Meet Aija—a creative powerhouse and our Co-Leader of Future Proof. From joining Youthquake in 2019 to taking on this unique leadership role in 2025, Aija’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and finding confidence in her voice.
Aija has contributed to the following projects:
Youthquake (2019/20)
*untitled (2020)
Never Was A Normal (2021)
Future Proof (2020-present)
Co-Leader (2025)
Currently studying in Leicester, Aija spoke with Adam Perkins on Wednesday, 27th November and Wednesday, 11th December 2024, to explore and share her journey with Zest. Aija highlighted how she got involved and how the experiences have developed her professionally and personally while reflecting on achievements along the way.
As we begin 2025, Aija takes on a unique role with Zest, as a Co-Leader for Future Proof!
How did you get involved with Zest Theatre?
‘Toby and Zest visited my school in Year 11, delivering a workshop and asking questions to develop the Youthquake show. When Youthquake started, my dance teacher from school, Miss Hunt, referred me to join the show. After college, we rehearsed at The Civic Barnsley until we ran the show.’
How did you feel when you participated in Youthquake?
‘I initially felt nervous, as I’d never done anything like this. I hadn’t acted before, and when Toby gave me lines to read I felt like I could die! But after we performed, I felt glad that I’d done it. My part was to be in the audience, and my mum screamed when I performed my part.’
What motivated you to join the Future Proof team with Zest Theatre?
‘In 2020, several Youthquake members participated in the Never Was A Normal project during lockdown with Zest. We had regular meetings while doing this, which led to the idea of creating Zest’s youth advisory board, Future Proof. The main reason I got involved was that we had a place for us to speak openly and catch up once a week during lockdown.
‘Toby initially suggested that we have a weekly catch-up about how we’re feeling during difficult times, so Future Proof naturally formed from here—it found its own life. After Future Proof was created, most of us started playing Among Us over Discord, and we continued to chat as friends. Everyone wanted this to happen as it felt like our idea, and everything flowed naturally when we discussed different points together.’
In what ways has your involvement with Zest Theatre influenced your career path?
‘Zest has employed me to conduct interviews for core roles within the team and for new trustees. I received positive feedback on how I get straight to the point, which gave me more confidence to join meetings and share how I feel.
‘Toby and Zest have created a new, unique role for me, which never would have happened before! My additional experiences working with Future Proof as a co-leader with Zest are great to showcase on my CV. Although I'm studying and working in the fashion industry, which doesn't directly connect with Zest's work, the skills I've developed and the experiences I've had with Zest are unique and transferrable.’
Aija studies Fashion Buying with Merchandising BA (Hons) at DeMontfort, Leicester.
‘I originally wanted to work for the Police, but I decided to explore a route into the fashion industry. I enjoy the course and studying statistics and the industry's business side.’
How have your experiences with Zest Theatre benefited you personally?
‘Our monthly meetings with Future Proof have continuously benefited me, as Toby, the Zest team, and other Future Proof members always listen to what I say.
‘Initially, I didn’t expect anything from Zest when I was 15, but when we worked on Youthquake, I discovered that my words were used for one of the songs – it was literally my voice, and I hadn’t expected to hear my views within the production. Zest has helped me feel confident in sharing my voice. Katie, Millie, Jess and I are from different parts of the country, but we have separate group chats to discuss the interviews and our experiences with the board of trustees at Zest, and we feel closer as these experiences have helped us come together.
‘Moving to university has also helped a lot with this, as everyone here has said, ‘You’re so loud, we love it.’ I’ve always been told I talk a lot, but now I know it’s a positive thing, and people want to hear what I have to say.’
Could you share any standout moments, stories or achievements with Zest Theatre?
‘When we were creating Never Was A Normal, putting together random videos was both funny and sometimes awkward. During the lockdown, I walked to a mountain and created a little clip in the countryside on the edge of the forest. When these clips were produced together, it was pretty sick!
‘A key moment I remember was when my dance teacher came with a load of students from my school to the final show of Youthquake. It was so nice, and we all took a photo together at the end of the show.
‘Throughout my time with Zest, I have passed my A levels, started University, passed my driving test, and since bought a car. I’ve recently pushed myself out of my comfort zone and joined the dance society at University.
‘Finally, a standout moment for me is my new job with Zest. I am proud that the role has been created for me.’
