Scene from the Sofa – 5 minutes with… Locksley Nixon

Locksley Nixon has been running the Little Mask Factory with their mum during lockdown, which supplies handmade masks, made with love and care, to those in need. Graham Robson caught up with them to find out how they’ve been weathering the storm and plans for the future…

Hi Locksley, tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is Locksley, I’m 32. I enjoy solitary walks on the beach, white wine and the occasional breakdown.

How have you been spending your time in lockdown?

Lockdown changed my life overnight… I used to make drag costumes for a living and overnight all of my work disappeared. I live with my mum and we run a B&B together, all the bookings vanished, so we had to come up with a new plan for survival.

What’s been the biggest impact to your creative output?

I started a new business. Drag costuming was over (for me) but the new world still needed my skills. So, I started the Little Mask Factory. Me and my mum make and sell medical and social grade masks, we donate masks to hospitals, care homes and other facilities in need. It’s been an enormous challenge for us both, but we love it. Our B&B out in Peacehaven now also runs with zero contact from us. Guests are completely safe, and we have a five-star hygiene rating. It’s been a complete life change; some days have been incredibly hard, but we are grafters and we don’t give in.

Have you been watching much online?

Yes. I miss the scene enormously and seeing everyone still performing has been wonderful.

What do you miss the most?

I miss the Queens Arms, Bar Broadway and Legends. My heart broke when I heard about Legends. I miss getting drunk with my friends and dancing. I miss restaurants too.

Do you have any comments on how lockdown is affecting the LGBTQ+ community?

Everyone is in a different boat, but we are all in the same storm. I came out as trans during lockdown. I think it’s made us all realise what’s truly important and how lucky we were and will be.

Any plans for the future?

I’ve been on a weight loss and fitness journey during lockdown, inspired by my transition. I plan to embrace the new world as a new person. I’m working very hard to make sure I turn heads when I do.

Words of wisdom to get us through?

Embrace the change. We are all going to remember this for the rest of our lives, make sure when you look back on it you can say you did your absolute best.

MORE INFO

Instagram: @thelittlemaskfactory

Facebook: Locksley Nixon

Find their B&B on www.booking.com – search ‘Safehaven’