FOR THE LADIES: Teacher, explorer and maker Keryn

Meet Keryn - she’s an adult-education teacher working with new Australians, and lives in regional Victoria. She’s a creative whiz, always travelling (she's skiing in Nevada as we speak) and, sources say, an excellent dancer.

What neighbourhood do you live in and what do you like about it?

I moved to Yackandandah in north-east Victoria in 2010 after living in Hughesdale in Melbourne for 30 years. Yackandandah is a progressive, community minded town of about 1200 people. It has a music festival each March and is working toward providing all its energy needs sustainably. It also has great cafes (2) and pubs (2), and a cooperative that runs the petrol station and funds local activities with the proceeds. It's a great place to live.

What is your day job and what do you love about it?

My day job is teaching English to migrants and refugees at TAFE NSW in Albury. I love helping newly arrived people, many of whom have come from difficult backgrounds, to learn English, get a job and settle into Australia. It's very rewarding.

Do you have a passion project or hobby?

I love making things and I collect handmade pottery, fabric, and art from all over the world. Nothing expensive, just things I like the look of. I have made clothing and soft furnishings all my life. I also love renovating houses and furniture. My most recent project was recovering a 1960s Grant Featherstone dining suite.

When did you first start shopping at Obus (and can you remember the first piece you purchased?)

I only discovered OBUS a couple of years ago. I was immediately blown away by the fabrics and prints. But I believe my first purchase was a pair of shoes which I have worn to death and never fail to be complimented about when I do.

How does wearing Obus make you feel?

Wearing Obus makes me feel happy and inspired. I love it when people ask me about the great clothes and I can tell them about about this great Australian company.

Is wearing locally made clothing important to you, and if so, why?

I think it is important to wear local but I am not obsessed with it. I do like to support local makers though and am pleased to have a local connection to the maker where possible.

What’s your favourite thing to do on your days off?

Mostly I like making, restoring and refurbishing all kinds of things but I also love walking my dog Mickey, going out for coffee with my partner and looking for bargains at Op shops.

My favourite podcast/radio show is: At the moment I am loving The Real Thing podcast which is an ABC radio podcast about ordinary Australians.

I’m currently reading: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

I’ve just finished watching: The latest season of Hometown which is a home renovation show

My favourite place I’ve ever travelled to is: India. In Particular Ladakh which is in the north, near the border of China. We have been there a number of times to go trekking in the mountains and I recommend it to anyone who loves to trek. I also recently walked the Kumano Kodo in Japan and spent time in Kyoto which was fantastic.

I love to sing loudly along to: … Wow, trying to pick one song is really hard. I love anything by George Michael though. I think singing and dancing is one of the most fun things you can do and it's free!

I love the saying: It's not what we start that matters - it's what we finish.

My super power is: Finding amazing bargains at Op shops.