Born and Bred – Ingrid Bonnor

Christina San Jose, Ingrid Bonnor, Isabella Farmer, Chancee Watkins

Ingrid Bonnor Ingrid Bonnor is a proud Gold Coaster. She began her fashion business journey by selling bridal robes at local Gold Coast markets and has grown her business into bridal loungewear, intimates and sleepwear, popular throughout the world, stocked by international retailers and in the Homebodii flagship boutique at Pacific Fair. Here, Ingrid shares some of the highlights of her journey so far and her objectives for her burgeoning brand.

Prior to starting your business, what was your career path? Before I started Homebodii, I worked for a French beauty company. It was a great experience. I got to travel the world and see firsthand how important it is to strive for excellence in everything you do. But after a few years, I realised that I wanted to take a gamble and start my own business. It’s been a great decision, and I’m grateful for the experience and knowledge that I gained while working for the French company. It’s helped me immensely in running my own business.

What did you enjoy about modelling and what were the pitfalls? Modelling was a means to an end in my late teens and early 20s. I made some wonderful memories and life-long friends during that time, but I’m much happier now that I’m older. I feel much more comfortable at 41 than I did when I was younger. Maybe it’s because there’s something about age that feels like a victory. With age comes experience, knowledge, and an appreciation of life that can only come from living it. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned while modelling, but I’m even more grateful for the wisdom that comes with age.

What were your aims establishing Homebodii? Starting Homebodii was a labor of love. I just wanted to create beautiful sleepwear that I knew other women would appreciate. The goal was never to become a global company or anything like that. I was just passionate about what I was doing and I wanted to share that with the world. Every year, we’ve grown a little bit more and added new products and collections. It’s been so exciting to watch Homebodii evolve, and knowing that our sleepwear brings happiness to so many women makes it all worth it. We are so grateful for our customers for being part of our journey!

Did you have mentors along the way? I’m lucky enough to have a great group of friends and family who I can rely on for support and advice. They come from all different walks of life and have a wealth of experience between them. I’ve always been open to hearing different

perspectives, and I love asking questions. I don’t think there’s such thing as a silly question - if anything, I’ve found that it’s one of the best things you can do. Asking someone to share their experiences, their insight or their passions with you causes a connection. It has been surprising and lovely the way that people respond to the questions I’ve asked over the years. It has led to real friendships and wonderful opportunities.

How have the business and the brand evolved over the years? I used to think that I had two separate lives - my business life and my personal life. I believed that it was important to keep them separate. However, over the years I have come to realise that there is only one life - a creative life. It’s not nineto-five, it’s in everything we do. This realisation changed my entire perspective and the way I approach both Homebodii and life in general. Now, I see every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. And, I approach each day with a sense of curiosity and openness. This has allowed me to create a business that is authentic and aligned with my values. It has also helped me to build deeper relationships both personally and professionally.

What are some of the initiatives you use to keep the brand and the range fresh? At Homebodii, we believe that authenticity is one of the most important things for a brand. That’s why we keep our processes heartfelt and create garments for people to celebrate the most memorable milestones in their lives. From getting married and having a baby to facing a challenge in hospital, our sleepwear is designed to help people celebrate all of life’s special moments. We believe that by staying true to ourselves, we can create garments that inspire joy and make a positive impact on the world.

Where are your major markets? Homebodii is a unique gift-giving service that offers something special for everyone. With a focus on quality and style, Homebodii has something for everyone. From beautiful sleepwear to personalised wedding robes and bespoke hampers. Homebodii has something for everyone. With a growing selection of items, Homebodii is sure to have the perfect gift for any occasion. With carefully curated items and a focus on customer service, Homebodii is the perfect place to find the perfect gift.

How has being a Gold Coaster impacted and informed your approach, your attitude and your aesthetic? The Gold Coast is a place like no other. Growing up here, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for all things beautiful: from the stunning sunsets, to the iridescent hues of the ocean. The Gold Coast is full of natural wonder, and it’s this that has inspired me to approach life with a sense of positivity and fun. No matter what challenges I face, I always remind myself that there is so much beauty in the world, and that life is meant to be enjoyed. This is what I strive to reflect in our designs - a touch of fun, combined with a healthy dose of Gold Coast glamour! We are so grateful to our GC locals for supporting us as we continue to spread some positive PJ vibes from the GC to the world!