At first glance Melissa Western may appear the quintessential sultry diva, but scratch a little below the surface and you soon find a brainy entrepreneur with an elastic voice and a particular addiction to research.
The Brisbane mother holds a first class Honours, Masters of Philosophy, University Medal, was Valedictorian of her University and soon after the Queensland Cabaret Festival will travel to the UK to take up her recently awarded Churchill Fellowship, a prestigious national award reserved for 'Australians striving for excellence'. It’s her enquiring mind that led her to create her cabaret show 'Oh, Lady Be Good'. “I’m really quite a nerd. I can’t help researching! I’d be learning another tune sung by a gorgeous, amazing female singer and then want to know more about their life, so I’d dig and dig and be so surprised to learn about their lives” says Western.
"Being a full-time performing artist and a mother of two girls is no easy feat. There are however a variety of life hacks that become available to the PM (Performing Mother)."
Blossoming beauty
Do at least one photoshoot at approximately 8-10 weeks pregnant, while the hormones are enhancing your assets ... as long as you can last 30min without throwing up.Nifty Thrifty
Favourite heels scuffed up? Raid your children’s craft box, apply PVA glue and glitter liberally, fix with hairspray, let dry and then bask in the knowledge that $1.83 of bargain shop craft supplies delivered a pair of bespoke shoes.
Time Saver
Awkward regrowth or (God forbid) greys hairs on your side-part and no time to apply hair dye? Whip out that mascara and paint it away. Just remember to apply makeup remover to your scalp before bedtime. NB: Tip only relevant to brunettes.Fashion Statement
Dark circles from endless interrupted nights? Go all Clockwork orange and make those smoky eyes exceedingly over-emphasised. Call it 'fashion'.
Ella (4) and Sasha (2)Innovative Child Care
Create age appropriate children’s shows and add to your repertoire. This way you can go to work, take your children with you AND not have to pay for babysitting. It helps to add guest star appearances with your children’s favourite stars like Yo Gabba Gabba’s DJ Lance.
DJ LanceExtra tip: Never throw anything out of your handbag, ever. A week old pair of jatz crackers in a ziplock bag can be a life saver.
'Oh, Lady Be Good' plays the Queensland Cabaret Festival at Brisbane Powerhouse, 14 June.
