1. ‘Make every impression count. I once struck up conversation with a customer at my first job in London, waitressing, then saw him again two years later on a dancefloor in Ibiza. When he told me his name I recognised it from the music magazines I’d devoured as a young clubber in Singapore. We now have two little girls.’
2. ‘Kentish Town is special. Everybody can find their space here. It defies preconceptions. When my mum first visited and walked up Queen’s Crescent she couldn’t believe the foods, the nationalities. It wasn’t what she expected at all and I like that.’
3. ‘Treat the city like a village. Kids are demanding, work is demanding. Avoiding commute time is priceless. Finding a job close to home has been a revolution. Beats standing on cold platforms.’
4. ‘There is no right or wrong belief system anywhere. I’m born a Muslim but I was educated by nuns at a convent. I like to think I can see both sides of any debate. The UK may not bother much about faith, but etiquette is still important here. As bewildering as religion.’
5. ‘Children are our greatest teachers. Having them reminds you of so much about human nature, good and ugly. It also forces you to deal with your own unresolved childhood dramas and personal failings.’
6. ‘Lack of food is the root of all conflict. Even on a five minute walk, bring a snack.’
7. ‘We all thrive with a support network. I couldn’t live without my mum network which stretches to Harringay and beyond. It’s like a backbone, especially when you don’t have an extended family living round the corner.’
Interview & Pics: Tom Kihl
1 thought on “Life Tips #4: Zak, Working Mum”
“3. ‘Treat the city like a village. Kids are demanding, work is demanding. ”
Took me 20 years to recognise this. Also, this manor ROCKS.