Talking Story with Emy Dossett

Welcoming into the SG fam is Australian surfer & photographer, Emy Dossett, who is currently creating a pretty rad lifestyle biz for herself all the way over in Mexico. We haven't met Emy in person yet but from the virtual convo's we've had so far, we reckon she'd be bit of a legend to crack a cold one and have a good yarn with. Post-surf naturally.

Emy shot by Chris Graham

Where are you from and what's the female surf community like there?

I grew up just outside the small coastal town, Evans Head NSW. The women’s surf community is super encouraging and inclusive with women of all ages out in the lineup from longboarders to shortboarders.

Where are you now and what are you up to?

I’m currently in Mexico floating around in the ocean, living my dream of being a freelance surf photographer, surfing everyday, connecting with a new culture, wonderful humans and attempting to speak Spanish fluently...which I wonder sometimes will ever happen haha. But nonetheless it’s been a very colourful and amusing learning experience, mixing words up like whore and door, tides and shit just to name a few. I’m having a bloody wonderful time attempting it all.

Avalon Gall shot by Emy

Emy, we love your work and a couple of years ago you quit your job and followed your dreams all the way to Mexico. How is life post-9-5 and living in the tropics developing your photographic career?

Ah thanks guys!! It’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has opened me up to so many opportunities to photograph sooooo many amazing surfers here in Mexico. Especially longboard surf as there is a huge longboard culture where I am. It’s helped me discover what I want to focus on and the path I want to take within my business. And with the climate and incredible sunsets, I feel like I’m constantly being inspired and challenged creatively here, swimming around in the water for hours and hours on end. I’m not much of a fan of cooler weather so it means I can be in the water all year round and be comfortable thanks to those lovely tropical climates, vibing sunsets and lovely little peelers. I couldn’t be happier.

Lola Mignot shot by Emy

What have been some challenges and how have you overcome these?

Where do I start? Haha. So many challenges, I guess for me the biggest challenge has been removing the personal blocks I’ve had mentally which come up in my business. I swear working for yourself is just one big path of self discovery, learning what fears you have and how to work through them. One of the biggest challenges for me is decision making. To overcome this, I’ve focused a lot on strengthening trusting my intuition: how to tap into it and use it as a guide to make big decisions. I’ve done this by reaching out to my amazing network of fellow entrepreneurs. I’m also working through Lacy Phillip’s To Be Magnetic workshops which are incredible!! Her workshops have helped me build tools to pretty much overcome any challenge I’m faced with. And to support all of this, I’m constantly reading, writing and meditating and maybe eating a block of chocolate or ten on those really tough days haha. Who would've thought the easiest part is taking the photos and being creative!

Emy surfing shot by Laurita Polvorilla

Style us out for the lineup, what would you have us wearing?

I’m a lover of colour as you can see through my work so I’d have you all wearing Luna surf crop (I love mine soooo much!) in the lovely peachy colour, Dusty, and the Drifter bottoms in Olive!

Favourite surf spot or destination:

Mexico as a destination for sure. Not only does it have epic waves but the culture and the landscape are so unique and special. Mexico holds a huge place in my heart. My favourite waves in Mex are my local break Burros and La Saladita. I also love Pilon in Costa Rica and one of my local breaks back in Aussie, too, but it's a secret spot ;)

Risa Mara Machuca shot by Emy

Words you live by:

If it’s a hell yes, do it! If it’s a hell no then don’t even think about it!

Top 10 essential (surf) travel items:

Surf Mud!!! Never go anywhere without it
LeMU x Salt Gypsy splashproof bag
Moroccan hair oil, my curls are always getting fried
Of course my Salt Gypsy get up: Drifter bottoms, Luna surf crop. Love them!!!!
Salt Gypsy t-shirt crop, got to look stylish while trying not to get all crispy
Sun Bum sunscreen!!!
Wax!!!!! It’s hard to get eco friendly wax here in Mex so Sticky Bumps it is for now or when I’m back in Oz, I stock up on Organic surf wax!!
A good book for those lay days
My camera and water housing!!! Never know when feel like getting creative
Tiger balm!