Our latest BLUP50 talent was raised in a creative home and started working in the creative world from the young age of 15. Having completed a BA Degree, two diplomas and started her own business, Charlie is just at the beginning of her creative journey.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Perseverance; persistent determination.
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK/TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
Animal cruelty, the use of fur, the dairy industry.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
I jumped into the creative industry at the very young age of 15. I had the opportunity of working with my dad in Graphic Design. I have since achieved 4 qualifications in portfolio content, art and design, fashion promotion and fashion journalism. I also have achieved a bachelor of arts degree at Ravensbourne University in Fashion Promotion.
Since I graduated in June 2020 I was left to my own devices during the madness of the pandemic. After quickly realising that there were very few jobs out there, I took it into my own hands to create some income by setting up my own vintage e-commerce business. This did very well alongside writing journalism content for various brands including STUDIO BLUP. I am currently looking for work within fashion and journalism, so if you’re looking for a young enthusiastic person, please get in touch!
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
I like to keep to a routine for my physical and mental wellbeing. A usual day includes waking up to take my adorable labrador for a walk in the morning dew, after that I try to eat a healthy breakfast like porridge. After I’ve eaten I like to wake up my body by doing 20 minutes of yoga. Once showered and dressed, I sit down at my desk and write out a work plan for the day, making sure to prioritise my tasks, I will also write in my journal reflecting on how I feel that day and name 5 things in which I am grateful for.
After a day’s work I will cook a vegan dinner for my family around 6pm, and spend the evening creating digital artworks and illustrations before falling asleep with a good book (preferably non-fiction).
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
To calm me down or switch off I enjoy meditation, yoga or watching telly (usually drag queens, werk!).
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
One of my best career highlights will be working with an array of amazing influencers when being Project Manager for the Depop pop-up space in Selfridges. I found this so exciting and inspiring.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
I see my future being whatever I choose to make it, as long as I commit, work hard and look after myself. I will be happy and proud of where I get. I want to impact change and be at the forefront of a brighter future.
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
One brand I’ve admired for a while is i-D magazine. I think their manifesto is strong and an opportunity to work with them would be awesome.
// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
My greatest inspiration right now is Michelle Obama. She delivers such a powerful message to women across the world. “My advice to girls across the world is always the same and I tell my daughters this everyday. Do not be afraid to fail. Because that oftentimes is the thing that keeps us as women and girls back. Because we think we have to be right, to be perfect, we can’t stumble. Because the only way we succeed in life, learn in life, is by failing.” – Michelle Obama
// YOUR FAVOURITE SONG OF 2021 SO FAR?
Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels by Todrick Hall. It is a queer ANTHEM and always gets me up out my seat dancing.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
At the end of my career I hope that people will say ‘thank you for encouraging the next generation, impacting change, making way for better brighter futures.’
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
The biggest advice I have for new creatives is to follow your instinct, go with what makes you really you, use the power and magic within you to express everything you want. Every single person in this world has a voice that deserves to be heard. Don’t get in your own way. We live in an age of too many options and it can be hard to know what to apply yourself to, but the answers are within you. What are you passionate about? What do you want to change? Knowing this is where you should start.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Something that is important to me right now, is providing better resources and information for women on the Autistic spectrum. I myself, like many other women, was diagnosed very late at the age of 19. This late diagnosis can be very detrimental to mental health and the safety of young girls. There needs to be more help and better medical information, as most studies were done in the late 50s on mostly men are still being used for diagnosis today.
// ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?
Lastly, I would like to mention that I am actively looking for work and if you would like to get in touch for collaboration on illustration, journalism, styling and marketing go to www.chazzabel.com or drop me a DM @chazzabel_illustration.
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