#40: Robyn Charles (Partypack)

This week we are joined by creative alchemist & president of Partypack, Robyn Charles, who tells us more about pickling cucumber, suffering in a chic way, Google Meets, and more.

“Writing a bio is tough when there’s so much to say!” Robyn Charles describes themselves as a creative alchemist, but usually just tells people they’re an entrepreneur (ha!). They bring things to life through their business, ‘Partypack’, with the help of other female creatives—but more on that later. Their primary passions include filming everything they do (only to edit the footage months later) and connecting with people to create interesting conversations, business opportunities, and creative outputs.

We welcome Robyn to The FRM Newsletter to share what they’ve been into recently.

🥒🔥 Pickling cucumber

Starting off strong. Look, I used to hate cucumbers (what a watery mess), but ever since creating my own pickling practice, I have been eating them non-stop. I recommend mixing anything you like in the fridge (sweet chili sauce, soy, hoisin, maple syrup, whatever you like) with a good mix of vinegar (I use apple cider and rice wine) and some fresh herbs (mine include dill, mint and/ or coriander). Let it sit in a jar for at least an hour, and enjoy! So fresh.

️☘🌺 PARTYPACK

I developed the brand for those of us who enjoy a little [🥦], but don’t want the nasty paraphernalia that comes along with it. I wanted design-forward ‘smokeware’ that I could proudly show off around my home and that integrated my practice as a friendly indulgence, rather than a hidden act. At first, we launched herbal blends (as tobacco alternatives) and candles, and we have recently released our handmade smoking pipes called ‘puff pieces’.

"The name Partypack was chosen because it speaks to the memory of parties past and taking a piece of that moment home, to enjoy later. I think there's something sweet and warm about the privilege of meeting our experiences with childlike curiosity. In this same vein, we aim to approach smokeware and [🥦] with new eyes, and in doing so, cultivate a new appreciation and ritual around [🥦]."

🎧🌍 Naija Music

I listen to a lot of Nigerian music throughout the day. It puts me in a really good mood. Most played in the last month:

Yawa - Tekno

Peace Be Upon You (PBUY) - Asake (*this entire album though)

Panty! - Lojay, Sarz

PuTTiin - Tekno (*anything this man does tbh)

Alakori - Falz, Dice Ailes

👗❄ Summer dresses in Winter

I’ve only done this, like, twice, but whatever. Dresses over jeans are officially in season. 

🖤💋 Suffering in a chic way

(This one is so real of me) I realised that people and things often leave, break, or are destroyed to make space for new (usually better) opportunities. Nowadays, whenever things are going awry, I think, "Oh my god, something so good is about to come my way." It’s akin to the question, "If you knew you would only succeed after one hundred failures, wouldn’t you want to fail faster?"

🅿✔ Pinterest > all other apps  

This is my favourite form of social media. I don’t feel perceived, forced to contribute, or jealous of seeing everyone having a better time than me *cough cough IG stories* — It’s just vibes. I highly recommend using it to make manifestation boards and dumping a bunch of pics in there instead of scrolling on Instagram.

👥📹 Google Meets

For all my friends who don’t live in the city/country. I send out Google Meet invites once a month, and people tend to take it seriously because it’s on their calendar. It’s really helped maintain (if not strengthen) my personal relationships.

️ 👒☀ Walking daily

This is a privileged one, but if you can take a walk outside every day, do it. Outside for 20 minutes will significantly change your headspace. As someone without medical aid, this sh*t works.

🍜❤ Cooking at home with friends

Bruh, eating out is expensive! Everyone just needs to bring one or two items, and y’all can even arrange takeaways for the next day. Recently, my friends and I have been making a lot of dhal and curry — it feeds a lot of people and is so nourishing for those cold nights.

🎨🎭 Getting creative

I think I’m obsessed with re-cultivating the childlike curiosity with which I used to approach life. One way that’s been working for me is drawing, painting and playing with clay. It’s nice to do something without an attached outcome.