I’ve moved countries a few times now. From New Zealand to Zambia to New York to California and I have a terrible fear of settling down. My best friend tells me this is really just a fear of housework. It’s possible she’s right.
Professionally, I tell stories for brands, recently building up Karma Cola (who give back to cola farmers in Africa), and not so recently helping take 42 BELOW vodka to the world. Bacardi bought 42 BELOW for $36 million in 2006 but unfortunately I wasn’t so good with the milking it part. I don’t have $36 million. But you will find me in the book about how we did it.
I care deeply about Africa. And my children. And teaching teens how to be pretty smart about the beauty industry. During my 20’s I was a professional bulimic and it stole my joy so I understand what it’s like to grow up in a society that tells women their beauty matters most, yet the standards of beauty are just out of reach. Always. It’s why we buy gym memberships and paleo recipes and those creams that promise to make us look 28 by sunrise but that’s not what makes us happy.
I haven’t been to the gym since 1999 and I am quite happy about that.
If you’re interested in following me I swear sometimes but I always tell the truth about something rummaging around inside me. Well, at least, 99% truth. Maybe 95% somedays according to my husband. Definitely 78% if it’s about him.
For non-sweary writing here are some articles: An interview with Lily Cole, and Mr and Mrs Ashley Madison before the hacking, in Sunday. For Viva, I interviewed women behind bars. Here’s a chat with Mike Chunn, Split Enz musician inspiring young minds. Red hot Nashville soul singer, Cooper is a total fireball. Two of my favourite comedians, Alice Snedden and Rose Matafeo talk about their podcast for the NZ Herald. And here is the talented street artist, Dan Tippett.
On the subject of body image you can find my thoughts here: an interview with Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand, and on Adios Barbie. And in StopPress. And a story I wrote about three world-class models smashing stereotypes and changing the runway rules.
With over fifteen years experience in marketing, I am bursting to speak to schools about being Pretty Smart about the media – talk to me about how: angelamareebarnett@gmail.com
My day job involves writing for Roadtrippers.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.”
― Lewis Carroll
Oh you are not mad… except perhaps in the Einstein pre-ritalin way! love Annette
LikeLike
Oh thank you my friend. A touch of madness keeps things interesting I say.
LikeLike
Team messy sums us up too! We both did our OE before we met each other – kinda wish we’d done some together…but kids in school now, much trickier.
Just popped in to see how you went with the eye-contact trick.
LikeLike
Hello. The eye-contact trick totally works, thank you. You haven’t been writing for a while, hope things are good in Kloppenmum life. Angela
LikeLike
Hi Angela,
I’m a producer in Los Angeles working on a show about vacations gone awry. I enjoyed your blog about accidentally booking a nudist resort holiday, and would love to talk to you about it.
The best way to reach me is on my cell: (213)703-9075
Look forward to hearing from you!
LikeLike
Hello Suzanne. Thanks for your interest in that story but it is definitely only something that exists in words. My nude body is not ready for your viewer’s eyes. Best.
LikeLike
hi and thanks for reading and following my words. i love your blog and all of the whimsy/mayhem/full life contained within. i look forward to reading more – best, beth
LikeLike
Hello Beth. Thanks for reading my words and joining the ride. Keep up your great work. Angela. :)
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the follow. I hope I don’t disappoint. :0)
LikeLike
Thank you Anna. Most definitely not disappointing.
LikeLike
You have quite a lot going on here, it’s great. Seems it’s the detours, the squiggly parts of the journey that are most interesting, the imperfections we can all relate to — that also hide on the outskirts beneath a marketed feeling of transcendence. That’s some good shit: sign me up for the swearing list.
LikeLike
Hey hey. Thanks for noticing and saying so. Life is definitely more interesting on the edges, and it is our imperfections that connect us somehow. Glad you’re a fellow cusser too. Peace. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m in too. I can’t resist a phrase like ‘Stunt Chicken.’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I do hope that’s your real name Walt Walker.
LikeLike
Because it is so awesome?
LikeLike
I’m enjoying your articles but I wanted to let you know that to me, there is nothing ew about mothers masturbating. For a whole list of reasons I’m not going to get into in this post, it’s incredibly erotic and hot.
LikeLike
Ew. Please take your hot and erotic elsewhere.
LikeLike