Founder of The Calmm, mother to one with another on the way, and a woman whose energy is as grounding as it is magnetic — Jessie Whittaker brings an intuitive wisdom to everything she touches. Her approach to beauty and wellbeing is deeply personal, rooted in presence, care and a strong respect for the body’s innate intelligence.
For Jessie, skincare and self-care are not routines, but rituals — a space to reconnect, support the nervous system, and move with intention. Her journey into massage and lymphatic work is one of curiosity, connection and gentle power — a reminder that beauty flows from within, and that simplicity often holds the greatest impact.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’re honoured to feature Jessie in our Perceptions series. As a brand made up of mostly mothers, this feature is a tribute not only to Jessie’s work, but to all mothers — the quiet strength, the daily rituals, and the beauty found in the in-between.
We’re also excited to be partnering with Jessie on an upcoming Masterclass — a space to share her gentle wisdom in a calm, supportive setting. With more collaborations on the way (think: a new skincare tool designed for deeper connection), this is just the beginning.
Read on for Jessie’s reflections on intuition, ritual, the lymphatic system — and the quiet moments that bring her back to herself.
What was a moment that changed your perception of beauty?
The year of COVID.. sorry to bring it up…again, but it was a pivotal moment on my perception of beauty. I saw a radical change in my clients, family and friends health whether it was from reduced movement, COVID itself or the vaccination. Inflammation was taking over left right and centre. This is when I turned to lymphatic drainage, clean beauty products and clean food & supplements. I realised how much toxin overload was affecting us and that we do have the power to change our internal environment.
Tell us about your journey-what first drew you to massage therapy and intuitive touch as a healing practice?
My journey into massage therapy started with a deep fascination for the human body and an even deeper respect for how much it holds, both physically and emotionally.
I was first drawn to massage not just as a way to ease sore muscles, but as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and restoring balance. Over time, I realised that true healing isn’t just about technique; it’s about presence, intuition, and creating space for the body to release what words often can’t express.
Massage therapy became my language for helping people come home to themselves. Blending science with a strong intuitive touch has allowed me to work not just on bodies, but with the person as a whole—supporting their nervous system, their emotions, and their energy all at once.
It’s endlessly humbling to be part of someone’s journey back to ease and vitality.
“Massage therapy became my language for helping people come home to themselves. Blending science with a strong intuitive touch has allowed me to work not just on bodies, but with the person as a whole—supporting their nervous system, their emotions, and their energy all at once.”
What skincare product or practice do you come back to if your skin is unbalanced?
When my skin feels unbalanced, I move it back to the basics, using lymphatic drainage and simple skincare. I don’t just use lymphatic massage on my face but also focus on my stomach to support circulation, reduce inflammation, and encourage detoxification.
When it comes to products, I keep it very minimal — one-ingredient options are where it’s at! Namely, jojoba oil by none other than Foile. I use it to gently cleanse my skin and again to perform my facial lymphatic massage. It helps reset my skin without overwhelming it, keeping everything calm, nourished, and supported.
Who is a muse for you when it comes to beauty?
I wouldn’t say I have one particular beauty muse, but if I had to name someone, Joanna Halpin comes to mind. She has this effortlessly beautiful energy about her—minimal, natural, and confident. I feel she aligns with my own “less is more” approach when it comes to beauty products.
What does your own daily or weekly facial ritual look like? Are there any go-to tools or techniques you swear by?
My facial ritual is all about simplicity, intention, and supporting the body’s natural rhythms. Each day, I do a short lymphatic activation and drainage sequence to encourage circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote that glow from within. I believe in the power of touch and consistency over complicated routines.
Three times a week, I incorporate facial cupping and Gua Sha to release tension, stimulate blood flow, and support lymphatic flow — it’s my go-to for deeper sculpting and rejuvenation.
When it comes to skincare, I’m a firm believer that less is more. Each morning and night, I apply the daily jelly followed by jojoba oil, hydrating and then locking it in for the day/night. My focus remains on movement, flow, and connection, rather than layering on too much. It’s not just skincare; it’s a ritual to reconnect and restore.
“Each day, I do a short lymphatic activation and drainage sequence to encourage circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote that glow from within.”
What drew you to face cupping, and how does it differ from traditional body cupping?
I got into face cupping because I’m all about simple rituals that actually do something. It’s gentle, feels amazing, and boosts blood flow to the face, which is like giving your skin a little internal workout. It helps release tension in the fascia (we hold way more of it in our face than we realise!) and supports that lovely buoyancy and fullness we all crave. Unlike body cupping, there’s no deep suction or marks—just a soothing, sculpting moment that leaves you looking fresh and a little more lifted.
What role does the lymphatic system play in overall wellbeing-and why is it especially important when it comes to the face?
The lymphatic system is like the body’s inner cleaning crew. It helps clear out waste, toxins, and excess fluid, keeping that internal river flowing. When it comes to the face, it plays a huge role in regulating fluid retention, supporting healthy circulation, and giving the skin that natural, fresh glow. If the lymph is sluggish & stagnant, it can show up as dullness, fluid retention, or skin conditions. Supporting lymph flow in the face & neck is such a simple way to boost overall wellbeing from the inside out. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about helping the whole system feel clearer and lighter.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My mornings usually start with a collagen hot choc with a side of toddler wrangling. A pit stop at the coffee shop is our little ritual—a quick catch-up before kindy drop-off. Then it’s straight into work mode for me: bodywork, emails, and all the business bits. The day flies, and suddenly it’s time for kindy pick-up, a celebratory ice cream, and nursery rhymes blasting in the car. Evenings are usually a blur of magnesium baths, dinner, LED therapy, a few giggles, and then we hit reset for round two tomorrow.
What is one grounding ritual that always brings you back to yourself?
A moment in the sun—always. There’s something about that morning light on your skin that instantly grounds you. It’s simple, but it reminds me to slow down, take a breath, and just be present.
“My facial ritual is all about simplicity, intention, and supporting the body’s natural rhythms.”
Photos by Brigette Clark, Laura de Wit & Jessie Whittaker
Interviewed by Jasmine Lum Sutherland
This feature is part of our Perceptions Journal — a space to share thoughtful perspectives on beauty, ritual, and connection. Discover more or explore our collaborative Masterclass with Jessie here.