#TJOAHP

Like most Londoners, I work to sustain myself, to have a roof over my head, invest in me and to live as best as I can! I enjoy writing, listening to music, eating out, volunteering, travelling, watching films and socialising, to name a few. I may be a princess by birth, but it does not bear a resemblance in my everyday life. I have always been a grafter and was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth! I am a self-employed lady with

my own Limited Company who has been contracting within the male- dominated world of Construction as a 'Document Controller’. I have no savings or inheritance to fall back on only the money I earn when working along with any paid work gained by any successful auditions and castings.

It all adds up and to submit yourself for work via casting sites like; Spotlight, Starnow, Mandy.com, Casting Now, Stage 32 to name a few, all require monthly subscription fees which all differ. These are all standard sacrifices needed to invest and put yourself out there within the Entertainment Industry.

Even if you have an agent, you cannot just rely on them to 'find opportunities' when you are still trying to get that break! So, you must 'keep it moving' for yourself by applying and putting yourself out there; as you're not the only client on the agents’ book. Back in ‘2011, I was given the L.I.C (Lady in Control) alias name when I was working on ‘The Heron’ project in Moorgate, London. It was one of the site team members named Mickey Biggs who told me he was the (nephew) of the legendary train robber Ronnie Biggs. I had no reason to believe otherwise! OMG, I could not believe it when he told me.

Working alongside him was guaranteed jokes every day, I even have a pic of him as a souvenir! That is one of the significant advantages of working within this industry because you come across men from all walks of life.

In '2006, I started within the construction industry as a Site Secretary a few months after redundancy from a Law Firm in Aldgate, London, after five years of employment. This was my first role being the only female working with all men in the post-room as a ‘Fax Operator’, so an all-male environment was nothing new to me. Then by '2008, I was also doing the role of a DC (Document Controller), which gave me the option of doing one or the other — sometimes doing a two-in-one by combining both jobs.

But only if the agency and client agreed to pay me the same rate from my previous DC role.

Flexibility for me has been a priority because of never knowing when a last- minute audition or job might present itself, which can sometimes come with just a few hours' notice. I am paid by the hour and paid every week, which is what I prefer. Most of all what is there not to love about working with men!

There is sometimes eye candy galore, along with banta, casual flirting and all- round laughter which is second to none. I have no problem putting people (men) mainly in their place whoever they are; I do not care! If I feel like a person has an issue with me, then I will air my grievance and most times being the only female, it comes naturally being able to deal with men.

I think most men enjoy it though some could not handle me being able to stand up for myself! But deep in my heart, my main passion is and will always remain within the Entertainment Industry. I love the arts! Whether it is Film, Television, Theatre or Reality-TV, I am an avid supporter of most things artistic. I have always loved music and singing along though I do not sing, though some have told me they like my voice, so maybe I am not that bad! Lol.

As a teenager, people complimented me on my slim body and height (5'8) and suggested modelling as a career, so I decided to go ahead and try my hand within the modelling industry. I had my first official photo-shoot, aged fifteen back in 1996. What appealed to me most about modelling is that models got to take amazing photos, wear fabulous clothing, their hair and makeup styled by professionals plus travelling to different locations.

I admire all the girls, ladies, women, and men who have attained top opportunities and careers as a model. Now there is a ‘Curvy’ model sector of the industry, which is fabulous!

To read more click on the link below where you can purchase a copy;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Hidden-Princess-Discovery-Bloodline-ebook/dp/B082PBKDP3/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Anikka+forbes&qid=1611647743&sr=8-1