A Room of One's Own
A Room of One's Own is an intimate talk series set in a bedroom. Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s book A Room of One’s Own.
Who are you?
My name is Debbie, and this is my cat Sookie, my whole world. I’m a model and also work as a producer and agent for makeup artists, stylists, and photographers.
What drew you to this place?
I live in Darlinghurst. The street I'm on is really cute and quiet, and our neighbors are lovely. We have a great view of the city, as our street is at the top of the hill.
What made you decide to have a pet?
I had never had a pet until I got Sookie. I’m not sure what compelled me to have her, but my housemate and I thought it would be a good idea to visit the pound one day. I saw her in an adoption photo, made an appointment to meet her, and found she was heavily pregnant and about one and a half years old.
She was malnourished and had given birth to six kittens, but they all died because she didn’t have enough milk. I decided I wanted to give her the best life and let her be a baby. She is such a baby, she literally follows me everywhere.
How do you usually spend your time at home?
I spend most of the day in bed with Sookie. She’ll sit in a way that makes it hard for me to move when she’s in a comfortable position! I like to read a book and sometimes watch something on my laptop.
How’s your Sunday morning routine like?
I like to sleep in for an extra hour, then start my day with a coffee and a walk. I usually go to a café called Two Good Co at Yirranma Place in Surry Hills. It’s run by a social enterprise that supports and employs vulnerable women escaping domestic violence and homelessness.
For food, my housemate and I love visiting Teta's Deli in Potts Point, just around the corner. They serve the best Lebanese food, and it's my go-to spot on Sunday mornings.
What are the most sentimental items in your room, and what do they mean to you?
One of the most sentimental items is the Doraemon toy I won from a claw machine at an arcade in Shinjuku. I literally jumped for joy when I won it—it’s the only time I’ve ever won something like that.
Another item is a photo my friend Vicky took while she was in Korea in 2022. It’s a picture of a rose in a desolate landscape, with a cat nearby.
Lastly, I found a pudding bowl in my parents' garden back home. It originally came with a pudding, and I took it with me when I moved to Melbourne. I used it as a plant base but now use it as a fragrance bowl for my essential oils.
"I need solitude. I need space. I need air.
I need the empty fields round me; and my legs pounding along roads; and sleep; and animal existence."
By Virginia Woolf
Debb wears Pointelle Cami Top in Black,
Music I like to listen to at home...
Baby, I’m Yours by Barbara
LewisHigh by The Cure
Know Who You Are At Every Age by Cocteau Twins
Kiss Kiss and Rhinestones by HTRK
Breathe In by Frou Frou
Devil Town by Bright Eyes
Flowers In December by Mazzy StarGlory by Liz Phair
When the Sun Hits by Slowdive
Dogwalk by Pity Sex
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Find more of sounds curated by Debbie here.