Everybody has a story

Week 4- Jewellery-licious-mama-Mia

Mia is a jeweller/ jewellery designer raised in Sydney but has travelled far and wide. She loves a challenge, meeting new people and experiencing anything and everything. Loves food, coffee, art, yoga, fashion, bling of course, skipping and sunshine. Florence is her magic place and she's a killer whistler. Mia is on a mission to make it big in London.

How did you get to be living in London?

Living overseas had always been on the cards for my boyfriend and I. Originally we were tossing up between the UK or US, I much prefer Europe plus we have family and friends in Italy so it made sense to be here. The timing was right so we left at the end of 2011 and travelled for a couple of months then started fresh in Londontown.

What helped you make this decision?

I think we both carry the notion that life is too short to not do everything you want to do or at least give it a try,  and to experience everything the world has to offer. We needed a break from life in Sydney and a change of scenery; I always find that you appreciate home so much more after spending time away too. Also, one of the main reasons for me was I wanted to grow my business and try and succeed on a much larger scale within the European jewellery trade.  

Who encouraged you? Who didn’t encourage you? What was the feeling from your family and friends?

Everyone was very supportive.... except my little Grandma who was very sad :( But my family and friends are pretty used to me disappearing overseas for stints each year, however I think this time they think I may never come home! 

Why London? Explain you love? If it wasn’t here where else would it be? Why isn’t it there?

I'd ultimately love to be living in Italy, Florence specifically, as the culture and quality of life there is like no where else. However, the job market is not so good so London was the next best option. Being so close to the rest of Europe was definitely a huge attraction, and makes it so easy for weekend escapes.

Are you happy with your situation here in London? Work, love, friends, social?

I am loving London so far, we've only been here a little over 3 months and it's just recently that I have felt completely settled. I'm renting an amazing shared jewellery studio in Hatton Garden, working part-time for a Jewellery Gallery and have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline. I'm really lucky to have a handful of my best friends living here too who have made the transition super fun and easy. 

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?  

We are renting a flat that belongs to a friend of a friend, in Islington. It's an old Edwardian school converted into lofts, it's just the two of us and we live in the girls/ infants quarter :) We really love the apartment and the area. Some friends used to live around the corner who we stayed with 2 years ago so it always brings back memories of when we first discovered Islington. Apparently there are more pubs per square mile here than any where else in London - fact. And there are so many great cafes and restaurants and design shops so there's always a real buzz.

Name your favourite places in your area you can recommend to others.

Maison D'etre is a great little cafe and has the best coffee by far in Islington. Otto Lenghi for brunch/ lunch and amazing cakes. The Albion is our favourite old school pub - great kitchen and beautiful beer garden for summer. The Almedia theatre and their modern french restaurant is a must.

What is your favourite memory so far living in London?

Too many to count.... probably Sunday avo drinks and roast tradition with the Sydney crew. Also walking through Hampstead Heath on a sunny day with all the magnolia's in bloom. 

Are you constantly wearing something in particular at the moment? Why? Do you always do that?

I have been living in my black leather jacket because it's been soooooo cold, until today when the sun came out and the heat wave hit. My wardrobe mainly consists of vintage floral dresses so they are always a staple for me. 

What are you anticipating at the moment?

A few special visitors - friends and family - from back home, and an amazing summer full of travels to Italy, Spain and France. Oh and a new collection launch.

The best colour in the world is….?

GOLD!

Fantasy question – if you could live in another era, be another person, have a secret talent, what would they be?

I always wanted to live in The Magic Far Away Tree and hang out with Moon-Face.

Would you change anything in your life?

Not a thing.... I have my prince charming, amazing friends and the best-est family ever!

check out Mia's jewellery at www.miachicco.com

Everybody has a story

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.

www.clairetpilates.com 

Everybody has a story

Week 2 - The girl who quit her job

Kirstie recently quit her job and packed up her flat with the intention of moving back home to Sydney after a bit of travelling. All those long bus rides to different countries must of gave her time to think and change her mind. When she returns from her month long trip to America she will be settling back to London life and starting again. 
If the city has you, sometimes it just wont let go...

How did you get to be living in London?

I moved to London for a challenge. I was bored in Sydney and felt it was something that was now or never. Not having a big enough reason to stay is a good reason to go. 

What helped you make this decision?

 Initially my plan was to just travel. Somewhere along the line it developed in to moving. I dont actually remember where it changed or why really. 

Who encouraged you? Who didn't encourage you? What was the feeling from your family and friends?

Everyone in my life was very supportive. I dont think I came up against  about it from anyone. 

Why London? Explain you love? If it wasn’t here where else would it be? Why isn't it there?

I came to London the year before for a holiday and just fell in love with the city. I knew it was a city that I could move too all by myself. Also having people here I knew pushed me a little. 

There are so many other cities I'd love to live in, but legally it's not always possible.

Are you happy with your situation here in London? Work, love, friends, social?

I've never really committed to living in London. I keep thinking it's only going to be a temporary thing, but month after month passes and I can't imagine going back home just yet. I've made amazing friends living here and love the feeling of being entirely independent. 

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.

At the moment I am living with a friend in Kings Cross. I gave up my flat a month ago to do some travelling. I have been flatsharing the entire time I have been here and feel I've been very lucky with the places and people I have lived with. My all time favourite place to live would be Stoke Newington. I lived there when I first moved to London and I am itching to move back. 

What is your favourite memory so far living in London?

Sitting drinking in the park in summer.

Are you constantly wearing something in particular at the moment? Why? Do you always do that?

When I'm not working I'm very lazy with what I wear. I am usually in leggings and love just being able to throw a coat over anything. I also love all my whistles dresses - I wear them every second day!

What are you anticipating at the moment?

Going to USA and Canada for a month tomorrow! 

The best colour in the world is…?

Eggshell blue 

Fantasy question – if you could live in another era, be another person, have a secret talent, what would they be?

I would be Sienna Miller (when she was with Jude Law)

Would you change anything in your life?

If there was one thing I could change, I would love to be able to speak fluently in another language.  

Everybody has a story

I came to this country with my own unique story. A story I hoped to share with others. My own unique point of view of my life and what I do in that life.

The reason why I came to London was to discoverer what was on offer. Have I found what was on offer? Will I ever? I guess time will tell and discovering it is all part of the fun.

Being here I have met many others just like me - Travellers, students, ex-pats, new pats.  People who also have unique stories ready to share.

I have decided to create a little series of collections, featuring people like me telling you their story.

Week 1 - The Fiancé 

I’m a jet set playboy from Sydney living it up in London town. Well maybe not the playboy bit. I’m a telco engineer with my main passions being travel, music, food and sport.

So following the path not often travelled by Aussie's  I moved over to London to see this side of the world, eat the best food Europe has to offer, go to as many concerts as possible and see as many sporting events the bank manager will allow…and of course sharing the experience with my fiancée.

I want to be a musician, but I don’t have the voice or the fingers. So I aim to be best engineer in my field until I work out if I’m really good at anything else - I love eating, so maybe there is something there.

How did you get to be living in London?

We wanted a change from the life we were living in Sydney, so we resigned from work, packed up the unit, rented it out and booked our tickets to London. 

What helped you make this decision?

My friends, family and fiancée all pushed us to do it when we mentioned the idea. Also the Europe trip I went on when I was 21. I always planned to move back one day - it only took 8 years.

Who encouraged you? Who didn't encourage you? What was the feeling from your family and friends?

Everyone encouraged us, well other than my parents who didn’t want to lose us to the other side of the world.

Why London? Explain you love? If it wasn’t here where else would it be? Why isn't it there?

Because it’s the only place I can get a visa and it’s the only language I am fluent in.

I would love to live in Rome or Paris, but for a change of scenes somewhere like Africa or Central America would be great.

Are you happy with your situation here in London? Work, love, friends,  social?

Yea, I am loving London. I have found some great friends who love to party and check out new places.  I have also found a great and challenging job.  I’m caught in 2 mind sets - one to just work to pay the travel bill, the other to progress in my career.

It’s also been fairly easy as I've had my fiancée sharing the experience and keeping me company when I was bored and friendless. I do miss my family and friends back home a lot, but it’s fun meeting new people.

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.

Not much! We get home fairly late, so I make dinner or get takeaway. We relax and watch TV.

I tell myself to pick up the guitar or a book every night instead of watching TV, but the brain doesn’t act.

We live in West Hampstead, which is a nice part of town. I would like to move closer to the city, but if I was to live here permanently, it would be fine.  The area is nice due to the parks and the good transport links to town.  I Love the cafes in Hampstead, especially The Wet Fish, as it has great coffee and delicious brunches.

What is your favourite memory so far living in London?

One of the best experiences has been the Pret-A-Diner pop restaurant in the Old Vic Tunnels. It was an amazing venue underneath London in the old tube tunnels. The tunnels were transformed for 2 weeks to a Michelin star restaurant. The food was amazing with probably the best steak I have ever sunk my teeth into. I don't know what the Japanese do with their cows, but the 3 star meat was unbelievably soft.

Are you constantly wearing something in particular at the moment? Why? Do you always do that?

Hmm, skinny jeans and brown shoes. 

What are you anticipating at the moment?

I am anticipating our first European F1 trip to Barcelona. I can't wait to eat tapas and then have a lazy Sunday afternoon in the Sun watching the Formula 1.

The best colour in the world is…?

Blue. I seem to own a lot of Blue clothing. The missus is always trying to style me up in bright colours, but I always seem to come home with blue.

Fantasy question – if you could live in another era, be another person, have a secret talent, what would they be?

I think I should have been born in the 40s in USA. To grow up in the rockin’ 50s and 60s while cruising around in my Mustang is my dream.

Would you change anything in your life?

Maybe being more active, as I haven't participated in any sports since moving here.