As 2019 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to take stock of everything, from the TV series we formed unhealthy attachments to, and the moments when humanity stepped up and did us all proud, join Team Zoella and a few of our favourite Tuesday Takeover faces in bidding this year and the nine that went before it a very fond farewell. The last 10 years have been a real whirlwind of politics, Royal weddings and dresses that divided a nation. Was it black and blue or white and gold, though? Ah, internet – where would we be without you!
“I think the last decade has probably been the most challenging, rewarding and craziest decade of my entire life. It’s been my entire career, Zoella, everything has happened in this decade and it’s been the most fun and the craziest thing to try and navigate. I met Alfie In those 10 years, I met Mark in those 10 years, I built a team, I’ve got a great support network around me, I’ve done things I never would’ve dreamed of doing! I baked in a tent with Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood and met so many amazing people, and had the opportunity to be able to talk about things I love and inspire people along the way which has been so amazing.
I never ever would have imagined the last 10 years would have been what they have been, but I wouldn’t change anything, I’ve loved the journey I’ve been on through my 20’s and the next decade will be my 30’s which again I’m actually really excited about. I think they’ll be so different. I’ve definitely changed over the last 10 years as a person, I’ve grown into myself a lot more, I’ve found a lot of strength and grown personally in terms of my mental health and I think it will only get more enforced as I go into my 30’s. I’m really excited about the next decade and 2020, and all the travelling and the family, and all the amazing people I’ll get to meet along the way.”
Zoë Sugg
Zoë Sugg
What has your biggest achievement been?
Creating Zoella
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
I think a combination of super speedy internet, a vlogging camera, social media, and YouTube (even though this was 2005) because that’s what has allowed me to do my job!
Favourite movie or television program?
It has to be Nighty Night and of course Call the Midwife!
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
Probably action for climate change and the rise and celebration of Pride.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Health, happiness and family 🙂
Alexandra Fullerton
What has your biggest achievement been?
My biggest career achievement was reaching my goal of running a fashion department on a magazine, which I did when I was fashion director at Stylist for 7 years… but even bigger than that was when I realised that ticking off a career goal wasn’t actually making me happy and I made the jump into freelance life. In the 2 1/2 years I’ve been self-employed I’m very proud to be earning a decent salary and successfully running my own business.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
I’m constantly amazed at how an app… Instagram… has completely changed the landscape of our lives. From usurping fashion magazines as the primary place to find out about trends or get shopping ideas (which means magazines are closing or going digital) to the way it’s allowed people… often women… to make an income by working their own hours and their own rules. My career would be in a very different place without it.
Favourite movie or television program?
I loved watching RuPaul’s Drag Race UK but I’d rather choose a book if I can, please?! Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas should be required reading for everyone that wears clothes. It explains what is wrong with fast fashion, what is being done about it and looks to the future of the apparel industry. It’s so engaging and even though it’s a heavy subject it’s not a dry or boring read. It’s truly fascinating and will change the way that you think about clothes shopping forever.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
Whatever the political stance you hold and whatever they were doing it for, seeing people come together to march was awe-inspiring and seemed to come from a different era, we’re so unused to marches! But it gave a very strong message of unity.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
It’s been said that the fashion industry is the 2nd most polluting in the world and while it’s very hard to prove this statistic, fast fashion IS a hugely unsustainable concept. Over the past few years this has been really highlighted and brands are starting to make baby steps towards change. I hope that from the very highest level designers and CEOs of luxury houses… through to graduates… high street stores and online fast fashion retailers will all take accountability for their impact. Considering the way they source fabrics and raw materials, who is making the clothes and how they are being treated and paid and what chemicals and raw materials go into the entire process. Resale sites, clothes swaps and second-hand are all on the rise. I hope that this is the decade we will all “buy less, choose quality and make it last” as Vivienne Westwood so brilliantly put it.
Manon Lagrève
What has your biggest achievement been?
From moving to London at 19, not speaking much English, to appearing on English national TV 🙈 Learning another language has truly changed my life and given me so much more opportunities. I am still learning, but I am proud to have build up a career for myself in tech (my previous job as a Consultant at IBM) and now for myself, as a self taught baker and cook ☺️
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Clearly, “the internet”. It allows me to communicate with my family and friends all over the world instantly. Also, I can’t believe we have access to that much knowledge online. I clearly learnt how to become a better baker, online, through blogs, Pinterest or YouTube. And of course, my business currently runs solemnly on social media, and I am so grateful for it! Without it, I’ll probably be at a difference place right now 🙂
Favourite movie or television program?
This is a tough one – We consume So much content now, tricky to chose only one to adore! I think I am going to chose my favourite animation movie of all time, “My neighbour Totoro” for its beautiful story and the memories I have watching this movie for the first time.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I believe the Climate change movement is Clearly bringing people together right now. It is incredible to see such unity. It affects EVERY single person on the planet. Wether it is simply being better with your consumption in stoping to use certain products, or being cautious of your food waste, I think everyone is currently protesting again the way we used to live.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope that we would have saved the planet for another 10 years , I hope that the economic and political world is at a better place, I hope that my children are able to have the same dreams as me, I hope that our society learns to be kinder (especially on social media), I hope that we have learnt to focus more on the basics of life.
Liv Purvis
What has your biggest achievement been?
Oh my god, this is such a tricky one! I think probably maintaining and nurturing my little blog baby which has now grown into my career. If I hadn’t kept that up I wouldn’t have started The Insecure Girls’ Club which has been another project I’ve been so proud of. It’s so weird thinking that ten years ago I was sat in my sixth form common room tapping away at What Olivia Did and I’m still doing the same thing!
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
It sounds pretty obvious, but probably Instagram. It’s helped forge such an impactful community of amazing women- who I think have hugely changed the conversation about what it means to own your own business as a female and be self employed which is incredible. I’ve also met some of the most brilliant people, who not only support me and my business, but all bring such inspiration and light into my life- for all it’s worth, that app has a lot of good things to answer for!
Favourite movie or television program?
Movie wise I’d say 500 Days of Summer (although I think that was 2009- does that count?!)- it’s my favourite and so sentimental to me too. Although I LOVE the Marvelous Mrs Maisel to no end and although it’s only a couple of years old I may never stop talking about it.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I see it all the time on social media- which is definitely something that has happened time and time again over the last decade. With campaigns like Extinction Rebellion, young people are able to forge campaigns and connections to make really viable and important change which is so incredible. I’d also be inclined to say everyone voting Amber and Greg to win Love Island this year too (although I’m still disappointed in Greg)… It was a hugely impactful day for our society which I think deserves a mention…
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Perhaps I’ve done myself a disservice answering these questions the day after one of the biggest general election votes in our lifetime, I might have to keep thinking on this one!
Kim-Joy
What has your biggest achievement been?
10 years ago I was 18, severely socially anxious with very low self esteem, and going to University for the first time. From that point onwards, I have gradually become so much more confident in myself. So my biggest achievement is my growth in confidence, and that is from pushing myself in different ways: making friends, putting my all into work, and doing things that completely terrify me (like being on the Bake Off!). Just the other month, I did a baking demo in front of 250 people. And I barely shaked or felt I couldn’t breathe. That was an incredible feeling for me.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Most likely the internet. It means we can be in contact with so many people, and it is so much easier to learn about things from around the world! Plus without the internet we wouldn’t have social media – which is where I can interact with so many people.
Favourite movie or television program?
My favourite film is called Mary and Max, it’s a claymation stop motion film. It’s about a man with Autism, who becomes pen pals with a young girl with her own mental health issues. It’s funny, dark, depressing, and heartwarming, all at the same time. Be warned though, if you watch it, you will cry!
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I love it when people from different walks of life come together, and that’s partly why Mary and Max which I mentioned earlier, is such a great film in my eyes. The Bake Off is a great example too, of how we come together and help each other, despite how different we all are and the fact that we are in an actual competition! Or small things like seeing someone give someone else bus money to help them out. Or giving a homeless person some socks. It’s small microcosyms of unity and kindness like that, that give me a little more faith in the world. We need to see how even though some people are very different to us, not to react in a hostile way, but to accept and understand.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope for less poverty in the world, and greater acceptance. For me personally, I hope to keep being able to create and do what I love. I’m close to being the happiest I’ve ever been right now, so I hope to just get happier.
Kristabel Plummer
What has your biggest achievement been?
I would definitely say that supporting myself as a freelancer for the past five years has been the making of me! It’s really forced me to know my worth and advocate for myself (especially when chasing payments).
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Monzo! There’s been so much conversation and honesty about finances over the past few years and all the modern banking apps have really helped. I love seeing how much I’m spending on fancy lunches or travel. Direct debits aren’t scary anymore and I feel like I’m in control.
Favourite movie or television program?
RuPaul’s Drag Race! I was sooo late to the party but it’s seriously changed my life and provided so much entertainment. Now I’ve added attending drag shows to my list of hobbies.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I’ve loved seeing independent media companies like Gal Dem and Black Girl Fest flourish.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Personally, I’d love to take control of my personal life and manage the perfectionism that’s holding me back. As a country, I hope we accept our history, move forward with the appropriate action and don’t become further divided.
Lucy Sheridan
What has your biggest achievement been?
Setting up my business six years ago was a huge milestone for me
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Instagram for sure! That and Uber
Favourite movie or television program?
Ooooh that’s a tough one but it has to be Game of Thrones!
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
There have been many notable examples and yet the #metoo movement really stands out to me
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope we start to seriously act on the advice of Greta Thunberg to help save our planet
Yasmin Autwal
What has your biggest achievement been?
This is such an interesting question as I have achieved many things that society would deem my biggest ‘achievements’ and whilst I am grateful that I have achieved those things the BIGGEST for me has been reconnecting to my intuition, my soul, and allowing it to lead. The best moments of my life would never have happened had I not had the courage to live soul first.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Without a doubt it has to be the smart phone. It blows my mind that I got my first iPhone back in 2011. Before that I was printing off directions from Google maps with step by step instructions and taxi apps didn’t exist. It’s scary how much has changed because of one device in such a short space of time – and how integrated smart phones have become in our lives, cross generationally!
Favourite movie or television program?
Haha this is the decade I stopped watching TV but movies I would say Interstellar (that film is DEEP and ahead of its time) Lion (definitely the film I have ever cried most at publicly in all of my life – and I didn’t have a single tissue on me so I was literally drowning in snot) and Padmavaat which is single handedly the most beautiful piece of cinema I have ever seen with a script so stunning it is basically poetry in motion and a phenomenal cast. Deepika Padukone forever has my heart for her role in that film.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
My time spent in refugee camps in over the last few years has without a doubt been one of the strongest examples not only of unity but of the best parts of humanity that there is. To see people who have had their lives completely turned upside down with nothing to their name, inviting ME into their tents and insist on feeding ME with their limited supply of food (despite how much I refused), continues to be my daily inspiration to never give up on making this world a better place.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Honestly my hope is that more of us commit to being more conscious as humans. To aim for getting to know ourselves, our potential and our power first and foremost.
And to also get real about the life we are living and recognise we are so much more than the system we are a part of! To see a whole WAVE of us tear down the archaic man made notions of race, class, gender etc and to work towards real freedom for all. To remember that we are all merely visitors to this planet for a short space of time and to see global united efforts of SERIOUSLY taking care of and respecting our home 🌍.
I also hope to finally meet Beyoncé, 8 yr old me has been PATIENTLY waiting. Its time B! We got work to do! 👏🏽👑🐝
Most importantly though I hope we learn to prioritise joy. Oh and rest. In a (capitalist) world that demands more and more of us, learning to REST is the real revolution!
Rochelle Fox
What has your biggest achievement been?
My biggest achievement of the decade has to be healing myself of chronic PTSD, anxiety and depression through meditation and then turning my career around to become a meditation teacher, so i could help so many others with mental health challenges do the same – It’s been incredibly rewarding!
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
I feel like this one is cliché, but I’ve got to say social media – it’s changed my life and I feel grateful to have access to a platform from which i can spread positivity and share my thoughts and ideas with the world.
Favourite movie or television program?
OH MY GOSH – This is hard..so hard, but it’s got to be Rick and Morty. I really love that crazy show- it’s wild, weird and so deep it hurts my head in the best way possible.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
Lately I really feel the body confidence movement throughout social media has been amazing to see. I grew up in the 90’s where thigh gaps where all the rage and only one body type was really celebrated. I love that we’re moving to a world where everyone is seen as beautiful – I believe beauty is unique, it’s all shapes, sizes and skin colours. I love that I’m alive as this shift takes place and women and men wake up to the truth that they are enough just as they are.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope that meditation becomes as common as brushing your teeth in the morning! As the Dalai Lama says “If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.” – I am actively working towards furthering that mission every day.]
Steph Yeboah
What has your biggest achievement been?
Over the last 10 years, I think my biggest achievement has been my personal growth in relation to how I feel about myself and my body. My self-esteem and confidence is at a place where I could have ever imagined or dreamed of, and I continue to try and work on myself day by day. I also used to hide a lot of myself in regards to my personality, so being able to break out of my shell and be a lot more sociable is something that I am incredibly proud of!
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Phone apps have had the most impact on me I think. Knowing that I have a mini-laptop in my hand at all times is kinda freaky, but it allows all aspects of my life to tie together seamlessly, which I think is pretty cool! I can organise my day, attend meetings, chat with friends, create shopping lists, go shopping and work all at the same time. Productivity has never been higher.
Favourite movie or television program?
With the exception of the UTTER FAILURE that was season 8, I absolutely love Game of Thrones. I’m a huge fan of the recent Watchmen series too; absolutely incredible writing and fabulous Cinematography! I’m a huge comic book fan, so comic-to-movie adaptions always win my heart. Marvel has had a great decade in movies too!
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I think the Black Lives Matter movement (created after the acquittal of killer George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin) is one of the most beautiful ways I’ve seen people get together to rally against injustice. Not only black people but allies were also getting involved in a bit to raise awareness of institutional and systemic racism within the United States and beyond. I think it’s a beautiful and very much needed movement.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope that in the next ten years, we have a UK government that works towards helping those who are most in need. I hope influencers go back to writing long-form blog posts as I miss it! I hope that body positivity is taught in primary and secondary schools and I hope that we continue to have amazing people with platforms who are helping to bring about positive changes for society.
Callie Thorpe
What has your biggest achievement been?
Oooh that’s a tough one, I think becoming the first ever plus size fashion column in 2015 was pretty cool it was an achievement not just for me but for all the plus size babes out there who don’t see themselves represented in the media. In fact every one of my achievements have been about the community I have built online and not just about me, which makes them extra special to me.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
The headspace app for sure, it has saved me many times when my anxiety has been at its worst. Its worth the £9.99 price tag per month not just for when I’m in a crisis but as a habit for everyday of my life.
Favourite movie or television program?
Bridesmaids has to be up there as one of my favourite films of this decade, it makes me cry with laughter and is such a feel good film to put on when you are having a bad week. Grey’s Anatomy also is up there for, when I’m need of a good cry it is my go to.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
When the terrible fire happened at Grenfell in 2017 my husband Dan and I went after work to help with collecting items to the displaced residents. I saw people from all backgrounds show up from across London to give their time/money/items to help. It was such a terrible thing but I saw then more than ever that good people do care and will always come together in the worst of times for others
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I would love to see us improve on the very serious climate issues that are happening across the world and to have leaders in place that we respect continue to do the best for the most vulnerable in society.
