If I were in charge...
What three things would you do Shellie Parker?
Shellie’s in her gorgeous tablecloth dresses that we all admire.
I’m an Author and somatic movement educator, my clients call me “the nervous system whisperer." The Soothe Programme is for you if are burnt out, anxious, chronically stressed, or in any dysregulated state impacting your health.
Once a month, to give you a break from my thoughts, and to hear from hopeful people, I invite a guest in to tell us what they would do, “If I were in charge.”
This month, please meet Shellie Parker. I met her in Mrs Lang’s shop - Shellie has a wicked eye for clothes, both for sourcing preloved clothes and making the most exquisite tops and dresses from table clothes. The shop is a treasure trove of beautiful refashioned clothing and accessories and is a must-visit.
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Shellie from Shellie May Vintage and I’m a sustainable fashion designer maker and pre-loved retailer.
What is your mission?
My mission is to stop land-fill from unwanted clothes and to encourage everyone to either buy preloved and vintage styles or repurposed fabric fashion pieces.
How do you do it?
I source interesting and sometimes quirky vintage tablecloths and other fabrics which I then clean, repair if necessary, and sometimes overdye. Using my own patterns, I place each piece with care to engineer the best placement of embroidery or detail to make a beautiful and unique finished garment.
Alongside this, I source preloved and vintage fashion which I curate into a weekly edit of rails to sit alongside the made by me Shellie May Vintage pieces.
I’m lucky enough to share and work alongside the amazing Mrs Lang in her shop on Deal High Street as we share the same sustainable values and have great fun bouncing ideas off each other.
How do you look after yourself?
Having previously had breast cancer and being in my late 50’s I've found it even more important to keep fit and healthy. I eat a very healthy diet based around organic veggies, fresh fish, and good quality meat, staying clear of processed foods as much as possible. I strength train 3 times a week which has enabled me to reverse my breast cancer drug-induced osteoporosis and I’m currently training to compete in HYROX competitions next year. I also love being outdoors either whizzing around on my bike or going for a lovely long dog walk with my partner connecting with nature.
If you were in charge, what are the first three things that you would do?
1. It goes without saying, I’d eradicate war and the power play that causes it and all that it brings.
2. There are between 6-10 million unpaid carers in the UK, many of which never take a break from 24/7 care of their loved ones including my Mum. This has a massive effect on their mental and physical health, so I would ensure that they receive 4 weeks of free annual respite.
I would put a huge tax on processed food and sugar. So many of today's health issues stem from processed food and excess sugar so if it was considerably more expensive it would be more of a considered purchase or out of budget and would hopefully help millions of people be more healthy.
Please recommend a book, a podcast and a film or TV programme.
Book: John Wyndhams, Crysalids: I read this when I was younger and it has always stayed with me as such an amazing book - it was incredibly futuristic for its time but the theme is ever more poignant today - “We should embrace change and differences in life in order for society to survive. Thus we can work together co-operatively to solve problems in order to have a better society.” Says it all really.
Radio Programme: I absolutely love Michelle Visage on Radio 2. I love her upbeat, happy, and inclusive tunes. Nothing better for my Friday night kitchen disco.
TV: Better Call Saul. I loved Breaking Bad but Better Call Saul just took it all to another level with Jimmies complex character and you were always rooting for him to come good.
Is there anything else we should know about what you?
I’m right in the middle of sourcing and pulling together my Xmas vintage range of amazing one-off party pieces including trophy jackets, sequin cardi’s and show-stopping tops. At the same time, I’m sewing up a storm making my signature sweats, Tees, and kimonos as they make perfect gifts whether self-gifting or for someone you love!
Contact
You can find me from Thursday to Saturday at Mrs Lang, 138 High Street, Deal or at @shelliemay_vintage.
What I’m up to…
The next LIVE session is on Sunday 17th November at 5 pm - I’ll put the booking link up soon. if you are a paid subscriber, I will send you the promo code to book in for FREE. It’s a good time to join as a paid reader.
The next Soothe Day retreat in London is on 18th January - Book here.
The Lefkada Retreat in Greece has 3 rooms left - more info here.
I am getting so many clients contacting through with anxiety issues, here is a short audio lesson for paid subscribers to help with that.
Thank you for reading.
Stay human,
Nahid x
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