You’ve transitioned from acting and being a psychology major to studying medicine—what inspired that shift?
Honestly, I have always wanted to be a medical doctor, I just didn’t have the self belief. As I’ve gotten older, my goals have shifted, I’ve learnt so much and I have changed so much as a person. I loved doing my BA in psychology because it was very broad and I learnt so many skills that are applicable to real world, however the degree itself wasn’t very helpful in getting a job that I was interested in. Which is another reason why I’m back at uni. Life is too short and you don’t want to be wondering “what if” later on!
How did you first get into sewing? What do you love most about it
I have always had a love for clothes and style, since I was a little girl. My mum actually found it rather problematic getting me ready for school as I would only leave the house if I was 100% happy with my outfit! I have always been passionate about slow fashion and sustainable ways to enjoy clothes. I finally decided it was time to learn to make quality, long lasting pieces, so my grandmother taught me how to sew when I was 21. I then taught myself how to knit a year later and have fallen in love with being a maker. It’s so satisfying.
Do you see sewing as a form of mindfulness or therapy? How does it help you mentally?
Absolutely. It’s the only time where I forget about everything else in the world. I genuinely believe it is the only effective way for me, where I can be mindful. My mind goes quiet and I am just focused on the task at hand. I think without realising it’s a huge reason why I love it. I will be sewing for hours and before I know it, it’ll be dark outside!
How do you make time for sewing alongside the intensity of medical school?
Balance is so important and with this degree I am learning to prioritise it. My last degree I was less practised in balance, where I would eventually burn out and this would end up being more detrimental to my study than just taking the weekend off. My study wasn’t effective as I never allowed myself a break and I would just end up stressed. It’s still hard to find time with study and work, however I will find little pockets of time where I will smash out a project in one evening and this gets me through until the next project.
Who or what is your ultimate muse? What do you love most about their style?
Oh I LOVE this question. Sammi Jefcoate I am utterly obsessed with. The colour, the maximalism, the tattoos, the juxtaposition in her outfits. She’s just incredible. I am also obsessed with Soph Floyd. Again, love her tattoos and how varied her closet is. My favourite thing about an outfit is pairing two very different styles. I have this Wynn Hamlyn skirt, it is satin and lace and I LOVE to pair it with an oversized tee and sneakers. I also just love colour and although I’ve been neutralising my closet recently, I will always have colour statement pieces.
Lingerie is often about confidence and self-expression—how does it inform your personal style?
Like I said earlier, I LOVE colour. I will always reach for lingerie that is colourful. It’s just so fun and the pieces will never get old to me. You can really level up an outfit with a cute colourful bra peaking out. It’s such a cool way to incorporate colour into an outfit.
Have you ever experienced burnout? How did you navigate it?
I did not used to deal with burnout very well. I would act out and end up partying and writing off the entire weekend or spending the whole day watching YouTube because I was in this state of mental paralysis. This is why I have prioritised rest days with this degree and balance my weeks so when I study, I am studying effectively and when I am resting, I can rest guilt free.
What would you say to someone who feels “too busy” to have a creative outlet?
Honestly, this is a valid feeling. I have felt this way before and being a creative it was frustrating having this belief because, well, I genuinely believed it. I undermined how important it was to me as a person. But I have realised it is analogous to saying, I am too busy for the gym, or I am too busy for my partner, or I am too busy for my friends and family. Being creative if you are that kind of person is interlinked with your wellbeing and your wellbeing should always be a priority. If you take care of your wellbeing, you are more likely to feel like yourself and ultimately feel like happiest version of yourself.