COMMON PEOPLE #07

TANYA PONT, CLIFTON NSW

It’s difficult to not feel grateful for our beautiful part of the world as you cruise over the Seacliff Bridge and watch the sun rise over the ocean. This is part of Tanya’s daily lifestyle and one of the captivating reasons for her move down South from Sydney. The creative lover of all good things spends most of her time in her Clifton seaside cottage and finds the positives in her daily commute to Sydney by taking the opportunity to do the things that we normally wouldn’t make time to do. Tanya appreciates the balance between nature and city, as well as the people, places and culture that make a place a home.

 

WORDS BY ANNA HEYLIGERS - IMAGES BY ANNA HEYLIGERS

COMMON PEOPLE #07

TANYA PONT, CLIFTON NSW

It’s difficult to not feel grateful for our beautiful part of the world as you cruise over the Seacliff Bridge and watch the sun rise over the ocean. This is part of Tanya’s daily lifestyle and one of the captivating reasons for her move down South from Sydney. The creative lover of all good things spends most of her time in her Clifton seaside cottage and finds the positives in her daily commute to Sydney by taking the opportunity to do the things that we normally wouldn’t make time to do. Tanya appreciates the balance between nature and city, as well as the people, places and culture that make a place a home.

WORDS BY ANNA HEYLIGERS - IMAGES BY ANNA HEYLIGERS

 

 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF...

 

I’m a dancer, a lover, a talker, a walker. I have a penchant for collectables, records and old cars including my current crush – a 1975 Valiant VK Regal. I like being around people and feeling I am a part of something great. I’ve been fortunate to work in some amazing roles. I was Showroom and Agency Manager for an incredible company called Little Hero PR for 6 years helping launch some of Australia’s top designers including many a show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I was then the Executive Assistant to the Director of Carriageworks, a contemporary multi arts centre in Redfern. I had a cup of tea with Bjork, met Nick Cave the American artist (not the bad seed) whose soundsuits tied my love of fashion with the newness I was enjoying in the art world, and met so many inspiring movers and shakers every week. I am now the Personal Assistant to the loveliest man in the restaurant biz Mike McEnearney who is also the creative director for the Carriageworks Farmers Market. It is a very diverse and creative roll often collaborating with some of Sydney’s finest chefs, farmers and producers. It is truly a culinary delight. And who doesn’t love eating! And of course, since moving south a pocket of my week is spent in the beautiful space that is Noel & Gladys.

 

HOW DO YOU USUALLY START THE DAY? ANY DAILY RITUALS?
 

One of my most treasured moments in the morning is jumping in my Valiant and cruising across the Seacliff Bridge watching the sun rise over the ocean. It gives me that magic feeling of how lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful part of the world. I often feel like I’m moving across it in slow motion, soaking in the rays and taking a moment to give my thanks and set my intentions into the universe that I’m going to have a good day. Definitely a big plus of having to get up at such an early time of day to travel to the city!

 

TALK US THROUGH YOUR DECISION TO MOVE FROM SYDNEY TO CLIFTON. WAS THERE A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT THAT SET THE PLAN IN MOTION?
 

My friend whom I moved south with planted the seed when we were doing a road trip across California last year. She spoke of cottages and old houses with backyards and sheds near the water. And that for the price of a room in Sydney we could share a house! I had already moved from the inner west to the Northern Beaches, so I was used to commuting into town for the sake of being by the water. After the end of a long relationship I needed a shake up….. so my friend and I had a bit of a Thelma & Louise moment… her in her panel van and me in my Valiant and to the south we went!

 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF...

 

I’m a dancer, a lover, a talker, a walker. I have a penchant for collectables, records and old cars including my current crush – a 1975 Valiant VK Regal. I like being around people and feeling I am a part of something great. I’ve been fortunate to work in some amazing roles. I was Showroom and Agency Manager for an incredible company called Little Hero PR for 6 years helping launch some of Australia’s top designers including many a show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I was then the Executive Assistant to the Director of Carriageworks, a contemporary multi arts centre in Redfern. I had a cup of tea with Bjork, met Nick Cave the American artist (not the bad seed) whose soundsuits tied my love of fashion with the newness I was enjoying in the art world, and met so many inspiring movers and shakers every week. I am now the Personal Assistant to the loveliest man in the restaurant biz Mike McEnearney who is also the creative director for the Carriageworks Farmers Market. It is a very diverse and creative roll often collaborating with some of Sydney’s finest chefs, farmers and producers. It is truly a culinary delight. And who doesn’t love eating! And of course, since moving south a pocket of my week is spent in the beautiful space that is Noel & Gladys.

 

HOW DO YOU USUALLY START THE DAY? ANY DAILY RITUALS?
 

One of my most treasured moments in the morning is jumping in my Valiant and cruising across the Seacliff Bridge watching the sun rise over the ocean. It gives me that magic feeling of how lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful part of the world. I often feel like I’m moving across it in slow motion, soaking in the rays and taking a moment to give my thanks and set my intentions into the universe that I’m going to have a good day. Definitely a big plus of having to get up at such an early time of day to travel to the city!

 

TALK US THROUGH YOUR DECISION TO MOVE FROM SYDNEY TO CLIFTON. WAS THERE A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT THAT SET THE PLAN IN MOTION?
 

My friend whom I moved south with planted the seed when we were doing a road trip across California last year. She spoke of cottages and old houses with backyards and sheds near the water. And that for the price of a room in Sydney we could share a house! I had already moved from the inner west to the Northern Beaches, so I was used to commuting into town for the sake of being by the water. After the end of a long relationship I needed a shake up….. so my friend and I had a bit of a Thelma & Louise moment… her in her panel van and me in my Valiant and to the south we went!

“…that magic feeling of how lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful part of the world. I often feel like I’m moving across it in slow motion, soaking in the rays taking a moment to give my thanks and set my intentions into the universe that I’m going to have a good day.”
“…that magic feeling of how lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful part of the world. I often feel like I’m moving across it in slow motion, soaking in the rays taking a moment to give my thanks and set my intentions into the universe that I’m going to have a good day.”

 

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE MOVE?
 

I would say it was working out the least painful formula for commuting into the city 4 days a week for work. And not having a grocery store around the corner or a café or bottle shop. Ha! You kind of just have to be a bit more organised I guess. But it’s such a beautiful place that if your house is stocked with all the ingredients to make a margarita 24/7 then your set. Right?!

 

WHAT DIFFERENCE DO YOU NOTICE IN YOUR LIFESTYLE NOW?
 

I think one of the biggest reasons for moving south was in search of the perfect balance of being connected to the cultural hum of the city whilst also living in a space that is open and connects with nature. It can be so calming and healing. I’m forced to slow down my thoughts and breath and be more mindful in my surroundings. In the city I am always rushing around from a bar, to dinner, to an exhibition, to a gig… and back to the bar again. Those nights feel more special when you’re not falling into a routine and I cherry pick my moments more. When home I enjoy just walking along the cliffs and enjoying the coastline. You stop and talk to people and get to meet the crazy bird man at Sharkies Beach or bump into the local car club and get a joy ride up to Bald Hill Headland in a 1922 Essex Roadster. It’s the little things.

 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN THIS AREA?
 

Feeling the magic of having the escarpment behind you and the ocean in front of you. You kind of feel exposed and protected at the same time. A cup of tea in the morning with the goats and the bush and a margarita watching the sunset over the ocean at night. It’s perfection.

 

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE MOVE?
 

I would say it was working out the least painful formula for commuting into the city 4 days a week for work. And not having a grocery store around the corner or a café or bottle shop. Ha! You kind of just have to be a bit more organised I guess. But it’s such a beautiful place that if your house is stocked with all the ingredients to make a margarita 24/7 then your set. Right?!

 

WHAT DIFFERENCE DO YOU NOTICE IN YOUR LIFESTYLE NOW?
 

I think one of the biggest reasons for moving south was in search of the perfect balance of being connected to the cultural hum of the city whilst also living in a space that is open and connects with nature. It can be so calming and healing. I’m forced to slow down my thoughts and breath and be more mindful in my surroundings. In the city I am always rushing around from a bar, to dinner, to an exhibition, to a gig… and back to the bar again. Those nights feel more special when you’re not falling into a routine and I cherry pick my moments more. When home I enjoy just walking along the cliffs and enjoying the coastline. You stop and talk to people and get to meet the crazy bird man at Sharkies Beach or bump into the local car club and get a joy ride up to Bald Hill Headland in a 1922 Essex Roadster. It’s the little things.

 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN THIS AREA?
 

Feeling the magic of having the escarpment behind you and the ocean in front of you. You kind of feel exposed and protected at the same time. A cup of tea in the morning with the goats and the bush and a margarita watching the sunset over the ocean at night. It’s perfection.

“Feeling the magic of having the escarpment behind you and the ocean in front of you. You kind of feel exposed and protected at the same time.“
“Feeling the magic of having the escarpment behind you and the ocean in front of you. You kind of feel exposed and protected at the same time.“
 
WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE OTHERS WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT THE SAME MOVE?
 

Most definitely. The city isn’t the only option. There are so many other beautiful areas that surround Sydney that are worthy of being your home. If you can find a way to work in that area as well then great. But if not, commuting can also be really calming. You get this forced time to read that book, or listen to that podcast or SLEEP!

 

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE THE MOST AND WHY?

The people. So many lovely, welcoming and like-minded people live in this community. Particularly working at Noel & Gladys I get to meet so many of you. Many of which have recently moved south in search of the same thing as me. So many artists and creatives and musicians. So so many great bands live around here. Franks Wild Years and gigs at ‘The Bowlo’ in Wombarra set the perfect drinking afternoon. And it’s just down the road. And there are less than 50 smiling faces you are happy to see. It’s great. I’m not leaving. Ever.

Learn more about Tanya here.

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE OTHERS WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT THE SAME MOVE?
 

Most definitely. The city isn’t the only option. There are so many other beautiful areas that surround Sydney that are worthy of being your home. If you can find a way to work in that area as well then great. But if not, commuting can also be really calming. You get this forced time to read that book, or listen to that podcast or SLEEP!

 

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE THE MOST AND WHY?

The people. So many lovely, welcoming and like-minded people live in this community. Particularly working at Noel & Gladys I get to meet so many of you. Many of which have recently moved south in search of the same thing as me. So many artists and creatives and musicians. So so many great bands live around here. Franks Wild Years and gigs at ‘The Bowlo’ in Wombarra set the perfect drinking afternoon. And it’s just down the road. And there are less than 50 smiling faces you are happy to see. It’s great. I’m not leaving. Ever.

Learn more about Tanya here.

PREVIOUS ENTRY
 
COMMON PEOPLE #06
CINDY HSU ZELL, LOS ANGELES USA
 

Invigorating the feel-good part of people is one of the main inspirations behind Cindy’s unique jewellery line, WKNDLA. The Los Angeles based creative wants to inspire confidence as well as sustainable business practices.

READ THIS ENTRY

PREVIOUS ENTRY

COMMON PEOPLE #06

CINDY HSU ZELL, LOS ANGELES USA

Invigorating the feel-good part of people is one of the main inspirations behind Cindy’s unique jewellery line, WKNDLA. The Los Angeles based creative wants to inspire confidence as well as sustainable business practices.

READ THIS ENTRY