We love our local London mums! In our Mum in the Hood series we speak with mums around the greater London area to find out what they love about where they live. This week we spoke with Priscilla Ramirez, a positive psychology coach in Acton. Find out what her favourite spots are in this West London neighbourhood…
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I am Priscilla, I live in west London with my husband and our two girls Malina 8 and Lara 6. I moved to the UK from Sierra Leone when I was 9 and have been loyal to West London ever since, living in Paddington and Maida Vale before setting down roots in Acton.
I am the Founder of Plan Be coaching, a Positive Psychology coaching practice working with individuals to clarify their goals and unearth their strengths in order to apply them to the areas in their lives where they are struggling. A lot of my work seeks to identify the negative mental habits and unhelpful beliefs that we hold on to. I work with my clients to break down such negativity and replace it with positive self-dialogue, behaviors and actions that help them to flourish into their best self.
I haven’t always worked as a coach and fell into it when I struggled to create a healthy balance between being a mum and working as a detective in the Metropolitan Police. I felt torn between the two demanding forces of motherhood and a career, as many women do when they enter motherhood. In the end I decided to start again, at 33 it was scary to start over especially after studying criminology and working hard to get where I was within the Met. But once I started to learn how to manage my self-doubt and negative self-talk I began to get a much clearer picture of what I wanted to do and how I wanted my career and family life to fit together. I was able to identify my own definition of success. This fueled my interest to understand and uncover how other women could establish a balance across their different roles without having to feel like they had to push their dreams aside.
I decided to go back to university and completed a Masters in Psychology and Coaching, conducting my thesis into the Multiple roles of women and their effects on wellbeing. I started my studies the same month Lara began reception and I haven’t looked back since. I am now a senior level certified coach and am absolutely in love with my new career. I feel I am able to be more authentic and live a life aligned with my values whilst helping others to make positive life enhancing changes within their lives.
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Which area do you live in and what do you love about it?
I live in Acton and love how multicultural it is. A small melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures, which add a richness to the small independent shops and delicatessens there are nestled around. Churchfield Road has really transformed in the years since I have been here. There is a great wine shop called Vindinista, Basil & Tom’s, a lovely independent green grocer and Churchfield Food Store, a little Italian deli. Chiswick High Street is a 5-minute drive from my home, and has everything you need from a high street during the day and for a night out.
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Where do you like to hang out with your kids?
I am literally up to my eyeballs with parks, but there honestly is no better place for them at this age. Acton is surrounded by great parks, we love going for walks and bike rides in Gunnersbury Park and Ravenscourt Park, which always includes the obligatory stop at Bears Ice Cream Company. Kew Gardens is a short drive away and is one of my favourite spots in the summer. Occasionally we like to go to Kensington Gardens’ Diana Memorial Playground with the pirate ship.
What are your favourite local family-friendly eateries?
I am an absolute coffee addict. Luckily for me I am spoilt for choice with great spots like, Laveli Bakery (Askew Road), Coffeeology (Kings Street), Parle Pantry (Kings Street) and Proud Mary’s (Shepheard Bush) which do amazing breakfasts by the way.
What are your favourite local independent shops?
Hmm that’s tough.. but I guess it would have to be The Old Cinema on Chiswick High Road. A beautiful furniture store that sells vintage and antique furniture, art and jewellery, what more can you ask for under one roof…well except for coffee!
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What local activities do you and your family take part in?
The Arch Climbing Wall in Acton is good fun and a great workout. We also spend a fair bit of time at W3 Club which is our local gym in Bromyard Avenue. Recently my girls started ice skating classes at Queens Ice in Bayswater which provides something a little different. We also love going to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Occasionally we will do a nighttime movie at Westfield, and there is always time for dancing round our kitchen on Friday nights.
Where’s the best place for a night out with friends or a date night?
My husband and I are real foodies and we love spicy food. If we are staying local, I love Potli on Chiswick High Road, a great street style Indian restaurant. With friends I would go to Chiswick Fire Station, White City House, or a cosy local pub like The Swan or The Oak.
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What’s the best hidden gem in your area?
My garden, it provides hours of pottering around and a lovely space for quiet cups of tea in the afternoon.
Find out more Plan Be coaching: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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