Aisling Rogerson | Co Founder, Fumbally Cafe

I arrived in Dublin airport on a flight that Aisling provided for me, I walked out, recognised her face from our short skype, and it took me a whole 2 minutes to get in her shit books. How did I managed this? Well lets just say, don’t mention England and Ireland in the same sentence to any Irish. She forgave my naivety as quickly as my first sexual experience and before long we were driving away from the airport and towards a whole series of unforgettable trades.

The Pixel Trade was focused on the many things Aisling is involved in. She is the movement of Dublin along with a couple of other brains. They are creating atmospheres for all people creative and expressive and one of these spaces is called The Fumbally, a cafe which will probably lead to a rise in real estate prices due to it’s demand and popularity. We did a few shoots of The Fumbally, one of which brought my brain to it’s limits, a short stop motion video.

                   Interview with Aisling

Describe your most memorable adventure as a child.

I was 6 years old, it was a Saturday, everyone was doing their own thing, and i wanted to do my thing. I approached my parents with my two pounds of pocket money savings in my hand and demanded they take me to the cinema. I was able to pay my own way, I just needed to get there. But they were having none of it. I told them I would go on my own. They kind of laughed and said 'ok, yeah go on'. translation: (aisling, you are only 6 years old, don't be ridiculous, and go back to playing tip the can with the rest of the kids). 

I of course took that as a green light, however, and set off out the back door, through the industrial estate, down the hill, round the back of the shopping centre to the cinema, got my ticket....i don't think i had enough money for popcorn.... and sat myself into a seat somewhere near the back on the left. 

I don't even remember which film it was, all i remember is about half way though my mum hisses in my ear - 'Aisling!!!' Mortified! Whats my mum doing in the cinema, she's embarrassing me!  

When I left at the end of the movie, there was my mum and dad and brother in the car waiting for me. Lovely to get a lift home.

What would you say was the biggest risk you’ve taken in your life?

Is a risk, making a decision that may result in loosing it all? Are all the rest just chances? I take lots of chances but few (of what i would consider) risks.

Is there something you have kept a secret for a long time?

Yes.

What was involved in creating the unique environment of the Fumbally Cafe?

Everything! Everything down to the flower pots in the windows and the handles on the doors. But really it comes down to the people. Surround yourself with amazing positive people and always be open to whatever walks in the door.

Describe why food means so much to you?

It is a catalyst for happiness.

What is it about Ireland that made you decide to settle there for now?

In Dublin, there is a sense of community that you rarely find in other places. Sure , it has its down sides but there are so many people doing good things at the moment it feels right to be a part of it. Further afield from Dublin offers so much as well though. I still find places in Ireland that I have never been to before and that blow me away.

Was there a time that you realised you achieved independence?

Hmmmm...maybe when i moved out of home for the first time and lived in France for a year - among many other things, it was the first time i had to do my own laundry (I was 19 years old, thats disgraceful isn't it!).

If you could teach a group of people one thing, what would it be?

How to be happy

When was the last time you were most happy?

a few weeks ago, sitting on the roof at the warehouse, drinking cheap vermouth and eating jamon, watching the sunset with some friends.

When was the last time you were most sad?

I had a bout of melancholy last week. Matters of the heart. 

Describe your most memorable adventure as an adult.

Traveling through Morocco on my own and ending up in some pretty dodgy situations, but also some utterly amazing ones. I experienced one of the closest things to paradise that i have yet encountered - in the Rif mountains on the Northern coast.

If you had to recommend a favourite music album, what would it be?

2013 Summer album has got to be Rhye - 'Woman'