About the Author

Neroli Hajinakitas, known to readers as Thea Domestica, is a Sydney-based writer, fashion design lecturer, and self-proclaimed “Share House Maid.” In a delicious twist of cosmic irony, this accomplished author didn’t learn to read until she was twenty due to dyslexia—making her literary success all the more remarkable.

Born to a Greek family with a strong storytelling tradition, Neroli learned early that well-placed hyperbole could transform mundane mishaps into memorable tales. After being labelled “stupid” at school and leaving formal education early, she conquered literacy in her twenties and built a multi-award-winning fashion business—definitively settling any lingering questions about her intelligence.

Following a high-conflict divorce she describes as making “the Battle of Hastings look like a friendly game of croquet,” Neroli began documenting her transition from “Palace Slave” to “Share House Maid” as therapy. What started as personal journal entries evolved into the sharply funny chronicles that became her literary signature.

Neroli lives in Sydney’s North Shore with her three offspring (The Knight in Shining Armour, Thumbelina, and The Little Prince), assorted royal pets, and an ever-growing collection of kitchen appliances with distinct personalities. Her journey from dyslexic child to published author serves as a satisfying reminder that the last laugh truly is the sweetest.