"You Inspire Me," The female protagonist during the month of August, interview 1

1.) So why don’t you tell us a bit about your small business and what it was that inspired you to start up?  

- Like many parents I wanted to make some extra money on the side of my other job while I could be home with my family doing something I enjoy

 2.) Do you take any inspiration from where you live and how would you describe your refurbished pieces, generally? 

 - Not necessarily, I definitely have my own style. I’ve been told to do plain white a lot but that’s not my vibe 

  3.) What does a day to day in the life of Evie look like, do you work from home or do you have a studio?

 - I go to work at a homewares/variety/balloon shop 4 days a week and in my spare time I chip away at my furniture in my garage.  

4.) Why don’t you tell us about your favourite piece (of furniture) that you’ve worked in so far . 

- My favourite piece of furniture so far would have to be a tallboy I did. It was a unique shape and reminded me of a lighthouse so I kept the coastal vibes happening and used a super light grey with timber drawers and top.  

5.) Raising Maeve has been a huge turning point in your life, what would you describe as your most memorable moments and what are your values as a parent? –

It definitely has. Every day is memorable with Maeve. I wake up everyday happy and excited that I’m her mum. I value showing her the beauty of the world. Especially life without technology. 

  6.) how would you describe yourself in three words and who do you take inspiration from either for parenting or for establishing your own guiding values/ template?

- Kind/ Friendly/ Creative - I’d say I’ve taken tips here and there from a lot of other mums and my own mother and friends etc. I do think that each persons parenting journey is completely different to the next, so in saying that, Jesse and I have completely evolved on the journey of becoming parents and that has created a whole new template of our values

.  7.) Moving to Australia at a young age must have taken quite a while to get used to, how do you think your move influenced your character and do you ever feel some nostalgia for your home country?  -

 Moving to a new home in another country was exciting. Moving schools not so much, a lot of the kids made fun of my accent because it was different. I slowly settled in and learned to love school in Aus. I especially loved the different scenery in the playgrounds and lots of sunshine! - I do get a feeling of home when I visit England. It’s a strange feeling but it’s nice. I feel like I have 2 homes. Australia and England.  

8.) you recently had a tattoo done, can you explain the significance behind it? –

 When Jesse, Maeve and I visited England in 2023 I got a tattoo of an Aylesbury duck which represents my home town of Aylesbury.  

9.) what does your work life balance look like and would you encourage others to pursue a career in refurbishing furniture? –

My work life balance is good, I love my job at the shop and enjoy talking to the customers. - I like doing the furniture because I am able to work from home and create things in my own way, I’ve learnt a lot! I would encourage anyone who doesn’t mind getting grubby to give it a go, it leaves you feeling very satisfied especially when the person picking up the furniture loves the piece just as much as you do!  

10.) Lastly, please share what you do to unwind and whether your feel that relaxation plays a role in how relaxed and easy going you are, as a person. 

 - My favourite way to unwind is by putting my phone down and staying away from technology. - I love being happy, smiling and talking to people but depending on my mood i am not always easy going! Haha. I struggle a lot with anxiety in lots of different ways. For me everyday it is different, anxiety can definitely be invisible and I find myself trying to hide it a lot of the time. Thanks for your questions, I enjoyed answering all of them x