I’m a Creative Director and end-to-end Event Producer of my own event agency, The Social Crew. Which essentially means, I lead a team of people to make cool things happen in the events space. We work hard and we hustle. I’m also a Co-Director of an art event space, Besser Space, which is based in Collingwood. We have hosted exhibitions for the likes of street artist Anthony Lister to photographer Zo Damage. It’s a great, big warehouse space which welcomes creativity and celebrates local talent.
Why do you do it?
Sometimes I ask myself this question as it can get pretty hectic juggling anything from a festival to a conference. All in all it’s great working on a project from concept to creation and seeing months, and sometimes years, of work come together. It’s all for the buzz and the smiles on people’s faces on the day of the event. That definitely makes it all worth it.
What do you love about the city you live in?
I love the growth of art, music and culture and the current climate of start-ups and makers. The distinct change in suburbs from Footscray to Prahran. A big component of my life is spent surrounded by live music and art so the scenes in the northside for me are exactly what keeps me in Melbourne. It would be good to have a decent beach though, then we’d have the ultimate combo.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
To Canggu, Gili Islands and Lombok in Indonesia. A great place to escape.
What's your favourite item of clothing?
Boho dresses. I love a printed fabric and the relaxed style of boho. It makes me feel free.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
I was a massive cartoon nerd when I was a kid. I’ll go with 'Snorks' and 'The Jetsons'. 'Fraggle Rock' was pretty good too. There you go, three for one.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
I’d go back to the time of Prohibition era for a bit of a party in London.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
A BBQ is always a sure thing for summer days. If it were winter, I think I’d roll out a lamb roast. Simple, but tasty.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Learn when to say no and try everything once. Go figure.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
Hmmm, I’m a pretty open book, so anything here would be my little secret.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
This is something I have been trying to get right for years. Running your own business can be quite difficult and challenging at times. Right now, I’m being strict on my own time after hours and definitely spending more time away from the work emails on weekends and heading down the coast, so I’d say yes. Everyone needs it.
How do you define success?
Success to me means being self-confident, aware of others and happy in my approach to life. There’s a fantastic quote by Maya Angelou that sums this up nicely: 'Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.'
What's your spirit animal?
I have no idea. Probably an eagle.
The Social Crew are producing the The Age Music Victoria Awards, which celebrate its 12th year in 2017, with what will be a massive line-up of Victoria’s best musical talent at 170 Russell on Wednesday 22 November, during Melbourne Music Week.
