When and Why did you make Manchester your home?

I came to Manchester in March 2018. I simply followed a gut feeling. I was living down South and was really unhappy, so I decided on a whim that I was going to move to Manchester. I’d never been before, but it seemed like the right thing to do. Turns out, it was!

What makes Manchester special?

The people. They’re friendly, fun, cool, confident, and just so easy to get along with. I also love the vibe of the city, it’s really versatile and a bit more alternative than other places and I’m definitely on board with that.

What drives you?

Optimism, positivity and doing the things I love. A while ago, I made the conscious decision to only surround myself with people who lift me up and to make sure I have something to get up for in the mornings. Life’s too short to constantly be dragged down. Going self-employment has been a massive contributor to my overall happiness and drive, too.

What are your dreams/ where would you like to be in 5 years?

I don’t plan that far ahead. I’d like to be alive and happy, and that’s about as detailed as it gets. Sure, I have ideas of what I’d like life to be, but from experience, every time I make a plan, life has other ideas, so I’ll just wait and see.

What is the biggest issue at the moment for women which needs to be talked more about?

We’ve come a long way when it comes to women’s rights, but there are definitely still areas that need improving. The pay gap is an obvious one, as is giving women equal chances for job opportunities. I also think periods and other hormonal issues us ladies face everyday need to be normalised more. How are tampons still seen as a ‘luxury’?!

What is your favourite Manchester Girl Event and why?

I loved the Manchester Girl Talk event. A room full of inspiring women and a complementary gin bar? Yes, please! Any occasion where I get to chat to the Manchester Girls is good, and I always take something from it. Though I rarely make it to the Sunday coffee meet-ups because… well… Sunday, innit.

Why did you choose the location you were photographed?

I vividly remember when the attack at the MEN happened. I was living in London at the time, but something about the severity of the event and the people’s reaction really shook me. Terrorist attacks have happened in London many times before, but nobody cares; if anything, it’s an inconvenience to people’s lives. Not for Mancunians. There was utter disbelief that such horrific violence could have happened in their city; it was almost as if everyone had been targeted.

The feeling of unity and support for each other was overwhelming, not to mention the incredible charity gig that was planned in a mere few days. I remember watching it on YouTube and sobbing through the whole thing. Maybe seeing people in Manchester react so beautifully to a tragic event like that subconsciously made me feel like I want to be a part of that community, too.

Girls Of Manchester: Lisa Gust