FAQs
What is the best part of your job?
The travel is the best perk, and for me writing about things I believe in is really important - I'm a very opinionated person so I would be doing it anyway. The absolute best bit of the job though is undoubtedly the people - I interned at countless magazines and have worked in the industry for a while now, and the people are amazing. I am where I am now because of all the kind and generous editors, writers and assistants who gave me a leg up and invited me into meetings long before it was necessary.
Who have been your favourite people to interview?
There have been so many amazing people. Jessica Chastain, Emilia Clarke and Jude Law were three huge highlights - God they were kind to me. And honourable mention definitely goes to Kate Beckinsale and Heidi Klum - my two first interviews ever - for pretending that I wasn't a terrible interviewer back then and making me feel like I had done a great job. My top favourite people to interview however are businesswomen - they are so generous, inspiring and kind. Jacqueline Gold, Pip Jamieson, Rosie Fortescue, Anna Jones, Vitalie Taittinger - there are simply too many to name, but those are the interviews I really cherish. I have a lot of respect for them, they give me so much and I always (without fail) come away having learnt something incredible.
What is your super power?
A strong work ethic - I will set a goal and won't stop until I'm there. Plus, my memory - it's pretty much photographic, and I can very easily recall any of the articles, campaigns etc that I was involved in over my time at a magazine (five years at Marie Claire). It really comes in handy and people like to keep you around!
What are your handbag essentials?
My passport, debit card, Air Pods and my phones (1x personal and 1x work) are my absolute essentials. And as a journalist, I will also never go anywhere without my dictaphone and an earbug (an ear piece allowing me to conduct phone interviews from wherever I am). Sometimes an interview will fall into my lap and I have to be ready - I once stepped off a plane from NYC and straight into an impromptu interview with Emilia Clarke.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
God, there have been so many gems, mainly to believe in yourself and not let anyone tell you that your dreams are too big. But in terms of practical journalistic advice, Decca Aitkenhead (former interviewer for The Guardian, now The Sunday Times) once told me to call a friend as soon as I have conducted an interview, and to tell them how it went. The first thing you feel compelled to tell them about the interview will be the most interesting, and therefore the hook of your story. She's amazing.
How do you celebrate success?
It sounds really bougie, but I celebrate my big achievements and key milestones by indulging myself. I buy myself a piece of gold Missoma jewellery so I can always remember that moment and a cone of Godiva chocolate strawberries because they are just dreamy.
FAQs
What is your advice for getting started in journalism?
Put your head down and work. You can achieve anything with hard work and don't give up easily. It is hard to get into but it's not impossible and so many people fall at the first hurdle. I didn't just send a CV to Marie Claire for an internship, I sent one to about 50 magazines, and then again the next month and the next. For every 50 emails, I probably got one response, but I stacked them up. That's the first hurdle, getting your foot in the door. and once your foot is in the door, just work hard and have a good attitude.
Where did you intern?
My first internship was actually at Marie Claire - someone dropped out so I got called up last minute and jumped at the chance. Then I went on to intern at Vogue, Red, Stylist, The Times Magazine, OK! and The Lady. I loved them all.
Is there a publication you would like to work for one day?
The Sunday Times Style - I love the publication and its writers. I honestly think I would be such a good fit. That's a real goal of mine.
What are your favourite fashion brands?
Needle and Thread, Rixo, Sezane, Kitri, & Other Stories, Mango, Zara, Lele Sadoughi and Hayley Menzies.
Who are your dream dinner party guests?
Gloria Steinem, Reese Witherspoon, Michelle Obama, Jessica Chastain, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ashley Olsen, Michelle Yeoh, Charlize Theron, Gal Gadot, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Banks, Greta Gerwig and Bernadine Evaristo. I will provide the hot crab souffle and they will save the world.