A Room of One's Own Feat. Debbie Tram

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.