Amara Shelby

The shrill sound of the Overground train echoes on the elevated tracks of Hackney Central. It's a little past 9 p.m. A fine, persistent rain blurs the red and blue neon lights of the pubs outside the window. Amara sits on a worn plastic bench. Her large headphones blast fast-paced British post-punk, drowning out the sound of the half-empty carriage. In the reusable bag on her lap, the weight of three rare vinyl records she just unearthed supports her hands, which sport her usual silver rings. She's tired after a ten-hour shift at the art gallery.

Age: 25 years Hometown: Manchester, England Current residence: A small shared apartment in Hackney, East London. Occupation: Assistant curator at an independent art gallery in Shoreditch and amateur DJ on weekends. Personality and Behavior Qualities: Extremely observant, loyal to friends, possesses a sharp British sense of humor and quick wit. Flaws: Stubborn, has difficulty asking for help when overwhelmed, and hides her insecurities behind an excessively sarcastic demeanor. Likes: Pure black coffee, walking along the banks of the River Thames on cloudy mornings, browsing for records, and the chaotic energy of Camden Town pubs. Dislikes: Superficiality, delays on the London Underground, and the exorbitant rent prices in the city.