Interview of Lexi Lawrence by Sophie Pellegrini
Interview of Lexi Lawrence by Sophie Pellegrini
Hi Lexi, how are you!
I’m great thanks, excited about the next year ahead.
Anything in particular you’re excited for (in the coming year)?
I’m starting sixth form and my A-levels, which is daunting but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m also excited about a couple of trips which I know are going to be amazing. I’m going to New York in October with a group of fellow art students, and then Sweden at Christmas.
What are you doing/what have you done right today? Other than answering these questions, of course!
I’m on holiday at the moment, so soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea was a good decision.
Where are you from?
I live in London and was born there. But my father is Australian and my mother is of both British and Swedish descent.
When did you start blogging? How did you get started with it?
I started blogging at 13. I wanted to be a journalist, and my Dad (who has worked in journalism for 30+ years) advised to be cautious because of the sweeping changes of the industry. But he also said if I was serious about it to build up a portfolio of work. Thus www.lexilikes.com was born. It’s funny because he was sceptical that I would ever start a blog, let alone keep it up for more than three years, and build and engage with an audience.
What do you blog about?
It started as primarily a fashion blog, because I’ve always been interested in fashion and had strong opinions on what I wore from an early age. At the time I also had a budding interest in photography so they seemed to go hand in hand. Now I write about a broad range of topics. I still love fashion, and post pictures of my outfits, and attend and cover fashion week and other events. But I also write about culture, and I write opinion pieces on a range of issues from feminism, to art, and even politics. I love telling stories of my travels and sharing photography too.
Do you have any advice for other teens interested in starting a blog who don’t know where to begin?
Firstly, pick a subject, ideally something you’re passionate about. You don’t have to confine yourself to only one, but have a rough idea of what you want to focus on. Then pick a platform. It doesn’t have to be a website, it could be an Instagram page or a YouTube channel–it’s your call. Take time to figure out your voice. Originality online is highly valued, so don’t be afraid to take some time to find your style and try out different things. Finally, you’ll need perseverance. Building an audience takes time, especially as there is so much content online nowadays, so be patient. Good luck!
What does feminism mean to you?
To me, feminism means that being a woman is not a disadvantage in any scenario, whether it is to do with wages or education, or simply walking down the street. It means true equality, free from prejudice. It’s a sisterhood, not necessarily comprised of only women, but a movement of unity and change. It is empowering, enabling people to be who they want to be.
What are some of your other hobbies?
I love to write – I’m a compulsive storyteller. I’m passionate about art, so I paint, draw, and go to galleries. I read a lot, play the guitar, and enjoy making videos for my Youtube channel. I’m keenly interested in film, and I watch a lot of TV too. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I keep fit largely by doing boxing training, which is also super cool.
Boxing is something I’ve been so curious to try myself! Would you suggest that to other girls trying to find a way to keep fit?
Yes definitely. I’ve really struggled with fitness in the past and was never good at sport. Boxing training was a way for me to exercise, and it acted as a catalyst for my entire fitness regime. It’s dynamic, and mentally challenging as well as physically. I also like that it’s a tough sport, and even though I’m not fighting anyone, I feel a sense of triumph just doing the training. It’s lead to me doing other types of exercise too, so that I’m able to get better at boxing. Now I run and go to the gym regularly as well.
What’s your favorite place you’ve been?
I love travelling and I’m very fortunate to have travelled extensively all my life since I was born. There are a few places very close to my heart. First I’d say New York City. Perhaps it’s a cliché, but the energy in New York is contagious, and I plan to live there when I’m older. I also love Sydney, where my Dad’s from, and feel very connected to it as I have a large family there. And of course the beautiful beaches.
And if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I’d love to see more of Asia. I’ve been there a few times already. But I’ve yet to get to Tokyo, so it is currently at the top of my list. Oh and I really want to visit San Francisco too.
Tell us 5 things that fascinate you.
Art
Psychology and the way people think
The concept of parallel universes
Literature
The changing nature of technology and the media
