Age: 31
Occupation: Co-founder of The Curve
Studied: Broadcasting and Communications and the New Zealand Broadcasting School
On the importance of having financial knowledge, investing your money and being self-employed...
Was it always your plan to work for yourself?
Not at all! I actually don’t identify with the idea that people are ‘born entrepreneurs’. I’m sure there are people who feel like that but I definitely don’t. I’ve always loved my jobs producing shows. I’ve always worked with such vibrant, fun people that it honestly never crossed my mind to go out and work on my own. I feel really grateful to have fallen into working for myself now and couldn’t imagine going back to a job where someone was my boss. Ironically everything I do in my day-to-day for The Curve is an amalgamation of all the jobs I’ve done up until now - it feels so right, but was never the plan.
Why is talking so openly about finances and money so important? Is there particular importance to you for women to have financial knowledge?
I think most of the time taboo conversations about things like money and sex to name a few - are the things I like to talk about most. By talking about things you learn what you otherwise would be in the dark about and being curious has always been a part of my nature. Not talking about money creates separation and imbalance, neither of which I am here for. It’s important for me to talk about, and hopefully one day achieve financial freedom, because I know how much more choice having money will give me. Learning about finance and investing has honestly been life changing - I think I would have arrived in my 80’s without a cent to my name had it not been for Vic very patiently teaching me. The longer The Curve has been around, the more I’m starting to realise that this knowledge gap is actually not as gendered as I’d once thought. There are so many men who also have no idea how to manage their finances, however the feminist in me wants to focus on increasing financial literacy amongst women specifically. There are so many reasons why we are disadvantaged financially and without that knowledge to plan and be clever - a lot of us will end up in hardwish (if not already).
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt over the journey of The Curve so far?
INVEST YOUR MONEY HONEY. Don’t leave it in the stupid bank, it’s making you NADA. Get it out asap and make it work harder. Grow it quicker. It’s the mentality of working smarter not harder.
On moving overseas and dealing with aloneness…
Your “Lonely in Lisbon” blog over on The Curve was a beautifully, honest piece about the aloneness you felt overseas away from everything and everyone you know. What did you expect going over? How has that differed from the reality of it?
I LOVE London. It’s the most vibrant, fun, diverse city I’ve ever been privileged enough to live in. I don’t know what I expected, but I certainly didn’t think about the reality of feeling lonely. I think I assumed because I didn’t have to find a job (because I’d be working for The Curve over there) that I wouldn’t have so many ‘hard times’ or trouble fitting in. LOLLL. The accents are sexy AF, the art and culture and activities are so much fun. I was a little worried I’d turn into a booze hag but I didn’t at all. Managed to be reasonably mature. Party and also do more chilled low key activities.
How do you cope with that feeling of aloneness while overseas? Is it a constant or does it come and go? What have you found solace in?
I love this question. It depends how far away from NZ you are, the UK is quite literally the other side of the world. When I was over there I remember someone saying ‘you could put a stick in the ground and it would hit NZ’ (lol). You’re asleep while everyone you love is awake and you’re awake when everyone you love is asleep. I think scheduling a weekly call with someone who feels like home can really fill your cup up. Whether it’s a friend or someone from your family. Being in constant comms is annoying, and small talk sucks so rather than messaging everyone all the time I found a call made me feel connected to all my favourite people. It definitely comes and goes, there will be times you feel incredibly alone and maybe sad for no apparent reason, and sometimes you won’t even think about missing home. I truly think it’s people who make a place feel like home so spending time finding your people is the best use of your time - but also remembering friendships require time and consistency so the reality is that it’ll take a while to feel like home. When in doubt, get in a downward dog, go to a yoga class or write in your journal. Feelings of loneliness always pass, expecting them and knowing that’s a completely normal thing to feel eases that.
A piece of advice for the girls moving overseas?
Oh gosh, my move overseas was a tough one. It was amazing in so many ways - everything feels new and exciting, like anything is possible. However amongst that excitement there are also overwhelming times, and for me a great deal of loneliness. Finding the right job, your people in a new place, even where you’re going to live takes a LOT of energy and perseverance. My advice would be to expect those low times - know that it’s not always going to be rosie, and then when you find yourself in times of self doubt - remember you’re so much stronger than you realise. Living abroad still to this day has been the best decision I ever made, but I’d be lying through my teeth to say it was all sunshine and rainbows.
Speaking to her younger self…
What you would tell your early-to-mid twenties year old self?
SO MANY THINGS. I would love to sit her down and give her a good old talking to. It’s funny because I hear a lot of people talking about how they wish they were younger, but seriously you couldn’t pay me to go back in time. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve accepted myself. The more I can laugh at the quirks and my shadow parts, but in my mid-twenties I feel like we’re all trying to hide those parts of ourselves. I would tell her to spend more time learning to love herself, rather than chasing the approval of others. And masterbate more (lol).
And last but not least, your favourite Buttermilk hair accessory?
I love them all, honestly I can’t choose! Big fan of the cute little flower clips - I want to try wearing lots and pretend I’m 16 again. If I had to pick these are my favourites; Georgia in Heart Locket, Georgia in Mocha and all the Priya little flower clips!
