SHINE - Issue 5

Interview​

1. ​How would your best friends describe you?

​If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would that be? Listen to your heart and try to turn down the noise. Sometimes there will be lots of opinions from external sources that try to steer you off your path but listen to your heart and stay authentic to your feelings and what you want to do.​

2. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would that be?

Often opinions from external sources try to steer you off your path.  Listen to your heart and stay authentic to your feelings and what you want to do.

3. ​Most vivid memory of your school days?

I was initially lined up to read English Literature at University, but despite getting my grades, on results day, I just didn't feel right. I knew that if I went down that path, I wouldn't be truly happy. I withdrew my application to read English and was released into clearing to do Fine Art and Sculpture. It was such a stressful time, not just for me but for my parents; all my friends were secured with University places, and I had done a complete 180. What followed was relentless travelling up and down the country to interviews at Universities. It was an uncertain and trying time back then, but I know now it was the right move.​

4. ​How do you stay in touch with your friends from school?

I have a group of close-knit friends and we fortunately live close to each other, so we often meet for a nostalgic chat. I am also part of a Facebook group and I manage to keep up to date with everyone’s news that way too.​

5. ​What was your first job and what are you doing now?

My first job was working in retail as a shop assistant. I made a best friend at this job, and we were each other’s bridesmaids. I am now a taxidermist specialising in birds and I am a dedicated conservationist. ​

6. ​What one dish can you make from scratch without a recipe?

I love cooking as it offers a chance of escapism. A speciality is stuffed homemade pasta which I make from scratch – in particular ravioli, also my husband’s favourite. Or bread, I bake focaccia every week but mix it up using different flavours.​

7. ​A book you would recommend reading and why?

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake. In the book he explains how mycelium (sprawling fungal network under the earth) is the foundation of our eco system and without it we wouldn’t exist.  ​

8. Who or what inspires you?  

I am inspired by the resilience of mother earth against the human impact on the world. The ability of nature to be so powerful, to bounce back and all the remedial effects for well-being is inspiring.​

​9. What moment in your past do you wish you could experience again for the first time?

Seeing the view from an aeroplane of the world below. I remember it being the most abstract, beautiful remarkable thing that I had ever seen. To see something with curious eyes for the first time is incredible​

10. ​Which animal best matches your character?

A snow leopard. They have adapted well to thrive in harsh environments and are powerful and skilful creatures. However, they are also elusive, shy, and solitary.  ​

11. ​Where do you feel most yourself?

Alone, but not working, I love my downtime moments. It’s the time when I give myself the space to be me, not Elle the taxidermist.  ​

12. Who would you trust to help you bury a body and why?

I would definitely do it solo; I would not burden anyone else with the trauma. I have found that in life when you give too much to someone else it becomes theirs, it’s not yours anymore. This task would have to start and finish with me. ​