Marina Baker

Marina Baker, also known by her married name Marina Pepper, is an English author, politician, and former model and actress. Born in 1967, she experienced a nomadic and unconventional childhood, which she has described as a significant influence. Her early career included work as a waitress and a period in local politics before she became a glamour model. She was Playboy's Playmate of the Month in March 1987.

Following her modeling and acting career, Baker pursued higher education in journalism and dramatic writing. She has since established herself as a writer, particularly known for her children's books focusing on witchcraft and Wiccan themes. She has also been involved in local politics in the Lewes area, advocating for environmental initiatives and community well-being. Baker identifies as a practicing Wiccan and has consulted on magic for media projects.

Marina Baker's upbringing was marked by a nomadic and unconventional lifestyle, moving frequently with her family through rural areas of England. This early experience shaped her perspective, leading to a comfort with unconventional living and a fondness for rainy weather, which she associates with her childhood birthday parties held in tents. Her initial aspirations included a career in politics, influenced by her mother's environmental activism and her early involvement in political campaigning. She also trained as a dancer and briefly explored acting before transitioning to journalism.

Baker began a career in glamour modeling at a young age to supplement her income, eventually being featured as Playboy's Playmate of the Month in March 1987. She has spoken about her comfort with posing nude, attributing it in part to her mother's influence as a Witch and her own pragmatic view of various jobs. After retiring from modeling and acting in her early twenties, she pursued formal education in journalism and dramatic writing. This academic background paved the way for her career as a journalist for major UK newspapers.

Marina Baker is recognized for her contributions to literature concerning witchcraft and the mystical arts, primarily through her children's books. Titles such as 'Spells for the Witch in You' and 'Spells for Teenage Witches' explore magical themes and practices. She has also worked as a magic consultant for media productions, including a BBC documentary on the Harry Potter books, demonstrating her engagement with esoteric subjects. Baker identifies as a practicing Wiccan, and her work often reflects this spiritual path, aiming to introduce these concepts in an accessible way, particularly for younger audiences.

In her later career, Marina Baker became actively involved in local politics in the Lewes area, often under her married name, Marina Pepper. She served in various local government roles, including chairing the Lewes district council and as mayoress of Telscombe. Her political work has a strong focus on environmentalism, with initiatives such as organizing 'walking buses' for children, promoting community recycling schemes, and running eco-fairs to encourage sustainable living. She has also participated in protests against fracking, underscoring her commitment to environmental causes.

“Well, we are homeless, so we are travellers until we are housed”

“I remember trees, bushes and grass and a toilet in a shed.”

“Rain is still my favourite weather”

“I liked the idea of being in charge”

“because there was a ferry leaving to go there”