Just One Thing: Bonnie Roberts

“Live large, respect each other and never give up on your dreams.”

Hardly anyone has just one job these days and creatives certainly don’t. We’re a generation of multi-hyphenates and freelancers, just trying to make our way in the gig economy. Photographer Kaitlyn Bosnjak captures emerging models who are doing just that, breaking into the fashion industry and learning more about the world. While she has them, we thought we’d ask a couple of questions about the people behind the faces, including what they’d tell our audience if they could say just one thing.

Hi Bonnie! How old are you?

20.

Where do you live?

The Central Coast.

Other than modelling, what do you do with your time?

My passion outside of modelling is getting away and going camping, anywhere from the countryside to the coastline. I’m happy as long as I’m with nature. I also love going op-shopping, there are so many goodies to be discovered. I am also very fortunate to get to spend time working with animals, which includes spending time with my two Australian Bulldogs. I love them like crazy! And finally, a lot of quality time with my family, who are my biggest supporters in anything I choose to do.

Tell us about your heritage.

I was born and raised on the Central Coast. I’ve been very fortunate to split my time between Australia and New Zealand, where half my family is from, creating great memories on both sides of the pond.

What do you do to switch off?

Music is definitely my go-to. Similar to working with animals, I find it peaceful and it helps me centre myself, no matter the craziness going on around me. 

There’s a lot to care about in the world. What are you most passionate about?

Animal welfare, both domesticated and wild. As mentioned earlier, I do work within the animal industry but am also exposed to a broad number of species as, fortunately for me, I have family members working with and caring for Australian native animals.

What are you doing to fix it?

Through education, I think it’s important to lead by example in the humane treatment of all animals. This can be as simple as ensuring regular grooming, healthy nutrition and exercise are an everyday part of their lives, which I have helped with in the past through my work with animals to assist time-poor owners. While I still have a lot of growth and learning myself to do, I think if we just place ourselves in the position of those that can’t fend for themselves, and do the right thing, we are already one big step forward in the right direction.

What do you think Australia needs right now?

A greater focus on how we live in, and with, our environment is a big concern of mine. The excessive use of natural resources and the impact of human behaviour on our natural world is something that is always on my mind. There are so many areas, from land to sea, that could benefit from small changes in how each of us chooses to live our everyday lives, including what we consume and how we consume it. This could be as simple as the decision of choosing to walk the five blocks to the shop, rather than driving your car.

You can say just one thing to our FJ community. Go!

Live large, respect each other and never give up on your dreams. The world truly is your oyster if you choose to never give up on your dreams. 

Read other interviews in the Just One Thing series here. 

Styling credits

LOOK ONE
LONELY LABEL DUSTY TEE DRESS $330

LOOK TWO
LONELY LABEL NORAH SWEATER $299, THE CALMM EARRINGS $180, ELKA COLLECTIVE LEA PANTS $229, ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS ANASTASIA COMFORT SANDALS $235

LOOK THREE
KATE SYLVESTER AIDA BLAZER $659, LONELY LABEL DRAW-STRING KNIT TOP $250, LONELY LABEL HOLLY PANT $330, ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS ANASTASIA COMFORT SANDALS $235, VERMEER STUDIO ODELE HOOP EARRINGS $119

LOOK FOUR
RAG & BONE LIBBY DRESS $670, ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS ANASTASIA COMFORT SANDALS $235, THE CALMM EARRINGS $210