Behind the mask with Harris

Where is your mask from?
I reckon this one is probably from ‘the internet’ somewhere. However, my favourite mask is from the Ethical Gift Shop in Huntly back home. It is covered in trains and other such railway paraphernalia. (I am a train fan)

What do you do at Easter Greens?
I work between both Morningside and Easter Road stores. Generally trying my best to help out and keep things looking and running as they should. I spend a lot of my time either being tempted by all sorts of delicious things on the shelf or trying to find ways to not be tempted by delicious things on the shelf. I also pet dogs.

Why did you want to work at Easter Greens?
I was a customer at Easter Road before and always loved the energy and sense of community in the store. When the news broke about the Morningside store, and the opportunity to be part of the team came up I was ‘pure-buzzing’ to jump on board. I also love cooking and vegetables and really wanted to learn more about how food gets into stores and understand how I can better appreciate the food I eat and where it comes from.

What do you love about working at Easter Greens?
SO much stuff. In essence though, it is the people. Both the customers and team. There are no false facades. There are individual people behind the counter and individual people coming into the stores. Everyone is given the utmost respect to be themselves. Everything is transparent and up for discussion. From bigger issues to smaller dilemmas, everyone’s ideas and opinions are valid.

What is your favourite item that we sell?
The fruit and veg. The weird and wonderful produce we get from our suppliers is always exciting. I love that it is sometimes not perfect, and I know that there is not perfectly edible produce being filtered out and going to waste. It is a difficult task to balance year-round produce selection and seasonality, but still, they manage to keep it ALAP (as local as possible) as well as consistent and fresh. However, if I had to choose a specific product the Dr Bronner’s soap bars have changed my life. They foam up so creamy. And honestly, they smell and look good enough to eat. (please do not eat them xo)

Honourable mentions: Jarr Kombucha, Candy Kittens, Mouses Favourite Aged Dulse. (this was the hardest question)

What do you like to do outside work? 
I love a good walk, long or short. I also enjoy a good book or a National Geographic magazine. A few friends and I run a (very) small production company, where we basically endeavour to make whatever we fancy into some sort of zero-budget project. Usually this is film based, or in lockdown, audio dramas/podcasts. In lockdown I have also begun to explore song writing and consequent production, something I have always enjoyed but never really taken seriously. I have slowly been honing my skills and building up a studio environment in my flat with aims to experiment and practice. Hopefully to start releasing and gigging some music when that becomes possible.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? 
“Uptown Folks” by Dope Lemon is my current alarm on my phone. A peaceful awakening in the morning, however hearing that song anywhere else does now induce an unnecessary amount of stress. However, whether this actually gets me OUT of bed depends very much on my plans.

What are your ambitions in life?
Not a huge amount right now. I very much disagree that I should allow any amount of stress to arise from this thought. However, I do see myself maintaining a creative element in how I pass my time and would be ecstatic to be able to mix that with my career. I think to be able to sustain myself out with the city is what I am looking for right now, somewhere I can make enough to eat and live comfortably yet not be in the grip of urban life is where I would find most peace.

Once lockdown is over what's the first thing you want to do? 
I can hardly remember really. I must have done something else, but I trust I will find it again when I can. I do miss my friends (I almost feel like I should call them old friends now). Being able to catch up and stay with people is going to be so rewarding. And by association, the pub.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I can ride a unicycle. I have done the West Highland Way on one when I was 17 (?) for charity. I have a mountain unicycle, with a big wheel and knobbly tire. It is a great way to explore paths around Scotland, nothing makes you focus on the terrain around you quite like it (and not just because there is no suspension).