Ambassador
Meet Chandra
A Journey of Transformation and Self-Discovery
In the tranquil coastal town of Port Macquarie, where the beaches kiss the bush and life moves with a gentler rhythm, Chandra has found a home, not just a place, but a sense of balance and peace she's been seeking for decades. At 57, Chandra radiates a kind of grounded wisdom. Her journey is shaped by transformation, resilience, and a deep belief in the importance of being fully human, flaws, feelings, and nature.
From Burnout to Breakthrough
For over two decades, Chandra thrived in the high-pressure world of recruitment. As a regional recruiter competing against industry giants, she distinguished herself through genuine human connection, an industry that often values speed over substance. "I liked to feel present with the person in front of me," she says. "Seeing them, understanding their story, what lights them up."
But COVID pushed her limits. The pressure mounted, the hours stretched longer, and slowly, Chandra found herself burning out. "Type A personality, high achiever... my anxiety started coming in,". The realisation that her work was impacting her relationships as a parent, partner, and friend became the catalyst for change. "The people that mattered got the little bit, and the clients got all the big energy," she reflects.
She knew something had to give. So, three years ago, she took the brave leap into a completely new chapter, support work for people with intellectual disabilities. It was a shift from corporate hustle to compassionate connection. "I don't treat anybody differently. We're all human, and we've all got some sort of disability, trust me. You just gotta be kind."
Nature, Horses, and Finding Peace
Living on the Mid North Coast since she was nine, Chandra has always had a deep affinity for the outdoors. Whether she's horse riding through an equestrian center 25 minutes from home, or simply grounding herself barefoot on the earth, nature is her sanctuary.
Her connection to the natural world runs deep. "I love to hug a tree, put my feet on the ground," she confesses without a hint of self-consciousness. For Chandra, these aren't just casual activities; they're sacred rituals that ground her after years in a high-stress environment.
The coastal setting of Port Macquarie, with its beautiful beaches and surrounding bushland, provides the perfect backdrop for her active lifestyle. "It's a pretty hard place to beat," she notes with the quiet confidence of someone who has found exactly where she belongs.
Staying Active, Staying Vibrant
Physical activity is another cornerstone of Chandra's life. She particularly values weight training, especially as an older woman, for her is important to keep up muscle, and strength. She also journals, practices yoga, and focuses on mindful self-care. Her discipline comes not from vanity, but vitality. "I'm onto the next chapter of my life, and I want to still be traveling and exploring. I want to be vibrant."
Even during the chaos of single motherhood and 5 a.m. gym sessions, Chandra always made her health a priority. Now, with more space in her life, she embraces those slower moments she once never had time for.
Her shift with alcohol, discovering HOPR
Chandra's approach to alcohol reflects her balanced philosophy toward life. While she enjoyed her fair share of celebration in her 20s and occasionally enjoys wine with her partner, she's mindful of alcohol's effects. She doesn’t label herself as sober or alcohol-free. For her, it’s all about intention. "I know it's a toxin. I know it's poison. I’m just more aware of when and why I drink."
Discovering HOPR was like finding a missing piece. "It feels like I'm having a beer, a cold beer, even though it's not a beer," she says of her beloved Citra Hops. It’s a new ritual she shares with her 25-year-old son, he actually said that it is easy to feel a difference when he has HOPR, they both have suffered from anxiety and HOPR have supported him on the journey.
A Mother's Pride
When asked about her greatest achievement, Chandra doesn't hesitate "My son." Chandra has supported him through dark seasons, mental health challenges, and the long road to healing. Today, he’s thriving as a head cook in Newcastle, and their bond is unbreakable."
He inspires me. For 12 months, he worked on himself, the yoga, the clean food, the stretching, and a couple of HOPRs. Now, he's a resilient, capable young man." Her biggest success isn’t a title or promotion. It’s the human she raised and continues to learn from.
In a world that often pushes us toward extremes, Chandra embodies the beauty of balance, finding the middle ground between ambition and well-being, between enjoying life's pleasures and nurturing health. Her story reminds us that the most fulfilling path isn't about choosing between black and white, but about navigating the rich, complex spectrum in between.
"We’ve got this idea that we’ve gotta be this or that, and then we get upset. But no, you’ve actually just gotta be human. Feel what you feel." For Chandra, that means releasing rigid rules, giving herself grace, and embracing the full spectrum of life, the mess, the beauty, the middle ground.Her philosophy is one of fluidity. You can have a HOPR at lunch. You can walk away from the career you’ve built. You can start again at 57. And still feel like you're just getting started.
Why She Believes in the Brand
While the functional benefits and flavour hooked her, it was HOPR’s story that won her heart. "It was the heart of how you guys presented it. José’s story, the packing, the hustle, the humanity. It's real."
As someone who’s seen the danger of curated perfection on social media, Chandra finds HOPR refreshingly honest. "Social media can be quite destructive. But you guys show the process. The imperfections. That’s what makes it relatable."
We’re proud to have Chandra in the HOPR family. Her story isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. And it reminds us that wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a practice. One glass, one step, one breath at a time.
Keep in touch
Latest news, events, discounts and stories delivered right to your inbox
