This week Sammi-Peony Dovey talks about her hobbies away from the dental practice including kayaking, horse riding and sewing.
Please introduce yourself
Hey! I’m Sammi-Peony and I am a dental therapist, aesthetics practitioner and model living in the New Forest National Park.
I have worked within the dental industry for 11 years, across London and Hampshire. You can find me at [email protected] Boulevard in Southampton.
What do you get up to in your spare time away from dentistry?
Prior to dentistry, I was an art student. I try to be as creative as I can outside of work. Creating things makes me so happy.
At the moment I adore sewing new outfits and sketching. I used to exhibit my artwork in various galleries and shows across the UK. I hope to get back to it when COVID has passed (hopefully one day).
I’m also an avid letter writer and have pen friends all around the world. There is nothing better than receiving a handwritten letter in such an age of technology.
Are you a foodie? What particular food do you go for?
I am allergic to dairy and gluten. So grabbing food out and about is a challenge at times!
My favourite meal of all time is a tuna nicoise salad, which sounds incredibly boring. But dairy-free pizzas just don’t hit the spot as much as the real thing.
I also coat everything I eat in mayonnaise, even putting it in my soup. I shouldn’t really admit this being a dental therapist, but I also eat sweets every night before bed, whoops!
Are you into any sport? If so what sport and why did you get into it in the first place?
I love kayaking, surfing and spending time on the water. Growing up, we had a private beach by our farm. So the coast has always been such a big part of my life.
During university, I was part of a kayak club and I still kayak as much as possible around the New Forest. It’s a great way to see the area, which is stunning in every season.
What type of television/movies do you like – any guilty pleasures?
I actually don’t watch TV! I can occasionally be found watching a film on Disney+ or crying over a period drama (the 2007 adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion is my favourite, and Fredrick Wentworth Is such a babe in it).
If I’m totally honest I don’t really know how to work the home TV. You won’t catch me on Netflix, I’d rather be on my sewing machine (am I 29 or 79?).
Do you like to travel and do your hobbies take you anywhere in particular?
I grew up on a working dairy farm, so started horse riding at two years old. Back then I would compete at various events, as well as hurdling through school, which I must say I was pretty good at.
I am a huge history nerd and can probably be found exploring a historical site, stately home or museum.
In general, I love to travel as much as I can, even if it is just discovering new regions in the UK, which are so easily overlooked. Or a cheeky surf trip to Cornwall.
Why is it important to have hobbies away from dentistry?
I think if your life solely revolves around teeth 24/7, you are at such a risk of burnout and career fatigue. It is so important to park your daily work stresses once you’ve left the practice and unwind in other activities.
They don’t have to be extreme hobbies. Even reading a good book with a glass of wine is a great break from bleeding indices and PPE.
Anything else you’d like to add
I promise you, I am so much cooler than this Q&A makes me sound…honest.
