In Conversation with… Bonita Norris! Strength, Resilience & The Power of Self-Care.
Some people push their limits to the extreme, testing the boundaries of mind and body. Bonita Norris is one of them. At just 22, she became the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest, later conquering some of the world’s toughest peaks. But beyond the physical feats, Bonita’s journey has taught her something even greater: that true resilience isn’t just about pushing forward, it’s about looking after yourself along the way.
At Vemel, we believe that self-care is an essential part of resilience, and Bonita’s story embodies this philosophy. We sat down with her to talk about adventure, motherhood, and why small, everyday acts of self-care make all the difference, whether you’re climbing a mountain or navigating life.
Bonita, your journey has taken you to some of the most extreme environments on earth. What first drew you to mountaineering?
I was an outdoorsy person growing up but I certainly never imagined climbing Everest! But when I heard a talk about an expedition to the world’s highest mountain, something inside me lit up. I didn’t have the experience, the connections, or the money, but I had a deep sense that I had to at least try. That decision changed my life.
Mountaineering demands an incredible level of physical and mental strength. What’s the biggest lesson the mountains have taught you?
Climbing the world’s highest mountains taught me that physical strength and endlessly pushing yourself can only get you so far—what makes the biggest difference on a mountain or in life is how you look after yourself every day. The small acts of self-care—on a climb, that might mean staying hydrated, managing your energy, or looking after your blistered feet. As a mum, it’s making time to nourish myself so I can be there for my family.
If we don’t do the small things to look after ourselves now, eventually they will catch up with us. I saw that on Everest, and I see it now in my everyday life.
Speaking of self-care, your lifestyle involves constant travel and extreme conditions. How has that impacted your approach to skincare and wellness?
I travel every week, staying in hotels, on planes, and trains. I also love exercise and climbing and don’t get much sleep with two young children—so my skin deals with a lot! I used to accept that my skin would always feel dry and stressed, but discovering Vemel was a game-changer for me. ‘I never go anywhere without my Papaya Cleanser, Probiotic Mist, and Collagen Boosting Hydration Cream. They nourish my skin on long plane journeys and travel days and make those endless hotel stays feel a little more luxurious. I love them and will never use another skincare brand again. Vemel is the best of the best—I just wish I had discovered it sooner!’
What does resilience mean to you beyond the mountains?
Resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about giving yourself the tools to keep going for the long term. I think so many of us, especially women, are used to just getting on with things, putting everyone else first. But if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t show up as our best selves in any area of life.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone facing a challenge whether a mountain or an everyday struggle what would it be?
You are capable of so much more than you think. The biggest mountains literal or metaphorical are climbed one step at a time. Focus on the next step in front of you, take care of yourself along the way, and trust that you’ll get there.