CULT MUSE: Mimi Elashiry

Aussie-bred model and recent LA transplant, Mimi Elashiry, is a free-spirited babe like no other. It seems she is everywhere these days, and it’s no surprise – her whimsical photoshoots and worldly aesthetic is the mark of a colorful imagination – one that many would envy. You’ve likely seen her on Instagram, taking over your newsfeed and working with all of your favorite bohéme-inspired brands, but for Mimi, modeling is a just a means to create. She’s also a dancer (since she could walk), holistic health hobbyist, music buff, traveler and explorer. It’s Mimi’s positive demeanor, down-to-earth attitude and dedicated work ethic that makes her our obvious CULT muse.

So when we heard that this Aussie-based babe was moving to the city of angels, we had to meet and create some magic together. Enter our ethereal world as we journey to Malibu’s El Matador State Beach (her first visit), and spend the day getting to know her – everything about her love for dancing to her greatest fear (hint – cue Jurassic Park). We know you’ll be just as inspired by this babe, so follow along on her blog here for more.

Photography: Grant Legan

Mimi Elashiry - The Cult Collective

CULT: In the last 24 hours, what has inspired you?

Mimi: My beautiful friend Jordan Murray. Her cheery smile and high vibes always get me going. I often wake up to a text from her about an early yoga or hot barre class, and we are always inspiring each other to get up and get moving everyday.

CULT: What was your favorite part of your childhood? What did you want to be when you grew up?

Mimi: My favourite part of my childhood was when I was dancing 6 days a week, everyday after school. I, of course, wanted to be a dancer.

CULT: What are some of your favorite places that you’ve traveled to? Where will ‘home’ always be?

Mimi: Byron Bay will always feel most like home, not only because it’s in between my two other ‘homes’, but because I have connected with so many beautiful people there.

Not to mention the sheer beauty of upper NSW – it’s my heart’s centre – my favourite place in the world and where I feel most at ease.

I also loved visiting Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, Fiji, Bali and The Daintree Rainforest in Cairns. I love New York too! I visited Montauk for a few days there it was super sweet. However…LA is pretty damn fabulous! I’m about to go to Austin next week for the first time and then the week after, I embark on a week long motorcycle camping trip through Nevada, Utah, and Monument Valley, then back through Arizona and the grand canyon… so all this might well change! haha

CULT: What do you love most about dancing? What are you thinking about when you’re performing?

Mimi: For me dancing is my creative, emotional and physical outlet. It is is my meditation and the only time that I can completely lose myself to the subconscious concentration on technique, flow, rhythm and the freedom of movement and expression – I love dancing with all of my heart.

CULT: Five things you can’t live without?

Music
My toy rabbit Avocado that I still sleep with
Dancing
Plants everywhere in my house
My beautiful friends

CULT: Three things that few people know about you?

1. I grew up wanting to be a ballet dancer and tried to convince my mum to let me leave school and go full-time when i was 12.
2. I am afraid of dinosaurs
3. I am allergic to pineapple

CULT: Favourite breakfast cereal?

Mimi: I like to make my own! I put it onto of my green smoothie bowls in the morning and I mix up some buckinis, oats, coconut flakes, coconut sugar, coconut oil, cacao, goji berries, nuts and seeds and let it set in the fridge over night.

CULT: First thought waking up in the morning:

Mimi: I looked out my window this morning and thought “it’s sunny”!!

CULT: Who are some of your current style icons / crushes?

Mimi: Jenah Yamamoto (@gypsyone) is so unbelievable gorgeous, not to mention how beautiful all her blogging seems and the abundance of nature she resides in – she shares with her audience whatever she is passionate about and I love that!

CULT: Favorite local haunts and hideaways in LA so far?

Mimi: Solstice Canyon hike in Topanga. I also love Topanga Fresh Market and Sage, a plant-based bistro in Culver City, AKOS coffee on Abbott Kinney (they do a butter brew with ghee and it’s DELICIOUS). Last but not least, I go to Debbie Reynolds dance studio and do the grooves class on Saturdays. (:

CULT: Your biggest fear:

Mimi: Large statues of dinosaurs. Don’t ask.