Name
Isabel Blake-Milton
Nickname
Izzie
Where are you from?
I grew up in London and the Middle East, and also lived and worked in Hong Kong for several years. So, while I’m currently based back home in London, I’ll always have a soft spot for Asia and plan to keep exploring other exciting parts of the world.
What are you best known for?
Exploring, flamenco dancing and a longstanding love of perfume.
What’s your background
I studied Economics & Information Systems at Newcastle University and began my career at a creative PR agency in London where I was very lucky to work alongside some incredible clients including Sony PlayStation Europe and a star-studded crew with evian at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Over in Hong Kong, I joined an international agency and worked with several consumer brands across APAC including Four Seasons Hotel Group. In 2018, I started my own consulting business and helped launch an independent restaurant group in Hong Kong. I’ve also been working alongside the editorial team at LUXE City Guides to curate insider travel tips across 30 cities.
What inspired you to volunteer to support Reef-World and why do you care about marine conservation?
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some mesmerising beaches and snorkelling spots around South East Asia and find it heart-breaking when I see careless tourists touching marine life or using potentially harmful sun cream without thinking about. Nature is incredible and deserves our respect; otherwise these magical places will disappear.
What type of tasks will you be helping with while volunteering for Reef-World?
I’m helping Reef-World refine their content and social media strategy with the aim of engaging and educating a wider audience on the importance of snorkelling and diving responsibly.
Outside work, what are your hobbies/favourite pastimes?
I love hiking, trying new food and travelling to new places and activities. I’m a total sun seeker and adore swimming in the sea.
What’s your favourite marine animal and why?
Seahorses are adorable and I love that the male carries the eggs through pregnancy rather than the female. You can find two species here on the British coastline!
What marine animal are you most like and why?
Probably a pinecone fish – they use luminous bacteria to create their own natural headlights to help them uncover tasty food at night. That sounds ideal.
Do you have a memorable snorkelling experience you can tell us about?
That would have to be snorkelling with Black Tip Reef Sharks in Malaysia – my friend and I were petrified to get into the water until we saw a tiny boy who could only have been about 7 years old tug on his father’s sleeve and excitedly hop overboard!
& one ocean destination still on your bucket list?
I’d love to visit Mexico: there are some amazing snorkelling spots there.
Do you have any plans to try scuba diving one day?
So far I’ve loved snorkelling but am curious about diving. I have started my PADI pool practical and loved being able to breathe underwater so the next step will be to venture out to the sea to complete my Open Water certification.
Star sign and how you express it
My sister and I are both Pisces which is, coincidentally, a water sign. Ever since I can remember we’ve both loved swimming in the sea.
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose and why?
Teleportation – better for the planet and would save me a fortune!
What’s the strangest injury you’ve ever had?
So far I haven’t broken any bones, but did get a jellyfish sting around my neck while we were on a boat trip in Oman when I was younger, which was as painful as you can imagine it would be!
Tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I learnt to drive when I was 10 years old (legally!) on the Grand Prix race track at Silverstone. My father used to be involved with Grand Prix races quite a lot through his work, and so naturally my sister and I were curious!