Hello November – and a BIG hello to Karly our newest contributor at P&S Co. When Karly’s not writing fun new pieces for PSCO, you can find her in the heart of Downtown Toronto studying to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance with a minor in English at Ryerson University! Today she took some time away from studying and dancing to fill us in on what it’s like to be on the path to her dream career, her other passions besides dance, and most importantly, what it means to be Pretty and Smart!
Please give a big hello to Karly Benson!
Name or nickname if you have one:
I’m Karly Benson!
Zodiac sign:
Scorpio
What is your relationship with P&S Co.?
I am just starting as a new contributor and so excited to be on board!
Where do you live and what do you do? I currently live in the heart of Downtown Toronto and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance Major with a minor in English at Ryerson University.
How long have you been dancing? I have been dancing for 13 years!
What is your dream career/career goal or ambition? My dream career has always been to dance professionally for a company in Europe, but I would also love to work in journalism.
What’s next for you? Either dancing professionally or getting a master’s in journalism.
What makes you feel pretty and smart? What does it mean to you?
Feeling pretty and smart to me definitely comes from within. I feel most beautiful when I am taking time for myself and caring for my body and feel smartest when I am surrounded by people that challenge me.
If you had to give only one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to not be afraid of trying new things and risking failure.
Who would you say is your biggest role model or icon (fashion, career, fitness, personal or otherwise):
My biggest role model is and has always been my mom! She is independent and unapologetically herself while also maintaining tenderness for the people that she cares about. I could not have asked for a better female role model growing up and am still learning from her everyday.
What you’re reading/watching/listening to:
Just finished the third season of Sex Education which I loved! Currently reading Circe by Madeline Miller and Midnight Library by Matt Haig. My music is constantly changing, but recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Giveon, Wizkid and Burna Boy,
Favourite thing in your closet right now?
Black chunky boots or a crew neck that I just recently thrifted.
Next place you hope to travel to near or far?
I would love to travel to anywhere in Scandinavia.
What is the best word to describe you and why?
I had to ask my friends to help me with this! I think that I would describe myself as diligent. Even though I keep myself busy with lots of tasks, I am determined in the work that I do and put lots of care into each project.
What is your fitness or wellness routine?
The most important thing to me regarding fitness and wellness is to keep my body moving. Whether it be dancing, running or going to the gym, I am constantly trying to find new ways to stay active. That being said, wellness stems far beyond simply moving the body. I am a huge advocate for caring about the things that you put in your body, the people that you surround yourself with and how you treat yourself.
What is your favourite thing to write about?
I love writing about health and wellness, but I also like writing fiction and creative non-fiction pieces!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Bran muffins! Specifically made by my mom.
Favourite quote?
“Nothing grows in the comfort zone.”
Number one thing on your bucket list right now?
There are so many things on my bucket list right now, but post-graduation I definitely want to travel to Africa. I went in 2018 and fell in love with the culture and would love to spend more time there either working with animals or teaching young children.
Favourite restaurant?
Any breakfast diner.
What is one thing I didn’t ask but you want people to know about you?
After living in Downtown Toronto for four years, I have learned that big cities are not for me. While I love the accessibility and excitement, I think I was meant to live in a small town in Europe.
What is your favourite piece you’ve written for PSCO?
I have to say maiden post, How To Protect Your Body From Winter. But more to come.!
Where can people find you online? What is your handle?
My handle is @karly_benson
A big thank you to Karly for sharing some of herself with us! If you have any other questions you’d like to ask her please do so in the comments below. P.S. don’t forget to check out our November tech downloads!
