Actress and Business Owner and Manager at Shut Up & Dance

Who or what did you want to be when you grew up?

An actress! So that’s kinda cool to me, because I had created a backup for myself by getting a degree in Linguistics but that didn't work out, so, phew. I’ve always loved making people laugh and getting attention so I am super stoked to be able to do what I love and get paid for it.

When do you feel the most creative or inspired?

I always feel energised after chatting to other people! So when I’m walking back to my office after a meeting with someone somewhere else. I’ve noticed that inspiration strikes for me when there’s a change of scenery; after an engaging chat and before I get stuck into whatever it is I’m doing. I always feel like I can do better or be bigger in those moments of reflection.

When are you happiest?

Ooh this is a good one. I’m happiest when I realise I’ve accomplished some kind of balance. I'll feel amazing if I’m cooking dinner and listening to Michael Jackson after having had a particularly productive day. Or if I’ve spent the morning exercising, catching up with friends and reading and then I dedicate the afternoon to smashing the crap out of my inbox and getting shit done. I had this Danish guy tell me once that their word for happiness translates into English as something more similar to our word ‘satisfied.' I have always liked that because it puts happiness in a more tangible framework of energy in and energy out, and understanding that it’s something you can create for yourself.

What’s the best stress relief advice you’ve ever been given?

To remember a time you looked out at the world from a plane window, or imagine you’re on earth and then to zoom out further and further until you get to the moon. You can’t even see yourself, let alone your problems from that far away! So that always gives me perspective.

What is your most treasured possession?

Am I allowed to say my friendships? When I was trying to sort out my contents insurance I could only think about stuff like my laptop and my phone and like, my kettle (I love tea), that I needed to cover, but they’re not really treasured. They’re just expensive and useful. I think you do kind of own relationships with others in the sense that if you don’t look after them them like you’d look after your physical possessions, they’re gunna disappear or fall apart. If it has to be something physical, then I guess it’d be my Meadowlark ring, which myself, Lesa and Clair (my friends and business partners) all have one of. I bought us a matching trio last Christmas as a symbol for our commitment to each other. We’re in a three way now.

What is the most important thing life has taught you thus far?

The only thing you can rely on is change.

What is your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in your industry?

Put your fingers in heaps of pies. Work in different positions that give you the opportunity to see things in an alternate way, hear different sides to the same story, put you out of your comfort zone and learn new skills. It makes you resilient and understanding, which is just another way of saying you’re strong and soft. I think that’s a really important balance to maintain if you’re running a business that you want to last.

What is your big project or goal for 2018?

I am going to shoot and complete a web series featuring myself and actress Emma Draper as washed up New Zealand Idol pop stars.

Who or what is inspiring you at the moment?

Um… I absolutely cannot answer this in the singular. Nearly everyone that is close to me in my life is going through some pretty stressful stuff at the moment - mental health, financial struggles, career and relationship challenges ... and they’re ALL managing themselves with such sass and control at the same time.

What do you continually ask yourself?

"Is this something future Abby would do?” I have a concept of my ideal future self in my mind all the time. She is everything I’ve ever wanted to be, everything I’ve admired in others - she has the strengths of my idols and is kind of like a superhero.

Who do you collaborate with best?

People who are honest, patient, and have different talents to me.

Who has challenged you to be better than you once were?

My amazing partner Harry. He is one of the most generous and giving people I know. He keeps me kind.

How does courage manifest in your work?

At Shut Up & Dance we’re really good at saying what we mean. Whether it’s in a meme or at a class - we don’t beat around the bush, and neither do our customers. I think if you’re able to vocalise things that make you uncomfortable or admit your weaknesses, and be open and proud about what you actually want in life, you are inherently being true to yourself, which is bravery at its best. Just shut the f*** up and dance, you know?

When has mentorship played a role in your life?

Because I’ve been treating myself like a business for the past couple of years, getting an external perspective and practical advice is simply a part of that. Having a mentor means I take myself seriously, remain accountable and be prepared to admit when I need help. It works the other way too, as I’m going to employ an intern in the new year who I am looking forward to mentoring myself. I guess mentorship played a role in my life when I realised that it’s O.K. to not know how to do everything.