We’ll remember, remember the 5th of November for being the most lowkey Bonfire Night in history. Big events are off the cards but what isn’t is our love of at home traditions and appreciation for the little things. If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that in tough times we can still sparkle and make others feel good which really, is the most important thing. We spoke to Alex, Ramona and Edee about what makes them sparkle and their plans for a much quieter Bonfire Night …
Alex
What makes you sparkle?
Being around the people I love most, mainly my frenchie (don't tell the hubby). Nothing beats a crisp autumn walk and taking a deep breath, that's how I start my day every day and find my sparkle for the day ahead!
How do you make others sparkle?
Being my silly, upbeat self around them / on social media. I like to show real life as well as working life, and I think this always seems to put a smile on others faces.
What is your sparkliest quality?
My ability to pick others up when they feel lost or down. Sometimes I wish I could take my own advice when I dish it out to help others.
How are you celebrating Bonfire Night 2020?
Um ... on the sofa like majority of the UK I imagine! Maybe with an indoor sparkler or two to bring some fun to it!
It's been a tough year, how are you staying positive?
I do a meditation every morning before I go on my dog walk. I find these two things combined are a great way to be more positive. I also have been taking part in social media detoxes, which I have found really helpful during these times where there is still a huge amount of pressure online.
How are you finding ways to celebrate and connect with friends & family?
Through video calls. It's the best way to get that all important "face time" in the safest way possible at the moment.
Ramona
What makes you sparkle?
Honestly what makes me sparkle is seeing women going out there, going against gender stereotypes, achieving their dreams and their goals and just kicking arse! I love seeing women achieve big things and that really does make me sparkle.
How do you make others sparkle?
I use my Instagram page to talk a lot about feminism and gender equality and just to remind women that they have everything that they already need within themselves to achieve all of the things that they want. So I make others sparkle by reminding them to believe in themselves.
What is your sparkliest quality?
Honestly I would say my smile! I’ve been told that I have a very contagious smile and I hope you’re smiling when you read this.
How are you celebrating Bonfire Night 2020?
I’m going to be celebrating it at home, inside, probably with a nice hot cup of tea and maybe some really nice sweet treats. It’s going to be a very tame, cosy, quiet Bonfire Night this year.
It's been a tough year, how are you staying positive?
So, this year has been a very tough year for a lot of people. I’m trying to stay positive by listening to a lot of podcasts. There are some really good ones like MindSet Mental and Gary Vaynerchuk’s one and they really do keep me motivated. They remind me that as long as everyone around me is happy and safe that’s all that matters so just be grateful for the little things.
How are you finding ways to celebrate and connect with friends & family?
Zoom chats! I think we’ve all been on at least one Zoom chat this year. I video call with friends quite a lot especially friends who live in different cities or countries. Scheduling time for them every weekend is important to make sure that we keep in contact and keeping each other sane because being at home all the time is not easy.
I also make sure I’m always social distancing and keeping safe to make sure I’m safe enough to visit other people like my gran who lives by herself.
Edee
What makes you sparkle?
What makes me sparkle? Bomb sequins, beautiful teeth and the most positive vibes.
How do you make others sparkle?
I make other's sparkle by representing the culture, by being that plus sized black woman who loves fashion, loves a good life, loves to talk and lives life unapologetically.
What is your sparkliest quality?
My vivaciousness. I’m in everyone’s face with those positive vibes!
How are you celebrating Bonfire Night 2020?
Hosting a zoom games night and maybe catching up on some Netflix (most likely) or recreating some TikTok dance videos LOL (very unlikely!)
It's been a tough year, how are you staying positive?
I stay positive by believing wholeheartedly that everything happens for a reason and trying as much as I can to find that reason and turning it into an opportunity.
How are you finding ways to celebrate and connect with friends & family?
FaceTime, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram Lives, WhatsApp messaging, audio and video. I’m using all things and everything to stay connected. Interestingly I have never felt more connected than I do now.