What’s in your backpack?

Every month we like to see how other busy women are living.  What they’re doing and any side hustle projects they’re working on, whilst we check out (of course) what’s in their backpacks.   They say you can usually judge a woman, by her shoes… but I’ve a new theory, which is proving me right.  It’s all about the content within her backpack.

So this week we head over to the UK, recently we’ve been to Canada, Miami and Singapore.  So why not London, United Kingdom one of my favourite places?

We get a glimpse into what it’s like to work for one of the biggest content agencies in Europe and what life is really like is for an ambitious female business editor.  She has an amazing side hustle as a Samba dancer, and I seriously want to be like her when I grow up.

Is life all that glamorous? jet setting all the around the world to get that feature, story or interview… let’s jump right into it.

1.Tell us a little bit about yourself?  What you do and what part of the world are you from?

I’m an editor for a content marketing agency. I write and commission content such as articles and videos for companies to use to increase their brand awareness. My role can be fairly varied, I could be researching at my desk or on a video shoot interviewing a globally renowned business leader in Singapore.

I live in north London. Since moving to the city 12 years ago I’ve been in the north, I prefer the atmosphere and it feels like there’s a bit more going on (nothing personal to all the south Londoners!)

I’m also part of a samba dance group with the Paraiso School of Samba and we dance both here in the UK and abroad for various events and carnivals from Notting Hill to Rio de Janeiro.  I sometimes hand make my own outfits and often come up with creative ideas as part of these dance routine.   I love wearing sparkly heels and fantastic costumes, plus dance to the most amazing live bands. Samba is such a vigorous  dance and I train about 3 times a week.

I love getting involved in lots of creative projects and have currently set up a greeting card design business.  I love keeping busy and using the creative side of my brain.

‘Gosh! where do you get all your energy from? We really wanna know!’

In my spare time I create and sell greetings cards with my cousin. I love sending and receiving cards and after a tough day at work a few years ago I suggested to my cousin we start making our own. She’s a graphic designer and I write so we make the perfect team. We have an Etsy shop called It’s All Relative Cards. I enjoy using my skills as a writer in a slightly different way when producing the cards.

2. Give us an example of your typical morning?

I’m not really a morning person so I stay in bed as late as I can. I drag myself out of bed at 7:45am, then spend the next 45 minutes rushing around getting myself ready, including packing any breakfast or lunch I’ve made.

I usually try to squeeze in a quick game with the cat too. She’s still very playful and incredibly cute so it’s impossible for me to ignore her.

3. What’s your go to mantra? 

‘The world steps aside for someone who knows where they are going’ is a saying I came across in my first job and it really resonated with me.

I’ve always set myself high goals and aimed for the top – something my mum instilled in me and I’m forever grateful. I find comfort in this saying as it encourages self-confidence and self-belief, traits women often lack or have stripped away in a patriarchal society.

Wow I love that mantra! very inspiring…

4.Tell us your number ONE time saving hack?

Planning what I’m going to wear the night before. Otherwise I end up stood in front of my wardrobe for far too long trying to decide, or I end up rushing and putting together an outfit I regret almost as soon as I get to work.

5. What’s the ONE thing that you carry in your bag or backpack that helps you organise your day?

My phone. It has everything, my diary, my contacts (I don’t even know my partner or mum’s numbers without looking them up!), my note pad, my favourite photos, my email, almost everything I need to function. My life is run from my phone so that’s my main essential, that and a little pot of Vaseline. It’s perfect for lips and doubles as a hand moisturiser if I forget to pack mine.

For further information about what it’s like to work in the media or content, take a look at Maxine-Laurie (@Maxine_ICIO)  You can also check out what she’s up on her other social channels here  You can also check out her Esty shop here

Nariva Boutique is a lifestyle brand which encourages busy women to take time out for themselves.  We want women to be bold and unashamed of ME time, CHILL time and selflessly doing the possible, (which most call the impossible) for themselves.  We also design and hand make leather backpacks which embody this philosophy.