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Shoalwater’s Jo Illescas Timms shares her favourite things

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

INTRIGUED by all things vintage, Shoalwater woman Jo Illescas Timms says her life has reflected this fascination in unusual ways.

“I am a woman that’s led a very interesting, diverse life,” she said.

Involved with natural therapies for many years, it has always been a passion. But after a flat period, her life took a different turn and she ended up in a very different place from that.

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She got a job driving Concrete Agitators followed by rubbish trucks for several years.

“It was challenging, as not everyone approved of a female truck driver but I loved it, I loved driving the trucks. I actually felt free when I was driving,” she said.

Then her original passions called her back and she took up Burlesque and indulged in Pin-up and all things vintage – with a touch of natural therapies on the side.

“My love of Burlesque brought back my interest or should I say vintage obsession I used to have before moving to Perth in 2000 from England.

“The glamour, the style of Pin-ups, the way they held, conducted and dressed themselves. The etiquette and femininity; it showed such respect.

“I have great interest in World War II; the strength and courage of women from those times both at home and at war is incredibly inspiring. It is very positive for women.”

Jo, aka ‘Pocket Rocket Betty,’ currently works at a health food store at the Baldivis Shopping Centre and is the creator of a local Facebook group aimed at lifting up women Pretty as a Pin-up Gal.