Life

20 Questions on Health and Fitness: Belfast artist and businesswoman Linzi Rooney

Gail Bell asks experts and people in the public eye what keeps them going. This week: Belfast artist and businesswoman Linzi Rooney, founder and owner of the city's Born and Bred gift store

Linzi Rooney – 'You need to be in peak physical and mental health as a business owner to get through these uncertain times.' Picture by Brendan Gallagher
Linzi Rooney – 'You need to be in peak physical and mental health as a business owner to get through these uncertain times.' Picture by Brendan Gallagher Linzi Rooney – 'You need to be in peak physical and mental health as a business owner to get through these uncertain times.' Picture by Brendan Gallagher
20 Questions on Health and Fitness: Belfast artist and businesswoman Linzi Rooney
20 Questions on Health and Fitness: Belfast artist and businesswoman Linzi Rooney

Linzi Rooney – 'I'm out the door by 8.30am to drop my daughters to school.' Picture by Ricky Parker Photography

1

Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?

My morning routine is normally up at 7.15am and out the door at 8.30am to drop my daughters to school. I aim to be at Born and Bred for 9.30am, stopping off at The Pocket cafe for a LARGE coffee en route.

2

What might you eat in a typical working day for…Breakfast?

First meal of the day will be some fruit – and coffee.

Lunch?

Normally a salad that I will concoct in the morning.

Evening meal?

I eat a plant-based diet – I don’t eat meat or dairy – so normally my evening meal will be something like a home-made veggie lasagne, veggie Thai curry or a bean chilli. I get all my vegetable delivered by Helen’s Bay Organic, so I always have delicious local veggies in my fridge.

3

Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?

I haven't really been working from home and even during lockdown we were still in the shop, fulfilling online orders. My daughters spent most of their time in the shop as well, either doing school work or building boxes for me. I don’t like working from home; I find it really important for your mental health to have a workplace to go to and to separate as much as possible your work life from home life. I understand this isn’t possible at the minute for everyone. I think even if you can designate a room or an area for work, it would help with production levels and prevent the inevitable – sitting in front of the television with the laptop on your knee.

4

Best/easiest lockdown meal?

I make my own vegan kale pesto – I make large batches and then freeze them, so, for a quick meal for myself and the kids, I normally do some spelt pasta tossed in my pesto and served with garlic bread. I will hopefully be launching my own plant-based collection in the new year which is exciting.

5

Weekend treat?

My favourite treat that I stock in the shop is Taste Joy’s Chocolate and Orange peanut butter – I just eat that straight out of the jar with a massive cup of our Ulster Brew – it’s that good.

6

How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?

My friend, Sarah, has been doing HIIT and resistance band Zoom workouts which have been great and loads of fun. I have tried to keep that up even since Born and Bred has been back open. Running a business during a pandemic is the best way to keep mentally fit – the brain is constantly running at a 1,000 mph. You need to be in peak physical and mental health as a business owner to get through these uncertain times.

7

What has been your daily outdoor exercise?

During lockdown I was taking the kids out on their bikes every day which was great. I try and walk as much as possible as well.

8

How do you relax?

I have trouble switching off from work sometimes so if I’m on my own there's nothing better than just relaxing with a cup of tea while watching a cheesy series that doesn’t involve much brain power. I’m loving Married at first Sight Australia at the minute. If I’m with my partner, Conor, then relaxing is normally a lazy Sunday morning in bed together with a coffee, reading a book. Bliss.

9

Teetotal or tipple?

Tipple! And I emphasise the exclamation mark.

10

What book are you currently reading?

Body on Fire by Monica Aggarwal – it’s about the connection between eating meat, dairy and chronic illness and inflammation in the body.

11

Best Netflix?

I loved Money Heist.

12

Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?

Well, during lockdown, the most surprising thing I learnt about myself was that I can be with my kids for weeks on end without wanting to strangle them.

13

On a scale of one to 10, where have your been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?

Cabin fever never got a chance to kick in – I was in the shop every day doing online orders. I am writing this in the shop now.

14

What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?

Spending time with my friends, going on holiday and going out in Belfast for dinner.

15

Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?

I would love to go back to Palma, in Mallorca, again with Conor – I definitely missed the sun. But I think after all this is over I would just be happy going anywhere different. We maybe took it for granted before, to have the world at our finger tips, so I will have a new-found appreciation for travel.

16

Biggest gripe?

People using my beautiful planters outside the front of the shop as a bin! I don’t want your cigarettes and sweetie wrappers in amongst my ivy, people!

17

Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?

I will enjoy the simple things in life, being more patient with my kids and appreciating every singly day.

18

Any new skills or hobbies?

I did attempt sourdough a few times, but quickly realised you can’t get any better than local baker, Bara Bakehouse – so why even try?

19

What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?

For people to realise that you can achieve a more flexible working/personal life and you can create a life that has just as much emphasis on health and wellbeing as working the 9-5 routine.

20

Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?

No, not at all. We should always take a proactive approach to our health and always build our immune systems – pandemic or not.