1) What is your favourite place on earth?
Anywhere water meets land (beaches, lakes, marshes, bayous). If I can see, hear or smell a body of water, my mind and body immediately relax.
2) What do you feel most passionate about?
Listening to people’s life stories. I’ve never met a single person whose story didn’t move me or make me marvel at how extraordinary humans can be.
3) What makes you laugh the most?
Self-confident and overly-dramatic children. Judgemental cats. Witty dialogue (e.g. Schitt’s Creek, Shrinking, Mythic Quest).
4) What is something you wish you knew more about?
The world we live in – its people, cultures, history, and natural wonders.
5) What is the best compliment you ever received?
Someone told me, “When you die, your gravestone should read, “Here lies Clare Fernando. She was no dumb f**k.”
6) What is your favourite thing about yourself?
I experience things deeply – sometimes dramatically, always analytically. Dizzying joy, crushing despair, and everything in-between – to truly be alive.
7) What is something people would never guess just by looking at you?
I’m a serial creator. I’ve founded three businesses, published a novel, staged a musical, and taught myself to crochet blankets, scarves, and amigurumi.
8) What are you most thankful for?
The people in my life – those who are woven into my journey, and those who passed through at just the right time. In my lowest moments I wonder if I deserve them. In my wiser moments, I know I do.
9) What is the best advice someone gave you?
If you go into battle, you have to be okay with losing. Once fear of failure stops you playing it safe, you’re far more likely to go for it, take risks – and succeed.
10) What would you like people to say about you?
Capable. Kind. Fun.
