LMP member spotlight: Selina Stewart

I started to teach and get to know the lovely Selina during the pandemic and it’s wonderful to introduce her to you today. Selina has attended LMP events so we’ve also been able to spend time together too and I always feel so happy and bright speaking with Selina. I remember when we spoke about her plans to train as a driving instructor and Selina is now building her business in north London so if you need some driving lessons - get in touch hehe. Read on to find out more about Selina’s fave class, recipe and what she’s reading…


I would always say to follow your dreams it’s never too late.
— Selina Stewart

Where are you based?

I live in Wembley north west London with my husband Brian and our two adult children Lauren and Josh.

How did you discover Pilates?

I was diagnosed with Sciatica over 15 years ago and was lucky to be provided with 6 physio sessions where I was advised to try Pilates to help with the pain , I attended quite a number of Pilates classes but always felt that something was missing there was no enjoyment. During Covid 2020 working from home I discovered Lottie’s class on YouTube, her teaching methods along with her calm voice was just what I needed I was instantly hooked.

What’s your favourite class on the LMP platform? 

My favourite classes involve using the mini ball and the resistance band - if I had to choose it would be slow burn day three from 24 days of Pilates 3.0.

Do you have a daily non-negotiable or self-care habit?

My daily routine starts about  6.30-7am with a cup of Twinings calm herbal tea, if it’s a Monday morning I look forward to trying the latest class that Lottie has dropped into the App. My routine for the rest of the week depends on my work schedule and how I am feeling in the morning a quick 15 mins or 30 mins class which really sets me up for the day ahead.

And for the important stuff - what is your favourite food or do you have a favourite recipe you’d like to share with us?

My favourite recipe which I cook quite regularly is - Caribbean Channa.

Caribbean Chana (Caribbean Chickpea Curry)

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • ½–1 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)

  • 1 tbsp ground turmeric

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tbsp Madras curry powder

  • 1 tbsp ground cumin

  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • Thumb-sized piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated or finely chopped

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks

  • 2 medium all-purpose potatoes (such as Désirée), peeled and cut into small chunks

  • 2 × 400g tins of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 500ml vegetable stock

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped (to garnish)

Method

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.

  2. Add spices & garlic: Add the cayenne, turmeric, paprika, Madras curry powder, ground cumin, garlic, and ginger. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Cook vegetables: Add the carrots and potatoes to the pan, stirring to coat in the spices.

  4. Add chickpeas & stock: Tip in the drained chickpeas, pour in the vegetable stock, season generously with salt and black pepper, and stir well.

  5. Simmer: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the sauce has thickened.

  6. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Scatter over the fresh parsley before serving.

Are you working on anything at the moment, personally or professionally?

I am a self employed Driving Instructor with a brand franchise through Red Driving School so I am busy building up my business.

Are you reading anything at the moment? 

I am reading The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden - a family moves into a new neighbourhood which they think is their dream home both parents have their own secrets which they are desperate to keep from coming out. I have a passion for reading thrillers and crime books.


Do you have any advice that has impacted you and wish to share? 

During my time working for the BBC I have always had a yearning to become a Driving Instructor but it never seemed to be the right time to make the move, finally we were made redundant which I took as a sign and decided it was now or never. I would always say to follow your dreams it’s never too late.


Thank you so much to Justin for taking the time to chat with us. We are so honoured and grateful to have you as a LMP member and know you will inspire many of us. Check out previous Member Spotlights here…

January LMP member spotlight: Dhruvisha Patel

February LMP member spotlight: Patrícia Arsénio

March LMP member spotlight: Lydia Roolvink

April LMP member spotlight: Sally Engelfried

May LMP member spotlight: Justin Ongley

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