Charlotte Simmonds: An introduction

Date
3 January 2012

The It’s Nice That changing of the intern is much like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. There’s costumes, tourists and unintelligible orders barked from a sergeant major. Actually there’s none of those things, but it’s still extremely exciting. We are delighted to introduce you to Charlotte Simmonds, who was born in the UK but raised in California. She brings a varied wealth of editorial experience to our team and we can’t wait to read more of her trans-Atlantic musings on the site. Her top three herbs are thyme, rosemary and mint, so with that in mind, read on to find out more…

How do you explain what you do to your parents?

I would say my parents were victims of that fairly common parental disorder which makes them see any of my mildly worthwhile achievements as akin to surmounting Everest.  I explain that I write for a website and pull pints on the weekends – this seems to suffice as “doing great.”

Who do you look like?

A few too many people have mentioned Mariah Carey, which I suppose should have made me happy but unfortunately didn’t. Too many hair extensions. I prefer my sister’s answer, which is that I look like my grandfather. He was a legend in our family and a true English rogue. 

Did your education count?

My education mainly involved reading a lot of books, which I thought was a blast. Without the space to entertain such delights, I don’t think I would have developed in the way that I have. Education is crucial; everyone deserves the time to pursue their passions, however “impractical” they may be. 

What’s the best mistake you have ever made?

Well I did drop out of my first university in New York. At the time I worked as a nanny for a very rad couple who also happened to be ex-Ivy Leaguers; they told me dropping out of a big name school was career suicide. I hoped madly that wasn’t true and contacted a distant primatologist auntie who let me follow her on a trip to Madagascar where we spent twelve hours a day following lemurs.

I then moved to London, got a writing job (and a bar job… of course), and three years later I am, as my mother would say, “doing great”. Sometimes I wonder, but I don’t regret. 

When did you realise that this is what you were good at?

Perhaps I’ve got an vanity complex, but I would be loath to say I am good at this, yet. I remember when I first realised this was what I wanted to do. Writing’s always been a passion but writing in this vein captured me a few years back. It’s what I love and hope it works for you. 

What rules do you live by?

I don’t love rules but I do love advice, and there’s plenty of good advice I like to carry with me. At the moment I’m really feeling the words of a friend who recently told me to “be bold in your convictions and brave in your ambitions.” I think she wanted me to tell that people will appreciate you exactly as you are. Remembering not to fake it is a scary and enlightening truth.

What makes your day?

Eating a great lunch. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

An astronaut. Always an astronaut. My fall-back plan was “wandering minstrel.”

What one thing would you like to be remembered by/for?

Tough question. Many many things I suppose, but at the minute I would be content with being known as the woman who re-invented glamorous cycle helmets. I’m thinking velvet, polished cherrywood… 

What’s your favourite combination?

French fries and truffle oil. 

What’s the funniest thing you have EVER seen?

My sister’s impression of Eddie Izzard. My sister is tops, in case you can’t tell. 

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About the Author

Rob Alderson

Rob joined It’s Nice That as Online Editor in July 2011 before becoming Editor-in-Chief and working across all editorial projects including itsnicethat.com, Printed Pages, Here and Nicer Tuesdays. Rob left It’s Nice That in June 2015.

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