IT'S TIME TO NOURISH YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL

Q&A with Justine Orton

Q&A with Justine Orton
Introducing this beautiful and talented woman Justine Orton - an interior design goddess, a mum to two gorgeous kids, and one of the most kindest, caring souls you will ever meet. This amazing girl along with her husband Luke (an incredible builder), designed and built their dream coastal home here in Newcastle, NSW and inspired thousands of us following along on their journey in the process. This powerhouse couple are truly inspirational! 
I first met Justine a few years ago when she won a giveaway I was running on Instagram - it was quite surreal actually as I had been following her Orton Haus page on Instagram from the start of their build journey, and to finally meet her in person was a really special moment for me, as she had inspired me so much along my journey.
That day I also had the privilege of visiting her home and having a private tour - and WOW! I was literally walking around her home with my jaw wide open in awe.. I was speechless, it was truly stunning and I was captivated by it's beauty - every room, every space and every little detail was just perfection! Walking around her home and hearing her talk with so much passion about the process of it all, you could tell straight away that Luke and her had put their heart and soul into creating this dream home and boy oh boy does it show!
Today I had the chance to sit down with her and have a chat about her journey so far, and what led her to pursue this dream of hers, while also diving into some fun questions to get to know her more on a personal level. This down to earth, beautiful soul is honestly one of the most genuine and nicest people you will ever met - and I just can't wait for you to read all about her.
So find a cosy spot to relax, and enjoy this interview.
Love Sally x o

 

 

Tell us a bit about yourself, and what you do?

 

My name is Justine - I'm 34 years old, a mum to two, wife to a builder, a lover of interior design and the construction world. I work with my husband in our building company Orton Building and together we build homes for both clients and ourselves. We share our personal projects through our side hustle Orton Haus.

 

When did you realise that this is what your passion was or what you wanted to do?

 

I didn’t realise I had a passion for property development until Luke and I built our first home. 
It was pre kids and I was working in Marketing and Events at the Rescue Helicopter at the time. I loved the creative side of events, coming up with new fun ideas and themes. I was never interested in interiors back then, but I found my creative approach to events and marketing transitioned really easily into interiors. 
I don’t think it ever came naturally to me. I think if you knew me as a child you’d never pick me in the design or construction industry. 
But I always gave 100% to everything I tried. 
If I take something new on, I research every aspect of it until I can do it to a high standard. As soon as I got stuck into the real estate and interior world I fell in love with it, and knew it was something I'd love to do long term. That, paired with having a husband as a builder made it all a possibility for me.

 

What’s been your biggest accomplishment to date?

 

Apart from my children it would 1000% be the build of our family home Orton Haus. It is so much better than we ever imagined, and has given us so much confidence and drive to keep creating and building more.

 

What has been your greatest challenge in life so far, and how did you overcome it/how are you working to overcome it?

 

Luke and I had 5 miscarriages before we had our two children we have today. 
I don’t think we overcame it as such, I think loss like that makes you adapt and change - it becomes a part of who you are. 
Although we don’t look back on those memories as positive, we like to reflect on it and know that that loss gave us so much strength and love for one another, and we know now that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

 

Describe yourself in 5 words..

 

Quirky, kind, reliable, fun, yet structured. :)

 

What are you most proud of?

 

My children.

 

What are three things you are most grateful for?

 

Family, holidays, health.

 

What’s your favourite way to move your body?

 

Early morning walk listening to a podcast.

 

How important is self-care to you, & how do you take time out just for you - to nourish your soul?

 

Like a lot of mums, I’m guilty of being bad at self care and putting everyone else's needs before my own. I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to selfcare. 
However, I just try to keep on top of the basics the best I can - like drinking water, getting sleep (when kids allow it), eating wholesome food and moving my body everyday. I feel my best when I do those little things and don’t put too much pressure on myself to achieve more. Anything extra is a bonus.

 

If you had a self-care box you could open up when you needed some timeout, what would you fill it with? 

 

Interior Magazines, bath salts, champagne and airpods.

 

When was the last time you tried something new for the very first time & what was it?

 

I started trail running 4 months out from the 30km Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon Event in Queenstown, NZ last year. One of the most amazing experiences of my life.

 

What’s the best advice you have ever received in your life? 

 

Ditch your comfort zone!

 

What is a random act of kindness you have done for someone else to brighten up their day? 

 

I’ve sent fruit boxes to friends. 
I make donations to fundraising pages of sad stories I read online. 
I help friends with their kids.
Tip waitstaff.



What’s one thing you haven’t done that you really want to do? 

 

Learn another language.

 

What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?

 

I can’t wink!

 

If you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be & why?

 

Beyonce - I would love to know what it's like to be able to sing and dance like she can! Girls got talent!

 

What’s a talent you wish you had?

 

I wish I could draw and paint. I’d love to be an artist.

 

Who would your celebrity BFF be?

 

Jennifer Lawrence

 

Favourite Quote?

 

‘The purpose of our lives is to be happy’ - Dalai Lama

 

Favourite Food?

 

Japanese food.

 

Favourite Cocktail?

 

Chilli Margarita

 

Favourite Book?

 

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku. Such an easy read with powerful messages.

 

Favourite holiday?

 

Fav holiday places in Aus (Covid times) would be Byron Bay, Hamilton Island and Boomerang. We’ve recently renovated a little old caravan that we’re excited to visit lots of new places in.

 

Favourite podcast to listen to?

 

My favourite regular podcast would have to be ‘Shameless’ 
But I’m currently binge listening to ‘The Sure Thing’ a white collar crime doco and loving it.

 

Favourite song?

 

Hideaway By Kiesza

 

Favourite movie?

 

The Greatest Showman - the kids and I watch that on repeat at the moment.

 

Celebrity crush?

 

Ryan Reynolds

 

Finish this sentence - I feel my best when I…

 

have had a full nights sleep, an early morning workout and breakfast in the sunshine!

 

Any advice for women following their dreams, but are afraid to take the next step?

 

Life is too short to wait. So do it! 
Surround yourself with people that will support you and help you grow.
Take chances. 
Keep learning.
Put yourself out there and don’t be too hard on yourself. 
Never give up. If you give up you’ll never know your full potential. 
But whatever you decide to do, just make sure it makes you happy xx

  

 

To follow Justine on her journey or to connect with her, please click here @orton.haus

 

 





















 

 



 

 





Read more

Q&A with Sjana Elise Earp

Q&A with Sjana Elise Earp

Q&A with Chelsea from Bowy Made

Q&A with Chelsea from Bowy Made

Q&A with Me, myself & I

Q&A with Me, myself & I

Comments

Be the first to comment.

Your Cart

Your cart is currently empty.
Click here to continue shopping.