Seek & Venture - January 2016 by Louise Ansell

Editors letter Hello reader, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the New Year, so make it a good one. We have carefully selected and hand-picked some fantastic inspirational people, places and products that will be sure to shine in 2016. From hidden geographical gems just down the road from you, to the newest designers and fresh faced models to interviews with young successfuls, we have worked hard to find you young, new and fresh content that will inspire you to go out and enjoy the new year. Our chapters consist of culture, fashion, new talents and travel. We are here to prove that young people are not naive and prove we are intelligent and witty individuals who will go the distance and build our own success. We have fashion stories based around evolution, discovering yourself and nostalgia. Seek & Venture would like to present to you The Growing Up Issue.

louise ansell

Louise Ansell, Editor

Meet the Team

Louise Ansell Editor

Nina Elzas Art Director/ Photographer

Roushell Porter Photographer

Melody Mashliompane Fashion Editor

Jessica Evans Fashion Editor

MArta Tomalik Photographer

Contents 8 – Culture 9 – Films 10 – Books 12 – Exhibitions 14 – Events 18 - Vive la Solidarité! 22 – Memories 42 – Talents 44 – Lets Dance 48 – Making Kid’s Dreams Come True One Job at a Time 54 – Around the World in 174 Days 60 – The Boy Behind the Lens 71 – Just Go For It! 72 – Long Distance Lovin’ 78 – BAs and Babies 84 – Study Abroad: An Experience of a Lifetime 88 - 18’225 kilometers, 15 countries, 4 boys. 94 – Bloom 105 – Get Up & Go 106 – The Isle of Mull 110 – The Faroe Islands 118 – Life on the Island 136 – Disfashion 152 – Bobby Abley Designer Profile 156 – Where Will You Be in 10 Years? 166 – Leather & Lace

Culture Today’s fast-track, fast-paced world has so much going on in every industry, you’d be amazed by the many incredible creations that slip through our hands before we have the time to catch hold -or sight- of them. Countless wonderful things are lost in the masses of “anything and everything” that constitute today’s urban culture, and therefor remain unknown or undiscovered. Seek & Venture set off on a mission to feed your appetites for the happening, the new and the thrilling, and would like nothing more than to share with you the inspirational, culturally rich books, films and events that we think are a must for 2016.

Content by Marta Tomalik

Films Must see movies

The Jungle Book April 2016 An all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub raised by a family of wolves. A mature and dark twist on the Disney classic that we all grew up with. A film of finding yourself and the challenges you face along the way, a definite must see film for 2016.

Passengers TBC 2016 A film about growing and the desire for conpanionship. A spacecraft travelling to a distant colony planet has a malfunction and as a result, a single passenger is awakened 60 years early. Faced with the prospect of growing old and dying alone, he eventually decides to wake up a second passenger.

Bridget Jones’ Diary 3 September 2016 See Bridget Jones all grown up and starting a new life chapter. Bridget Jones’ Baby - the third and hugely long-awaited instalment of the movie franchise following 2004’s big screen adaptation of The Edge Of Reason - is now in full sail and the cast are on set in London.

As this is The Growing Up Issue, we have selected three must see films being released this year that looks at various stages in life that we all face as we growing up.

Books

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

My year without Matches by Clarie Dunn

A truly inspiring book to have on your shelf. Elizabeth Gilbert digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. With some sense of humor, she encourages creative curiosity.

This is a must read for every traveller. A woman’s story of how she left the city and found her soul. Bored by her job, Claire Dunn quits a comfortable life to spend a year off in a wilderness survival program. Her new forest home swings between ally and enemy as reality – and the rain. Year Without Matches is one woman’s quest for belonging, to the land and to herself.

Princess, more tears to cry by Jean Sasson

Love Style Life by Garance Dore

Totally worth reading this book full of real history. In Jean Sasson’s new book, Princess Sultana brightly describes life inside one of the richest, most conservative kingdoms in the world. This is a world where men rule and women don’t. Where men decide who she marries to where she works. This book very human. It’s endearing look into the life of a loving Saudi family and their friends.

This book shares stories on life, love, style, and career, from Paris to New York, and inspires readers to cultivate an effortless chic. The author’s blog has gained millions of readers worldwide with her fresh and appealing approach to style. This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a unique journey that blends Garance’s inimitable photography and illustrations with the candid wisdom drawn from her life and her travels.

A work in progress by Connor Franta

The woman I wanted to be by Diane von Furstenberg

This full-colour collection includes photography and childhood clippings provided by Connor and is a must-have for anyone inspired by his journey. In this intimate memoir of life beyond the camera, Connor Franta shares the lessons he has learned on his journey from small-town boy to Internet sensation It is a must-have for anyone inspired by his journey.

This book will help you to relax and deepen your knowledge about the fashion industry. Diane, in a very honest way, describes her family who played an important role in her life. She talks about her mother, Auchwitz survivor, who, maybe in a little cold way, tought her how to be confident and fearless. From an early age, Diane learned how to be strong and self sufficient. This book makes you believe that dreams come true.

So basic, so chic ! by Emilie Albertini

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Without a good basic, it will be hard to you to create a stylish minimalist outfits. That is why it is worth spending some time to complete it properly. From the knowledge of others on the market, you can find quite a few books that simply help us create the perfect wardrobe. One of them is definitely “Be Chic! Secrets of woman’s wardrobe”. A must read for a fashion lady.

A debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people’s lives. Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller - a must read.

Exhibitions The Al Thani Collection 21 November 2015 – 28 March 2016 London, United Kingdom Spectacular objects, drawn from a single private collection, will explore the broad themes of tradition and modernity in Indian jewellery. Highlights will include Mughal jades, a rare jewelled gold finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan, and pieces that reveal the dramatic changes that took place in Indian jewellery design during the early 20th century. The exhibition will examine the influence that India had on avant-garde European jewellery made by Cartier and other leading houses.

Warhol Unlimited 2 October 2015-7 February 2016 Paris, France Paris has a chance to be proud once again to display an exhibition dedicated to Andy Warhol (1928-1987). Over 200 pieces of work, that portray Warhol’s most impressive masterpieces. The exhibition includes 102 silkscreens executed in 1978-79 that will cover 130 metres of wall. But according to their creator, they’re not art; “You see, the opening party had a disco. I guess that makes them disco décor.” The exhibition is something that we had not expected to see from Warhol’s work.

Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse 30 January – 20 April 2016 London, United Kingdom A Monet artworks exhibition that should be put in your diary as an essential. This show covers a time of huge social change and innovation, which saw the growth of more subjective approaches at the end of the 19th century by the Symbolists, Fauves and German Expressionists. Gardens became visions for new utopian structures and many turned these contained landscapes into explorations of colour theory.

Vogue 100: A Century of Style 11 February – 22 May 2016 London, United Kingdom Definitely a must-see exhibition! Over 280 prints from the Condé Naste archive are brought together to showcase the range of photography that has been commissioned by British Vogue since it was founded in 1916. The exhibition showcases many of the cultural icons of the 20th century who have graced the pages of the magazine. There will even be photographs from Corinne Day’s lingerie fashion shoot with Kate Moss in 1993 which were marked as a controversial period for the magazine - totally can’t be missed!

A Century of Style: Costume and Colour 1800-1899 25 November 2015 – 14 February 2016 Glasgow, United Kingdom An interesting exhibition covering how certain clothes were made and sold and also telling stories about the people who wore them. The display explores how the invention of the sewing machine, aniline dyes, printed paper patterns, fashion magazines and department stores combined to create the fashion industry as we know it today. The exhibition mainly focuses on cities such as Glasgow, which were prospering retail centres.

Art From Elsewhere 23 January – 3 April 2016 East Sussex, United Kingdom Art From Elsewhere is an interesting exhibition on work of artists working across the world today. Since opening in Glasgow in 2014, the exhibition has been shown at venues across the UK. The artworks are mainly: paintings, sculptures, installations, videos and photograph. The exhibition changes from city to city in order to draw out the full range of each of the collections.

Events

Kiruna Snow Festival, Sweden 20 - 24 January Swedish winter event is the whiteness festival in Europe. It takes place in the snowy north as reindeer’s race, dog sleds drift and artists sculpt ice into fantasy forms. Kiruna is Sweden’s north most city and 145 km north of the Arctic Circle. Every year attended mostly by Swedish people, however it changed couple of years were the event started to be famous around the Europe.

Carnival of Venice, Italy 23 January - 9 February One of the most colourful festival in Europe. The event is fascinating, funny with a superbly costumed environment. It takes place in spectacular St Mark’s Square and the misty, magical streets around. To full enjoy the party, buy a mask, rent a costume and go to a palazzo ball.

Copenhagen Winter Jazz Festival, Copenhagen 5 - 18 February A two-week winter edition of a famous jazz summer festival. 10 days of jazz partying in the capital. Every year Copenhagen Jazz Festival transforms Copenhagen into the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest jazz club. And every year, with such a scope, the festival proves its status as a historic and progressive city of jazz. Last year the festival touched a new peak with astonishingly 1315 concerts.

Carnevale di Ivrea, Italy 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 February Another colourful festival in Italy. Every year, the city of Ivrea in the Turin province stockpiles 500,000 kilograms of fresh oranges for the Battle of the Oranges, a re-creation of a historic fight between townsfolk and a ruling tyrant. Teams wage a full-on fruit war - nothing will stop you from getting juiced.

Events

Le Carnaval de Nice, France 12-28 February (every Wednesday and weekends) Every year this winter event changes Nice to be a summer city again. The party takes place on the lovely promenade of a terrific city. Every year, a special theme is chosen, and traditional artists create 18 floats – made with colourful paper. They organise kind of a battle which is called “flower battles”. The parades take place during day and night, on the Promenade des Anglais.

Chinese New Year, London 8 February London's Chinese New Year celebrations are the largest outside Asia. Chinese New Year 2016, the Year of the Monkey, falls on 8 February. The festivities in Central London take place in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue. There’s plenty of activities and celebrations to see.

JuBi - Die JugendBildungsmesse, Germany 16-18 February One of Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest specialty fairs on education abroad. The advice on topics such as student exchange, high school visits , host family, language - travel, Au Pair, Work & Travel, volunteer as well as internships abroad made in person at the stands of exhibitors by education experts and former program participants.

Expolangues Paris 22 January -23 January The exhibition for languages and cultures. Expolangues is an event designed to develop and celebrate languages and to encourage intercultural discussions. The fair encourages multilingualism and in an unique event for encounters, exchanges and initiatives. It has been reuniting all of the participants in the linguistic market, both professional and public for more than 30 years.

Vive la solidarité! Paris is a city of love and creativity, not fear and pain.

... an article by Marta Tomalik

“I am not afraid!” is the first thing Francois, 55, hears someone say in his café in Paris early on Saturday morning. Saturday the 14th of November.. the morning after the Friday evening which caused Europe to stop in it’s tracks. On Friday the 13th of November 2015, Paris was attacked. Within minutes, the whole world was calling family and friends living in and outside Paris to make sure they were safe. Whereas the world tries to hide it’s bewilderment and fear for the future, the Parisians bravely rise from the fall, dust off their shoulders, and resume their daily routines. Seemingly unintimidated, the French people furrow through the rest of the month and do their best to keep an air of composure about them. In awe of their bravery, some of us wonder; how does one live on after such an assault? What must one do after a terrorist attack? How does one live normally? Can people ever live in peace again after such a traumatising experience? It is not easy to talk about emotional and demographical terrorism has become a Terrorist attacks succeed due spontaneous, unexpected, difficult to counteract. One are almost impossible to one has a surefire solution say that fighting terrorism is in this game of power, there

terrorism given the physical, damage it entails. And yet, recurrent part of human life. to the fact that they are often and unforeseen, making them of the reasons such attacks put an end to is because no to avoid them. Specialists particularly difficult because are no rules.

The statistics gathered after the attacks of 13th November by French daily newspaper Le Parisien show that 57 percent of French people are angry, and only 13 percent are scared. Now, wether they’re scared or not, one thing is for sure- they are very brave. They have responsibilities like any other person- to wake up in the morning, take a metro, go to work, and pick up their children from school. If there’s something the French do particularly well, it’s defending their way of life. Life where enjoying a glass of wine on the terrace after work is not a crime, and watching a nice play in a theatre full of people is normal. Regardless of circumstances, the French want to defend their right to be able to do whatever it is they please to do, and do it freely. And who wouldn’t stand for that?

What happened in Paris is seen as an attack on young people, and their way of enjoying life. Youth in French society shamelessly enjoy going out, having fun, and finding pleasure in the simple things- the good things. After what happened on the 13th of November, one might question wether that will change, but Parisian youngsters and students -emotionally and courageouslystand their ground. Sandrine, a university student, is looking to the future with fear. “My friends and I don’t know what to do next, how to act. What is going to happen next?” Marie, 18, was so shocked by what happened in the city she calls home that she had decided to stay home rather than attend future events. She confesses “It is my father who encouraged me to finally go out and see a concert I was invited to. I had to overcome my fear and leave the house. I can’t stay at home forever.” Her friend Thomas, 23, explains that he is willing to stand up against terrorism whole-heartedly. “We are young, we cannot lock ourselves in at home! We need to live our lives, continue being happy and enjoy -really enjoy- our lives.” 42-year-old Parisian Nicolas went to the Bastille Square commemoration service with his daughter. He knows that young people will need some support and emotional aid from their parents in this difficult time. “Staying at home and not going out is like being dead already. We have to continue with our lives, we can not give up.” Although the attacks had an effect on daily life and normality, the French won’t let terrorism ruin or change their lives for the worse. They refuse to live in fear. Above all else, the people of Paris want to enjoy and savour their lives- fully.

A spontaneous initiative was launched after the attacks, named “Tous au Bistro!.” In French, this means “Everyone, to the restaurant!” The idea behind it was to encourage people to go out, have a pleasant meal in a restaurant, and/or have a drink at a bar in remembrance of all the people who died in the attacks. But not only- this initiative is an act of support and encouragement to all the people who work in restaurants and the entertainment industry; a sign of proof that Paris will not be intimidated, Paris is not scared. Numerous, spontaneous and humbling initiatives and events have been organised in and out of Paris in honour of its’ citizens who perished in the assault of the 13th of November 2015. Paris continues to show signs of active daily life, pleasure of living, and pride for it’s nation. Despite the ongoing grieving and healing, the city of Light lives on. It will take more than an egoistic, atrocious assault to break down and dissolve the spirit of a nation united. Vive la solidarité!

MEMORIES

By Roushell Porter

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was the best in collegeâ&#x20AC;?

“I think after this one, I’m going to quit”

“We’re still together”

“Friday night, is always wine night”

“This was Nana’s thimble, I almost lost it once”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always dropped mine, mum would get me another oneâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;She gave this to me when I graduatedâ&#x20AC;?

“I really liked him”

We All Have Them

Thanks for the memories, Seek & Venture

Talents We live in a world where popularity is often prioritized over merit, talent, and acheivement. In a generation where the internet can make you an overnight success, and being “instafamous” is considered a #lifegoal, it’s often difficult to give the truly passionate and dream-driven youngsters the attention and celebration they deserve. Being talented is a gift, but to truly have the courage to pursue one’s passion is a virtue worth admiring, and requires bravery. Standing your ground in a progressively competitive and challenging world with the will to thrive off of a hobby or passion professionally in the futre takes dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. Seek & Venture takes pride in shining a light on and encouraging those who have risen out of their comfort zone and acheived outstanding things in the pursuit of their dreams- wether that’s reaching 300K Subscribers on Youtube, or making their first million. Let us introduce you to our wonderful, young, thriving talents.

Gregory Casares, 23

Anna, Maria & Tatiana Bolotova

Mitchell Gilbert, 21

At the mere age of 23, movie director & freelance illustrator Greg Casares has graduated from Lausanne’s most prestigious artistic school with honors, published an award-winning animation film, and is currently working on an upcoming animated series for children. His illustrations have been featured in digital and print magazines in Paris and London. Need we say more?

Meet the stunning Bolotova sisters; Anna, 33, Maria, 21, and Tatiana, 18, are from Russia and happen to own their own brand, “By Adori.” Created to offer a unique, feminine alternative to highstreet fashion, By Adori is custom-made couture made in Moscow!

It take courage and passion to dedicate one’s life to a need for speed, and that’s exactly what Michell Gilbert is - driven. Ditching the books for a steering wheel, he switched tracks- and now races on them. “When you’re driving you feel very alive,’ he tells us. “Even the days when I feel like quitting, I know I couldn’t- it’s in my blood, it’s what I do.” We’re all for those who have the audacity to pursue their dreams- even if it’s at 250KM/hour.

Boyan Slat, 21

Lori Cutler, 24

Bethan Mary Leadley, 19

Dutch entrepreneur/inventor Boyan creates technologies to battle against the global issues of sustainability. He is the founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup; a systemcapable of cleaning up half of the Pacific Ocean in just 10 years.

Co-founder of buymywardrobe.com, a fashion resale site where you become a member and can indulge in countless pre-loved items with brands ranging from Chanel to French Connection.

AKA Musical Bethan, the young singer entertains over 270,000 Subscribers on her YouTube channel, has released two EPs and is now a presenter on MTV. Bethan is one of many examples that the internet really can help you acheive your goals and dreams.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance: Meet Kate Kowalska, a

23-year-old professional dancer and personal trainer.

... An interview by Marta Tomalik

“Choose the job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Kate, watching you on a stage is simply a pleasure, please tell us more about yourself. I am a professional dancer and personal trainer specialised in street dancing styles like house, “waacking” and locking. I come from a little town in Poland, and to achieve my goals I had to work very hard. I started to dance when I was 9 years old. It was quite a tough period for me as I had to devote a lot of my time to train at dancing school, but also attend a primary school at the same time. I remember that in high school, I used to finish my days at ten o’clock at night, because I was rehearsing choreography and had English classes after school. When I got home I still had some homework to do. It was very hard, but worth it. That’s a lot to do for a child and teenager - having school, English classes and dance lessons! Where did the desire to dance come from? What inspired you to be a dancer? It certainly was a lot. As a child I used to watch a lot of TV programs where I’d see Michael Jackson’s video clip called “Billy Jean,” and I fell in love. I started imitating the moves and dancing to the song every day until one day, I found out about a dancing school in my town. Everyone knows how hard Michael Jackson’s dances are, so you can imagine what a challenge it was for me as a child to do the same. I love to dance, so I was persistent and patient. In the end, my hard work really pays off. What does dancing do for you, is there a particular reason why do you love it so much? I find that dancing is the most beautiful way of expressing my emotions and feelings. It allows me to forget about daily problems and overcome some difficulties in my life. Dancing makes me feel happier, healthier and more connected to myself. I also meet incredible people and find true friends through dancing. What challenges have there been along the way?

I have been in semi-finals of “Poland Got Talent” together with my dancing team, “Balans.” I’ve also participated in many international dance competitions and work for dancing agencies both in Poland and the UK. I have been through many tough situations where you’re given limited time to make a good choreography -for a TV programme, for example- and you need to synchronise the routine with other team members. Sometimes you need to learn a few new dancing routines in less than a week, and perform it on a TV show or stage. On TV everything must be perfect; there’s no time for mistakes and if you can’t follow, you are fired. Again, on top of all of this I had to go to school, pass exams and study at home. My love for dancing helped me overcome those hard times and made me the person I am today.

Congratulations on taking a part in “Poland’s Got Talent”! I can only imagine how incredibly nervous you must be before and during such performances. How do you deal with the stress? Thank you! To answer your question, well, I literally had no time for mistakes- over the years, I learnt to dance under pressure. I can honestly tell you now that I don’t get nervous before performances anymore. And how about plans- where do you see dancing taking you in the future? I’d like to keep improving my dancing skills and eventually open my own dancing studio- which would combine dancing with fitness and would be available to every woman in the UK. I dream to create a place where women could work on themselves, bettering themselves, where they could come and forget their problems and just dance. They would learn how to liberate emotions, meet other women and feel powerful. To acheive this goal, I have to constantly improve myself as the world of dance is always evolving. At the end of the day, this is me- this is my life, and it’s something I love to do. Dancing is a way of life, and I will never get bored of doing what I love.

Thank you for giving us some of your time, you’re almost free to go! We have two last questions for you.

What advice would you give someone in the early stages of starting a career?

Do you have a motto?

People should choose their life pathway in function of their abilities and hobbies, no matter how strange that sounds. They should always keep pushing to make their dreams come true, even if they sound unrealistic at first. YOU know best what makes you happy, and only you can choose how you want to spend the rest of your days. Choose the job you’re passionate about, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

I do. “How you do anything is how you do everything” Your motto is very straight forward. Maybe, but it’s true! No matter how small day-to-day things are, you should handle them effectively because even small things would have an impact on success in your life.

Thank you , Kate. And good luck!

Meet Bejay Mulenga,

Making kids’ dreams come true one job at a time.

... an interview by Louise Ansell

It’s well known that the competitive nature of the business world leaves little opportunity to be involved with those in the industry. Bejay Mulenga and Liam Tootill set out to change this with the launch of Supa Academy, giving young people the chance to start a career and gain access to the industry of their choice. Seek & Venture meets with Bejay to find out more. Photography by Roushell Porter.

Hi, how are you?

to working with hundreds of people in one go.

I’m good, thanks. How about you?

Would that be the Supa Academy Hack event?

Not too bad, a bit stressed actually. But it’s Thursday, so..

Indeed.

Haha, well it’s nearly the weekend, you should be alright.

Which took place in July, correct?

Yeah, should be fine.

Exactly, yeah.

Would you mind briefly explaining Supa Academy?

And how did that go?

Of course. Supa Academy is a career development platform that my business partner and I created last summer. It has been going for about 18 months, and the aim of our brand has been to create opportunities for the 18-24 year olds to work with brands, co-create and learn.

It was really exciting for everyone.

We’ve done a few live events, and now we’re growing out and starting to create employment opportunities and sustainable pieces of work. There have been a few bits and bobs here and there. Interesting! So where did this idea originally stem from? The idea originally stemmed from a conversation between my business partner and I about exciting things that we could do to help our business take off and elevate our work to another level. Right, I see. Prior to that, I was working with secondary school kids and building little shops. Essentially, we made a quick decision to “up the ante” and create a massive event that would excite people and entice them to get involved. We alterated between working with school kids in groups of ten,

That’s great. Was it a success? A big success! As we did the event in July, we had five thousand people turn up to the shop. Amazing! We then had about four hundred teenagers working the shops with us, and in addition to that, we manged to reach approximately three to four million people by YouTube adverts. Brilliant. On top of that, we reached a total of 20 million people via social media, so a there was a lot of buzz going on. MTV even came round to film! Congratulations on that success. Tell me, how do you think the people involved benefit from this? The way they will benefit is that they get a real opportunity to collaborate professionally with each other. They get access to all these resources and everything is set out for them.

“If your heart’s not in it, don’t do it.” At the end of the day, the result is tat a certain amount of people -wether they already own little businesses, or are atill learning- are getting to work thanks to Supa Academy, and that it’s a direct confidence booster- allowing people to believe in their abilities. Have you encountered any challenges along the way? Definitely. Trying to pull together the finances was a recurring challenge, and that was definitely a massive thing to deal with. I suppose that another thing that really took up a lot of our time was to figure out exactly what the business plan was, because the concept was initially quite abstract. It wasn’t exactly as straight forward as you would expect a start-up plan to be; a bit of time was needed to do it all. Understandably so. If I recall correctly, you mentioned earleir that you were planning to expand. Where do you see Supa Academy going in the future? The plan for Supa Academy to progress forward is to start developping and launching our offers and programs for young people. We’re now in the process of getting ready to open up a series of short courses! This means 10-20 hour programs as well as 10-week programs giving people the chance to work with brands, and at the end of the course, get job opportunities and go straight into work. Our main thing right now is to focus on interesting, specific careers we can create for people to fast-track them into the industry. in the past, we have done a lot of “light touch” stuff, where a program wouldn’t be more than a few days long. Today, we’ll pair young individuals with a mentor over a longer period of time- allowing us to get a better grasp of the person’s abilties, and thereafter, match them directly with an employer. So in a sense, what you’re oferring is comparable to work experience? We don’t really familiarize with the idea of “work experience” or internships. To us, it’s more a notion of “lets help get you the career you need.” People can apply through our website or through our partnerships- this is something we’re about to

announce in the next couple of weeks. Speaking of upcoming events, we have a master class taking place next week with two over-acheiving teenagers flying in from San Francisco. The boy made £100,000 when he was thirteen, and the young girl wrote a book in which she interviewed over five hundred teenagers over the last two years. You see, to us, it’s important to have access to such interesting content so that we can start inspiring people to chase their dreams and actively acheive their goals. That sounds incredible. Before we finish the interview, could you give us one piece of advice you would give someone battling to start a career? The main advice I give people is that you really need to figure out what it is you want to pursue, because anything you work on does take a ridiculous amount of time until you start seeing progress. If you are doing something simply because of the money behind it, there is no real passion, and when the going gets tough you’re not going to have what it takes to keep on going. A massive amount of people are going out in search of careers that they end up not enjoying. Young people need to start choosing stuff that they have a genuine interest in. Very true, well said. What’s your motto in life? I think my motto in life is a shorter version of what I’ve just said; if your heart’s not in it, don’t do it. Anything you’re working on will take a sufficient amount of energy and I don’t believe that any job is easy. Not everything is going to excite you, and work isn’t always going to be fun. There will be days when you want to drop what you’re doing -which is hard- so I think having a purpose is a really important thing. Definitely. Thank you so much for your time. It’s all good, thank you.

Around the world in 174 days:

Meet Tom Davies

... an interview by Louise Ansell

If you need help choosing what to do on your gap year, let Tom Davies inspire you. Earlier this year, he went from “enjoying cycling” to becoming the youngest person to cycle around the world. 18,000 miles, 21 countries, 174 days and over £65,000 raised for charity. Louise Ansell met with the now Loughborough University student to find out more about his life changing experience.

Hello. Hi. Could you explain a bit more about your journey this year? Of course! Earlier this year I became the youngest person to cycle around the world. I rode 18,000 miles through 21 countries over 174 days of riding. That’s truly inspiring! Haha- thanks. Other than that, I’m pretty much just like everybody else - only I have some slightly unusual tan lines. Haha brilliant. You were aiming to raise £50,000 for charity too, weren’t you? Yep, I found it important to choose charities I felt passionate about so the three charities I picked were the Sohana Research Fund, Prostate Cancer UK and Carney’s Community. Sohana Research Fund deals with a really nasty skin condition (Epidermolysis Bullosa). Prostate Cancer UK conducts research in aid of those with Prostate Cancer and Carney’s Community helps disadvantaged young people around my area of South London get back on their feet. I was aiming for £50,000 but now the total is a bit over £65,000 now, which is crazy! That’s incredible! Congratulations! Where did you get the idea for this? I’m not really sure. I was thinking of things to do in my gap year and I pretty much decided that I wanted to cycle as much

as I could (I did quite a bit beforehand). I still liked the idea of traveling though, so I was looking at places around the world that I could take my bike to. After a while I came up with this idea, and never really looked back. It must have been challenging, what did you face along the way? To be honest, there were no easy days so it’s hard to narrow it down. Knee problems and food poisoning defined some of my lowest points but it was the weather that really made things difficult. Rain, snow or even 40-degree heat can easily make for a very miserable day. Honestly, I think the mental aspect was the hardest. I think a lot of that was down to the distance I had to cover. Even now I can’t get my head around the concept of riding 18,000 miles. Which was your favourite place that you visited? Favourite place.. it’s hard to pick just one. I think Australia was probably my favourite country. I really liked the cities there; Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. Some of the coastal roads near Melbourne were absolutely stunning as well. The south of France is definitely up there for me though, especially in the Summer. Having said that, going to India was an incredible experience and being able to ride through a rainforest in Thailand and Malaysia is something I don’t think I’ll experience again. Wow- that’s amazing. So what did it actually feel like when you finally returned home? It’s a feeling I can’t put into words. After a very hard six and a half months it was all a bit emotional. I honestly can’t describe it; it was the best feeling in the world.

“I definitely believe that success is based more around happiness rather than money.” I can imagine it must have been a rollercoaster. Do you see yourself doing anything like this again in the future? Not just yet. I think my parents would be suitably unimpressed if I came out with anything too soon! Haha yeah. I’m definitely going to keep cycling but I don’t see myself rowing the Pacific at any point in the next year or so. I’ll keep an eye out for that! Do you have a motto in life? I’m not really sure about a motto, but I definitely believe that success is based more on happiness than it is on money. Personally, I can’t think of anything worse than a desk job - even if it was well paid. I try not to take things too seriously and I

intend to keep doing things I enjoy. So if someone else wanted to attempt something like this, what advice would you give them? A lot of it lies in the planning and the initial idea. Make sure you pick something that you’re passionate about. If I didn’t enjoy cycling, I would not have made it very far! No, effectively, riding over 18,000 miles isn’t something you could pull off you weren’t passionate about it. Exactly. Thank you so much for your time, Tom. Not a problem, thanks for the interview.

Meet V l a dimir Tisma:

Th e Bo y Be hind Th e Lens

... an interview by Nina Elzas

We all have dreams- it’s more often than not a question of wether or not we’re courageous enough to chase them, and how far we’re willing to go to do so. Whereas some of us settle into more or less exciting careers in function of what we have access to and “what others are doing” around us, others rise directly out of their comfort zone in pursuit of what they’re passionate about- what makes them happy. Vladimir Tisma, aged nineteen, is one of those people. Meet the dream-driven, goal-acheiving boy behind this lens.

Let’s start with the beginning, shall we? Before diving straight into the details and stories behind your success, why don’t you tell us -in your own words- who Vladimir Tisma is. I’m a young adult -nineteen years old- with a passion for imagery. Originally from Geneva, in Switzerland, I guess you could say I’m not your typical teenager- alcohol and nights spent clubbing aren’t really my thing. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against that lifestyle; I’m just not entirely comfortable living it. Despite the fact that I’m no artist or musician, you could say that music is a big part of me and my work- I listen to music day and night. My friends, too, are a massive part of who I am and what I do; they’ll always have a special place in the balance of my daily life. The happiness of those I love will always be something I prioritise over my own. I’m a sickly perfectionist when it comes to my work.

We all experience using a camera sooner or later in life, but we don’t all connect with it. When did you discover that photography was something you were genuinely interested in? My first memory when it comes to photography has something to do with the war in Irak. I must have been seven or eight, but I recall seeing images that stayed with me for years. Feelings, situations, fear, sadness, and lots of information- I remember taking it all in. I think it stayed with me because of it’s visual strength- at that age, I was far too young to read a newspaper or understand an article, but just one picture had the power to describe the content of four pages. That’s what I find so fascinating, and it’s what inspired my love for photography.

Years passed, digital technology improved and evolved and my fascination grew fonder. It probably helped that every time I’d leave on holiday with my family, I was always the one with the camera at hand. During skateboarding sessions with friends, I was always the one to take the shots -which usually is a drag to have to do- but I loved it. I loved every aspect of it; capturing the images, and making my friends happy. At some point, I started spending all of my free time at my neighbour’s house; he used to a professional be photographer back in the day, and he taught me everything he knew. I’m not sure who enjoyed the teaching and learning process more, him or I! One day, he gave me a small camera -an old, but precious thing- and that’s where it all (really) started. From there on, how did you turn that hobby into such an important aspect of your daily life? When you have a true passion, it becomes more than just a time-consuming hobby; it takes over you. I think it took me a while to realise that important choices regarding my future had already been made inside of me- I felt it physically, but not mentally. Not until I reached an age where I felt I was ready to devote myself to my passion, to take on the responsibility of making photography a career choice.

Being able to abandon a path that you felt wasn’t for you in exchange for one you wanted to pursue must have been liberating. How does it feel to be granted access to professional opportunities thanks to a talent you’ve harnessed, and are in the early stages of mastering? It’s not that I didn’t like studying, on the contrary- I find them very interesting. I just felt however that I particularly wasn’t made to pursue them. I’m agitated, badly organised, and I don’t have the will to work for things I don’t enjoy… it’s only fair to say it couldn’t have worked out. I believe that everyone is good at something in particular- it’s just a question of finding out what that is, and being willing to admit it. Has your photography allowed you to meet any interesting people, attend special events, or experience particularly special moments? Yes. I once shot a series of images of homeless people, which allowed me to meet the most incredible human beings. Their life stories could have been straight out of a movie. I’ve met a few idiots too, but unfortunately one can find idiots anywhere. I’ve travelled a lot too, which gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in enormously diverse cultures and environments. Lastly, I’ve met quite a few old photographers, which to me are wells of knowledge- I keep in touch with them, and they sometimes accompany me.

As a photography student myself, I’m aware that as photographers we often come across moments, views or sightings that take our breath away- to such an extent that we have to give ourselves a moment to take it all in before being willing to lock it all down on a memory card. Any favourite moments you’d like to share? Two moments come to mind. My first encounter with a leopard -very much like my first encounter with a lion- in Mozambique. I had no idea such breathtakingly beautiful creatures walked our planet.

I remember everything about being in that Jeep, in the heart of night, just a few measly meters away from this incredible leopard that lazed peacefully in a tree after having eaten. Petrified, and in awe. I was breathless. Then of course, the Northern Lights in Iceland. I wish I could explain what that was like, but I have no words for it. It was simply surreal- I couldn’t describe it if I tried. The sky is a reflection of the whole world showing off its’ splendour. What I can tell you though, is a short story. During my last night in Iceland, I really wasn’t expecting to get a sighting of the Lights- the sky was murky, clouded. As I was crawling into my sleeping bag in the back of the truck, I turned around to scorn my friend as I thought that he hadn’t switched off the headlights. He looked confused, and suddenly screamed “Holy shit!” Then and there, we caught sight of the most ridiculously vivid northern lights we had experienced to date; vibrant greens and purples dancing across the entire sky. They were so bright we could film them with our smartphones. It was absolutely breathtaking. I like to think Iceland was saying goodbye to us. Standing your ground in such a competitive industry at such a young age must be undoubtably intimidating. Do you sometimes get the impression that people don’t take you seriously? That’s an excellent question, by the way. Thanks, I try. Yeah, it happens every day. Unfortunately, I think it’s all part of the game. A name is made, built, earned with time. Then again, some people have less training but know how to play. They say that an audience is a modern artist’s quality. It’s not easy when you’re both a perfectionist and badly organised.

Is there anyone -a company, magazine, anything- you would enjoy working for, or is freelance more your thing?

To be honest, I was sent to Iceland with Canon’s support. That alone made me incredibly proud- it’s the sort of stuff you dream of. That said, yes, I’d be interested in sharing my work with The National Geographic, but obviously everything will take it’s due time. Any collaboration you take part in can be constructive, but I don’t think it should be considered a goal. If a collaboration comes your way, great, and if not, that’s fine too. How about your friends and family, do they support you? It’s well known that the artistic, creative industry is as looked down on as it is looked up to! Oh, they’ve always been supportive. All of them. Being particularly talented in something from a young age is often a potential pathway to a promising career. Do you have any projects coming up? Nothing in particular for the moment, but we’ll see what the future holds.

We’d like to thank you for your time, Vlad- we’re almost done bothering you! Before letting you go, we’ve got two last questions- it’s a tradition our readers like to hold us to. What’s your motto, if you have one? Any particular phrase or belief you like to live by? “Go solo.” What does that mean to you? It’s a reminder not to depend on anyone but yourself. If you had to give someone starting out in a similar situation -a younger you, per se- a piece of golden advice, what would it be? Be certain that your choice is well thought-out and that it’s one you’’ll be both willing and able to handle and take responsibility for before you start. Be realistic, and most importantly, be prepared to make sacrifices to reach your goals.

Follow Vlad’s adventures... • • •

On Instagram : @vladimirtisma On his Facebook page : Vladimir Tisma - Photographer Online : tismavladimir.wix.com/tismaphotography

ÂŠ Vladimir Tisma Photography

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We’ve all had to face emotional crossroads in our lives; moments where the fear of taking a chance is almost too overpowering to see the beauty in the possibility behind it. Wether it’s pursuing a dream your parents refuse to support, commiting to a love overseas, challenging yourself to get in shape, or rising above a stigma to prove everyone wrong, diving into the ice-cold waters of the unknown is never easy. We’ve got good news and bad news for ‘ya. Ready?

Life is short. Yes, we know- that stung just like a Band-Aid. Listen. Our days on this marvelous, extraordinary planet are limited- you know it, we know it. News flash; it doesn’t matter- it’s not about how many breaths you take, but how many moments will take your breath away. Life is as long as it is short. Yes, there are only so many hours in a day, but you have more than enough time to achieve incredible, rewarding, exciting, amazing things. Time to reach your goals. Time to graduate. Time to run that last mile. Time to text that cute boy back, even if -scratch that, especially ifhe hasn’t liked any of your profile pictures yet. You personally have everything you need to become whoever it is you want to be in life, and you’d better start today. All it takes to surprise yourself and accomplish things you thought you couldn’t is a step out of your comfort zone. One.. little.. step. Chin up, kiddo- it’s a New Year. The time is now, and you have what it takes to get to the to where you want to beregardless of how much you’ll sweat before you get there. To boost your mindset, Seek & Venture have hand-picked a few beautiful, headstrong, driven people for you; individuals who came THIS close to missing a chance, but wouldn’t have let it go for the world. Individuals who challenged their bodies, emotions, and reationships in the pursuit of what makes them feel alive. And you know what? It was all worth it, every time- but we’ll let them tell you that. You’ll find that what these amazing, inspiring people have in common is genuine, radiant happiness. They must be doing something right - right?

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” (Mae West)

Give yourself something to be unapologetically, radiantly happy about this year- stop thinking, and start LIVING. You’ll find the only thing holding you back is yourself.

Just go for it!

“ Long Distance Lovin’, ”

... an interview by Nina Elzas

Meet Tess Elzas, 18, and Joe Webster, 23 ... ... a young couple currently in a long distance relationship that is as much a wonder as it is a challenge. While Tess is completing her studies in Geneva, Switzerland, Joe lives and works in London. After having met and fallen in love in the Greek Islands earlier this year, the two youngsters have built a surefire bond that outlasts both distance and timebut how? Long-distance relationships are known to be emotionally and physically testing, and aren’t of the simple variety. That said, the easy route is rarely the most rewarding one. Despite not being able to come in and do a formal interview due to being abroad and on different continents, the couple gave Seek & Venture just enough of their time to answer our questions. As inspiring as they are down-to-earth, this couple will have you swooning and lovesick in no time.

S&V: Can you tell me how long you two have been together? Tess: At the end of this month, it’ll be four months. Joe: On the 29th of July this summer she turned up at the bar I was working in -somewhere in the Greek Islands- and surprised me. That was when we really starting seeing each other and I started falling for her. So roughly, four months. How did you meet? Do you remember the first thing she said to you, or you to him? We met two years ago, in Ios, Greece. He was working the door at a club with his best friend, whom one of my friends was obsessed with and wanted to talk to. As I was third-wheeling, I met Joe. I remember thinking how beautiful he was and getting along with him immediately. We spoke for hours.. until the following morning! Later on, in an attempt to spare my feelings, I decided I didn’t want to get attached to him and we lost contact. We exchanged birthday greetings on Facebook, but never really got the chance to see each other again after that... Not until this summer, in Greece, in the same place. One day in July, Joe and I bumped into each other again after having decided to meet our friends in common at a bar overlooking the sea. Once we got there, he came to tell me how much he had missed me. And so it began. We spent three amazing days together until I had to leave to a music festival in

Belgium, but 24 hours after the festival I flew back for a whole month to surprise him. This time, I fell head over heels in love with him. Well, let’s see. We met in Ios -a Greek island- in the summer of 2014. The story is one of sweet, unexpected romance- the sort that falls straight out of a fairytale. We met because a friend of hers wanted to see my friend, who was working in the same bar as me. We started chatting, ended up talking for hours, and what followed is mine and Tess’s story. If you were to describe each other with one sentence, how would you do it? The sweetest hairy creep I’ve ever met. Haha! If I was to describe Tess in one sentence.. I’d say she’s an angel who everyone warms to, and I’m lucky enough to have. You two are something. Could you describe yourselves, with no more than five words? Completely in love with the hairy creep. (Sorry, that’s seven words.) Driven, loyal, unorganised, spontaneous and happy.

When do you get to see each other? And how about the travelling, is it a struggle? We see each other every two to four weeks. We both work very hard to make enough money in order to travel up and down during weekends. As I am in my last year of IB, I can’t travel during the week and therefor can’t see him as often as I wish I could. I’m very grateful to not only have parents that let me travel whenever I desire to, but also to have a boyfriend whose parents let me come over whenever it suits me. I can’t deny that it is indeed a struggle. It’s quite a schlep to have to travel for two to three hours every time you want to see the person you love. But don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely worth it! We try and see each other every two weeks and so far it’s working out well. Tess has flown to London three times now, and I’m going to Geneva for the first time ever in eight days. It’s very difficult for me to get time off work to go out there- even when she’s here I have to work, which makes me feel terrible. Leaving her when she’s traveled all this way to see me is something I wish I could avoid, but she understands I think. We have a good winter planned; a few weeks after I visit Geneva, we’ll be going to Belgium together, and after that, she’ll be coming to live here for a couple of weeks after Christmas. Her being here after Christmas is what I’m most looking forward to, because it’ll feel like a normal relationship for just a snippet of time. Not long enough, unfortunately. Surely you must miss each other… Oh, for sure. Immensely, and constantly. I feel like at first, the whole “see each other for a weekend, then not see each other for a couple of weeks” thing was pretty cool because it kept every time we’d meet again different and fun. Today, I just want to be with her all the time and it’s a burden to know that I can’t. I really do, there’s no doubt about that. It’s very difficult to be far from the person you love, especially after a long or hard day. In all honesty, I’m usually a pessimistic person- I never believed in long-distance relationships and was once convinced that it was impossible for the heart to grow fonder with time. But I guess that’s the lovely thing about my relationship with Joe; he proved me wrong and taught me the beauty of love over seas. Let me tell you something. I’ll never forget the day I left Joe for the last time without knowing when we would be reunited again. While I was crying, Joe looked at me and said “Don’t be sad, we’re only kids and we still have our whole lives in front of us to be together. Smile, and look forward to what is yet to come.” How beautiful is that? It stayed with me, and will remain a lesson forever. How do you deal with the distance? Distance really is the hardest thing in our relationship, but to stay strong one has to find a bright side. Joe has become my main motivation.

Working towards something so special is more enriching than one could imagine. Despite the actual work experience not being that enjoyable, when you finally earn the money you’ve worked hard for to be able to travel, or gotten to the date written on your plane ticket, you know every second was worth it. Joe and I tackle distance with communication, which makes a huge difference. Even though you might not always have a thousand things to tell each other every day, it’s amazing to hear each other’s voice, and be able to see each other through Skype. Tess and I talk every day, fortunately. We used to mindlessly call each other for hours, but after getting really impressive phone bills we’ve starting calling each other through Facebook. Looking back, it seems to have been a ritual from the startwhen I was still working in Greece this summer and Tess had gone back to resume classes in Switzerland, I called her from a deserted payphone every day. Crack of dawn or midnight, she’d answer the call. Has battling with being apart taught you anything? Distance is what makes one feel the need to cherish every second spent with the person they love. Every time Joe and I meet, we only have about 48 hours together -not enough- so every minute counts. You learn to appreciate the small things, such as lying in bed and sharing a pizza. The simple things suddenly feel like the world to you, and at that time there isn’t a place in the universe you’d rather be. Joe, tell me- what is it about Tess that makes the distance worth bearing? Not seeing Tess for a while is like waiting for a bus. When she finally comes round, she’s pretty worn down, her seats are sticky and she smells a bit funny. Haha! I’m only kidding. She takes you to the exact place you want to be, and she’s incomparable. All jokes aside, when Tess is around I feel like I have my best friend with me. That’s what makes it worth while. She’s everything, all at once. There’s something else that makes her worth waiting for, but I have never experienced it before so I’m still lost for words when it comes to explaining it.... but trust me, it’s something beautiful. That last bit was a cherry on the cake. Tess, your turn. Haha- that’s an easy one: everything! It’s the whole combination that I look forward to seeing again. I adore the specific things -his incomprehensible English accent, his crystal blue eyes, his passion for Domino’s Pizza- as much as the unexpected things (his rough hands after a hard day of work, his lack of geographic knowledge -trust me, mine is worse.) I guess there are a few more romantic, admirable things, too; his generosity, the way he cares about people, his ability to make me smile or laugh for hours on end, and the fact that his arms make me feel at home. Oh, and his cow onesie. Definitely the onesie. You two are as funny as you are adorable.

What’s your favourite memory together to date? That’s a really good question... There are so many of them. If I had to chose one, it would be the day Joe and I rented a scooter in Greece and toured the island together. We both started off the day with a massive hangover, and got lost countless times. Our scooter was not only broken, but also the size of a small bike, so we had to cling to each other for dear life in order not to fall off. We thought it was hilarious and had an incredible time. We stopped in a small, empty restaurant on top of a cliff that overlooked the sea and had a traditional Greek lunch before finding a secluded beach where we lay on the sand and just enjoyed the silence and each other’s company. That moment in time was priceless. My favourite memory with Tess was more of a favourite entire day, really. I can’t remember the exact date, but towards the end of my work season in Ios, we rented a scooter and rode all around the island. That was the most special day I’ve ever spent with one person. That said, there have been so many incredible moments. Tess makes me laugh more than anyone; I often literally have to stop in awe and disbelief of what comes out of her mouth. She’s hilarious. For someone so intelligent, she sure does come up with some atrociously funny, incredibly questionable stupidities. I couldn’t pin down a favourite funny moment if I tried, because when we’re together the laughter is constant.

my room for days after she leaves, and they’re specks of her regardless of their insignificance. Secondly, the way she looks at me sometimes. Sometimes, the way she looks at me lets me in on the fact that I’m the only thing she’s thinking about, and to know that she loves me so much makes me love her even more. Lastly, another favourite thing is the way Tess has thrown herself in to the deep end of my life, meeting my friends and family. I am in disbelief of how well she has done. It just comes so naturally to her. Speaking of which, it’s my turn soon (to meet the family)! I know that I might seem like quite a confident person on the outside (and I’m sure I’ll be fine,) but I’m secretly terrified. Where do you see yourself in a year from now, and wherever that is, are you there together? In a year from now... I have no idea where I’ll be. Hopefully -if things turn out like I hope they would- I’ll be travelling through South America or Australia with Joe. I don’t like looking ahead of time because I’m aware that life doesn’t always work out as we wish, but I truly hope that Joe will still be a big part of my life in a year’s time, and that we’ll be fulfilling our dreams together somewhere across the globe. Swoon… sounds amazing, be sure to send us a postcard! Joe?

If you could tell each other something you wouldn’t necessarily dare saying out loud, what would it be? Don’t worry, we won’t judge. I would thank him over and over for being the light of my days. As cheesy as that may sound, I can’t thank him enough for what he’s given me and continues to give me. He taught me to appreciate the small things in life and to focus on what really is important. Hmm.. good question. The thing is, I feel like we both tell each other everything already. Everything I have to share, I share with her. One thing I can think of is that I’m so proud of her for meeting all of my family and friends enthusiastically, and holding herself so well. Oh- and that I love the flared trousers she keeps buying. One day, I will steal them all and they will be mine. Tess, what’s your favourite thing about Joe? Make it a good one. His ability to care about everybody surrounding him. Whereas Joe is often fiercely boyish and a little rough on the edges, he is one of the people I know with the largest heart.

Well chosen. Deeply affectionate people tend to surprise us. Joe, a favourite? My favourite thing about Tess… it’s tough to single it down to one. You’re going to laugh, but I’m going to start with a little thing, tiny- her hair. Why? Because I always find strands around

I have no answer for this question, because at the end of the day, I don’t know where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing tomorrow. That said, what I do know is that Tess will be with me, and I’ve never been more adamant about anything in my entire life. Aw, guys. I’m crossing my fingers for you. Unfortunately we’re running short on time, but I have one last question for the road: if you could give a couple struggling with or hesitating about maintaining a long distance relationship some advice, what would it be? I’ll tackle this one. Never forget what you’re doing it for. If the moments spent with the person you love are stronger than the moments spent suffering because of the distance, then you know it’s definitely worth every bit. Keep your head up and remember that the efforts you’re making will be rewarded sooner or later. And lastly, don’t forget that love is rare and that it’s worth fighting for once you’ve finally found it. Beautifully said, Tess. Thank you so much for your time, guys. All the best.

“Never forget what you’re doing it for. Remember that love is rare and that it’s worth fighting for once you’ve finally found it.”

BAs and babies: Meet Roushell, 21, fashion student and (beautiful!) young mum. ... an interview by Nina Elzas

We live in a world where the idea of having children at a young age is often brushed off as the result of “that bad decision” made by impulsive, clueless people lost in their early twenties, battling with responsabilities they never saw coming. That agressive, pessimistic stereotype is often generated by a slightly more traditional crowd that has diffficulty accepting the striking novelty and refreshing irregularity of our times. Whereas today’s generation is portrayed to be a self-centered, selfie-obsessed one, our youth is in fact becoming more capable, progressively independant, and is learning to make bold decisions of their own. Truth be told, you can’t put an age on responsibilty, very much like you can’t put an age on youth- it is one’s sense of maturity, wisdom, and life experience that are essential when it comes to making the right decisions for one’s self. The world is blooming with young, determined, driven individuals that are taking their future into their own hands, and are thrilled with the results- we so happen to know one of them. Meet Roushell Porter, twenty one; granddaughter, daughter, sister, and mother.

“Me, afraid of being a mother? I’m already a mother to my friends!”

Can you tell me a bit about yourself ? Who is Roushell Porter? Hiyya! I’m 21 years old and from London. At the moment I’m studying Fashion Promotion and Imaging at UCA in Epsom. I love music- especially R ‘n’ B and reggae. I’ve recently found interests in baking and trying different types of food… that’s me at the moment. I also have the most adorable little baby girl. And you’re the proud mother of a beautiful baby girl! Thank you, and yes I am. Her name is Zara Murray, she’s seven months old. She’s such a joy to have; there’s never a dull moment with princess Zara. She’s so playful, always smiling and laughing. Anyone she comes in contact with she shows so much love. I really enjoy spending time with her and watching her grow, I can’t believe how big she’s getting. To be honest, I still can’t believe I’ve had a baby- it still feels like a dream to me. I’ve always wanted to have a child, but later on in life. How old were you when you had Zara? I was 20 years old when I gave birth to Zara. Surely the idea of being a mother at a young age must have been daunting. Were you afraid at all? Honestly, no. I’ve always been told that I’m quite mature for my age- I myself believe I have a mind set of thirty-five to forty year old! I like to plan things. Physically, I was ready to take on the challenge of being a mum but mentally, I do believe I struggled a little. In my head, I had planned how my life was going to be. When I found out I was pregnant, it took me a while to actually accept that my life was going to change drastically. I didn’t like the concept of another being being dependent of me. I really struggled with that idea and mentally I wasn’t ready or prepared. Me, afraid of being a mother, never? Hah, I’m already a mother to my friends. I’ve always had that character about me, so for that part it was easy.

How did you know that it was the right decision to do, albeit a bold one? Being able to have a child, that itself is a blessing. As I said earlier, I’ve always wanted children. Sure, mine came a little early, but I think it was the right decision for me to have her; she has brought positivity to my life. That alone is enough of a reason for me. Also, I would never have an abortion- I chose not to use protection at that time, so why should I take that life? Again, I think you have to be mentally and physically prepared and it is a huge responsibility to take on. Fully applying yourself to the idea of pregnancy and acting in function of it is a crucial transition; you don’t really have time to sit back. From the moment you find out, it’s quite hands on. I think once you’ve prepared yourself mentally to go through with it, everything will fall into place. Even so, nothing can really prepare you for the actual process of being pregnant! During your pregnancy, you have your emotions all over the place. By your last semester, you literally just want the baby out! At the end of it, however, what you get from the experience is greater than what you lose. Young people dealing with pregnancy often fear how their studies might be affected, and are quick to think their freedom will be taken away. It’s natural to think that, but by the time you reach that point, it’s not just about you anymore- there’s another person now. Personally, I just believe that if you’re ready to do so, having children will bring you happiness. I believe that everything happens for a reason. And how are are you finding motherhood now? I’m absolutely loving motherhood, there’s nothing more pleasuring. Actually witnessing her growth is simply amazing. I enjoy every second of it, and because she’s so playful, it makes it that much better. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not ALL roses- it is difficult as well, because I have to give her my full and undivided attention. That can be hard sometimes because I’ve got a whole lot of stuff to do, like my uni work, actually going to work and staying on top of things. I think you can definitely find a balance. Being organised does help, and so does having great support from your family and friends. Being a mother has great benefits, there’s always help.

Any favourite aspects of being a mum?

Do you feel like being a mother has changed you as a person?

To me personally, I’m able to feel young again. I’m a lot more positive; I can be silly and not have to think about it. I think when you become a mother you become carefree; you get a new perspective on life. It’s almost refreshing, like a detox.

Yesssss! I’ve got so much more life in me. I’m more positive, more energetic. I’m willing to do more for myself. I’m trying to be the best person I can be for Zara, so that she has a great example to look up to.

You’re actively studying fashion, which is inspiring- how do you deal with such a busy schedule?

You know, I feel like we never really take in everything our parents teach us until we need it most, but I can imagine that as a parent yourself, you must be grateful for some things your mother taught you.

I’m very open to adjusting and dealing with change, so I don’t mind bringing Zara along with me to the museum or to a fashion show. I think it’s cute, and I still get to bond with her. And hey, she gets to see cool designs and gorgeous clothing! As I do have my partner with me, I do get the time to pursue my interests and have a little me time. As an individual you have to find time for yourself, I believe that’s the only way you’ll be any use to somebody else. If you’re not happy and content within yourself, you cant make anyone else happy either.

Haha, that’s so true- my mum is literally my everything! I think I’m becoming more like her every day, although I don’t know wether that’s a good or bad thing given how young I am, haha. She’s done her best and I know in my heart that I’m a good turn out. She has definitely taught me how to be brave, confident, and diligent. To be ambitious and get my own help, but also to accept help when given it. A lot of what she’s taught me has transformed itself into my ability to teach and help Zara bloom into a wonderful individual.

Did you ever consider dropping out of school? Ahh la la.. many times, especially as I was attending university whilst I was pregnant. Heavily pregnant, too. Time and again I wanted to give up and just say -excuse my French- “fuck this.” And I was so darned emotional, my god! I would cry for almost everything. I think that going back to church and reconnecting with God on a more spiritual level definitely helped me to push through and be strong till the end. The fact that you’ve taken on multiple responsibilities and deal with them so well is incredibly humbling and inspiring. Between raising a child and getting a degree, is it challenging to maintain a social life? Haha, I think I’m becoming an old lady; I hardly want to go out any more! At least not partying, anyway. Finding a balance can be a little challenging at times, but I think that if you’re realistic about it and try to maintain the time you’re spending with your child, you’ll do fine. Zara’s dad and I try and have a date night every month so that we’re still connected. I go over to my sister’s every other weekend, and that for me is social time as well. I’m still adventurous and want to try new activities- now I just have plan them out more, rather than get up and go. You seem to have a firm sense of discipline, which I admire enormously. Definitely. You have to be- especially when you have a child. Just imagine; you’ve brought a stranger into this world, and you’re responsible for them. You’ve been here for a while, so you know how the world is. You don’t have time to mess around, because if you fuck up, then what chance does your child have? They depend on you. You want to protect and cherish what’s yours, so you have to try and teach your child -or whomever you care about- the ways of life, and lead by example. Basically put, practice what you preach.

Are there any particular values or lessons you feel are important to teach Zara? I think as a parent, you should try and find a balance with your children. I want Zara to become her own person, and I want her to know that it’s okay to make mistakes. I want my daughter to understand that in order to make it through this world, she needs to have faith in God, be confident and always to speak her mind. The most important three values; go for what you want, stand up for whom you are, and have faith. Trust in God. Do you have a motto, particular belief or phrase to live by? Stay true to you. I believe in honesty and standing up for who you are. This is who I am- take it or leave it, honey.

Looking back on how far you’ve come, if you were to give a young woman in the same situation as yours -a younger you, per se- a piece of advice, what would it be? I would encourage them to push through and be strong. I would tell them that it’s totally okay to have days where you feel like giving up and crying for no reason. I think people think it makes you weak to feel scared or vulnerable, and that’s not the case at all. If anything it makes you stronger and pushes you to strive for what you want, because you’ve been to that low place and have over come it. Thank you so much for your time Roushell, it’s been a pleasure.

Studying Abroad :

An experience of a lifetime

S&V: Martyna, where did the idea to participate in an International Exchange come from?

Every year around 20’000 UK university students take a chance to spend time abroad, focusing on International Exchange. Recently, studying abroad has become very common around the world: it is the newest way of studying and traveling simultaneously. Like with all big decisions, there are things to take into consideration when thinking about trotting the globe to pursue one’s studies. Martina Borys, a third year Public Relations student at the Westminster University in London, tells Marta Tomalik of Seek & Venture about her experience. ... An interview by Amelia Tomalik

I had always wanted to study abroad, so I looked into it. When I was doing the research regarding which Universities I wanted to apply to to at the time, I would always check their study exchange programs as that was important criteria to me. I think what excites me the most about Exchange Programs is the fact that they provide an amazing opportunity to travel. I really love everything about travelling- meeting new people, exploring new cultures and surroundings. Honestly, if I could do so, I’d leave to a different country every month! Studying abroad also gives you the chance to get a taste of what it’s like to live somewhere else, which is not only academically strengthening, but a life experience. I agree with you- I love the possibility and potential that studying abroad holds. I myself will be transferring to Barcelona next spring! How about you, where did you go? I went to Sydney, Australia, and loved it.

Wow, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not exactly what you call next door! What was the hardest part of the exchange?

That sounds incredible, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m jealous! What did life in Australia teach you?

Getting on the plane for more than 28 hours, that was tough. However once I got there, the most challenging part was to adapt to the completely new University. I was quite nervous about getting to know my new tutors, as well as the people in my classes. The thing is that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re entering an already-existing group of people that have studied together for a year. In the beginning, it was a bit awkward to be the only new face around.

It taught me about independence, time management, organisation, social skills and confidence, amongst other things. Six months far away from home and friends taught me a lot about myself. I proved to myself that I am a brave person who can easily adapt to new situations and environments. Moving to Australia for a while also broadened my horizons; I became more open-minded and started making connections, relationships and catching business opportunities larger than I had in the UK, or Poland. It taught me to really appreciate difference and diversity.

And how about moving around, could you travel while you were studying? Absolutely! As I mentioned previously, studying abroad gives you a fantastic opportunity to travel. Basically, every single weekend I was travelling around to explore my new surroundings . Sydney is an amazing city, so six months were definitely not enough time to see everything and visit all the stunning beaches around the city. Since travelling abroad put me on a completely different continent than usual, I was suddenly much closer to places I might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit. On study breaks and long weekends I managed to go and see highlights of Australia- The Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Fraser Island, Melbourne, and many more. I also went on a road trip for fourteen days in a camper van, and crossed the North and South island New Zealand. Finally, on the way back to Europe I managed to stop in Indonesia for two weeks, and explored both Bali and the the Gili Islands.

How could you use the experience you achieved during International Exchange in daily life? We live in a very diverse and globalised society so I believe that international experiences will always be a great asset. And because studying abroad pushes you to get out of your comfort zone, it answers your questions regarding what type of person you are. I believe my experience will set me apart from the majority of of other job applicants and maximise my chances to succeed. I think that the confidence and self-awareness students gain from having broadened their horizons by trying to adapt to somewhere new is something that employers truly value.

Did you feel that the study abroad experience changed your life at any point? It definitely did. I must say that I had the time of my life on the other side of the world. More than just being fun though, it was a life-changing experience. I returned home a wiser, more knowledgeable individual, with new ideas and perspectives on everything. Sydney is now one of my favourite cities on the planet, and I know that living there has marked my life for ever. Did you ever consider continuing your studies in Australia? Yep, I did. Believe it or not, I was once in the International Student Office with filled-up forms all ready to settle the transfer of my degree to UTS in Sydney! I was motivated to stay in Australia for another academic year, however due to some difficulties concerning my student loan I decided to go back to London. I don’t regret my decision, but I still really miss Australia and think about life back in Sydney a lot. And how about friends, do you still keep in touch with the people you met there? Yes, of course. I met a lot of amazing people during my exchange program that made my experience a thousand times better. They are people from different parts of the world so it’s quite difficult to communicate through all the different time zones, but we do keep contact. Actually, we’re already planning little reunions in Europe in January. Speaking about them makes me realise that it’s definitely the people I met in Australia that I miss the most.

Thank you for your time, Martyna. Wishing you all the best with your studies!

18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;225 kilometers, 15 countries, 4 boys.

Meet the Swiss Travel Caravan.

Meet Massimialiano Gritti, Lucas Weintraub, Elliott Aeschlimann and Vladimir De Ziegler; four best friends that successfully completed the Mongol Rally by driving from Geneva, (Switzerland) to Ulan Ude (Siberia) last summer, raising just under 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122;000ÂŁ for charity. On the 18th of July 2015, the Swiss Travel Caravan (and a very brave Nissan Micra) set off on an adventure as challenging as it was rewarding- making their last summer as students one to remember. Back in the comfort of his home in London, Massimiliano takes the time to tell us about the life-changing experience. ... an interview by Nina Elzas

“Get in the car, pack it with pesto (and other essential survival gear,) and start driving until you reach Mongolia... or until your car breaks down somewhere between Europe and Asia.”

Massimiliano, tell me a bit about the Swiss Travel Caravan team. Who are you guys? So… the four of us go back, way back! Vlad and I have been friends for 22 years now. As for Elliott and Lucas, we all met the first day of school back in 2005 and instantly hit it off. We all come from different cultural backgrounds; Elliott is half Spanish and half Swiss, Lucas is half american and half swiss, Vlad is French and I am half Italian, half Austrian. Saying it out loud really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it. We would’ve been better off calling it the European Travel Caravan. Apart from our soccer allegiances, the four of us are pretty similar many ways; similar music tastes, love the same sports and unfortunately, even the same girls sometimes.. that said, each one of us has a very peculiar set of attributes and flaws which we constantly joke about. Let’s start with Elliott. Elliott is extremely curious- too curious for his own good. “Why” and “how” are his favourite words, and there’s a well known joke that claims that -back in kindergartenwhen his Mom told him to stop asking why, he questioned her as to why he should stop.. you get the picture. Vlad on the other hand is quite the character. With him, it’s project after project, adventure after adventure- the guy simply can’t stay away any form of website that could potentially provide him with the next quest. Let’s just say that his enthusiasm is welcome as long as it’s expressed in his own head, haha. Luc is the brains of the lot, we used to call him Professor back in high school. His logic and infallible reasoning have helped us more than once when it came to deciding which bar we should hit next on Saturdays. Jeez… four’s a crowd, huh! You guys sound like a lot of fun to be around. What keeps you guys busy on a daily basis, what’s everyone doing? The four of us are in our final years at University, finally! Elliott is doing his Master’s degree in finance, in London. Vlad is in Montreal finishing his BSC in management, and Lucas also finishes his BSC in maths and economics in a few month’s time, at Warwick. I’m in the last term of my BSC in business and management at CASS in London. Awesome, good for you guys!

So how does this Rally for Charity thing work? Enlighten me. Okay, let’s see if I still have my pitch in mind. So.. The Mongol Rally is a car rally that begins in Europe and ends 15’000 kms later in Ulan Ude, Russia. The initial launch is from London, United Kingdom, with subsidiary starting points in the Czech Republic. It is described as the “greatest adventure in the world.” There are three fundamental rules to the Rally:

• The car must be small and rubbish • Teams are totally unsupported • Teams need to raise at least £1000 for charity

Our journey consisted of driving from Prague all the way to Ulan Ude, Siberia, in a tiny Nissan Micra- crossing the borders of most Stan countries, Iran, Mongolia and Russia, while teasing both Afghanistan’s and Syria’s borders. That implied crossing deserts and mountain chains, and driving past historical soviet sites, temples and markets that recall the greatness of the silk road. As you can see, the goal of this adventure is twofold. First, to raise money for charity. (Since the rally’s inception, a total of £1.6 million has been raised.) Secondly, to make the adventure a reality by partnering up with sponsors. Once all of the administrative stuff is done, there’s only one thing left to do. Get in the car, pack it with pesto and other essential survival gear, and start driving East until you reach the lush steppes of Mongolia. Or, until your car breaks down somewhere between Europe and Asia. So I’m not the only one to be obsessed with pesto! Good to know. Where did the inspiration to get up and go come from? Who came up with the idea, and how did you get the project rolling? ...Pun not intended. Being in our last year of Uni means we have one summer left before diving head-first into the “real world,” so we wanted to make it count. Which is why year ago, we started looking for the hardest, furthest and most isolated adventures we could find. That research -which took a few days- led us to the Mighty Mongol Rally, which, I must say, I was a bit sceptic about. I mean bear with me here- you’re being asked if you’d be willing

to sit in a tiny, fifteen-year old car with your three best mates for 50 days and drive across half of the world. Obviously, that didn’t really strike me as the “epic, crazy adventure full of beaches and women” I was promised at first. But whatever- bollocks to parties on white sand beaches; to my astonishment we started working on the visas, car, itinerary, sponsors, website and Facebook page straight away. On the 18th of July 2015 we left Geneva and boy was I wrong, so wrong! Beaches and women were effectively nonexistent, but epic/crazy doesn’t even BEGIN to cover what we experienced. It’s a pretty extraordinary thing to do. How did your family and friends react to the idea? Was everyone supportive? I’m guessing you want to hear our mothers reactions first? Haha. Well it’s probably not that surprising that every parent we told (that their son wanted to drive all the way to Mongolia in a Nissan Micra) was not overjoyed. The reactions from our entourage varied. On one side, you’d find those that stupidly repeated that Iran was “incredibly dangerous,” whereas they couldn’t even situate it on a map. On the other however, our friends were supportive of the idea. Some even offered their help. Let’s talk about the trip. If you could describe the journey in one sentence, how would you do it?

We had a Sharpie in the car and started covering the interior in scribbles from the first day. Words, messages, drawings, you name it. One of the first sentences that appeared on the dashboard was “ the road is life,” and it was! So I’ll go with that. Okay, now try and describe it with three words- not easy. Three words? Hmm.. Bumpy, fuel-pump, mind-blowing. Surely, you guys must have seen absolutely incredible things. Were there any highlights to the trip? Any favourite places, any memories? We did indeed! Where to start? Two days after crossing the Iranian border from Turkey, around sunset, we were laying camp in the middle of nowhere, as per usual- we had figured out a routine in terms of laying camp, starting to cook, etc. Well, in the middle of that process, a loud noise started to grow in the distance. I recall it resembling the sound an airplane makes when it flies overhead. Naturally we all look up at the sky, searching for the strange noise which is growing louder by the second when suddenly, a METEOR -I kid you not, a gigantic ball of fire- races through the air far over our heads for a solid six seconds before disappearing behind a mountain range, where it hit the atmosphere and exploded. The explosion sent a shockwave that resonated for minutes into the valley... I’ll let you imagine our faces after having seen that.

Amaaazing! I’m so jealous, that must have been surreal! Were there any “human highlights,” any people that struck you in particular? The friendliness of the Iranian folk comes to mind. As tourists, never before had we experienced such an honest and welcoming attitude towards us. Countless times, we got stopped by other cars in the traffic towards Teheran. Fruits, tea, water and so many questions about our stay and experience so far were exchanged in the middle of traffic. Two musicians immediately invited us to stay in their modest flat in the capital. They did their best to make us feel at ease, which felt disarmingly good. Any cultural havens? Uzbekistan was a hit. The amount of history and culture Bukhara and Samarkand possess can’t be described in words. To follow the steps of historical figures -such as Timur the Lame, which conquered an Empire that stretched from Turkey to India- was magnificent. And it was so empty! ha! Cities that would crumble under the tourist masses in Europe were empty! To witness the turquoise Mosques, the inviting madrassas and the towering minarets of this jewel of cenral Asia was an experience of its own. Surely it wasn’t all roses- did you come across any challenges along the ride? Oh yeah. Tajikistan was undoubtedly the challenging part. The real, tough, “mongol rally” part. We definitely felt that one. Oh, did we suffer- we’re talking about roads that climb and climb until the air is so thin that you can hardly breath. Whereas previously it would take us 5 hours to drive 400Kms, it took

us a full week to do so on the Pair Highway- a dirt road that flirts with both Afghanistan’s border and China’s border, full of military checkpoints and drug smugglers. It’s one of the main opium gateways from Afghanistan towards the world, so they call it the opium highway. Mongolia was meant to be the Final Goal, the reward after so much suffering. It was not. We burst six tires in Mongolia alone, broke the rear bumper, broke the trunk, destroyed the exhaust, burnt the clutch, and lost essential screws. It was not a joyride, to say the least. Besides the miserable, inexistant, grassy paths they call roads, the country in itself was breathtaking. It was easy to imagine Genghis Khan with his 20’000 horsemen rushing down the steppes towards their next conquest. The food on the other hand, was something special. Really special. Drinking fermented yak milk was by far the most horrendous experience of the trip. And they have it with tea?! I’m doing my best not to dry-heave, thanks for that last bit. Did the trip leave you with the lasting impression of having learned anything- any life lessons worth sharing? It definitely did. Sometimes I find myself daydreaming of dirt roads and dirtier tires… Honestly, the lessons we learned came in all shapes and forms. From “Do it now or you’ll regret it” lesson that left us stranded without gas in the middle of nowhere to the “full effort is victory” lesson that helped us get through the hardest parts of the rally, we tried to make the most out of every moment and enjoy the ride for what it was- an adventure into the unknown. Obviously, you made the trek for a reason. When it comes to making money for charity, did you manage to reach your goals financially speaking?

Unfortunately, we did not.. we made our crowdfunding goal 10’000£ and managed to raise 8700£, which is not bad. We’re very happy with that number and can’t thank our amazing friends that contributed to the fundraising so generously, enough. How did you choose your charities? This was a tough one.. We wanted to choose charities that we could have an impact on, the ones that would really benefit from a 1000£ donation. So we chose Letitbeat, a charity that covers the costs and organises operations for children in need of cardiac surgery. The second is called PIECES and is run by a friend of ours. She created the charity back in University in Switzerland as a student. They organise trips with volunteers to different orphanages around the world and have been very helpful to the Nepalese community in general. You did what you could, and you did very well- that’s all that counts. What’s next for the boys of STC, any similar projects

for the future? Oh, we wish! We have some ideas in the pipeline, maybe the Karakoram highway in Pakistan in the near future, who knows. We’re all currently undertaking a completely different -but just as tiring and challenging- adventure: looking for a job. Yeahh! Ouch, I feel you. We’ve almost finished bothering you, we’ve just got two last questions- these are a tradition. Do you have a motto; a phrase or belief you live by? I can’t answer for everyone, but I can tell you mine: ‘“Dont ask for permission, beg for forgiveness.” I like that one. And if you were to give someone young a piece of golden advice -possibly something you wish someone would have told you when you were younger- what would it be? As children and young adults we have so much free time on our hands that we waste too easily. My advice is to just jump onto projects, say yes, yes, yes to trips, get up and travel to weird countries, learn new stuff everyday, be good and do good. And enjoy what you do, dammit!

Experience the crazy, beautiful trip by visiting the Facebook page named after “The Swiss Travel Caravan.”

Bloom Photographer - Marta Tomalik Makeup Artist - Louise Ansell Model - Annabelle Loveluck Stylist - Jess Evans

Previous page Blazer from Zara Trousers from COS

Previous page Dress from Topshop

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Previous page Top from COS Skirt from Zara

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Previous page Top from Zara

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Traveling abroad was once an activity reserved for adults, and possibly their children- if they were lucky enough to come along. Today, traveling is not just for the older, financially stable, career-driven crowd; young people are becoming more independent, braver and more curious, thus beginning to travel more. Whether it’s a gap year project, spring break spent with friends or summer spent island-hopping, today’s kids want to see the world and they’re taking the travel industry by storm. Finding the worlds most lusted-after, common travel destinations, however, is easy- any Tumblr bucket list will help you with that. It’s getting your finger on today’s upcoming, understated or unheard of gems that is far more of a challenge. Seek & Venture looks into Europe’s most exceptional sights and promising countries- all within reach both financially and geographically. Encouraging you to stay curious, be adventurous and to challenge your comfort zone, we are giving you all the more reason to get up, get out, and go.

& p u t e g

A Seek & Venture feature written by Nina Elzas

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The Isle of Mull

get up & g

One of Scotland’s best-kept secrets and fourth largest island; the Isle of Mull truly is a hidden diamond in the rough. Understatedly beautiful and speckled with breathtaking scenic views, the island is located just off of the Scottish West Coast. Surrounded by the Sound of Mull in the north, the Firth of Lorn in the south and east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Isle of Mull is a prime location for a vast variety of marine faune and flora ot thrive, and boasts a large amount of wildlife onland as well.

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Although larger in size than some of the surrounding islands, The Isle of Mull is home to a smaller human population than that of it’s neighbours. Home to approximately 2,700 people, the Isle is a relatively remote, serene setting- perfect for those in search of a refreshing weekend out of the reach of busy civilization. The picturesque, colourful harbour town of Tobermory, Mull’s administrative capital, is the main touristic attraction alongside the island’s impressive natural scenery.

How to get there?

Within reach both financially and geographically, The Isle of Mull makes for a wonderful weekend get-away for the nature-loving and adventure-driven. Situated approximately 860KM away from London airports, the trip is made by plane, train and ferry. A reasonable three and a half hours will get you from London to Glaslow, where a train and/or ferry ride will then be necessary to access the island. Various flight companies cater for daily flights between London and Glasgow for less than 100£.*

*(Approx. 60£ w/ EasyJet, 45£ w/ RyanAir midweek)

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What to see?

The overpowering untouched natural beauty of the Isle of Mull represents a main attraction for outsiders and is essentially what make this island truly precious. In every direction, levelled stretches of vibrant, green land marry deep blue oceanic hues seamlessly. Gorgeous windswept valleys lay peacefully under what seem like endless stretches of blue sky, if not larger-than-life cluster of clouds.

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Mull is home to a number of stunning beaches; visit Calgary Beach for pristine white-shell sand and a glance at ancient ruins, or trek down to the reknown Carsaig Arches if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the mood to spot some aquatic wildlife. Numerous natural splendours, such as the Eas Fors waterfall or the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of ancient Standing Stones are worth a visit, too.

When to go?

Average rainfalls decrease and long, sunlit days occur most between April and September, so this period is an ideal time to visit the Scottish isles.

What to do?

The Isle’s abundant fauna and flora creates a one-of-a-kind occasion to go out and explore what nature has to offer. The Scottish islands are home to thousands of species of birds, as well as wild goats, sheep, horses and deer. Offshore, the Atlantic Ocean allows whales, sharks, seals, dolphins, otters, fish and rare aquatic birds to roam freely. It’s no surprise that wildlife tours are a popular and recommended choice when visiting. Onland, book a “pony trek” for a tour of the island on horseback, or indulge in a game of golf on one of the beautiful golf courses. Museums, coffee shops and hike trails are also to be found on the Isle of Mull.

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The Faroe Islands

get up & g

Our planet is dotted with incredibly beautiful, breathtaking locationssprinkled around the globe like geographical golddust. With today’s means of transportation and travel, almost anything is possible- you could be gazing at one of the world’s wonders this time tomorrow. The difficult part in getting to see them however, is not the trip itself; it’s pinning down exactly where these wonders of the world lie in hiding. The Faroe Islands are such a place. Stranded in the midsts of the Gulf Stream, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the 18-island archipel stands it’s ground between Norway, Iceland, and North West Scotland. Full with abrupt cliff edges from which waterfalls tumble leisurely into the sea, crytal clear waters and astounding scenery, the Faroe Islands truly are what dreams are made of.

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How to get there? Despite their remoteness, the Faroe islands are surprisingly accessible and easy to get to. Weekly flights from England, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland as well as daily ferry connections from twice as many locations will get you to Faroe Islands all year around. During the summer, directs flights from Edinburgh are organized twice a week, and thrice weekly from Bergen in Norway.

What to do? Leisurely and sporty activities are never scarce in the Faroe Islands, both during winter and summer! The untouched nature on the islands provides an extraordinary environment to enjoy; hiking, fishing, diving and kayaking are popular sports year-round. In summer, one can rappel down the cliffs and swim to shore, whereas the winter calls for surfing season. The island also boasts a magnificient, rich fauna and flora and is home to thousands of rare bird species. For those fascinated by birds and eager to feel at one with nature, horseback rides amidst the resting bird colonies can be booked. As mentioned earlier, fishing is a Faroese specialty and is also one of the largest sources of income on the island. Lastly, road trips across the archipelago are possible thanks to infrastructure that allows island-hopping.

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When to go? Due to it’s location at sea, the archipelago is home to an unpredictable climate which alternates between sunny, misty and rainytourists have said to have experienced all four seasons in just one day! Although the harbours never freeze and the climate remains relatively temperate year-round, the Faroe climate is most enjoyable throughout the months of May to September. During the summer, the sun hardly sets and days are often sunlit for up to nineteen hours hours.

What to see? Although each individual island is different and unique, the entire Faroe archipelago glistens and beams with rare natural beauty. Deep fjords, restless waterfalls, intriguing caves and stunning cliff drops can be found on each island. Why not start by visiting Torshavn to observe some traditional Faroese turf-roofed houses? (Torshavn happens to be one of the smallest capital cities in the world.) Or head over to Viðoy, a wild and untouched island Northwest of the capital, to observe some of the highest cliffs in Europe- a true haven for various birds. Suduroy, the most southern island of the arhcipelago, is said to offer some incredible cliff views onto the ocean as well. Lastly, to catch sight of the most beautiful waterfall in the Faroe Islands, travel to Gasadalur on Vágar- it truly is breathtaking.

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Life on the island

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Photography by Nina Elzas 119

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Disfashion. 136

Photographer - Nina Elzas Stylist - Melody Mashilompane Model - Fadzii Mhangami

Navy Jumper - Superdry Grey Jumper - Zara Shorts - Zara Accessories - Ellis Whitew

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Blazer - Zara Shirt - H&M Trousers - Zara

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Jacket and Trousers - Yezmi Shirt - Ralph Lauren Accessories - Ellis White

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Top and Skirt - Ana Mickovic Accessories - Ellis White

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Accessories - Ellis White

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Coat - Ana Mickovic Accessories - Ellis White

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Bobby Abley Designer Profile Piece

Bobby Abley - Fall/Winter 2015

by Louise Ansell

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Scarborough-born Bobby Abley exudes a unique energy. It all started with a pair of Levi’s twisted jeans he wanted but could not afford. Aged 15-16, Bobby bought 2-3 pairs of jeans which he cut up and stitched together alternatively to recreate something similar, yet new. That was the first of many garments to be created by Bobby Abley. Known for his charm, wit and humour Abley aims to create a specific view on fashion through his collections - that being his own. Launching his namesake label in 2012, he has since received a place on the prestigious MAN catwalk for the opening London Collections: Men for being one of the breakthrough menswear names of today. Graduating from Ravensbourne college, Bobby produced a menswear collection that successfully showcased his obsessions and ability to mix nostalgia with sexuality. This led to his first of many colourful and surreal collections. With a tattoo paying homage to his dream girl “Ariel” and his frequent visits to Disneyland, Abley fills his work with a playful and nostalgic approach to contemporary menswear design that we can all happily relate to. From his SS13 collection featuring seemingly gimp-masked Micky Mouse ears to his most recent SS16 collection, inspired by Star Wars –linking to the new films release- Bobby has a great way of paying homage to recognisable images that his audience has grown up with, always pausing to put his own humorous, iconic twist on it. Now, being part of the NEWGEN platform from the London design studio, Bobby Abley has stormed the international markets and is available exclusively through the world’s leading retailers. There is no doubt that with his iconic and recognisable work, there is no stopping the momentum of Bobby Abley within the fashion industry.

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Photography - Thurstan Redding Bobby Abley - Spring/Summer 2016

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Where will you be in

years? by Jess Evans

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making my clothes and seeing them being sold all over the world.â&#x20AC;?

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“Music producer would be my dream.”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Something in Fashion Marketing would be great - if I can ever get this project in on time!â&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would love to have a house and a big familyâ&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I work at Doc Martens currently so it would be amazing to work higher up within the company.â&#x20AC;?

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“Making music. I’m going to be the next Lil Wayne.”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I make it through this degree, I would love to be a freelance stylistâ&#x20AC;?

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“10 years? Wow. I guess just keep living each day as it comes - I’m not much of a planner.”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would love to be a fashion editor for a magazine, that would be a incredible.â&#x20AC;?

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Leather & Lace Photographer - Marta Tomalik Art Director - Louise Ansell Model - Ashleigh Clarke Model - Steven Morrison Stylist - Jess Evans

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Dress from Asks

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Underwear from ASOS

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Jumper from ASOS

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Cardigan - Vintage Jeans from Topman Next page (Left - Right) Jacket from Calvin Klein Jacket from Whistles

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Jumper Vintage Shoes from Anthropology

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Dress from Kate Moss for Topshop Jacket from Whistles

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Dress from Zara Coat from French Connection Shoes from COS

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Next page Kimono from Kate Moss for Topshop

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