We grab five minutes with, actor, voiceover, and face of Omaze UK, Jo Pickard
How would you describe yourself?
Complicated but aren’t we all? (Please say yes!)
I’m outgoing, a communicator, creative, a lover of life, full of fun and laughter with a strong drive, and I pride myself on being fiercely loyal and positive.
On the flip-side, I’m deep, serious, overly emotional, and sensitive but the older I get the more content and happy I become and I really do care way less about the small stuff.
Where is home? And work?
Home is a potato farm in an idyllic village in North Yorkshire with my hardworking, loving, and hilarious husband Stephen along with two dogs; a red Labrador, Babes who is obsessed with my shoes, and Hendricks who has the ability to woo anyone in sight, think Puss in Boots in Shrek in dog form with a beard.
Work can be anywhere in the world but most of the time it’s a little home studio we built in our outbuildings where I record voiceovers.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Aged 4, I announced I was going to be an actress and have never looked back, not for fame but because I love performing. I used to do plays for the customers in my dad’s pub at the age of 5, needless to say, dad wasn’t too impressed. Oh, and to marry Prince Harry.
What do you love most about the industry you are in?
The versatility and creativity. Every day is different and so is every role which makes it really interesting. My creative muscles are stretched developing new characters and telling stories in an engaging way. I feel so grateful to have this career.
Name a few of your favourite places to be …
In the garden at the farm, Filey walking on the beach, and Lisbon Portugal is such a wonderful city. Skiathos Greece on the beach with a cocktail, and The Pheasant Hotel on the terrace enjoying the amazing food, and what a view.
What / who inspires you?
My husband inspires me every day and has taught me to love deeply, not take things so seriously, and how to calmly approach the world in a fun way.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
I gifted dinner to some old friends who we hadn’t seen in far too long. I love sharing good food and stories and think there is no better gift.
Tell us a secret/fun fact?
I eat Heinz tomato soup and smash when I need comforting, my Nanna used to make it for us as children, random but amazing. Give it a go.
Who or what would you put into Room 101?
Grey tracksuit bottoms and mushrooms.
What’s been your biggest life lesson?
Learning to love myself entirely, it took a lot of time, hard work and dedication to push through insecurities and feelings of inadequacy but feel so grateful to live a happy life.
COMING SOON
Rumour has it that Jo will be sharing her stories, energy and smiles with us in a regular column. So, watch this space…
