Monica, Buxton

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 28 years old and I am originally from Romania. My real name is Sefora but Monica is my nickname and my customers know me by that name. I have sold the magazine for about eight or nine years. I like selling the magazine, but it’s been hard the last couple of years. Some days it’s okay but some days it’s very quiet here on my pitch. 

Where is your pitch exactly?
I sell outside the old Marks and Spencer’s in Buxton. But that closed three and a half years ago and since then I have had less customers. So much has changed in Buxton in the last few years. It is not the town it used to be because many places have closed and there are less people here. 

Why do you sell the magazine?
This is my job. It helps me survive and it helps me take care of my children. I have two children. Two boys.

Where do you live?
We live in Levenshulme, in Manchester. I travel to Buxton to sell the magazine. I usually sell four days a week but in the weeks before Christmas I was coming more. 

Your English is good. Did you learn at school?
No, I didn’t. I learnt English selling the magazine and talking to my customers and friends. I also go to church every Sunday so I learn English there. My children speak English at home and read and write in English as well. 

What makes you happy?
I am happy because I have my children and I have the Lord in my life. Religion is very important to me.

What do you hope for in 2022?
I hope things will be better next year. I hope things will change with the virus. I’m still trying but it has been so hard to keep going and I worry that there will be a new lockdown. 

Do you have a message for your customers?
Thanks to all of them. They are supporting me a lot. I wish them all the best for next year and I just hope it will be better for everyone.