As a teenager…
Growing up in Lancaster, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing community arts, whether it was going to festivals with the Melodrome stage or taking part in the Dukes. There were many opportunities to spark my creative side, and I made sure to get involved in as many as possible. I learnt quickly that academics weren’t my strong suit, so school became a place to feel small; however, when I was on stage or knee deep in a craft project, I felt so much more at home.
I was pretty shy in high school and struggled putting myself out there, meaning friends didn’t come easily, but the arts really built my confidence. It always felt like a gathering of people who didn’t feel comfortable anywhere else, so it never felt as intimidating and gave me the space to be myself.
After School…
I had no idea what I wanted from my future at this point, except to travel. I’d worked jobs through high school to save up and start to see the world. Unfortunately, COVID had other plans. So after a failed, very short stint at university, I came back to Lancaster and worked in the kitchen at The Old Gun Shop (formerly The Herbarium), falling in love with food and travelling Europe as much as I could while saving for my next adventure.
This took me to Canada, where I lived and worked for 2 years, immediately falling head over heels for the mountains, lakes, and magnificent wildlife. I found a job at a Food Bank and Community Centre, where I spent my time getting to know the local community and trying to support however I could. Alongside this, I had the privilege of running a few community arts and queer groups. This was a glimpse into a world I knew I wanted to be a part of.
And Now…
Back in Lancaster and honoured to be part of the wonderful team at Escape 2 Make! Being thrown back in the local world of arts, music, and creativity has been a beautiful whirlwind, and I’m loving being able to help create opportunities for young people who have so much talent and creativity to share.