Sam Devito - Being able to think creatively

About The Adventure

“I have so much to learn and so many new friends to make and that’s not something I ever want to stop doing."

In this episode, Sarah interviews Sam Devito - photographer, filmmaker and co-owner of Edale General Store. After six weeks of lockdown and losing a lot of pre-booked work, Sam and his partner Laurel were out on a limb and without any real purpose. They agreed they needed a project, and Edale village, where they live, needed a shop - so they decided to give it a go. By July 2020, Edale General Store opened its doors as soon as the first lockdown in England lifted.

Sarah asked Sam to be a guest on the show because of the inspirational way that he adapted to his circumstances during a pandemic, and because of his approach towards taking an idea and making it happen. Sarah wanted to capture how they got everything together in such a short amount of time, who helped them along the way, and what it is that they want people to experience by entering a village shop that serves both locals and visitors. It was also a great opportunity to find out about his future career plans, and how moving from London to a Peak District village has made an impact on his perspective towards life. During the show, Sarah asks Sam:

• Why did you decide to open your own shop here in Edale?
• How did you bring your idea to life?
• How did you decide on your first steps & did you receive any guidance?
• What creative skills and experience have really helped you to make it happen?
• What steps do you think have been integral to your business?
• Who comes into your shop?
• What experience do you want people to have when they enter?
• Has it worked out how you imagined it to be?
• How do you integrate your values into your business?
• Who has helped you along the way?
• What are you working towards at the moment?
• What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?
• When do you stop to take a break?
• What do you notice happens if you don’t take time out?
• Does it impact other areas of your life as well as work?
• Why do you care about your work so much that you dedicate so much time and energy towards it?
• Which direction would you most like your career to move towards from here?
• How has your perspective on life changed since you moved to Edale from London?
• What question would you ask somebody who is thinking about trying out a new project during this pandemic, but have concerns about going off-track from their longer-term career?

This episode was recorded outdoors by Sarah Lister in the Peak District on 19th November 2020 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme.

You can see some of Sam's photography and short films on his website. Follow what's happening at Edale General Store on Instagram or drop in before/after your Peak District adventures.

The runner mentioned during the show is Damian Hall who has completed a hat trick of record-breaking trail running rounds during 2020.

Visit About The Adventure website to email Sarah, your podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's newsletter to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions.

Podcast music is by Tsarzi and podcast artwork by Tiffany-Francis Baker.