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8 women making waves
The Maltese Islands are definitely not lacking in talent – so we decided to shine a light on 8 women making waves as of late
justine ellul
Documentary photographer, Age: 24
justine ellul
Since i was young, I carried a camera everywhere, addicted to not wanting any moments to be forgotten. This automatically led to a career in documentary photography. We’re the most documented generation thus far, which may sometimes place documentary enthusiasts into a sort of existential crisis. Absorbing through a highly sensitive personality enables me to approach different personas, listen to and understand their perspectives. Letting everything around me inspire my projects – this is not something I’ll ever want to change, as I’m constantly motivated by the archives I’ve been growing and curating over the last nine years.
gabrielle sargent
Soprano, Age: 26
gabrielle sargent
Photo: Justine Ellul
I first started taking singing lessons at Masquerade at the age of eight. My teacher at the time strongly recommended that I take singing lessons, and I haven’t looked back since! I absolutely love being on stage and immersing myself in beautiful music, something that gives me the utmost joy and satisfaction. I’m currently living in Manchester after having graduated with a first class honours in classical music, from Edinburgh Napier University.My dream is to have the opportunity to continue doing what I love most, and that is performing – to perform my favourite roles on different stages worldwide.
fran farrugia
Baker, age: 27
fran farrugia
Photo: Justine Ellul
Having supported me from the word ‘GO’, my parents always inspired me to follow my dream. From a very young age, I fell in love with cooking, inspired by my great grandmother’s madeira recipe and never looked back. In 2013, I started BAKED and for years, I whipped up countless recipes. My ultimate dream is and always has been to let my creativity run wild, whilst simultaneously making customers smile with every new bespoke cake or brownie creation.
kylie darmanin
Signed model, age: 20
kylie darmanin
Photo: Justine Ellul
I never really planned on being scouted, but was always inspired by the vision artists, including the talented photographers, designers and the like, as well as the passion, time and work they put into campaigns and projects. In truth, they still inspire me on a daily basis. What also kept me going was the fact that I managed to make it quite far in the fashion industry as a model, considering I’m just 166cm tall! I’ve always just had fun with the experience but looking forward, despite the scene being quite unpredictable, I’d like to continue being involved and possibly even work overseas.
justine scerri herrera
lawyer, age: 30
justine scerri herrera
Photo: Justine Ellul
I come from a generation of lawyers, so it may not come as a surprise that I decided to take the same path. I moved around many sectors of the law, until I came across the words ‘bitcoin’ and ‘decentralisation’, while doing some research for my Masters Degree in Holland. I instantly felt curiosity ignite inside me. Since then, I feel privileged to be able to combine law with technology, crypto fin-tech and investments. I now have my own company, where I provide legal and advisory services in these sectors, and enjoy each project and challenge that comes my way!
florinda camilleri
dancer, age: 33
florinda camilleri
Photo: Justine Ellul
I have quite recently discovered that the human being I am, and the dancer I am, are one and the same. I am able to explore the world as a dancing human because moving, creating and communicating with my body brings me pure joy and attainment with the universe. Also, because I have been blessed with an extremely supportive family, friends and mentors. As a next step, I wish to dig a little deeper into my art and investigate the role of dance in Malta’s public space.
emma fsadni
illustrator, age: 24
emma fsadni
Photo: Justine Ellul
I’ve always been very visually driven, which naturally developed into an attraction to the arts. While pursuing my Fine Arts Degree, my thought patterns shifted, allowing me to perceive and visualise things beyond just the surface level. Art gives me the opportunity to communicate and challenge concepts surrounding contemporary observations and conflicts. My aim is to maintain a slow, mindful approach towards my practice, resisting the fast-paced nature of this generation. Such an approach creates space for ideas to surface and reach their full potential.
sef farrugia
fashion textiles designer, age: 31
sef farrugia
Photo: Justine Ellul
My interest in Arts and Design was always present in my life, for as long as I can remember. having family members in the clothing industry, timber and sculpture, has also left its mark. However, fashion and more specifically, textiles, was something I found myself continuously pursuing. Everything inspires me, ranging from the mundanity of life, to nature and history. I hope to continue doing what I love, running my shop in Rabat, launching an E-shop and hopefully, exporting my items and building international clientele.
