Interview: Lucy Williams
We spoke to #faithfullgirl Lucy Williams about how she is staying inspired, her top reads and podcasts and her key learnings from 2020 so far.
“How are you Lucy and how is isolation going for you?”
I'm good thanks! The first few weeks of lockdown were a rollercoaster of anxiety and fear but I feel like I've settled into it now and have been trying to lean into it and just live day by day (not the norm for a serial planner like me). I'm naturally a bit of an introvert so I'm not finding that side of it too bad and have been very lucky to have been holed up in the countryside the past 12 weeks so have had access to green spaces and fresh air which has been my saviour so I've felt very lucky having that.
“What is keeping you inspired and motivated?”
Motivation is hard as it really does feel like groundhog day sometimes but little things and routines help keep me somewhat in check. Our daily dog walks are one of my favourite parts of the day and giving myself small little weekly tasks whether it's trying a new recipe, finishing a book or trying something new like modelling some clay make me feel like I've achieved something and keep me feeling creative which is really important to me.
“How does your AM and PM skincare routine look? Your top 5 products you cannot live without:”
In the morning I cleanser with Dr Barbara Sturm Cleanser followed by Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, Drunk Elephant LaLa Retro Whipped Cream moisturiser and Skinceuticals SPF 50. I might do a little face massage with a Gua Sha if I'm feeling a bit tired or puffy too. In the evening I use Micellar water to take any makeup and grime off and then cleanse with Liz Earle Cleansing Balm using a muslin cloth. Right now I'm keeping it super simple with Dr Barbara Sturm Night Serum (amazing) and then RMS Beauty Beauty Face Oil.
“Your top ‘must reads’ and podcasts.”
I've read so many great books over the last few months. I just finished Olive Again by Elizabeth Strout, the sequel to the 2009 novel Olive Kitteridge which I adored. Another favourite I've finally got round to reading recently was Anne Tyler's Breathing Lessons. Written in 1989, it follows middle-aged married couple Maggie and Ira on a hot summer's day in Baltimore and weaves such an intricate picture of marriage, family ties and the stories we tell ourselves. Tyler really is the ultimate character-creator. Podcast-wise I'm a true crime obsessive so I'm always listening to Crime Junkie and My Favourite Murder and if you've never listened to West Cork, you must! I also love Brene Brown's new podcast. She's amazing!
“What are some key learnings you have taken from 2020 so far?”
To count my blessings and not take anything for granted. Sometimes we need times like this to really remind us of what's important to us. It's also really reminded me how much I needed to properly slow down rather than cramming my diary constantly with plans and travel.
“Forward thinking, your next international travel plans look like.”
I had so many travels plans this year including Japan, Namibia and Bhutan, all of which I'm still dying to go to when I can. This time has definitely not made me crave crowds though so I'm feeling much more drawn to the idea of remote places and off-the-beaten track travel. Isolating in the Seychelles when it's safe to do so sounds pretty great to me!
“You recently photographed yourself at home in the countryside. Any tips on creating the perfect picture?”
I've been shooting everything over the last few months on my iphone on a tripod which has been a whole new way of working for me! I've really missed shooting on film (the labs are opening back up now so I'm excited to shoot again) and working with others creatively but it's also been really fun to be challenged and forced to think outside the box. It's made me realise how self-sufficient I can be which is kind of refreshing in a way.
“What is your 'must-watch' Netflix top 10: ”
Sex Education, Orange is the new black, Making a murderer, When They See Us, Black Mirror, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Never Have I Ever, Don't F*ck with Cats, Stranger Things, The OA (even though it got cancelled after 2 seasons), Queer Eye, Master of None
“Your homemade cocktail of choice is:”
A ginger grapefruit margarita
Recipe: Equal parts tequila, triple sec (or Cointreau) and freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice skaken together with some fresh ginger and ice. Strain and serve over ice with fresh sage or rosemary as a granish.