Rugby, Mental Health, Empowerment and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community are just some of the areas content creator Hannah talks about in this interview.
Meet Pandora Christie, Heart radio presenter and DJ, as she tells us about her incredible life in and out of the studio.
FEATURE: WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER 5 PERSONAL PLANET COMPATIBILITY IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP
by Zoe Zodiac by Sophia Lorimer
by Rasha Barrage
Have a read of our chat with the CEO of Project Mama, a charity supporting migrant mothers in the most meaningful way
@goinspire wimbledon/@goinspire international
goinspireuk org
Pandora CHRISTIE
Starting her first gig at 16 years old, handing out flyers in a shopping centre, to now, presenting mid-morning radio at Heart FM – Pandora Christie has had an inspiring career. Read below to hear about how she got into live radio, her volunteering work at Fostering Network and her everyday life.
Interview: Chelsea Abbott
Photos: Laura Pink
Go Inspire: Can you tell us a bit about you as an introduction to our readers? You in day to day life as well as on air?
Pandora Christie: I’m the kind of person who loves to be in her comfies, cuddled up with her dog, but if I’m invited out, believe me, I will be the life and soul of the party! Apart from being on air Monday to Saturday, I love martial arts and have taken a keen interest in gardening since my garden has become a safe haven for bees. I actually took a course in beekeeping last year, even though there’s no way I could have a hive as I live in a flat and my neighbours would kill me. However, if I ever move to a place where I don’t have a shared garden, I am now a qualified beekeeper.
GI: And could you tell us a bit about your show on Heart please?
PC: My show on Heart is all about the feelgood. I help brighten up people's mornings by adding a little sparkle to their day and playing the best upbeat anthems. Let's not forget that just a few months ago, we made one of our listeners a millionaire by playing Heart Make Me A Millionaire. It’s such an amazing feeling knowing you ’ ve helped to change someone ' s life! It’s incredibly special
GI: How did you get into radio?
PC: I started off as a promo girl for Heart about 16 years ago, handing out flyers and keyrings at shopping centres and running onthe-spot competitions at school fetes. I knew the moment I got my foot in the door that this was going to be the place I ended up someday. I’ve listened to the radio pretty much all my life; music plays such a huge part in all of our lives. We use it to express our emotions, to cheer ourselves up, and to set the mood.
Because I needed actual radio presenting experience, I joined a community radio station where I hosted an array of different shows I got my experience, got myself a demo, and applied for Capital FM. I wasn’t ready for them yet, so they passed my demo to Choice FM, which is now Capital XTRA
That is where I started in commercial radio. I hosted the 3 am to 6 am slot for eight months, then moved up to daytimes. After a couple of years of doing mid-mornings, I got the call to move to Capital, where I went back to hosting 3 am to 6 am, then moved to daytimes, which was a dream! I was regularly featured on Capital Breakfast too, being sent out and about capturing content. I then had the opportunity to host the famous Kisstory, where I stayed for two years, and then the most incredible thing happened, I was asked to come and host mid-mornings at Heart This is where my radio journey started all those years ago, and deep down I knew this is where I belong
I have always used my past as a driving force to succeed.
PANDORA CHRISTIE
GI: What is it like to work on radio, does it ever feel a bit daunting talking to people you can’t see?
PC: Ok, I’m not going to lie, it can be extremely daunting. Imagine sitting across from someone you have watched for most of your life growing up, and you get to ask them all the questions you ’ ve been dreaming of since day one Sometimes you can feel so nervous that you worry nothing will come out right But one thing I have learnt is that the more you do it, the more at ease you become. One of my favourite interviews has to be with Benedict Cumberbatch He was so super nice and so lovely that we ended up having a great laugh together, and the time just flew by. You know you ’ ve had a great interview when it doesn’t feel like one; instead, it feels like you ’ re two mates catching up after not seeing each other for a while
GI: What significant moments have been real game changers in your career so far?
PC: I’ve had so many career highlights, from having the opportunity to interview some of the world's biggest superstars on the red carpet, to hosting a radio career workshop helping the next generation, to DJ-ing at Café Mambo for Heart's Club Classics However, if I could only pick one highlight that has been stuck in my head, it would have to be dancing on stage in front of 80,000 people with a bunch of minions at Wembley Stadium, just before I introduced David Guetta. I will never forget that!
GI: Was there any inspiration for you to go into radio? Anything that pushed you to where you are now?
PC: I have always used my past as a driving force to succeed I spent many years living on the streets with my mum, sometimes with no food or shelter, before eventually going through the care system full-time and subsequently entering the fostering system. I have always told myself that no matter your current situation, no matter how bad it is, as long as you have a dream, you can use it to push yourself towards a brighter future. Take one day at a time My foster parents were great role models and gave me lots of encouragement.
GI: You do a lot of interviewing at live events as well as on radio - what is that like?
PC: I love getting to chat to celebrities and artists, finding out how and why they do what they do, what pushes them, and the stories behind the music they make I find it really inspiring, although quite daunting sometimes, but I've become a master at hiding that! Ha ha!
GI: Tell us about some of your charity work with Battersea Cats and Dogs and Fostering Network?
PC: I love Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. The work they do protecting and helping dogs and cats is amazing I’ve met quite a lot of the staff there, and they are the nicest people. The volunteers give up their free time, dedicating it to the animals who are in severe need. It's where I got my lovely boy Henry (who is a little Staffie cross) He’s now 16 years old and a true gentleman! I have joined in with their Muddy Dog Run and am thinking about running the London Marathon for them next year…we will see!
@pandorapresenter
pandorachristie com
off at school, or a group of frie their hectic schedules Yet, th that could resonate with m worldwide, one you might be realising it: Stoicism
Stoicism is a profound philoso roots back over 2,300 year Greece Founded by a mercha Citium, the philosophy was fam by three men: Epictetus, a form one of the wealthiest Rom Aurelius, the last great empe Empire
These pioneering thinkers didn and abstract ideas aimed at a They offered a universal practic recent decades, their words gained popularity among H athletes, and world leaders Holiday’s The Daily Stoic podcast has been downloaded over 150 million times Stoic techniques even inspired Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to treat conditions like depression and anxiety
The “dichotomy of control”
Epictetus believed the most important ta life is to identify what is in your control –actions, opinions, impulses, and desires –what is not For instance, if you’re stuck in (something you can’t control), you ca frustrated or calmly listen to your favo podcast
Amor
fati
Women often juggle responsibilities suc managing a household, pursuing a caree nurturing relationships If you practise am (which means loving your fate), you don’t these demands; you accept your reality an every task as a valuable part of your exis and an opportunity to become a better per
Negative visualisation
Think about how often you anticipate obstacles in your daily life, whether it’s preparing for a busy week or managing family crises Stoicism encourages this ‘premeditation of evils’ because it allows you to respond effectively if problems arise Imagining the loss of something or someone increases gratitude and awareness of life’s impermanence
Sympatheia
The Stoics believed everything in the cosmos is interconnected and shares a common, divine principle called logos By making personal choices like volunteering at your child’s school, donating to food banks, or recycling regularly, you acknowledge your link to the well-being of the planet and future generations
The next time you face a challenging situation, Stoic principles might be just what you need to guide you through These timeless concepts have likely supported you many times before, perhaps without your awareness By embracing Stoicism consciously, you can unlock a wellspring of resilience and purpose, empowering you to navigate life’s complexities with strength and grace
With a sharp increase in migrants arriving in Bristol, Clare and her team at Project Mama work to support those who need support in anything from pregnancy to raising their young child in a new city. Clare, who is both CEO of the charity and mother of two tells us more about her job, the charity and their impact.
Interview and Photos: Chelsea Abbott
Go Inspire: Can you tell us a bit about you as an introduction to our readers?
Clare Smith: I’m currently deep in ‘ mum life’, I’ve got a wonderfully crazy toddler and I’m now pregnant with my second bubba. I’m not great at sitting still, always need to be on the move and I’m happiest when outdoors I’ve lived in Bristol for 7 years and absolutely love it here, there is such a gorgeous sense of community and it’s so full of charities, social interest organisations and people that want to make real change for the better.
GI: Tell us what you do as CEO of Project Mama and some information on what Project Mama is?
CS: Project MAMA is a charity in Bristol that supports migrated mamas throughout pregnancy and the early years of parenting. We’re a hive of doulas, midwives and birth workers that partner with pregnant mamas who have migrated to the UK, as asylum seekers, through displacement, trafficking or other means and offer holistic support across their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. I see my role as CEO as to ensure the organisation can remain as sustainable as possible, to make sure we can continue to offer this vital support to the Mamas without suddenly disappearing Whether that’s through supporting the team that are delivering and facilitating the service, fundraising and managing finances responsibly, or building relationships with the NHS or other key stakeholders to highlight the lack of additional support given to migrated birthing people, the focus is continuity There are also a number of norms within this sector that I quite fiercely choose to fight against, such as continuous overwork and burnout within the teams, lack of pay to meet the basic costs of living and significant vicarious trauma that can impact lives in the long-term As such, a major part of my role is working to create a culture for our village that is encouraging, supports development and is actually trauma-informed in practice
GI: Project Mama was found in 2018, how has it grown since then? And what has the impact been like?
CS: The asylum-seeking population in Bristol has been rising sharply In 2019, Bristol housed approximately 350 asylum seekers; at the beginning of 2024, there were 1193 asylum seekers in the city So we have of course seen an increase in the number of referrals being made to our organisation.
Since 2018 our volunteer base has tripled in size, and we now have 28 incredible volunteer Mother Companions, regularly giving up to 18 weeks of regular visits to come alongside a Mama on her pregnancy and birth journey Last year we supported 44 Mamas through our MC project and 57 Mamas at our MAMAhub drop-in. These figures are a huge increase from when Project MAMA was initially founded, but still do not match all of the referrals we are receiving. One primary goal for the next year is to increase our capacity as an organisation, through both volunteer recruitment and exploring other potential avenues, so fewer Mamas have to go it alone.
GI: Tell us about MAMA Hub and MAMA Companions. What are they and what is the impact of them.
CS: Our core service, the Mother Companion project, provides displaced pregnant people with one-to-one emotional and practical support. We build real relationships of trust with Mamas and journey with them through the intense rollercoaster of pregnancy and childbirth. We join Mamas in their homes and accommodation and unpack their UK healthcare rights, navigate an unfamiliar maternity system and if a Mama would otherwise birth alone, we will be their birth partner, creating a 24/7 on-call rota for 4 weeks around their due date We also support in that crucial postpartum period for up to 8 weeks, visiting them in hospital, helping around the house, with infant feeding and generally being a listening ear and open heart for each mum in those confusing and precious early days.
MAMAhub is a community group where Mamas can connect in a nurturing space, eat a hot homemade meal and join in all the activities designed to support their wellbeing and give them something to do while chatting with the other Mamas This drop-in supports displaced parents to build community and relationships with other Mamas, and to go somewhere as a mum and a woman, without having to hold the label of ‘asylum seeker’ or ‘refugee’ above their heads. It is such a beautiful space, and we ’ re often told it’s the only group they feel welcome and able to go to as it’s so comfortable. We encourage the Mamas to lead on the cooking, share a recipe they like to cook and with the support of other mamas or our staff and volunteers, to spend some time in the kitchen, chatting and cooking. For many mamas, this is an enormously precious moment, especially for those asylum seekers housed in despicable hotel accommodation without access to cooking facilities It is a glimmer of home comfort and familiarity, and something we have always prioritised - keep an eye out for our cookbook next year which will compile the recipes from the Mamas over the years!
GI: What’s the impact been like from Project Mama?
CS: This is the question that all the funders and stakeholders ask, so often it reduces our impact to statistics and numbers The love and trust we receive from the Mamas says it all and makes me outrageously proud to be a part of this village:
“[They] helped me understand my rights, reassured me that every aspect was my choice, listened and reinforced my wishes [ ] When I gave birth they stayed all night with me by my bed holding my hand. They were with me during the hardest time of my life”
‘They were there when [my baby] was born. I never thought people would do that for someone else.’
‘My Mother Companions gave me a lot of confidence. She gave me courage when I was afraid ’
“I wasn't confident to talk to people before Project MAMA. My Project MAMA Mother Companions were like my mother and my sister, I feel like I can speak to them freely. I talk to them like my family. They really supported me and helped to understand what choices I had around birth.”
‘MAMAhub is a safe place and the only space that me and my son enjoy going ”
GI: How can people help out if they would like to volunteer?
CS: We are always looking for people to join as Mother Companions, so if you are a birth worker in the wider Bristol area, please get in touch! We provide in-depth training and ongoing development opportunities for all of our Mother Companions. We also can’t stress the importance of our PM community, particularly for those doing birth work which can sometimes feel quite an isolating industry to be working in. You can join for our monthly meetings, where we offer up shared learning and a chance to share whatever might be on your heart in a supportive and collaborative space We also help with in-depth preparation ahead of each support and full team debriefs after each close of support, alongside loads of other mechanisms for ensuring you are held and valued at all times
We are also looking for MAMAhub volunteers at the moment Ideally people who can offer up at least two Fridays a month from 10am-2:30pm at our weekly drop-in in Easton You’ll be supporting Mamas with cooking and activities and generally creating a warm and open environment. All applications for volunteer roles are on our website
@projectmamauk
projectmama org
As a Turkmen-born Brit, who also has Azeri and Tatar roots, I have always been proud of my heritage and blended culture Never have I felt, growing up, a sense of embarrassment or disassociation from my ethnic and cultural background I have always stood comfortable and grounded in where I come from and where I belong, despite moving around so much Turkmen women are historically, warrior women, steadfast, physically and mentally strong, goddesses of the desert and nomadic queens Ones who fought in the desert of Karakum with their embellished daggers Therefore the jewellery and dress reflect that It is like armour but ornate A blend of rigidity and flexibility
I incorporate elements of Turkmen design; especially jewellery, which receives a lot of compliments Turkmen jewellery often encapsulates carnelian and turquoise stones in a blend of silver and gold, which suits all skin tones I wear these elements like cuffs, earrings and rings with confidence because these items make me feel special
Instagram is a portal for seeing women ' s unique styles and broadening horizons on fashion
EMEN 'S ST
Women are multifaceted and here are three grandly beautiful and talented women who give a nod to their culture in their way of dressing I am a sucker for blending modern and traditional and Rutie B, Joy Crookes and Shinanova, do just that so well
Rutie B is a Nigerian fashion influencer and dentist She infuses Nigerian prints in her dressing; giving a very feminine, classy, yet flamboyant aesthetic Modest meets playful Rutie does an amazing job making traditional print the central point of her fashion; exposing the wide range of colours, details and designs Nigerian fashion has to offer
My second source of ethnic inspiration is Shina Nova, an Inuk (Inuit) influencer, throat singer and designer who has blown up on social media for her educational posts on indigenous, specifically Inuk, customs and style Her face tattoos, beaded earrings and braids carry the important history of indigenous people An ornament that she and many Indigenous groups hold dear to their heart; proving how deeprooted and vast indigenous traditions are, yet vary from one tribe to another
style icon is London-based Bangladeshi/Irish ger/songwriter Joy Crookes Proud of her itage and growing up in London, a melting Crookes not only exposes vulnerability in her also her style by incorporating traditional hi jewellery, saree and henna in her on and attire
ore women who have brilliant modern style th their ethnic roots are Bella Hadid wearing Palestinian Keffiyeh dress by Michael and Cannes, Zadie Smith’s signature headscarf is a her Jamaican and African ancestry and s Moroccan K
er tomboyish Parisi ar-nominated actres e origin, Lily Glad tlessly her culture ed earrings projects, ventures a who are represe result more ma creators will be sp thus bringing socio-economic empowerm betterment to the community
Being perceived based on how you look will away, that is why anchoring your style with th are undeniably you, elements that bring you never go out of style, your roots can never cha culture can never be denied, so show it off an statement, that way nobody can ever make you who you are and simultaneously you can educ about yourself and where you are from
Hannah LEWIS
Meet Hannah Lewis, a familiar face you may see pop up on your Tiktok feed or on your Instagram. With over 950k followers, Hannah tells us about her career in content creation, as well as her life playing rugby, her empowering social media messages and about her support with the Albert Kennedy Trust.
Interview: Chelsea Abbott Photos: Evie Robinson
Go Inspire: Can you tell us a bit about you as an introduction to our readers?
Hannah Lewis: Of course! I’m Hannah, I’m 34 yrs old and originally from the south coast of England, but I’ve been up in the northwest for around 8 years now (so I consider myself an honorary Northerner!) I’m the parent of a teenager, Allie - who is going to be 16 in September, and dog-mum to a rescue dog called Caesar! I work in social care, supporting vulnerable young people with their education and mental health.
GI: We’d love to know about your journey with social media and the content you create?
HL: I always say I ‘accidentally fell into’ social media and content creation; back in 2020 when we were all working from home and nobody could socialise, I ended up on Tiktok (much like millions of others at the time) and started making a few videos here and there, just trying to have a bit of fun and pass the time After making videos for nearly a year and figuring out how the ‘For You page ’ sends particular content to people, I started to realise there was a space to create positive mental health content and so my ‘Mum Reactions’ came about. I don’t often see myself represented in mainstream social media, being a single teenage lesbian parent is a bit of a niche, and so I decided to make myself more visible and offer a bit more representation out there, to hopefully help others feel more seen as well!
GI: Do you find these platforms have a positive impact to raise awareness about mental health, grief therapy, sexual empowerment, body positivity, human rights, and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community?
HL: I think social media does have a bad reputation, but I think it comes down to what we ’ re accessing and what kind of content we ’ re consuming. It’s a hard balance really, trying to find content that’s realistic and informative, as well as being interesting enough to keep people’s attention. I think the pandemic really changed the way we view social media and I think it can be a powerful tool for good, but it comes down to how we use it
I do think a lot of the apps could do more to protect younger viewers from seeing extremist views and negative content, because I think they are so affected by it, in a way that some of us older social media users aren’t; we didn;t grow up on a smartphone so still consume other media types just as regularly but the younger generation find more entertainment through their phones nowadays - I think it’s just a case of adjusting how we use that to our advantage rather than trying to stop it happening.
GI: How do you balance your busy work schedule, being a young Mum and playing Rugby for Cheshire RFU?
HL: I honestly don’t know! I find it really hard to take a break, I feel like I’m always working towards something or waiting for the next thing to come along, and I get easily stuck in a routine so it means slowing down is difficult for me, I think it’s partly due to my neurodivergence, but also holidays are so expensive now and I hate leaving my dog behind! I’ve been on a few short trips this year that have been great, but I’m planning on taking my daughter around Thailand for 3 weeks next year, when she finishes her GCSEs, so maybe I’ll get some beach time then!
GI: We love your style content, have you found it empowering to share more about how clothing can be a powerful form of expression?
HL: I never really thought of myself as being ‘fashionable’ because I was very much stuck in a millennial rut; I lived in skinny jeans and a tucked-in tee for most of my 20s and so finding out how to express myself through clothes was a bit of a revelation for me. The turning point was when I started making videos about wearing suits, and people seemed to really resonate with that - finding ways to share that feeling with my audience made me feel so much more confident in turn! Don’t get me wrong, I still have pyjama days and I don’t wear a suit every day like some people think, but I do try to be more experimental with my style choices
GI: Can you tell us more about your support of the Albert Kennedy Trust and the importance of this organisation?
HL: I try to fundraise for charities as often as I can, as well as donating some of my Tiktok Creator Fund to charities myself I chose AKT a few years back as they support young lgbtq+ folks who are experiencing, or at risk of being, homeless The LGBTQ+ community, especially the youth, are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to being forced out of their homes by their families, despite people thinking it doesn’t happen anymore, but it does However I’ve fundraised for several charities and causes over the last few years I’m currently fundraising for a ½ marathon I’m running in October, in support of The Eve Appeal in memory of my Mum, who I lost to cancer last November
GI: Outside of content creation - what does your normal day-to-day look like?
HL: Honestly I’m a real homebody! I love nothing more than cooking a nice meal, chilling on the sofa, and hanging out with my daughter and my dog!
I have a few extra jobs I do on the side, so I work most days of the week, I go to rugby training on a Tuesday & Thursday evening and when the season starts in September, I’ll have matches on a Sunday! So I prefer to avoid making plans if I’m honest, I just like to relax at home!
GI: Who is your biggest inspiration?
HL: My daughter Allie! Without a doubt… she’s just so resilient and strong, she’s overcome so much in the last few years and continues to exceed any expectations I could ever have. She’s just the most fantastic kid any parent could hope for, she’s my little bestie and I’m so proud of her!
@lesbimum
You may matches u partners) compatibi gain a m understand the 5 pers
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The personal planets are closest to the earth (AKA you) and as a result have the biggest effect on an individual level, and by understanding personal planet compatibility
you can gain a wider perspective on how you and your partner work together as individuals
approaches to life
Moon sign compatibility is where things get a little deeper, with the Moon representing the emotions, internal voice, and what’s hidden beneath the surface Compatibility here is an indicator of understanding each other on an intuitive level, which can transcend logic and be felt rather than explained, while incompatibility here can suggest a block in relating to each other’s emotional needs
Mercury sign compatibility looks at the mind, and how well you keep each other mentally stimulated Mercury relates to communication and humour, and compatibility here suggests your conversations feel effortless and you have a lot of fun together, whereas incompatibility here can create the potential for arguments or difficulty keeping conversation flowing
s at how well your your relationship Compatibility here nership and a team with a united ere could look like ationship happen people becoming elates to conflict simple settling an compatibility here similar causes and hting the problem her, incompatibility resolving conflict which can make it g g me obstacles in the relationship
While this is fairly generalised and there is still so much more to astrology compatibility than just the 5 personal planets, they are a step in the right direction when it comes to better understanding the nuances of your connection And while astrology is not the be all and end all of relationships, it can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses better, to celebrate where you excel and provide extra care and understanding where you might be different
@astrologyisland&@astrologycircles
Illustrations: @anchevadesigns
Have you ever struggled with meeting likeminded female friends in London? As much as we appreciate the reach of technology and social media, we are slowly losing human connection.
Join our team! Get inspired everyday to achieve new goals that will make a difference to the lives of local women. Help us develop this amazing project that will focus on rebuilding connection and creating safe spaces for women to feel empowered..
We have lots of roles that could fit around your career or help you achieve your personal goals.
S
lso the planet and society, when onsidering this we can wear our values”
Incorporate these practices into your shopping habits and join the movement towards a more sustainable fashion future, “I believe in the power of fashion to make a difference, not just for individuals but also the planet and society, when considering this we can wear our values”
t ’ s about choosing clothing that reflects your unique personality, fits your lifestyle, and makes you feel empowered and comfortable to create a personal style that is both sustainable and meaningful
Fashion production comprises10% of total global carbon emissions*
Sayeeda Bacchus: I am a Dutch Illustrator of IndoGuyanese descent living in London My work explores cultural diversity, celebrating cultures and inclusivity through illustrations. My work is also focussed on global topical issues which are often overlooked. Having grown up in a multicultural family, and living abroad most of my life, I developed a deep appreciation for cultures which shaped my view early in life on many topics in my artwork, including ethnicity, indigenousness, injustice and human rights. My artwork has been shown at exhibitions and fairs in the Netherlands, France, Austria and the United Kingdom
GI: What was your inspiration for your cover work for Issue 5?
SB: 'Vitamin D.ark Skin' is focussed on people of colour, particularly with darker skin, who are more prone to vitamin D deficiency. With dark skin people having a high level of melanin, their pigmentation prevents their skin from absorbing vitamin D correctly. Therefore they need to spend more time in the sun to produce vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D can contribute to depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I was keen to create an illustration to increase awareness Not feeling completely like yourself is portrayed in the puzzle, with missing pieces reflecting the feeling of emptiness Each puzzle piece is a woman of colour sharing the same significant changes in mood with other melanin women
SAYEEDA BACCHUS
GI: Your work includes activism and cultural diversity. Can you tell us a bit more about what inspires you to create it?
SB: I have a great curiosity of cultures worldwide and illustrating cultural diversity is a way of celebrating different peoples. I love sharing my admiration of indigenous generational craftsmanship and ancestral traditions. I have done editorial illustrations related to global politics, such as decolonization, environmental crimes and maternal activism. Being actively involved in activism has motivated me to use my artistic skills to fight against injustice and oppressions in the form of 'artivism'
GI: Tell us about some of your past projects you are most proud of?
SB: My pattern design 'What Defines Beauty' (above) established my illustration style of ink drawings with digital techniques. The design values the differences based on ethnicity, gender and age, indicating that we should stop promoting the stereotype of beauty standards in the Western culture The Western beauty industry fuel's society with unattainable beauty standards that often harm our body and mind Beauty comes in all skin colours, body shapes and physical disabilities What Defines Beauty has been published in creative magazines and on the front cover of Consensus Reality, a Dutch art magazine and was exhibited at Decolonising the Body exhibition at Bermondsey Project Space, hosted by SKAPED.
GI: We would love to hear about what you have been working on recently and What’s next.
SB: Over the past several months I had been prioritising activism and had put aside my artwork Calling for a Free Palestine is extremely critical, as well as fostering global solidarity with all (colonial) oppressed countries Achieving collective liberation is freedom for all marginalised groups I have started to incorporate my activism in my recent illustration 'Arabs and Muslims in Media' (opposite) which I created for a piece I wrote, studying the argument 'Are Arabs and Muslims poorly depicted in the Western media'.
I am excited to create new work to represent my Indo-Caribbean heritage; the people of the Caribbean who trace their ancestry to South Asia The depiction of Caribbean people is usually based on internalised racial stereotypes, mainly due to the lack of understanding the history of Caribbean populations that shaped their diverse demographics. Indo-Caribbean is a rare community, as well as Sino-Caribbean of Chinese ancestry, and are often forgotten in art, media and celebrations outside Caribbean regions.
GI: What was it like for you and your work to be shortlisted for not just Biennial MArteLive but also getting illustrator of the month in TAFMAG?
SB: To be published as 'Illustrator of the Month' in October 2015 was a great career start as a graduated illustrator living abroad
In 2022 I was approached by the Design department of the European Biennial MArteLive, they were intrigued by my illustrations as it involves diversity and women empowerment. That same year I was actively promoting my artwork online, as well as publicly at design fairs, and I was thrilled MArteLive discovered my illustrations. My work was shortlisted as a finalist in the Digital Illustration category along with amazing illustrators across Europe.
