Welcome to our Ambassador blog series, where we celebrate the diverse passions and pursuits of ordinary Kiwi's achieving the extraordinary. From athletes to artists and everything in-between, they embody the spirit of New Zealand through their shared love for their respective sports, activities, passions and occupations.
Join us in discovering their inspiring stories.
13. Steve Wilbury - The World's Unluckiest Magician
1. Brief outline of who you are, your background, occupation, where you are located etc.
I'm the world's unluckiest magician. I've got 14 screws, 3 plates and one double reconstructed digestive system. I didn't have a lot to do in hospital, so I taught myself magic from old books and used it to pass the time. I'm now a full-time magician based in Christchurch.
2. What is your chosen sport/occupation/passion/interest/hobby? What attracted you to this? Why do you love doing it?
I'm an Entertainer. I go to events and bring the fun! Whether it's emceeing a corporate event, or doing close up at a wedding or a stage show at a village fair - I do it all. I got into it because I can't really do anything else! I love the smiles that I get. When you really make someone feel something they didn't know they could feel it lights them up in a really special way.
3. What are the pros and cons of what you do?
Pros are I get to set my own hours. Cons are I get to set my own hours! There is a lot more to doing magic than the fun making people smile bit. The hard work of marketing yourself and making content for the social media machine is on no one else's head. So, if I don't make myself do the boring stuff I don't get work. But sometimes I do emails at 10pm and play video games all afternoon so it works out.
4. What is your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievements would be getting a five star review in Edinburgh Fringe, headlining a show in Las Vegas, and touring the country.
5. What would be your ultimate goal/dream/destination/achievement?
My ultimate goal is to win FISM, often called the Olympics of Magic. It's held every 3 years and is the ultimate showcase of groundbreaking new magic. I have some ideas that I would love to take there.
6. How does X-ZONE help?
X-Zone helps because my muscles complain ALOT. I have complex regional pain syndrome so there are days where it really hurts to move. X-Zone helps override some of the pain signals and the anti-inflammatory stuff works to keep the cramping at bay.
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