Vicki #mixedmonday
This week's #mixedmonday is the wonderful Vicky, founder of @pinklimemango.
I am Vicky - a proud single mum, artist, and jeweller based in Bristol. I was born in Bristol and grew up with three amazing siblings. I started off on a materials engineering course before embarking on a 14-year career in the NHS. But after facing some tough life events, including my sister's cancer and stroke, I decided to follow my dreams and study art full-time.
Fast forward to now, and I am the founder of Pink Lime Mango - a jewellery business that brings joy to people through colour. All my jewellery is handmade and created with materials that are kind to sensitive skin, such as sterling silver. Plus, sustainability is at the heart of what I do - I was even awarded a Sustainable Impact Champion award in 2022 and completed a 9-week Skills Bootcamp in Organisational Sustainability.
How would you describe your ethnicity?
I describe myself as mixed race. My mum is from the Philippines and my dad is from Mauritius.
Has your mixed-ness influenced your career in any way?
Yes, I was encouraged to study science or engineering rather than art. There is a strong cultural influence there! Most of my relatives worked in the NHS so that was a natural career path for me. I remember waiting for a job interview, and one of the candidates boasted that she was more experienced than me. I got the job. However, I still question if I only got that job because they had to hire a certain percentage of mixed-race people. I notice that I am often the only brown person at art events or markets. Gaining a master’s degree in Fine Art and starting my own business gave me confidence.
If you could describe your mixed identity in one word what would it be?
Lucky!
What is the best thing about being mixed heritage?
It has taught me to question things, be open-minded and learn. I have always had to see the world from three different perspectives. The British, Filipino and Mauritian sides. All different cultures and beliefs. And of course, the food is incredible!
