In Good Company: Yolanda Sissing

Social media strategist, networker extraordinaire and voice behind the Insta-blog That Ealing Mum Life, Yolanda Sissing moved to Ealing from South Africa and is now a proud advocate of the borough. She runs social media agency Pink Leaf Social and networking company The Antisocial Social Club.

At what stage in your life did you move to Ealing?
I moved to Ealing from South Africa in my 20s. In fact our first flat was in Shepherds Bush before we moved to Acton. Since then, I've lived in almost every neighbourhood in Ealing including Pitshanger, Hanwell, South Ealing, Northfields and West Ealing.

If you were telling someone about Ealing who had never visited, how would you describe it?
When I think of the song "Favourite Things" from the musical Sound of Music, it feels like an accurate description of Ealing. After all, Ealing is called the "Queen of the Suburbs". There's a little bit of something for everyone living here. It's the childhood playground of icons like Queen, Dusty Springfield & Sir Steve McQueen. Steeped in history with a strong sense of community. Days out in this corner of West London includes visits to the theatre, museums, artisan markets, quant pubs, art trails & galleries, live music festivals, green spaces with canals along the river and tons of activities for families with children of all ages.

Do you have a favourite Ealing watering hole?
I love outdoor pub gardens in the summer months and my favourites are The Fox Inn, Duke of Kent and The Drayton.

Where have you had your best Ealing meal?
At the moment, I'm absolutely loving meal times at Kanada-Ya. Their Ramen is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G and the desserts are a must have too.

Is there a part of Ealing that you find particularly inspirational or where you find peace?
We love woodland walks in our house and we're very lucky to have Warren Farm and Long Wood within the borough. We've gone for walks to see bluebells at the turn of the Spring season and played on rope swings over the river. There's also something special about the quieter parts of Gunnersbury Park. The ruins of the Edwardian Japanese Garden is just lovely.

What are you up to right now?
I am co-founder of the Antisocial Social Club which brings together communities of entrepreneurs, founders and solopreneurs who are looking for non-traditional ways to network. There are no 60 second pitches. No stuffy ice-breakers. No agenda, just good conversations to build meaningful connections. Give us a look and see what you think!