Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in London but raised in Manchester. My mother and father are from Romania. I’m 20 years old and I’ve been selling the magazine for just over a year.
How has it been?
I was pregnant when I started selling the magazine. I had my son last December and after that there was a lockdown. I started selling the magazine because I really needed money to buy nappies and stuff.
Tell us about your son.
He is my first baby. Motherhood is very nice – I enjoy it. My boy is called Kevin. He was born near Christmas, and I named him after the kid in the film Home Alone. That film was always on at Christmas and we always used to watch it as a family when I was young. I love that film!
Will you have more children?
One is enough at the moment!
Where do you live?
I live with my boyfriend in a small flat in Chester. My partner is a delivery driver on a motorbike. We earn enough for things to be okay. Sometimes we need help, but it’s okay.
Do you like living in Chester?
I love it. I think it’s a nicer place than Manchester. It’s very calm and relaxing. It has a nice vibe.
Where are your parents?
They are in Romania now. I miss them. We talk online. My parents come and go. I don’t really see them often. I don’t know when I will see them again. Whatever God wants.
You were born in London. Do you feel more English or Romanian?
I don’t know really. I am more English I suppose. But the other day there was a man who came up to me when I was selling the magazine and he said to me: “You are taking all the benefits!” And I was like: “I was born in London.” And he said: “No you weren’t!” It made me upset.
Does that happen a lot?
Not really. I get a lot of nice people in Chester. My pitch is sort of quiet and Chester is not as busy as it used to be, but it’s okay.
What are your plans for the future?
I don’t know. Just to make life happy and for things to be good for my son.
Where will you be at Christmas?
I’ll be at home with my baby and my partner, but I’ll be working hard in the days before Christmas.
What was the lockdown at the start of this year like?
Lockdown was very hard for me. I don’t know how we made it. I think it was God who helped us. I thank God for everything. I just stayed home and looked after my baby. My boyfriend was going out and doing deliveries and Big Issue North helped as well. The people in the Liverpool office are really nice, good people.
What do you do in your spare time?
I sleep and I clean!
What makes you happy?
My baby. I really love him.
Do you have a message for your customers?
I thank everyone for helping me and being nice with me because sometimes I used to feel very lonely, but when they talk to me, I feel better. And merry Christmas everyone!
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