10 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME
Laying the foundations of a long-lasting relationship here with you guys. I don't think I've necessarily made a point of introducing myself and my brand. There's plenty that you guys know already such as my name is Niámh and I've got a huge head of curls but beyond that is a complex lady with so many different interests and experiences to share with you all. I'll not go into all of them now but here is a little insight into what makes me tick.
10 things you probably don't know about me
1. I come from a Family of Four
Just the four of us. Mum, Dad, Aaron & Me. Aaron is 29 and living his best life in New York City. With a four year age difference, we're actually quite close. He played the super protective role quite well in our teens and knows better than anyone how to wind me up. Mum & Dad are probably thee best dressed couple I've set my eyes on. They've got a serious wardrobe, so amazing that when new purchases are made, there are evening fashion shows where everyone can show their new buys. What can I say? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We are a family of fashion-lovers.
2. I am Mixed Race
I receive questions like "So where are you from?" A diplomatic way of strangers figuring out my ethnicity. Now unless you know my background, I'm always quite shocked at how people might pick it up. Maybe the big head of curls, sallow skin and bright eyes gives them a hint? My lovely father is half Irish - half African. It's complicated. A story that we still don't have the full answer to but am determined to find out. My dad is very fine featured so some just think he's been spending too much time in the sun but it's the genetics of one part of his genetic makeup. I got asked "But why are you white?" after a lovely drunken lady in Filthy's one night, had her sticky fingers running threw my hair. People are curious but at the same time, control yourselves god damn it.
3. I studied BDes Hons Animation at Ulster University
Motivated by Pixar's 'Monster's Inc.' I applied to Ulster University to study Animation. Little did I know that when I got there, it was entirely computer-based. University killed my love of animation. I'm not going to sugar-coat it. It took over your life. You spent your time staring at the computer and damn - I can't even draw anymore but that is the way animation as an industry is going now. Say goodbye to hand-drawn images and hello CGI. So instead of sitting in an office, doing the same task, I decided I'm too much of a people person to actually use my degree. Farewell for now Animation. Maybe I'll come back to you someday but for now, it's full speed ahead in the world of Fashion.
4. I'm originally from a little town called Crossmaglen
I get asked if I'm from Dublin on a regular basis. it makes me so happy that people in Belfast can still hear a more southern twang off my accent because when I go home, I've also been asked "Where are from?" and openly mocked with your stereotypical Belfast accent. Well I, am from Crossmaglen. A town sitting in South Armagh, just one hour from Dublin and obsessed with GAA. It was such a huge part of my life until essentially, I moved up to Belfast but it's always amazing to get home to that special feeling of community.
5. I'm not a natural Blonde
OK - Some of you will be like "Duh!" and some will be like "WHAT?". I've been getting highlights in my hair that long that even I started to think it was natural but that amount of bleach takes it toll, so I've decided to go for a more au naturale look. Of course, my head of blonde curls is my signature look but sometimes, you have to pull away the extras and just be at one with what God gave you. Saying that, you know in a couple of month's I'll probably be back to bright again.
6. I'm an Introverted Extrovert
I feel like a lot of us probably are. There's times when all I want to do is socialise. To be in an environment where I can chat and meet new people and then there's times where that is my worst nightmare. The latter is sitting at home by myself, in my own space. More importantly, in my own headspace. There's days I won't say hello to you in the street and there's days I'll have made a bee line to get to you just to say hi. I'll lie about not feeling well to get out of calling round when really, I'm fine but I can't bring myself to leave my house. It kind of goes hand in hand with anxiety but as we all know, there's good days and there's bad days. We just have to take them one by one.
7. I used to be a musician
Currently getting flashbacks of thirteen year old Niámh running for the bus with her art folder, viola case and PE bag. Involved in so many extra-curricular activities that Siobhan was going to lose her marbles but honestly I loved them all until they started taking over her weekends as well. But back to the main point, your girl was a musician. It started with Tin Whistle and progressed to Viola, Piano and Fiddle. I was hitting classes hard until I opted into GCSE Art & well, that was all my extra time gone. To this day, i still regret giving up a lot of things especially when I venture around my attic and find my instruments. Maybe I'll keep them for a rainy day. They’re too special to let go of.
8. I made it to final call backs for BINTM
Something I hadn't told many people because my parents had taught me to say nothing and remain humble on opportunities that might come my way. Nothing is ever definite but this was super cool. I auditioned first in Edinburgh and received a call back. Within a week I was on Oxford Street in London on Dec 18th 2012. Even just to make it to this point was awesome since auditions had taken place all over the UK & Ireland, sadly, it wasn't to be. Thank God I had learned to take everything with a pinch of salt. That's the industry we're in. We got to have thick skin.
9. I am a huge romantic
TBH I don't really have a lot to say about this. It is what it is. It's not all about the huge gestures but the little thoughtful ones that make me melt. If you're happy and in love, well then I AM CHEERING FOR YOU!
10. MY Next step: presenting
Stick a camera in front of me and let's do this. Just another job opportunity I want to add to my roster. As a content creator, I feel I have to make the push to YouTube but there's something about YouTube that still doesn't motivate me to create. As always, I like to work as a team to create. In an ideal world, I would have my show with a team of talented folk who love what they do and we would just go for it. I have my idea, but how do i take that first step? Something I'm still trying to figure out. All in due course.
And there you go, 10 Things that brings you a bit closer to understanding Niámh. I can't believe I've sat and wrote all that. Usually I get pretty distracted with anything of this length but heh - I stuck it out and so did you. Now I'm going to treat myself with a cup of tea and some homemade nachos.
Laters,
N. xo.
