Voicebox: Want my job?

"Seeing myself on the page made me realise I could write and tell stories too – children like me could even be the main character – and it empowered me to start writing and telling stories of my own!"

"Also remember to always treat people with respect, kindness and equality – you never know who you will be passing throughout your life on the way up or down!"

Dawn Maria France is an award-winning Yorkshire Women’s Life Magazine Editor, Children’s Author and Broadcaster.

"You might not feel this way right now but you matter. You might not believe this right now but your opinion counts. You might not get this right now but you being here in this world makes it a better place."

Combining her love for organising with interior design, Nicola Rodriguez started her own company Essex House Dolly. 

"Getting experience being on set is key - you can be the most creative stylist in the world, but if you don’t understand how a shoot works and how to behave on set, then you won’t get very far."

"As an artist myself, freedom is one of the ultimate core values I hold to. This involves freedom to express myself within the art that I create, or in the project that I get to be involved in, but with freedom comes responsibility!"

"I found it so unjust that just because of my circumstances I had to give up on my dream. I was determined to find another solution."

"I get to work around the world – thanks to my laptop and wifi. If I want, I could book a flight to Bali and work from a hammock drinking a dragonfruit cocktail. It’s the freedom."

"Don’t worry about not knowing anyone in the industry. Don’t worry about your poor exam results affecting your career. Go online and watch tutorials on how to film, direct, edit, and do it. Your smartphone is more powerful and capable than some of the kits I had when studying."

"Become obsessed, take notes, stick your neck out, make your own opportunities and don’t be afraid or put off by inconvenience or hard work."

"There’s no ‘fast forward’ button, you just have to be consistent, determined, persevere, look ahead, and keep taking all the steps that need to be taken."