S5, Ep9 – In conversation with Sheena Bhattessa
5 December 2024
Back in the Harley Street recording studio, join Life & Smile host Dr Reena in conversation with one of the creative industry’s leading figures – Sheena Bhattessa. As an actress and the Founder of Citizen Femme, the ultimate travel and style guide for globetrotting women, this is the perfect episode to inspire.
Listen in full as Sheena reveals how she built her career and manages to make everything work so seamlessly on a day-to-day basis. She also gives us insider insight into how the editorial and digital landscape has evolved. Of course, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without those favourite items that make up her mini survival kit day to day and the latest places to visit for our radar.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Sheena begins the show by confirming she has had a very colourful life to date. She initially studied business and law, but this was not something she found herself utilising, as she had always wanted to do something creative—such as acting or being a news broadcaster. She then attended acting school in New York for two years, which she describes as “the best time of my life, incredible.”
Sheena then returned to London, got herself an agent, and started acting while simultaneously working in PR. Although she didn’t love PR, she was good at it—building relationships, networking, and engaging in conversation.
After being part of a play that toured America, Sheena went freelance as a PR consultant, essentially starting her own business. This revealed an entrepreneurial and creative side to her that had always been present.
Sheena then started her own PR company, stating that she hated it, but soon pivoted to launching Citizen Femme—a venture that filled a gap in the market and enabled her to continue acting. This pathway led her to do what she now loves, something that truly doesn’t feel like work.
Going against the grain to fulfil her dreams ensured she combined the business discipline with her creative streak. Sheena describes herself as a storyteller—someone who loves telling stories and is the go-to creative person in her family.
Choosing to keep Citizen Femme digital was a conscious decision. They produce content daily and at a very fast pace, supported by an incredible team of writers. Their audience returns every single day because there is always fresh content and something inspiring to discover. The team is given free rein to run with their ideas, allowing them to be instinctively reactive.
Regarding personal favourite projects, although the platform has been running for seven years, they have recently experienced a surge in awareness and recently held their first event in New York.
Sheena admits her biggest challenge is that she is fearless, but also appreciates the support system that allows her to take risks—something not everyone has. This support enables her to try, experiment, and follow her dreams. She reflects that when she built Citizen Femme, the wages from her acting paid the salaries of the team she was building.
Sheena has never had a particular mentor, but the conversations and interviews surrounding her platform inspire her to keep going. Every day is different, and since having children, she has become even more productive with her time. Organisation is key, as is having a village to help, and she has gradually built up the ability to manage it all.
And the top three items Sheena is never without? Always lip balm, AirPods for podcasts and audiobooks, plus her phone or laptop—ones no doubt we can all relate to!
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Confidence is key, and it will open opportunities for you.
Networking and connections will open many opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to follow your instinct and combine what you love.
Don’t be afraid of hard work – nothing replaces hard work.
There is a maturity that comes with going through your twenties and thirties.
Anything worthwhile takes time.
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Previous episodes
S7, Ep1 – In conversation with Trinny Woodall
Dr Reena kicks off season seven in style with a riveting conversation with British fashion icon, businesswoman, and renowned skin & beauty entrepreneur, Trinny Woodall.
S3, Ep8 – In conversationwith Lauren Murdoch-Smith
As a renowned editor for British Vogue, Lauren Murdoch-Smith has the final word when it comes to everything lifestyle, beauty, and wellness. Having worked at the magazine and Vogue brand since 2014, she is currently holding the title of Acting European Beauty & Wellness Director.
