love it when, even if you can’t pinpoint an exact moment or example of positive change, you read about people talking about change. It’s still out there, it’s stimulating responses and that’s what we’re here for.

@india_stibilj

Read other interviews in the Just One Thing series here. 

Styling credits

LOOK ONE
INDIA WEARS KATE SYLVESTER WINNIE JUMPER IN FLOWER BOMB PRINT $289, THERON SADIE SWEATER IN BURNT ORANGE $385, LEVI’S RIBCAGE STRAIGHT ANKLE JEANS $149.95, VEJA RIOBRANCO SNEAKERS $180, RELIQUIA CHORD HOOPS $129

LOOK TWO
INDIA WEARS DOMINIQUE HEALY BELLA JUMPER IN CREAM TWEED $269, RELIQUIA CHORD HOOPS $129

LOOK THREE
INDIA WEARS KATE SYLVESTER WINNIE JUMPER IN FLOWER BOMB PRINT $289, THERON SADIE SWEATER IN BURNT ORANGE $385

LOOK FOUR
INDIA WEARS PRIMARIE LONG SLEEVE TEE $110, INCU COLLECTION PACHA LONG SLEEVE TIE DYE TEE $150, LEVI’S RIBCAGE STRAIGHT ANKLE JEANS $149.95

LOOK FIVE
INDIA WEARS KATE SYLVESTER ROSE TOP $369, KATE SYLVESTER SKYE SKIRT $459, VEJA SDU HEXA SNEAKERS $155, RELIQUIA CHORD HOOPS $129, RELIQUIA GABRIELA CLIP $40

LOOK SIX
MARIMEKKO SUOPEA UNIKKO SWEATER $250, ANNA QUAN CASTIGLIA SHIRT $360, BRIE LEON TRIPLE BEAD DROP EARRINGS $139. 

LOOK SEVEN
INDIA WEARS DOMINIQUE HEALY OLIVER BLOUSE IN LIMITED SILK PRINT $269, THERON SADIE SWEATER $385