Jaqueline Shepherd is a presenter, journalist and producer with a story that will inspire you to keep moving towards your calling.

She grew up in Kent and all around, following her cricketer dad wherever he needed to be and this, as she shares, turned her into a people's person. 

Always the new girl in school, adapting to new places and having to make new friends, Jaqueline sees her childhood as a significant part of who she is: a natural communicator.

Jaqueline has lived in London now for the last 20 years (which you'd never tell, as she doesn't look a year past 23!). 

From a diploma in textile design where she followed the footsteps of the women in her family, she moved into working in face-to-face fundraising, to recruitment...

I mean, talk about wearing many hats, hey? But as it happens with me, the glue that keeps all of this together, is communication and people!

Rewinding to her childhood once more, Jaqui used to connect to teletext on tv, and one of her favourite things to do would be to read it out loud as a TV presenter... fast forwarding to just a few years ago, it was with no surprise that all her friends received the news that she wanted to actually follow a career in media.

'You've always been a natural at this, Jaxx! Just do it!' - they said.

At first she went slowly, and as she recalls, maybe for the lack of representation, but as she got her first job at Sky One, she never stopped. 

The force of nature that is Jaqueline Shepherd has now been one of the faces and voices of not only Sky One but also Sky Arts, Times Radio, BBC Radio London and also hosts her own Podcast called Taking the Leap.

A proof that all you have to do is keep pushing and dreaming, is in the fact that only during this pandemic did Jaqueline find the time to finally finish her studies in Media, right after her 40s! If this doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will!

In our interview we explored all of this in detail, talked about how she is an advocate for natural hair, and much much more.

Another Londoner YOU . NEED . TO . MEET.

Find Jaqueline:

Agent Craig @talent4media 

website: www.jacquelineshepherd.com

On this week’s interview we go back in time and experience growing up in Hackney in the 70’s through Stephen’s eyes.

He told me tales of being a black kid in a diverse neighborhood, son of immigrant parents, and how the world treated him and other kids like him back in the days.

We talked about school, family, work, and the journey that brought him to work with kids in schools who face a similar life story to his.

Getting into yoga and mindfulness saved him and changed him from angry to centered. 

He uses his techniques to help with his student’s anxiety, stress and coping with life in general.

We explored the relationship and relatability he creates with these kids, how racism still exists in London schools, and how his work continues through a pandemic and 3 lockdowns.

An incredible human, with the biggest heart.

Another Londoner you need to meet.

Episode 001 features Abigail from M+H Cake Company, and maaaan, she is a FORCE of nature!

23 year old Abigail is making the world a sweeter place one bite at a time.

School librarian turned cake designer, she never says 'no' to hard work. 

Abi saw the the first lockdown of 2020 in London become her big launch into stardom with her delicious cake tubs.

As with many small businesses, the cake tubs began being sold to friends and family, but that bubble was just too small! Coming from North to South, East to West, requests for cake tubs started arriving and knowing some clients myself, I was told that the day the cake tubs arrived would be the happiest day of their week. 

This is what got me to want to meet Abi. Who was this girl, growing a business in the midst of a pandemic?

During the second London lockdown, we set up a ZOOM call and we talked about her being a black girl in an industry that is mainly dominated by white middle class women; we talked about the time, learning and skill investment it takes to get great at what she does; and the support from her family as orders grew.

We also talked about how she shares her experiences and learning process on social media in the hopes of inspiring other girls like her to take action, and how she stays humble.

We also explored her faith, plans for the future and causes she cares for.

A wonderful soul, and a Londoner you need to meet.

Catch Abigail and her adventures at:

WEB // IG

Credits:

100 Londoners you need to meet presented by Luisa Starling

Produced by Luisa Starling

Platform used was ZOOM

Music by my musician friend Tobel Lopes