Molee Donovan is a model, she is originally from the British Virgin Islands but now lives in London with her best friend and her dog Ziggy.
We caught up with Molee to find out about her life in isolation…
What does isolation look like where you live? How has your local community been affected?
I am currently living in Mile End with my best friend who is also a model and our dog. During the first lockdown in March 2020, I went home to the British Virgin Islands to be with my mother, where I stayed for 5 months.
Can you talk us through your daily routine in isolation?
My typical day is quite varied depending on if I’m working or not. If I’m not working, I usually wake up at 9. I always start my day with coffee from my moka pot (I’m obsessed with this new purchase!). At around noon, I’ll take my dog for a long walk. Throughout the day, I’ll answer work emails, send over video castings (there’s been a big shift form in-person castings to video ones or zoom) I’ve also been reading a lot more, and of course watching Netflix.
What are the biggest impacts the lockdown has had on your life?
I tend to call my mother daily on Facetime. I’ve always done this, so things haven’t really changed that much. I left home to go to boarding school when I was 15, so I’ve been away from my family for quite a long time. Covid has dramatically changed the way people work in fashion. There typically are less people on set. Castings originally were all in person. Now typically most if not all castings are done at home, where I send videos/polas to agents when they get requests from clients. Sometimes you as a model have to do your own makeup as makeup artists aren’t always present because of covid.
What has been a silver lining from being in isolation? Any special memories?
I motivate myself by trying to have a routine, no matter how simple it is. I try to live presently and not think too far ahead in the future to keep me grounded.
I always try to exercise a little bit every day, even if that is just going for a walk for some fresh air. I love vegetables so it’s really easy for me to eat healthy and I don’t really think about it too much. At home in the British Virgin Islands, I used to swim every day. Hopefully when the gyms/pools open up, I can start to swim again in London.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt during this time?
Covid has really changed society and the way we socialize. It has highlighted the importance of social media in order to stay connected to friends, family and colleagues. I’ve really come to terms with the importance of friends and their communication with them. I can’t wait to see them after restrictions ease and do simple things like go out to eat with them, which I took for granted in the past.
It is really hard not being able to see your friends and do all the usual activities that made London charming before the pandemic, such as going out to eat and drink with friends. I definitely miss in-person socialising the most.
