How she does it: Ramona Depares
Ramona Depares
Journalist and book author Ramona Depares is one of the most vibrant people I know. In this interview, she shares her philosophy on life: that life need not be linear—the fun is often in the detours, and they don’t come with an expiry date. She also discusses wardrobe choices (including her signature red lipstick), life decisions, and her love for pretty things.
Tell me about your career path.
Believe it or not, I studied law—quite the opposite of everything I’ve done since. There was a time when Communications – which is what I wanted - wasn’t offered at the University of Malta, so I chose law because I loved the TV show Ally McBeal. To be honest, I enjoyed studying law, but the working part? Not so much. I did my prattika (working practice) in civil and commercial law and knew right away it wasn’t for me.
In the late ‘90s, I started contributing as a freelancer for The Times. Back then, Vanessa McDonald encouraged me to submit something, and one day I got a call saying they were publishing my opinion piece in The Weekender, which no longer exists. Afterward, Vanessa asked me to write a series of articles about people who collected things.
One day, I was offered a full-time role as the assistant editor of Sunday Circle. I was halfway through my prattika, but I finished it and got my warrant. My first full-time job was with Sunday Circle. Blanche Gatt and Vanessa both took me under their wing, teaching me how to write and proof before I moved on to assistant editor and, later, editor.
So how did you get into the theatre and culture scene?
Through Sunday Circle, I discovered a local theatre scene beyond just the Christmas panto. I started attending shows, taking an interest, and conducting interviews.
I stayed with Sunday Circle for about 10 years before moving into the world of PR and content writing. After that, I went to The Sunday Times, where I edited supplements and handled the culture pages amongst other things. Sunday Circle - that then changed ownership - called me back, so I worked there again for a while before becoming a news editor in the Times of Malta newsroom. But I must admit, that last part wasn’t really my thing.
“My wardrobe changes moods more than I do. I’ll wear head-to-toe black one day, then fuchsia with polka dots and bright red lipstick the next.”
When was your website born?
I left Times of Malta in 2019 and started my website www.ramonadepares.com—just before the pandemic. I worked in iGaming for a while, but the website gave me a creative outlet. Through it, I focus on theatre, food, and book reviews (though I’ve slowed down on book reviews). Now I’m fully freelance and I am the editor of two magazine, Horeca Malta and Encore.
At this stage in life, I value things that aren’t necessarily material. As long as I’m comfortable and living decently, I don’t feel the need to chase some grand business plan. I take on the work I enjoy, plan for slow months, and have a system that works. Some people place value on the wrong things—like having a big office or their own big business—but I’m happy working from home on the projects that I prefer.
How has the freelance world been?
Freelancing isn’t for everyone. It requires structure and a strong network. You have to plan ahead, ensuring more than one income stream.
One of my early lessons was learning how much to charge. I started out undercharging, then realized that I hadn’t done my homework well. A fellow freelancer told me about her higher rates, and when I raised mine, clients were happy to pay.
Now, I don’t hesitate to charge what I’m worth. I’m not the cheapest, but I have the experience and knowledge to back it up. One challenge is chasing late payments—if one client doesn’t pay, that’s a significant chunk of your income. I’ve learned to ask for deposits and refuse to work with repeat offenders.
“At this stage in life, I value things that aren’t necessarily material. As long as I’m comfortable and living decently, I don’t feel the need to chase some grand business plan.”
Tell me about your books.
(Ramona has three published books Beltin: Stejjer Minn Nies Minsija, The Patient in Hospital Zero and Katya - Easy on the Tonic, a biography of Katya Saunders)
Writing books requires discipline, much like freelancing. One downside is you must be self-motivated, even without strict deadlines. You have to make up for any lost time.
I’m working on a new book idea in its early stages, possibly feminist-themed. One of my stories was published in Voices of Maltese Women, which featured amazing writers who inspired me.
And what is the secret behind your colourful wardrobe?
It’s funny that people think that because I love black. My wardrobe changes moods more than I do. I’ll wear head-to-toe black one day, then fuchsia with polka dots and bright red lipstick the next. I naturally gravitate toward black in the evening and colours during the day.
I’ve worn red lipstick since my late teens, inspired by a film I saw. I thought it looked classy and bought my first red lipstick. It made me feel special, and there was no turning back. I don’t wear much makeup—just eyeliner and lipstick, which does all the work. My favourite brand is Fenty because it lasts all day. I don’t find it in Malta so when I travel I stock up. I also love earrings, rings, and necklaces, which I now store in toolboxes for easy access. I love pretty things.
You had undergone a hysterectomy. How was it for you?
During COVID, I underwent a hysterectomy due to fast-growing fibroids. My uterus was removed, but my ovaries weren’t, so I didn’t experience early menopause. I was 45 years old.
Looking back, there should be more education on recovery after such procedures. They tell you to rest for six weeks, but there’s little holistic guidance—no advice on therapy, nutrition, or physical health.
Perimenopause is another under-discussed topic. It’s not just menopause itself but the years leading up to it. For example, I experienced dizziness, brain fog, sleep problems, and irritability—caused by hormone fluctuations. Women need more education and should be encouraged to take control of their treatment. Supplements helped me. But I had to figure it out alone – with the support of my doctor.
Doctors know a lot, but you know your body. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
“I don’t believe age should limit us. If you’re 60 and want to start a business, do it! Life isn’t a straight line—it’s full of detours.”
What is your take on ageing?
I see ageing as a positive—it shows how far I’ve come. The alternative is not being here. I’m not shy about my age: it should be celebrated. That said, I don’t love wrinkles. I take care of my skin but won’t go to extremes with fillers and that sort of thing, though I suppose never say never! I love, love skincare, however.
I understand why ageing bothers some women. Society is ageist, especially toward women. It can also affect professional life—employers don’t always view older women favourably.
Society expects a certain path by a certain age. Heaven forbid you change careers or life goals later in life. I reached most milestones in my 40s. For example, starting my freelance work came later on in life for me. Actually, I think that age gave me experience, discipline, and financial knowledge.
“I see ageing as a positive—it shows how far I’ve come. The alternative is not being here…I understand why ageing bothers some women. Society is ageist, especially toward women. It can also affect professional life—employers don’t always view older women favourably.”
I don’t believe age should limit us. If you’re 60 and want to start a business, do it! Life isn’t a straight line—it’s full of detours.
There’s also pressure to explain your life choices. Though I’m past the age of being asked about having kids, people still ask why I don’t have them. Some even suggest I don’t know love or busyness without children.
I’m child-free by choice, but not everyone is, and that can be emotionally damaging. Women should follow their instincts. While motherhood is a beautiful role, societal pressure can lead to resentment if you’re not cut out for it – if you are pressured into wanting it.
As I said, life is all about the detours. Be who you are. That’s where the fun is.
How she does it…
We often look on at other people in awe and ask ourselves: How does she do it? How does she find the time? How does she find the willpower?
Woman Unclouded believes that, by sharing our stories, women can inspire one another - to take the leap, make that call, book that class. A leap towards doing what you really want to do or being who you really want to be. It does not have to be something extraordinary. It just needs to be special for you.
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