Island Profile: New Yorker Kim Graziano loves her life on the Isle of Man

Kim Graziano, is 29 years old, and lives in Douglas with her boyfriend and two dogs.

She is a graphic designer and illustrator and, after moving to the island from New York three years ago, has started her own business, Kim Gee Studio Ltd.

Kim also started the Isle of Man Drawing Club, which provides social drawing events to the local community, and is a founder of the Keird Collective, along with five other local artists.

What is your idea of a perfect meal?

I love tapas, where I get to try a little bit of everything.

What is your favourite way to relax?

Reading a book on a blanket in the park on a summer’s day.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I treated myself to one of those at-home laser hair removers this year, which was a pretty big expense to just take the hair off my body, but it feels like true luxury!

Do you have any pets?

Two dogs, a German Shepherd/Springer Spaniel cross called Mysa that we adopted on the island, and a miniature Pinscher mix, named Tofu, that I adopted back in New York and brought over with me.

What is your greatest achievement?

I was named one of the Isle of Man’s 30 Under 30 in 2018, which felt like a pretty big deal, especially because I had just six months left until turning 30 at the time!

What is your favourite time of the year?

In New York I would have said mid-September when the hot sticky summer starts to cool off, but in the Isle of Man I’ll take any time the sun is out between May and October!

What is the first job you ever had?

My first real job was at a shoe store, tidying things up.

Do you have any irrational fears?

I’m ticklish to the point that I don’t like raising my arms near friends in case they tickle my armpits, which is pretty strange.

What is your worst habit?

Going to the convenience store for an evening snack and walking out with 10 different heavily-processed artery-cloggers.

What is your favourite book?

I love a travel memoir or a graphic novel.

What is your favourite TV programme?

Catastrophe, which unfortunately just finished up after four glorious seasons.

What is your favourite band/artist at the moment?

I really like the new James Blake album, but usually have indie pop from Sigrid, Ryn Weaver, Robyn, or King Princess in rotation.

What is your favourite part of the Isle of Man?

After three years I still haven’t explored the island as much as I’d like, so I’d say my favourite part is just living five minutes from the beach, five minutes from town, and having a better quality of life compared to my years in NYC.

What is the last show/band that you saw live?

My boyfriend got us tickets to see Lorde in London over a year ago.

If time/money were no object, what would be your perfect day?

A yoga class in the morning, a beach walk with the dogs, boozy brunch with my friends from all over the world, walking around a European city in the sun, date night at an experimental restaurant, and vegan ice cream for dessert on the sofa.

Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner?

Garance Doré, Elizabeth Gilbert and Gala Darling. I’d let them do all the talking!

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Originally published in the Manx Independent, 26/2/2019.