As much as I bare online for all to see, there's still only so much you can learn about someone from a picture or a quick thought. Here's a better look at me, and here's looking at you, kid. (Bonus points if you know the reference!) Let's break out the classic first date move- a surefire way to get a bit funny, a bit sentimental, a bit witty, and a bit vulnerable...
Let's play 20 questions.
1. How did "robyn" come to be?
Growing up, two of my favorite film characters were Holy Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's and Satine in Moulin Rogue... notice a similarity? In all seriousness, I've always been a very free spirit. I found myself unable to focus on my happiness and creative projects in a traditional workplace environment. The monotony of the day-to-day was draining my energy and I knew there had to be a way to be able put myself first and still thrive. So like most things in my life, I just went for it and it's been rewarding ever since. I love the rush before the door opens. I love being able to meet new people and learn them on a deeper level. I love sharing laughs over dinners and hitting the town with someone's hand in mine. I love the... well, you know. This life has brought me so many unique, rich experiences with some really wonderful people and I wouldn't change it for anything.
2. What's a “perfect” day for you?
Picture it: 76ºF and a perfectly sunny day. I sleep in with breakfast in bed and an open window waiting for me when I wake up. I hit the spa for a deep tissue massage and a hot soak and am ready for my day!
Record and vintage shopping are one of my favorite things to do. I'm a big believer in older items carrying their stories with them. There's a certain magic that comes with an item when it's been cherished for decades. Not to mention, there's nothing more haunting than leaving an amazing vintage item, because in your heart you know you'll never see it again. So why risk the torture? I'll get the outfit and the vinyl.
It's time for dinner already? Japanese it is! Sushi will always be a fantastic idea in my book- the more uni the better. Or A5 wagyu that melts like butter? My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Live music really feeds my soul so it's time to pick my poison. Rock concert that will pound my heart out of my chest? Classic Chicago house spinning on shiny vinyl under a disco-ball-lit haze? Or a jazz club with dark wood, crimson booths tucked away in the corners, perfect for dreaming and sharing stories. Depends on my mood.
Whatever it may be, it'll keep me up all night. And the best way to end a night is a greasy diner stop before watching the sun rise from the beach.
Then back to sleep and do it all over again...
3. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
I like to think I keep myself in good company- lively, driven, artistic, and beautiful people are the ones that I often find myself flocking to. Birds of a feather, am I right? My guests are no exception. Let's pick 5 for a proper party.
I would invite Mae West, Grace Jones, Marilyn Monroe, John Waters, and Oscar Wilde (sound familiar?)
4. What's something you have done before that others wouldn't expect of you?
I've been shark tagging before! Tags are used to monitor, track, and observe sharks in their natural habitat. I went out for a full day on the Miami waters and got hands on experience piercing a small lemon shark's dorsal fin for a dart tag. Sharks are very interesting, misunderstood creatures and it was a very cool experience to be able to help the conservation of them!
5. Quick- Tell me your life story in 10 sentences or less
I was raised as the eldest child in a quaint ski town in New England- beautiful, yes but I got out at 18 and never looked back. Theater was my entire life up until that point and I learned the meaning of hard work, dedication, and how to belt an A5 in a split. I came to Chicago for film school because I fell in love with directing, editing, and screenplay writing in high school, something I still dabble in. I missed performing until I found my passion, burlesque, which has taken me to stages in Chicago, NYC, San Francisco, and LA so far. For those who don't know what burlesque is, it's the art of the striptease which means I take my clothes off really, really well. Currently, my life is filled with lots of oysters, travel, sitting in movie theaters, and being smothered by my kitten who loves to lie on my head. Can't complain!
6. What are your top 10 favorite films?
Harold and Maude (1971), Daisies (1966), Carrie (1976), The Red Shoes (1948), The Virgin Suicides (1999), Heathers (1988), Showgirls (1996), Suspiria (1977), Female Trouble (1974), Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
7. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night owl, no question asked. I love the way a city comes alive once the sun goes down.
8. Do you think it's more important to be smart or to be kind?
Kindness always goes a long way in my book. I've always believed that how you treat others says a lot about you. There's not enough people with open hearts in this world and a gentle soul is a beautiful thing.
9. Do you sleep in pajamas, underwear or nothing at all?
I sleep best wearing nothing but my pink silk eye mask.
10. What country would you like to visit that you haven’t visited yet?
Japan! I've always dreamed of going but haven't bitten the bullet yet. I'd love to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and the countryside.
11. Where do you like to be kissed?
While I love being kissed all over, my favorite spots are my neck, down my back, my feet, and the obvious.
12. What's something you would like to learn that you haven't yet?
I've always felt a connection to water so one of my dreams is to learn how to scuba dive! I love going places I've never been and what could feel more foreign to me than the ocean? Being underwater and exploring the beauty of this other world sounds like total freedom. My top diving spots would be Indonesia, Mexico, Fiji, Egypt, and Turks & Caicos during humpback whale season. I'd also love to learn how to surf.
13. What's your lucky number?
4 and 13 (see what I did there?)
Those are also my birthday numbers. Yes, I'm an Aries.
14. What was the first album you ever owned?
A Love. Angel. Music. Baby. - Gwen Stefani CD for my little red walkman.
Bonus points: The first record that started my collection was The Best of The Ronettes
15. What's the first thing you notice in a person?
Their eyes. They say so much without needing to say anything at all.
16. What's a random bucket list item?
I would love to see an active volcano erupting (from a safe distance of course)
17. Do you remember your dreams when you wake up?
Yes! I've always been a very active dreamer. I can vividly remember dreams I've had from as young as my childhood. Clearly, my brain's a very imaginative place.
18. What's the best year for music?
1967! The Beatles had Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band change the trajectory of their career, Jefferson Airplane released their psychedelic magnum opus Surrealistic Pillow, Aretha Franklin was asking for a little "Respect" and three new acts had their debut albums explode: The Doors, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and The Velvet Underground.
19. Do you think of yourself as an optimist or a pessimist?
I think of myself as an optimistic nihilist- nothing really matters in the end so I'm going to enjoy the ride as fully and wildly as I can.
20. What in your life makes you feel most grateful?
I feel grateful for my beloved friends. They're the dearest people to me and I've always had a very "ride or die" attitude when it comes to those I love. I'm grateful for my health and my vibrant spirit. I'm grateful for my creativity and hunger to learn. I'm grateful that I've created a life for myself that's fulfilling and meaningful. And I'm really, really grateful that I live in the same time period as Uber Eats and the Hitachi mini wand.