Minolie
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
–Amy Poehler
How we met
Minolie was the very first portrait I took as part of the project. We had met only hours before – sitting next to each other in the car as we headed down to the coast. We chatted as we walked along the beach later and Minolie asked me about the project. She volunteered and said she would love to be a part of it. Someone willing to take that leap without convincing was the kickstart I needed. Amelia and Maddi’s photos were also taken on this coast trip but I have Minolie to thank for hitting the start button. Minolie is one of those people who raise you up and make you feel incredibly special. She has a stunning gaze that puts you both at ease and makes you feel like she is talking to just you. You are too awesome of a person to get tripped up by the negatives of this world. I truly treasure our friendship and can’t imagine life without you in it!
Get to know Minolie
To you, what is the best part about being a woman?
Doing everything a man can but in heels.
Which three guests would you like to invite to a dinner party?
Hmmmm this is a hard one, but I’m feeling inspired by this project and the celebration of women. Maya Angelou, Marie Curie and Malala Yousafzai.
If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?
I would like to be a musician – having a day job where you get to express your creativity and entertain and make people happy sounds so cool!
If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring?
A toothbrush, sunnies, and a book.
What was the first concert you attended?
Stevie Wonder – although he didn’t sing ‘Happy Birthday’ which I love because of its tributes to Martin Luther King Jr!
What is your personal mantra right now?
‘Back yourself’ – my CrossFit coach is always telling me this and it has stuck.
What’s your favourite holiday memory?
I was hiking in the north of Myanmar and met some friendly locals who invited us into their home for tea. It never ceases to amaze how generous people can be, even with what little they have.
What is your signature dish?
This changes depending on what I feel like, but at the moment it’s a Mille Crepe Cake – it’s basically a whole bunch of crepes layered with cream.
“The move to Canberra has by far been one of the biggest decisions I’ve made. I have met some amazing people – like Amanda, who does inspiring things like this project and photograph you freshly out of the ocean, but somehow still make you feel beautiful.”
If you were an animal, what would you be?
Definitely a giraffe. They are so awkward but also serene somehow.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
Seeing Nelson Mandela give his 1964 speech ‘I am prepared to die’ while he was on trial. He ends the speech this way and was referring to fighting for freedom for all South Africans. As someone who grew up in South Africa, this is something quite special to me.
