Phil Dawson – Ruby Lane Wholefoods

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
Sunrise surf at Fairy Bower

What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Try a career in something you truly believe in for at least a year

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Mucking around with the kids on the beach

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
An organic box from Ruby Lane ; )

Business

How did Ruby Lane happen?  How long have you been operating?
5 years ago I turned a major corner health wise after a major personal health event. I then found it challenging to enjoy a true hospitality experience whilst being healthy… having grown up in the hospitality industry I wanted to make it easy to go out with friends and be social whilst also being healthy and hence Ruby Lane was born.

Best business experience?
Seeing the overwhelming support from the community during these challenging times, it really shows to me that wearing your heart on your sleeve and doing what you truly believe in is always the best way to live your life.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Running a hotel in Asia Pacific with diving and surfing on the agenda

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
Hearing about how well the team work in my absence

Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
Finding out we had loads of ground nesting native bees in our herb gardens at our Mona Vale venue

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches? Why’d you chose to work here?
You’re never far from water and in my opinion a dip in the ocean is the best grounding exercise you can do, so I find myself more grounded here and the vibe is just more grounded compared to other parts of Sydney, probably because of this too. Having grown up here it was a no brainer to set up business here.

Personal

What would you rate 10/10?
My wife – haha, did she ask you to write that one?

What is the best advice you’ve received?
You can’t stop the waves… but you can learn to surf

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
Spending my birthday building epic hot wheels tracks with my two sons

Greatest strength?
Seeing the best in people

Greatest weakness?
Coffee

Does anything scare you?
The mundane

What’s your most treasured possession?
New surfboard

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Having time for family, doing something your passionate about for a living, not
feeling pressured to do or be anything

Which two famous people would you choose to be stuck in a lift with?
Ricky Gervais for some laughs and Bear Grylls to survive and hopefully get out!

What travel experiences is on your bucket list?
Diving with manta rays in Lady Elliot Island

How do you switch off?
Meditate twice a day

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate

Who’s your personal hero?
Father

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Dolphin

How would you like to be remembered?
Generous and ambitious yet chilled

If you could say one more thing, what would it be?
Why not attend a workshop or monthly dinner event where you can learn how to make your own bone broth, fermented veggies or how to improve your energy levels? Or…pick up the ingredients to recreate your favourite dish from our menu by shopping in our organic grocer…or have them home delivered in our weekly Organic Fruit and Veg Box runs : )
For nutritional, transparent and ethical eating at its very best (and utmost tastiest), you can’t go wrong at Ruby Lane. Come say hi in our café, organic grocer or at our next workshop…