Reinvention season

Enjoy the little things. The big things will sort themselves out.

Hiya 🤗

Got my coffee and cinnamon cookies (why they only wheel these out at Christmas is beyond me).

I’ve been to two events in churches this week. NUJ Party at St Anne’s Soho and Amy I Beeson 🐝 crowdfunded WRITE UP at St Andrews Fulham (a brilliant night and stunning church - appreciate the underfloor heating!).

Many chats about what a tough year it’s been across industries, from journalism to hospitality. On finding more work and pivoting to higher paying sectors: “I can’t keep working on my passion projects forever.”

Renting out rooms on Airbnb, the impact of AI and being chronically online (just finished WIJ’s 10-wk AI training - interesting but overwhelming). Things are changing so fast I can’t see the point in paying for annual subs on ANYTHING.

It’s making me want to do more in-person. Our Writers’ Cafe has been a highlight this year and I plan to do more walking. My mate nodded. “Same. I’m a bit fed up with journalism. I want to do something hands-on and creative… maybe more styling.” (she’s so upbeat and glam - reminds me of Vivienne Westwood).

Another arts writer is “feeling all activisty” and just wants to be out protesting.

Good to hear Mark Urban, co-founder of Brixton Buzz and Urban75 is “taking on Lambeth.” Just read his piece on the slow death of the hospitality trade in Coldharbour Lane. He said seven venues have shut down, including the Dogstar :/

I like the idea of getting it reopened as a community resource - cafe, rehearsal rooms, coworking by day, with live music / clubbing at night.

Reinvention, career pivots, changing times…

We may be drinking less but we still need to connect (now more than ever!). It’s the rising cost of everything - travel, food, rent, hotels. I was going to stay over in West Ken last night (Premier Inn does author discount) but it was two nights minimum. It would’ve cost me over £200 on top of train fares so I got a packed train home to Hastings.

It’s not just London either. Still can’t get over being charged £6.40 for a takeaway hot chocolate in Hastings Old Town. Is there cake with that!? I haven’t been back since, which is a shame as I love supporting indie businesses.

Some positive news. Heard good things about Tyrone Guthrie Centre: “You can’t not be productive there.” Tell me if you’ve been anywhere like this or where else you’d recommend (affordable retreats!)

Bloody brilliant to hear Ireland's Basic Income Scheme for the arts is going permanent in 2026 - this is SO needed. We’ll all be moving there ;) I hope the UK follows suit.

Have a restful Christmas.

Nika xoxo

PS Back at church tomorrow for journo carols at St Bride’s. Amazing choir. Get there early if you want a seat!

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👀 On my radar this week

• Substack is launching native ads. “During the pilot, Substack is simply facilitating payments and not taking a cut.” - Feed Me. Good - selling sponsorships is a second job and paid subs aren’t enough. If you want to be considered email sponsorships@substackinc.com.

• Patreon’s CEO on poaching Substack stars - The Ankler. Jack says their new ‘One-Time Payments’ product is growing way faster than subscriptions.

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🍋 Colour yourself happy

Dept of Joy. That ceiling! Come say hi to Matt and Dex the dog

I love Matt Sechell’s new shop and creative studio in St Leonards. Can’t get enough yellow - bonkers lemon vase, cordless SMILEY lightbulb, sunshine plate, Uniform jewellery. Choices!

A couple of years ago he was badly run over on a zebra crossing (of all places!) and had to spend a year at home focusing on healing and therapy, rethinking work and life.

One word kept springing to mind: joy, as we all need more of that in our lives. And so, DEPT OF JOY was born.

Bless him for channeling something magical for the town. 💛

Make yourself a mantra for 2026: ‘Always keep a little joy in your back pocket.’ (his bestselling card).

DEPT OF JOY, 1 London Road, St Leonards, TN37 6AE and online.