Mikaela Ian Pearman: Off the clock – the people behind the public personas
We see them on television, hear their voices on the radio, watch their videos on social media and encounter them in business and public life. They're familiar faces, people we recognise, admire or feel we know simply because we have seen so much of them.
But how much do we really know about the people behind those public personas?
For this week's RG Life, we caught up with five Bermudians in the public eye to discover what they get up to when the workday ends and the spotlight disappears.
Hamilton's new mayor, Michael Branco, is an entrepreneur and businessman who is usually seen in a suit, but long before he occupied the mayor's office, he was DJ Branco, spinning reggae and dancehall records at local nightspots.
“The people who know me well know that I'm deep into dancehall reggae,” he says.
His connection to City Hall even began behind the scenes, volunteering as a sound engineer for theatre productions as a teenager. More than three decades later, his office is across the lobby.
For Boston-based television news anchor Glenn Jones, life outside the newsroom is about live sports, mountain biking and the occasional road trip around New England.
But perhaps the biggest surprise is his personality.
“I'm an introvert and I think that does surprise people. There is a work persona and a home persona.”
It's a sentiment shared by Patrina “Power Girl” O'Connor-Paynter, whose infectious energy has made her a familiar presence at events across Bermuda.
Away from the microphone, however, she's happiest enjoying some peace and quiet with her family. And before becoming a popular MC, she was a gospel singer who performed alongside her mother and opened for internationally renowned artists.
“Power Girl may be comfortable on stage but Patrina is just as happy away from the spotlight!”
The same could be said for Shawn Simmons, better known as Mr Fotogenic. While his hilarious social-media content keeps Bermudians entertained, he's more likely to be found at home cooking for his wife and sons or making music in his studio.
“I like to be left alone. I'm somewhat introverted,” he says.
Meanwhile, Salon Pink owner Kidist Emery has rediscovered a childhood passion, returning to march with Warwick United Majorettes and Drum Corps.
“For those moments, I'm not thinking about Salon Pink, meetings or my never-ending to-do list. I'm simply enjoying being a majorette.”
They all have different careers, different interests, but a common thread runs through all five stories. Behind the titles, businesses, cameras and microphones are people who value family, friendship, creativity and the freedom to simply be themselves.
Because sometimes, the most interesting thing about someone isn't what they do for a living. It's who they are when they're off the clock.
