I own and run a juice and health food bar in the Fortitude Valley Train Station called Juice Energy. I am also in the process of trying to start up my own freelance illustration business.
Why do you do it?
The business kind of fell in my lap. The previous owner was looking to sell and I was in a position to buy. It's a really positive place to work and I knew the ins and outs of running it so it fit pretty well. The illustration side is just a labor of love. Ever since I can remember I've been drawing....I guess you could call it my 'meditation', it balances me.
What do you love about the city you live in?
I find Brisbane really accessible. It's not the largest city. Coming from Byron Bay, it was an easier option than Sydney, which I find a bit hectic, and Melbourne, which is just too cold for me. Plus Brisbane is great because you've got the Sunshine Coast on one side and the Goldie — or more importantly, Byron — on the other side. Brisbane is close enough that you can enjoy city life while still being able to get on the highway and have a weekend with family and friends down the Coast and stay connected to the area down in the Byron Shire.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
Down to Byron for the Blues Festival.
What's your favorite item of clothing? Why? My black G-Star Jeans. Really simple pair but they're just a great fit (not too baggy or skinny). They pretty much go with any shirt. In hindsight I should have got a few pairs because I can't find them anywhere anymore.
What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?
Any Natural World documentary, especially anything by David Attenborough. I used to watch them with my granddad and I guess that's why most of my illustration is based on animals and the natural world.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
If I could I would go back to New York in the early '90s. My favorite CD is Jeff Buckley's Live At Sine which is a bunch of live recordings of him just starting out in New York playing at a little cafe obviously called Sine. I would give anything to be able to see him playing these amazing songs with just a guitar and an amp with only a few people having a coffee. Spine tingling stuff.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us?
Well seeing as though we have some kick ass salads at work I would probably have to go with that. But something definitely a little more EPIC. I've been making this one lately with marinated beef, pasta, rocket, capers, bocconcini, avo and a few other things with homemade vinaigrette dressing. Got everything in there.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
When it comes to working do what you love... you will never work a day in your life. I'm slowly getting there.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
I'm pretty straight-up and honest about myself. I can honestly say there is nothing about me that nobody knows.
Are you happy with your work/life balance?
I'm getting there. Owning your own small business, especially through the GFC, has definitely been a bit exhausting and time consuming these last few years. Things are moving in the right direction, though. I have a business partner coming on board in the next couple of months which will hopefully free up a little time to get back to the illustration... and maybe an overseas holiday. Europe has been a dream for a while.
How do you define success?
Being able to create a sustainable situation where you can afford the things you need/like while being there for the ones you love without compromising the ones you care for.
What's your spirit animal?
Probably something tough like a turtle or butterfly... maybe a dolphin. Gangster!
