Let’s start right at the beginning Emily – what was your first ever job?
When I was about 14, I got a job teaching baby ballet classes at mt first ballet school, which I attended when I was 2! It was absolutely adorable – a bunch of little 2-3-year-olds stomping around like baby elephants in pink tutus. We would host Christmas concerts every year and I’d have to get up on stage with them because they (very understandably) kept forgetting their routines.
Awh that might be the cutest first job ever! It might answer my next question too! If you weren’t in PR, where do you think you’d be? I’m guessing you’d be a ballet teacher?
Actually, when I was a kid I wanted to be a world-famous author/movie director/explorer. Then, as a teenager I was obsessed with ancient history and archaeology – I even studied a few elective uni courses about ancient mythology and Egyptian archaeology which helped to scratch that itch. I still nerd out massively when visiting ancient ruins – my friends like to say that I have an unhealthy obsession with ‘old rocks’. So to answer the question, I think I’d be an archaeologist.
Fascinating stuff! And so different from a desk job, I imagine. Speaking of desks, what’s on yours right now?
Well, I’ve just moved into a new flat and I’m unpacking, so not much at all. There’s a battered plant pot that just about managed to survive the move, a notebook, and oddly enough, a cookbook – although that’s more for aesthetic purposes. It’s got a very pretty cover so it’s adding a pop of colour. Unpacking and decorating are next on the list!
That’s understandable, I think we’ll let you off. If your desk isn’t offering much inspiration, where would you prefer to work if you could choose anywhere?
Anywhere where there’s sunshine, to be honest! I also just love the idea of hybrid working – and the fact that you can actually do a working holiday quite easily these days. I’d love to find a cute little apartment in some gorgeous Italian town or Greek island for a week, so I can just shut my laptop after work and go out and explore. If I could somehow work effectively from a sunny beach somewhere my life would be complete.
You’re not the only one! That sounds like the dream. Let’s talk a bit more about you. What’s something everyone at work knows you for?
Honestly, everyone always makes fun of my Aussie slang – especially when I accidentally use it in emails. Mostly they just find it funny, but there have been times when no one has any idea what I’m talking about!
I try not to use too much obvious slang, but I’m definitely still guilty of shortening my words all the time – some recent ones I’ve been called out on are ‘Chrissy decs’ and ‘choccie biccies’, not to mention my pronunciation of ‘no’. I’ve actually noticed a few bits of my slang creeping into other people’s vocab though. Someone recently messaged me ‘arvo’ instead of ‘afternoon’.
I think I might already know at least one of your answers to this question, but what three things could you not live without?
Number one would be sunshine. Hands down. Surviving the UK winter is proving tough! Sometimes I feel like I never shut up about Australia – especially with the weather getting so cold now. I do miss it a lot! A close second is the ocean – I grew up on Australia’s coast, so the sea has always been a huge part of my life. It’s something I really miss living in London. Then, of course, my family and friends! (who I probably should have said first!) They’re the most important people in my life, and I truly couldn’t live without them.
That explains your sunny dream working location! But what about when you’re not working? What keeps you busy?
I love backpacking. There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning and not knowing what town or country you’ll end up in that night, let alone what city! I absolutely adore exploring new places – no plan, just showing up at the bus station, picking a place, and then booking accommodation once you’re on your way. It’s the most liberating feeling in the world.
So you’re a free spirit? Any particular destinations you’d recommend?
One of my favourite places I’ve already been is Turkiye – I went for the first time last year and was blown away! Central and South America are very high on my travel wish list right now, but I’ve not made it there yet.
Central and South America sound amazing – I can tell you’ve caught the travel bug. Are you into fashion and style? Any particular influences?
I’m a huge believer in sustainable fashion – I’d say most of my wardrobe is second (or even third) hand. I love visiting op shops or finding charity store bargains. My friends and I also love ‘shopping’ in each others’ closets – we call it the ‘communal wardrobe’, and have a constant rotation of clothes shifting from person to person. One of my favourite items of clothing I own is a vintage leather jacket that I stole from my mum.
That’s such a great way to do it – easy on the wallet too, so more cash for travelling! Let’s finish with a silly one – what’s your claim to fame?
This is a pretty niche one! My six-times great-grandmother wrote the first children’s book published in Australia, ‘A Mother’s Offering to Her Children’! Her name was Charlotte Waring Atkinson, and she moved to Australia in the 1820s – she led an incredible life, surviving bushranger attacks and an abusive second marriage, then becoming a pioneer in the fight for women’s legal rights in Australia.
Wow, what a story! You must be really proud. Thanks for chatting, Emily, it was fantastic to get to know you better.
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