NYLON Q and A with the creative and talented Samantha Edwards. Sam is a MAN-NY, but gets an honorary NY-LON status, since she is not actually from London, but its sister city up north, Manchester.
Samantha came to NYC to actualize her ambition, armed with skills and talent where she landed a great gig at SKAGGS creative agency.
1. How long have you been in NYC?
Gawd, I got here in 2002 so that makes it 8 years – bloody hell that’s a small child in junior school!
2. Where do you live?
Stroller Mafia Central – aka TriBeCa
3. What brought you to NYC?
Work, work and more work. I realized that I wasn’t going to get my goal in Manchester and ya damn right I wasn’t going to move to London. (North/South Divide – whatchu know ‘bout that?)
4. What keeps you busy?
My work at GIF+D (www.thegiftd.com) and SKAGGS(www.skaggsdesign.com), my friends and loved one and my 2 year old furry beast of a dog child – Stella.
5. What do you miss about Manchester ?
Where to begin…aside from my family and friends – I miss Sausage, Chips + Curry sauce (it’s a Northern thing), Eastender’s Sunday Omnibus, patriotism without the racism, driving – GOD I MISS THAT!! Bombing it 100mph down the motorway – I miss that squillions.
6. What do you love about New York?
I love the non stop “get it” attitude that everyone brings to the table. I love the fact that “doing business” isn’t a bad thing and when it’s good – it’s always a pleasure. I love that no matter who you are – or where you’re from you can do anything you damn well want and people appreciate you for it.
In the UK I’ve always been very much aware of what I like to call ‘The Culture of Hate’. What does that mean?
Here in NY you can pretty much start your way from the bottom of the shabby scrap heap and scrape, climb, bleed, sweat and cry to get to the top – people might not necessarily hold your hand on the way up – but you’re supported and when you get there – you’re recognized and celebrated for your blood, sweat, tears and most importantly talent.
I find that in the UK, your struggle to the top is a lonely one – often prickled with “who do they think they ares” and “they’ll never make it”.
Sounds like I’m being harsh on my fellow Englishmen right? A little maybe – but I’ve experienced it first hand – granted it’ll put hairs on your chest though- hmmm maybe The Culture of Hate is a little hard and it’s just the stiff British upper lip?
7. Is there a dose of Britishness you would like to inject into NYC and what would it be?
Ok – I’m totally going to contradict myself here – see above re: Stiff British Upper Lip. Hmmmm I think sometimes people in NY could do with a dose of “it’s not that serious” – Keep Calm + Carry On!
8. What inspires you?
Everything oh and I’m going to confess here – sometimes when I’m feeling a little bit blue I’ll take a round-trip cab to Times Square and gawk at the lights or I’ll walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and back. Just call me the OG Secret Tourist – I just walk a bit faster. Ha!
9. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a New Yorker when…’
You order eggs over-easy-medium, start drinking champagne at 11am and nobody bats an eyelash. (Mimosa brunch people!)
10. Survival tip to living in New York.
(see 7) Keep Calm and Carry On.