Local Chick… Alicia Gonzalez from Bondi Beach

By Dan Hutton on March 22, 2019 in People

Enjoying the journey, by James Hutton.

Alicia Gonzalez moved to Bondi from Spain two years ago, when she took up a job as a designer with Blakes of Sydney in Charing Cross. She shares her local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? Two years, and it feels like home. I am from Spain, where I grew up and studied, but I lived in the UK for a couple of years before coming to Sydney.

Why do you live here? I am a beach lover. I grew up on an island so I love living by the ocean and being able to enjoy it every day. Plus it’s beautiful, fun, relaxed and the weather is amazing – it ticks all my boxes!

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Having so many delicious places to eat and drink, the relaxed lifestyle and the beaches. You don’t feel like you are living in a city. It’s like you’re in a beach holiday area but there is everything you need at your fingertips.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The traffic. Bondi Road on the way to work can be terrible.

What’s your favourite beach? Bondi. I love the cosmopolitan atmosphere, everything it has to offer, the sunrises and sunsets, and chillin’ at North Bondi.

What’s your favourite eatery? The Depot. I like the laid-back setting and their all day breakfasts are the best.

Where do you like to have a drink? Anywhere where I can share a cold drink and good moments with my friends.

What do you get up to on the weekends? I enjoy a Saturday morning run on the coastal walk, being outdoors around the beach, cooking and hanging out with my friends. I also love going away whenever I can.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? I love sports but I don’t follow any team.

What music are you into at the moment? I love everything from ‘80s classics to reggae, jazz, disco and electronic music.

Who is your favourite person? My parents (can’t chose one!), for their unconditional love and support, wherever I am.

What do you do for work? I work for Blakes of Sydney designing joinery, kitchens and bathrooms and helping manage the renovation process. We design the renovations, connect our clients with industry experts and help them through the process to achieve great results and make their renovation journey enjoyable and stress-free.

What’s your favourite thing about work? I am passionate about designing (with a special love for kitchens) and love that each project is like a new challenge. I am lucky to be part of an exclusive business model that is able to help people to make their dream renovation come true, within a budget they can afford. I love seeing the progress of the renovations and the happy faces of our clients upon completion. Plus I work with great professionals who I always learn from.

Do you have a favourite quote? “Do more of what makes you happy.”

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Enjoy your time with the people you love and who make you smile. Believe in your dreams and work towards them, but remember to be present and enjoy the journey.