Mark was born in Canberra and has been living in Sydney for a little over a month.
In September of 2010 he began busking with a recorder after a conversation with a friend who was doing the same. He says that at first he was earning a good living, but it slowly began to decline. He knew of The Big Issue through seeing vendors and had bought a magazine before. On January 28, 2011, in efforts to become more financially stable, Mark became a Big Issue vendor.
“It’s an Asian tradition to be mindful of money, being careful to not overspend on things. The Big Issue has made it so I am able to live more comfortably; I’m not as fearful of spending as I once was.”
Mark truly enjoys selling the magazine and tries to interact with as many people as he can. “I try to spruik constructively. I find it important to say ‘good morning’ to passersby, even if they don’t purchase a magazine.”
Mark often gets positive feedback from the public and he takes pleasure talking with his customers. He also enjoys being able to inform customers about contents of the current issue that he is selling. “I have really been enjoying talking to my customers about the new digital edition,” Mark says, as he is an avid internet user as well.
Mark now has his own secure accommodation and feels that his newfound employment with The Big Issue has improved the quality of his life overall. Since Mark has been a vendor in Sydney, he has become one of the top sellers of the magazine. He typically sells in the Newtown area and can be found there most days of the week.
