Our Top 5 Influential People

We’ll start by saying this list has been both easy and difficult to create. There were a couple of immediate YES moments and also realisation that we couldn’t possibly fit every single person/collective we find influential into a list. Especially a list of just five. So, with that in mind and in no particular order.

Lizzo

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know who Lizzo is. Our love for Lizzo isn’t just because of her recent media attention either. For quite some time we’ve loved her music, all that she is and all that she stands for. Lizzo is proof that you do not have to conform to societies expectations in order to be successful and respected. Not only is Lizzo incredibly talented, she unapologetically loves her body and isn’t afraid to shout about it. That kind of self-love and body positivity is something – we believe – the world needs more of. And, when faced with criticism about her weight, she continues to be a remarkable role model to those that need her. Lizzo teaches us that we are beautiful and worthy no matter our size. And, she isn’t afraid to be sexual with that either – a glorious representation of how we are evolving as a society. Don’t you think?

Let’s not forget she can also play the flute and twerk at the same time. I mean, come on.

Will Young

If you know me (Christina) personally then you’ll know that I have admired (at one point thought I’d marry!) Will Young since I was 12 years old. But, he isn’t just on our list for that reason – I promise. There’s a lot people don’t know about this Pop Idol and I wanted to give him the spot he deserves. For starters, he took Women’s Studies at University and considers himself a feminist – which we love, of course. He also supports and is ambassador for many charities including; Women’s Aid, WWF, Mencap, Catch22 and The Mood Foundation.

Will Young is a leading voice in mental health awareness, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.  He has written an accessible A-Z guide on mental health “Be Yourself and Happier” which I’ve read cover to cover and thoroughly recommend. His acclaimed book “To be a Gay Man” also explored mental-health awareness with a focus on gay shame. He also founded the podcast “The Wellbeing Lab”, where he interviews experts on different mental health topics each week.

After years of therapy and self-exploration, Will Young promotes positive well-being with such gentility and kindness. I really do think he is an incredible human. I always will. Lots of his music has made it to my labour playlist too – because who wouldn’t want those silky velvety tones of goodness whilst getting a sweat on with contractions?

Melissa Dawkins

Now, unless you live in our town you may not have heard of this one, which is why we think it’s so important she makes the list! Melissa is such an influential person within our community and probably the most creative and crafty busy-bee we know. Melissa is the founder and director of Craftship Enterprise and Made in Ashford. What’s that I hear you ask? Well, Made in Ashford is a base for creative businesses all over Kent to sell their makes and creations! We sell our products within this beautiful shop and love being part of the MIA community. It’s a welcoming and inclusive place filled to the brim with handmade and locally designed goods. And, just across the street is The Craftship – the ultimate creative hub. Melissa works incredibly hard to ensure The Craftship is a success and it truly is deserving of a place on our high street. The space holds creativity in different forms through a dynamic series of workshops, pop up galleries and community groups. Melissa and her team also work on projects within the community with other local businesses and offer free creativity sessions!

Melissa is a vibrant spark who keeps our town buzzing with creativity, colour and craft! You’ll often see her wearing a huge smile, along with something wonderful and bright, to match her one-of-a-kind soul. Everyone needs a Melissa in their town – but you can’t have this one, she ours! #Ashfame

Guerrilla Girls 

Guerrilla Girls is an anonymous group of feminist, female artists devoted to fighting sexism and racism within the art world. The original group formed in New York City in 1985 with the mission of bringing gender and racial inequality into focus within the greater arts community. The group employs culture jamming in the form of posters, books, billboards, and public appearances to expose discrimination and corruption. They also often use humour in their work to make their serious messages engaging. They are known for their "guerrilla" tactics, hence their name, such as hanging up posters or staging surprise exhibitions. To remain anonymous, members don gorilla masks and use pseudonyms that refer to deceased female artists.

Something cool – Hollie actually interviewed the Guerrilla Girls as part of her research role at Tate Exchange, during their workshop in 2016. We admire the difference they have made in the art world for female and black artists, and the bold gestures they have demanded it with. They use facts and shout it clear as day, without permission. They are unapologetically rebels and their guts have since inspired other rebel collectives, such as Pussy Riot – another one of our faves!

Anne Lister

Sometimes described as “the first modern lesbian”, Anne Lister pushed sexuality and gender boundaries of her time. Her entrepreneurial flair, her acquired knowledge over the years of mathematics, geology and engineering and her sharp negotiating skills with her male business rivals made her a formidable businesswoman. She was also a successful landowner. Anne was renowned in her time for dressing in black, without bothering to indulge in the feminine frills like the others of her sex. She was the 19th century equivalent of a “butch” lesbian, and she became known to locals as ‘Gentleman Jack.’ Her lesbian lifestyle, however, was one of the best kept secrets of her time. Anne kept a heavily-coded diary in which she detailed her lesbian romances and affairs. She was strikingly free and easy about her sexuality and her numerous romantic encounters. Slaaaay!

Anne Lister was the first woman in England to openly marry another woman in 1834 – a marriage not technically recognised under law. Anne Lister and Ann Walker exchanged rings and took the sacrament together on Easter Sunday in Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York. Anne Lister was a headstrong and passionate woman. In a time when homosexuality was generally regarded as abhorrent, Anne's unashamed pursuit of female love demonstrates her independence of mind.

When Hollie and I celebrated our first pride together we took to the streets of Brighton dressed as the famous duo – well, our interpretation of…

Well, this is new.

Hello, it’s Christina here. Wow! I cannot believe that I am actually finally starting a Poca and Pan blog. You know when you have a list of things to do (or a million lists) but there is always that one thing that gets pushed further and further down, then you start a new list entirely adding said item but know full well it’s just going to sit there for eternity? Well, creating a Poca and Pan blog was that thing. I’ve always wanted to do it; I know the importance of blogging and the benefits it can bring to us smaller businesses. However, it’s frightened me too. What will I write about? Will people care? How can I make it relevant to the brand?

I’m not a complete novice at blogging either. I’ve blogged in the past (way in the past) about mental health. I’ve blogged for companies I’ve worked for. So I don’t know where the sudden dread came from. We’ll see how it goes, yeah?

I think something has changed recently. A little rocket has been hypothetically shoved up my backside. I’m about to hit the third trimester of pregnancy and amongst all the baby prep (so much baby prep) I’ve had the sudden urge to do well by my unborn daughter. I’m not the “bread winner” in my relationship. I was fortunate enough to be in a position where I could leave my full time job to focus on this creative business and I had the funds through a previous house sale to support myself for a while. I also help to care for my Grandparents, which brings in some extra cash. However, IVF got the better of our bank accounts. Now I’m through the debilitating fog of treatment and I am more mentally stable, I’m focused on business building again. When our daughter arrives, of course, my focus will be her. But, if I can just build a little more in the run-up to baby landing, I’ll feel good knowing I’ve tried my best for us. My partner, Hollie, works incredibly hard to support our growing family and I am so grateful. She’s pretty epic.

That’s a bit of background. And, it wasn’t too hard to write – huzzah!

So, where do I want to go with this new blogging venture?

It might go down a few different paths to be honest. I’ll use it as a platform to show off our prints – especially showing them in your beautifully styled homes for decor inspiration. I love all things interior, so that should be fun! I’d also like to speak openly about current topics, especially feminist and inclusivity chat. If you’ve already browsed our prints then you’ll know we’re hot on empowering others and encouraging individuality. I might even rope Dr Hollie into writing some feminist theory based blogs, what do you think? Also it would be cool to invite some passionate guest bloggers to join, opening up the space to talk about queer theory, topics surrounding gender etc.

There will probably be a bit of real mum (and mum to be) chat too. Not just the nitty gritty of leaking nips and night time poonamis either. Maybe things like the societal pressures on children; the worries of being a good parent; are we raising them right? LGBTQ+ parenting. You get the idea. We’re really proud of how far we have come as a couple and all we have faced on our baby-making journey – so we will always shout about it in one way or another.

And just to be clear, there is no room for unkindness or judgement here. Ever. Nor is there in my life to be honest. I’ve spent too long worrying what others think of me. It’s an unhealthy place to live. And, over time I realised those that constantly feel the need to comment or pass judgement in a non constructive way, are unhappy themselves. I’m not here for that and neither is this blog. Good vibes only, as they say. I’m an open-minded person. Each to their own kinda soul with no space for bringing people down, negativity or old-fashioned bitchiness. No, thank you. Maybe I’ll do an actual post on this topic, clearly it’s sparked something.

I think I’ll leave it there. First blog, successfully written. Maybe I’ll have a decaffeinated coffee with sugar to celebrate. Because that and chomping on ice cubes is about as exciting as it gets at 27 weeks pregnant.

Thanks for reading. Or skimming. Or for just stopping by!

Love, Christina – Poca and Pan x