The Offline: Personal
Asking me the question: Where are you from? is a bit like opening Pandora’s Box, in a less threatening sense of the phrase… it’s just sometimes hard to follow.
I was born in a small village in West Yorkshire in the UK, where I got to enjoy the classic charm of British countryside with regular trips to Harrogate and the Lake District. But with a Turkish mother and German father who immigrated to Australia before a whirlwind adventure throughout the Middle East, I was destined to become a true cosmopolitan.
I first stepped on a plane at a few months old, and travelled extensively throughout Europe as a child immersed in a mélange of cultures with a few longer stays to Australia in between (I adapted the ‘slip, slop and slap’ motto early on in life thanks to Summer swimming classes down under). We finally moved to Australia for good when I was nine years old, and I spent my high-school and university years in Adelaide making some of my nearest and dearest friends. Australia is, and always will be home, but...
Naturally, that little cosmopolitan couldn’t stay in one place for too long and as I came of age (as they like to say) I threw myself into the deep end with the somewhat utopian dream of making a difference in the world. And, where better to do that than the city where East meets West? Istanbul.It was familiar yet foreign, and pushed me into a new living and work environment where I fought to kick-start a career in probably one of the most challenging sectors, infrastructure plus a tourism cherry on top, with limited knowledge of the language and work culture. An unwavering love mixed with cautious concern from my grandparents behind the scenes let me navigate through this rich chaos.
Today, this city still feeds my soul with an energy and ambition that I cannot describe, and I am ever so grateful for all that it has blessed me with. It also helped me realise just how resilient and curious a creature I am, and spurred me to move countries four more times. First Amsterdam, then back to the UK to spend a few years in London and now finally landing in Dubai as another capital of multiculturalism against an incredibly successful business landscape and a safety rating that helps me sleep soundly at night.
In my off time I’m an unapologetic mum to a beautifully resilient and articulate mini male version of myself and a very non-traditional wife and business partner to a brilliant entrepreneur.
As a mother, I strive to show my son a fulfilling way to see the world. Whether it be experiencing sheer joy or appreciating aesthetic brilliance, feeing empowered through learning or merely having the confidence to express himself, my wish is that all the goodness in this world finds him. In saying that, you will never see me define myself as a mother as I still am Selina, just a more planned but easier going, brutally honest and confident v3.
My days always begin with some kind of sport. I run to clear my mind, go to the gym to meet my friends and the latest addition, roller blade, to ensure I am cool enough for the incoming teenager on the far off horizon. I’m most at home in the water, and adore Summer because sea, sand, swimming… well, all good things begin with S, right?
I live for really good, fresh and flavourful food, amazing friends that make you laugh deep from within, yet-to-be discovered brands or small businesses (it’s the R’Adelaidean in me), and discovering new facts, places, products and the like. I believe in karma and nazar, and I get an itch if I remain in one place for too long - you will never hear me complain about sitting on a plane for too long.
P.S. Oh, and just in case you were wondering: not related to Justin. But at least everyone knows how to spell it now.