Week 3 - The Pilates Pro
Claire moved from sunny Sydney to London
two years ago and instantly felt at home.
After working in the fashion and beauty industry for 10 years
she made a career change to pursue her true passion of helping people lead
healthier and more fulfilling lives, starting her own business as a pilates
instructor.
How
did you get to be living in London?
I had thought about moving to London for a
long time. Five years before I came over for a holiday and fell in love. My mum
was actually living here at the time and my English roots were calling me so I
booked a ticket and made the move.
What
helped you make this decision?
I think it was the right time for me to go.
I needed a change from my current job and nothing I looked at was really
appealing to me so I thought why not. I emailed a few companies in London
before I moved and the encouraging response I received was great.
Who encouraged you? Who didn’t encourage
you? What was the feeling from your family and friends?
I was really lucky, all of my friends and
family were extremely supportive, although my dad said I would hate it (he is
from England and hadn’t returned for 10 years)
Why
London? Explain your love? If it wasn’t here where else would it be? Why isn’t
it there?
London is such a wonderful city with so
many opportunities. Originally it was going to be in Bergamo Italy but the work
situation wasn’t so good.
Are
you happy with your situation here in London? Work, love, friends, social?
I am definitely happy with my situation
here in London. I feel if I was still in Australia I would never have had the
confidence to make the career change. I have never felt so comfortable and
happy in a city before. You can be who ever you want here.
I have some really wonderful friends here
that make me smile every day. What else can I ask for?
What
goes on in your flat during the week? Do you rent alone, random share? Was it
always like this? Where were you before? Do you feel a connection with the area
you live in? Why/why not? Name your favourite places in your area you can
recommend to others.
I live with my boyfriend Gus and the best flat
mate in the world Sally. We have a two
bedroom apartment in Islington.
We love the area and have been in here for
two years. It’s close to great cafes and shops. Highbury Fields is a 5 min walk
from us and I love spending lazy Sundays there.
What
is your favourite memory so far living in London?
Ahh there have been so many! I had a pretty
amazing time at Florence and the Machine last month but I think a good memory
here is always a lazy Sunday picnicking on Primrose Hill in the summer with my
beautiful friends.
Are
you constantly wearing something in particular at the moment? Why? Do you
always do that?
Since I made the career change I live in my
black leggings from Top Shop and over size jumpers. A bit obsessed with my
boyfriend’s white t-shirts at the moment
too.
What
are you anticipating at the moment?
An exciting new client in New York!!!!!
The
best colour in the world is….?
Sky blue – It makes me happy
Fantasy
question – if you could live in another era, be another person, have a secret
talent, what would they be?
If I could live in a different era I would
have to say 1920’s. I just love love love the fashion and class.
Would
you change anything in your life?
I wouldn’t change anything. Life is good.
It’s not perfect and there always new challenges around the corner but that’s
life you just have to take one step at a time and remembering not to take
everything too seriously.
