While 2020 has thrown us all for a loop, it has most certainly changed the plans of singer-songwriter Thelma Plum. While Plum was originally scheduled to kick off a string of performances as part of The Homecoming Queen Tour across Australia, this wasn’t meant to be. Despite the slight glitch in her schedule, Plum has recently landed herself two exciting new gigs.
The first is as Australia’s first ambassador for Herbal Essences —which also marks the first Indigenous ambassador for the brand — and the second is performing at the AFL Grand Final alongside DMA’s and Cub Sport in Brisbane. Plum’s foray into beauty ambassadorship is a new venture but something that she says felt natural.
“It feels really exciting. It’s not something I’ve done before, so that’s exciting in itself,” Plum told The Latch. “I’ve always been a fan of the brand and have always used it.”
Despite this year not panning out as originally planned, Plum has been prioritising self-care and her health, after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in March this year.
“I’ve been making sure I treat my body extra well post-COVID,” Plum said. “I also make sure I surround myself with good people. I have some wonderful friends who have been so awesome and helpful, I love going for walks with my friends but I also love a solo walk. I will often practise mindfulness when walking on my own.”
We caught up with Plum to discuss her new gigs, her approach to beauty and how she’s been spending her time while performing has been off the menu.
Alexandra McCarthy: Hi Thelma! Congratulations on being named Australia’s first ambassador for Herbal Essences! How do you feel being not only the first ambassador for Australia but also the first Indigenous ambassador for the brand?
Thelma Plum: It feels really exciting. It’s not something I’ve done before, so that’s exciting in itself. I’ve always been a fan of the brand and have always used it so it’s great to be Australia’s first ambassador for Herbal Essences.
AM: What made you want to partner with Herbal Essences?
TP: Obviously, I love Herbal Essences. Funnily enough, even before becoming the ambassador, that was the hair care line of products I always used. I love that they’re very affordable and use great ingredients that don’t have any nasties or sulfates.
AM: Herbal Essences has just released its new Potent Aloe Collection. Do you have a favourite product from the collection that you could recommend?
TP: The new Herbal Essences Argan and Aloe Repair Oil smells so good, sometimes I even use it as perfume. It took me a long time to learn to love my curls but I do now (much to my mum’s joy) so I often just spray on the Herbal Essences oil and head out. It’s super hydrating and protects from breakage.
AM: Can you please talk to me about your approach to beauty?
TP: Beauty to me means whatever you want it to mean! For me, that’s feeling confident and comfortable. I’m a big fan of coconut oil on the body, and I never really wear makeup during the day or when I’m not performing or going out. But I love a bright eye or a thick liner. Usually a blue shadow with a bright pink lip or a green eye with a red lip. I love breaking the rules. Self-care is often an over-used term but with the stresses and strains of this year, it’s an important practice.
AM: What do you do for self-care?
TP: I don’t have a dedicated self-care routine, but I will try and go get a massage to treat myself every once in a while. In an ideal world, I would get 12 hours of sleep. I’ve been making sure I treat my body extra well post-COVID. I also make sure I surround myself with good people. I have some wonderful friends who have been so awesome and helpful, I love going for walks with my friends but I also love a solo walk. I will often practise mindfulness when walking on my own.
“I’ve been making sure I treat my body extra well post-COVID.”
AM: You’re also performing at the AFL Grand Final in Brisbane — congrats! How are you feeling about it?
TP: I’ve missed performing so much and I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting to get back for so long and I’m so glad my first performance back is in this setting. I was a bit worried at first that I would forget how to perform, but it’ll be so fun.
AM: How have you found the past few months spent at home? What have been some of the silver linings in spending more time at home?
TP: This is the first time since I was 17 that I haven’t constantly been on the road. It’s been a nice change to spend some time at home and getting to spend time with my cat, Buddy. Though in saying that, I have missed performing so much.