Category: FEATURE STORIES

Meet Lola Sofia Swadling, an 11-year-old resident from the eastern suburbs of Sydney. As one of two children living at home with both mum and dad, Lola has already distinguished herself as a compassionate and enthusiastic individual with a passion for making a positive impact on the world.

One of Lola’s primary interests lies in environmental sustainability projects, reflecting her deep concern for the planet. Alongside her commitment to saving the Earth, she actively participates in initiatives that promote sustainability. Her dedication to such projects showcases her early awareness and responsibility towards global issues.

Lola’s altruistic nature extends beyond her environmental endeavours. Recognised for her kindness and willingness to assist others, she has been appointed as a junior leader through her church. This role not only emphasizes her leadership qualities but also underlines her commitment to serving her community.

Beyond her philanthropic pursuits, Lola finds joy and self-expression in the arts. Dancing, singing, drawing, and painting are among her favourite activities. Lola has been immersed in the world of dance since the tender age of 2, engaging in jazz, tap, and ballet. Additionally, she started gymnastics at just 18 months old, embracing the movements that provide her with a sense of presence and confidence.

Lola’s love for the planet and its inhabitants is truly commendable. Her beautiful spirit shines through when she interacts with the elderly, reflecting a genuine connection and a desire to make a positive impact on their lives. Through her involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, she extends her compassion to those in need, showcasing a heartwarming blend of empathy and kindness.

In essence, Lola Sofia Swadling is not just an 11-year-old; she is a young advocate for sustainability, a budding artist, and a compassionate soul dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Her story is an inspiring testament to the potential for positive change, even at a young age.

Model & Mode magazine recently caught up with Lola to discuss her journey in the industry so far and here’s what went down:

Hi Lola! What’s your absolute favourite thing to do when you’re not in school?

Listening to music while jumping around my room. I also love to spend time with my family during movie nights, snuggling up with my mum, dad, and brother. Oh, I can’t forget my beloved cat, MJ.

You’re super into saving the planet! Can you share what you love most about sustainability projects and how you think kids like you can make a big difference?

In my family, we operate a timber and hardware business. You might wonder how this is beneficial for the environment. Well, for every tree we harvest, we, as kids, plant five more in its place in a sustainability plantation we’ve established up north.

This massive sustainability initiative is a source of pride for my family and me. Our goal is to nurture the growth of trees and contribute to the flourishing of our planet.

Additionally, in my daily life, I’ve always been actively engaged in cleaning up our living area, ensuring proper recycling practices, and placing items in the correct bins when people leave behind mess and rubbish.

Being a junior leader at the church sounds exciting! Can you tell us about one fun experience you’ve had helping others?

Originally, that’s when a child helps at the church, helping others in understanding the word of the Lord. God’s word is very inspiring and fun. The program also involves charitable giving and helping other leaders to ensure everyone is happy learning about God. It’s genuinely fun, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to help others.

Dancing, singing, and art – that’s amazing! Which dance move, song, or painting are you most proud of creating?

At school, my afternoons are filled with dancing, which is incredibly enjoyable. Collaborating with fellow students in my year group makes the experience even more fun. We help each other understand the dance moves, and the performance nights are the absolute best!

 

Recently, my favourite artwork project was creating a paper mâché face mask. I incorporated elements that I truly love, such as a turtle (because I love the ocean), a butterfly (a long-time fascination), and musical notes with tiger stripes (reflecting my love for both music and tigers).

Dancing since you were 2! What’s your favorite dance move, and why do you enjoy dancing so much?

Dancing keeps you active and moving while enjoying awesome music. Immersing yourself in various beats and rhythms allows you to craft unique dance moves.

I particularly enjoy dancing in a group as it enhances collaborative skills and is fun with friends. However, I also have a special fondness for solo dances. One of my favourite solo performances was at nationals when I was 6, where I danced to “Material Girl.” It was a blast, and I had the opportunity to wear pearls, sunglasses, and gloves during the performance. It was an incredibly fun experience.

Can you share a story about a time you felt really good helping someone?

I prepared various foods, such as sandwiches and snacks, for the homeless. Additionally, we organised a sock collection drive for the homeless during the winter.

This initiative had a significant impact as it provided warmth for them and ensured they had dinner for another night.

Furthermore, I have visited numerous nursing homes with both my family and school to engage in conversations, bring laughter, and offer handmade gifts to the residents.

Having a little brother sounds like fun! What’s the coolest thing you’ve taught him or done together?

Spending time with my brother is always fun as we engage in playful activities after school and on weekends. We both share a love for the water, whether it’s at the beach or pool, making it a fantastic and fun experience—especially when our dad joins us. And, of course, lots of hugs make these moments even better.

If you could make your own planet, what would it be like, and what kind of creatures would live there?

If I were to design my own planet, it would be populated by all my favourite animals, surrounded only by kind-hearted people. This planet would prioritise safety, free from diseases, and strictly forbid any harm to the environment. Additionally, all my preferred activities and foods would be available—except for olives!

When you draw or paint, what’s your favorite thing to create? Animals, people, or maybe something out of this world?

Engaging in painting or drawing, I particularly enjoy creating abstract pieces. During a recent sleepover with my BFF, we collaborated on an abstract artwork, making the process incredibly enjoyable, and the result was amazing. We even concealed the name of the artwork within the piece, adding an extra layer of fun.

Additionally, I love drawing nature, including birds, trees, and rainbows.

Looking ahead to when you’re a bit older, what’s one big dream you have for when you grow up?

As I get older, my aspiration is to continue designing and channeling my passion for art. My ultimate dream is to experience lasting happiness with my beloved family by my side.