February Profile Magazine Sunshine Coast

noosa springs getaway a novotel twin waters escape

LADIES AT LUNCH the rise of the female entrepreneur

Volvo. for life

VISIT PACIFIC VOLVO FOR A TEST DRIVE TODAY. 129 SUGAR ROAD MAROOCHYDORE. PHONE 1300 643 720.

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16 48

28

jules o’neill

dan sullivan

rebecca atlas

features 14 view – the biggest winner

John Morrall

16 people – body beautiful

Jules O’Neill

20 ladies at lunch – leader of the pack

The challenges faced by entrepreneurial women

26 success – the language of love

Allan and Barbara Pease

28 cover – heartache and healing ...

Rebecca Atlas

62 sunshine coast business women’s network feature 60 milestones – it all adds up

Wayne Patten

www.profilemag.com.au

70 the last word

Rachael Bermingham

regulars 6 publisher’s note

42 vanity case

56 travelfile

8 pinboard

44 style counsel

59 abode

10 he says, she says

48 the good life

60 business

32 briefcase

54 on the table

68 win

40 profile loves romance is back

Take care of your finances the way you take care of yourself.

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ANZ’s Personal Bankers can look at your current lifestyle, future plans and advise you on everyday banking that could fit your individual needs. Drop into your local ANZ Branch to make an appointment today.

anz.com Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 76862 10.2010 W206943

february 2012

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7/10/10 11:24 AM

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publisher’s note

T

alli grant (editorin-chief) and genine howard (publisher)

his month we are feeling the love over here in Profile Magazineland. Yes, in the month dedicated to all things romance we are devoting this issue to the greatest feeling of all … love. I, for one, am a big fan of love. Whether it is true love, romantic love, puppy love or unconditional love, there is no such thing as too much love. The only problem I see with love is that apparently you can’t buy it … or so the song says.

So what is there to love this month? Maybe instead I should ask, what is there not to love?

For starters, take a look at the beautiful cover photo of model, television presenter and cancer-survivor Rebecca Atlas (photography by Robeccer McLean from Adori Studios). Rebecca is as stunningly beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and her story is one of Profile’s most moving to date. Ensure you read Jessica Jane Sammut’s in-depth interview with Rebecca on page 28 for a story you will fall in love with … be warned you may need the tissue box.

We also catch up with lovable Noosa local and former Biggest Loser contestant John Morrell to hear how he reshaped his body and then his life … all the while finding new love along the way.

Profile writer Candice Jayde Fox meets Jules O’Neill, who has given us a personal and openhearted interview about the health wake-up

call that led her to dedicating her life to helping others connect their body and mind.

And how could an issue devoted to love be without the two love gurus, Allan and Barbara Pease? Barbara has already graced our cover (December 2010) but this time Alli Grant gets cosy with the loved-up authors to see what’s in store for 2012. I even had the chance to find romance again (with my husband) at Noosa Springs Resort – see my review on page 56. Love is certainly in the air!

Even our lovable larrikin radio jocks Todd and Sami from HOT91.1 get in on the act this issue and define for us what romance really means – in their world!

With a great Ladies at Lunch article discussing the rise of the female entrepreneur, a delicious cookies and cream dessert recipe from Annette Sym, fashion and beauty to fall in love with, plus the chance to win a weekend away at the Novotel Palm Cove Resort, we’re certainly sharing the love around.

So off you go ... have a read and fall in love with this month’s issue of Profile Magazine.

GENINE HOWARD PUBLISHER / group MANAGING direcTOR

novotel twin waters resort

While we are feeling the love, check out all the great prizes to win this month on page 66 including a romantic weekend for two including breakfast at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.

Don’t you love a good giveaway?

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DI VORCE | PROPERT Y | M EDIAT ION SUPER A NNUATION | CHILDREN’S ISSUES

We put you and your

Family first Leisa Toomey (Accredited Specialist - Family Law) Liz Catton | Danielle Sturgeon | Asha Egan

SUNSHINE COAST

february 2012

5413 8900

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NORTH BRISBANE

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group managing director / publisher Genine Howard

group general manager / publisher Hamish Rose

group editor-in-chief Alli Grant

sub editors Phyl Grant, Stacey Carrick

creative director Kara de Schot

graphic designer Johanna Jensen

sales manager Belinda Brill

business development manager noosa ironman. photo courtesy md PHOTOS

Nadine Sullivan

feature writers

february 5 caloundra triathlon

Jessica Jane Sammut, Candice Jayde Fox Jaclyn Paul (intern)

Race five of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series will take place in Caloundra early this month, offering two distances for competitors aged 13 to 80 plus. The all day event will be held at Woorim Park, Golden Beach.

photography

phone 5441 8175

february 11 festival of culture

Robeccer McLean, Ben Connolly

email info@profilemag.com.au

call / fax 5451 0669 / 5475 4405

Celebrating its fifth anniversary is the Waitangi Day Sunshine Coast and Polynesian Festival being held at Stockland Park in Kawana. This community event welcomes everybody from every culture to come and enjoy the Kiwi and Pacific Island culture, traditional food and entertainment.

drop in

www.waitangiday.com.au

advertising

february 18 rachael bermingham’s ‘best-selling author’ event One of the founders of the 4 Ingredients’ phenomenon and a renowned author and business woman in her own right, Rachael Bermingham is focused this year on helping authors reach their potential through Bermingham Books, and her ‘How to Write a Book and Make it a Best Seller’ seminars. Learn from Rachael at her next event in Brisbane on February 18 from 8:00am to 5:00pm (Carseldine) for just $227. www.berminghambooks.com

Beach on Sixth, 104 / 65 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore

post PO Box 1065, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558 5451 0669, sales@profilemag.com.au

distribution 15,000 free copies are street delivered to high traffic areas such as high-end cafes, fashion boutiques, hairdressers and professional offices across the Sunshine Coast, monthly, and online along with an eMAG sent to 6000 inboxes fortnightly

subscriptions www.profilemag.com.au/subscription, $65 +gst (12 issues)

accounts Katherine Allan - accounts@profilemag.com.au

february 18 flickerfest Back by popular demand is Flickerfest, showcasing the best short films from filmmakers around the country. Be the first to watch the independent films as they hit the screen at The J, with tickets starting from $13. The event is rated MA 15+. www.thej.com.au

february 19 finale for the fittest Noosa Heads will play host to the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Surf Ironman and Ironwoman series this month, with 41 athletes battling it out to win the title. The gruelling event will commence at midday and will be broadcasted nationally on Network Ten. www.surfironmanseries.com

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Profile magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published 12 times a year by Profile Magazine Publishing Group Pty Ltd. All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of The Publisher, Profile Magazine Publishing Group Pty Ltd (“The Publisher”), their related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any persons actions in reliance thereon. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication.

Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

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9

he says, she says

what defines

romance ll photography ben stone

Hello … Valentine’s Day! A time for love and romance. But what defines romance by your standards? Is it fish’n’chips on the beach, a handwritten poem, a quick snog in the back seat of your panel van, or a dozen roses delivered to your door? This month todd and sami from hot91.1fm share their thoughts on what defines romance in their world. todd and sami

he says

B

ugger! If only we’d purchased the Back To The Future car at that US auction last month we could whirl back in time to 1967 to hear John, Paul, George and the other dude (the voice-over guy from Thomas The Tank Engine) blaring out of the wireless singing All You Need is Love.

According to the Beatles, all you need is love, pal. I’m here to tell you that’s complete bulldang!

The cold hard fact is that these days lads, you need a bootload more than love. When you think about it, even back in ‘67 when the Fab Four bollocked on and on about love being the only ingredient necessary, they were also ingesting copious amounts of LSD! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not boo-hooing the Beatles’ fondness of the illegal inspirators, in fact I applaud the move, ‘cause let’s face it, without the visits to acid town there’d be more Love Me Do and less Strawberry Fields.

Anyway, back to the topic. In 2012, it takes more than love and romance … you need money, (some girls like to see credit references), a flash mode of transport (Mum’s tarago doesn’t cut it), an understanding of social networking, (so you can chop and change your status), and for the girls take note, it helps if your dad owns a boat or a brewery! Defining love and romance, is harder than getting a Frenchman who lives next to a brothel to move house. While some ladies like hand-picked flowers and hand-written poetry, others prefer hand-picked UDLs (vodka and passionfruit, naturally) and a hand-written tatt that says ‘She’s like the wind’ (in Chinese). (Quick tip on the ink girls; if you’re getting a tatt, be careful where you put it. My mate’s mum got a dolphin when we were young and 30 years and four kids later it looks like a dugong.)

It’s different strokes for different folks, and for me love and romance is two thing; constantly refuelling that burning desire for the one I love, and making sure her husband doesn’t find out!

She says

I

am the first to admit I am a romantic fool. I love romantic love as much as Beyonce loves bling. I thought Pretty Woman was just about the best storyline ever written and I blocked my ears from anyone who would try to lecture me on the fact it is actually a story about a hooker and a man so short he had to wear heels.

The same goes for the Twilight series. I know some cynics say it is wrong to fall in love with a vampire, lie to your parents, and nearly die having a half human child with someone who likes to snack on mankind. But for me, forbidden love is up there in the sexy stakes.

So I asked my husband what he thinks defines romance. My buff bloke says he believes romance is when one partner does something for the other that is a total surprise. It could be as small as turning down the bed, he says.

I retorted with, “Or as grand as a trip to Paris.” He ignored my Francophile ravings. But later I got thinking ... he is right. And he is constantly surprising me with little things. He will pick a flower from our garden and place it on my pillow. Or write me a message on a blackboard at home. Or send me a text to say he misses me. Now he does have his reputation to uphold here and he is a blokey bloke who also does his fair share of drinking beer, watching sport and being nagged by me. But he is one of the most romantic people I know.

When was the last time I did something for him in the way of a surprise?

He knows I ruin dinner every night because I cannot cook. I could not think of a single nice surprise I have done for him. “Last night you surprised me because dinner tasted so great. You can surprise me that way every night,” he told me. I smiled. Then I remembered I bought Red Rooster for tea last night.

Opportunities Recognition Results 10

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profilemag.com.au

Property Style

With Grant Smith

Grant Smith, director licensee of CENTURY 21 Grant Smith Property, Sunshine Coast, knows real estate. In fact, not only is he classed in the top 2 per cent internationally for CENTURY 21, he was Australia’s youngest CENTURION award winner for five years in a row. Not bad for a boy from Buderim! Each month, Grant shares his secrets to the property market with Profile Magazine readers …

secrets to selling the ‘lifestyle’ ...

Spring is traditionally the best time of year to sell property. However, don’t let timing put you off when it comes to selling your house. Selling in summer takes a little more effort, but in effect is easier to sell the Australian lifestyle ‘dream’. I am still getting great sales for my vendors during this time of year. Remember, people are not buying a house, they are buying ‘lifestyle’ so do everything you can to show potential buyers that your property will give them the life they have always wanted.

SECRET 1: PUMP UP THE AIRCON Of course, selling in the warmer months has its drawback; it may very well be hot on the day of your open home. Minimise the risks by hosting a twilight open home. Ensure the house is chilled for a few hours beforehand with the air-conditioning on, then swing open all doors and windows, and pull back the curtains (remove heavy drapes) just before open house time.

Keep the air con on low during the open.

SECRET 2: MAKE IT RELAXATION FRIENDLY A big part of lifestyle during summer is being able to relax. Consider your garden in the weeks before selling; you may think spending hours in the garden pruning roses is a relaxing task, whereas a potential buyer may see that as work. Do everything you can to create a low maintenance garden while keeping the wow factor (and give it a good water each night leading up to the open home – considering local water restrictions!).

SECRET 3: POOL TIME Don’t stress if you don’t have a pool. For some, relaxation may mean watching the kids splash around in the pool in summertime. For others, they may see pool cleaning as a waste of their leisure time. If you do have a pool, have it clean on the day of inspection (and prune back any branches that may drop leaves).

SECRET 4: REFRESH YOUR BUYERS Australians love their outdoor lifestyle so on your open home, set up an outdoor summer setting completed as if a summer barbecue was about to take place. In fact, why not make a huge bowl of refreshing icy punch for potential buyers to sample? Perhaps a few slices of watermelon, mango and strawberries on the table … anything to create the feeling that this is a place where your potential buyer can relax and refresh on the weekend.

SECRET 5: CAPTURE THE ESSENCE Create areas of relaxation throughout the home. It might be a nook for reading in the sitting room complete with books and magazines. It might be a shady bench seat in the yard with some bright scatter cushions and a cool, light, throw or even better, a hammock.Anything to capture the essence of summer.

Speak with Grant Smith 0410 21 21 21 grantsmith.c21@century21.com.au facebook.com/grantsmith.c21 february 2012

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coastline BMW feature

powered by Coastline BMW The Sunshine Coast is host to a plethora of entrepreneurs and business leaders who have shaped our great region and inspired us all to achieve. Each month we meet and feature an outstanding business person; we find out what makes them tick, what gets them out of bed every day and of course, find out what car they drive! This month we meet ‘lead-foot’ Nick Struik from Big Screen Cinemas Caloundra (though we are told on good authority he is banned from driving the M5 at Coastline BMW due to his driving skills – or lack-thereof!).

“I love the size of the internal space of the car, the look and the sports seatS in this thing are phemonomal. Also it’s got a great arse!”

Getting to know...

NICK

Meeting this month’s business driver ...

The greatest lesson I have learnt in business is …

NICK STRUIK

If I had my time over, I would …

don’t assume.

not want my time over!

What car are you driving?

X6 Sports. We actually had two 6 Series prior and my wife and I decided to upgrade to a new 6 Series Coupe … until our daughter told us that we were going to be grandparents! We then opted for the X6 as it is the closest thing to it and still has pizazz, while being far more functional with the grandkids than the ‘mid-life crisis’ car!

What inspired you to purchase your BMW? The look and the pleasure my last two BMWs gave me. We also owned the Coastline BMW Art Car for a while which we loved (a car purchased at a Give Me Five For Kids charity function painted by artist David Edward Conolan).

Why do you love it?

My mentor is …

Paul Atkinson, a valuable part of the Madill group of companies in Gympie.

I believe in … the ability of everyone to make a contribution and be anything they want to be while playing the game of life, fairly.

My first job was … as a paper boy when I was 11.

Besides the look, size and space, it’s the best ‘nanny car’ in the world. It is a fantastic comfortable cruising car for highway driving.

My first car was …

What is your favourite feature of the car?

I love the Sunshine Coast because …

I love the size of the internal space of the car, the look and the sports seats in this thing are phemonomal. Also it’s got a great arse!

I have loved everywhere I have lived including mining towns out west to Perth, but here is where I would love to stay.

What is your best driving memory with your BMW? Our two-year-old grandson Brady pretending to drive the X6 in our garage.

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On the weekend you will find me … at a cafe for breakfast, a restaurant for dinner and at home for a ‘pappa nap’.

My passion is …

Coastline BMW

Sales Finance Service profilemagazine Parts & Accessories

a white 1970 HT Holden sedan.

every day – whatever it may bring.

770 Nicklin Way, Currimundi.

Phone 5491 9100 The Ultimate Driving Machine

www.coastline.bmw.com.au

NEXT PAGE: Nick Struik with his BMW X6 xDrive35d Sport.

Photography by Ben Connolly. profilemag.com.au

coastline BMW feature

BMW X6 xDrive35d Sport.

The BMW X6. Experience a Coupé like no other.

320d M Sport Coupé Combined fuel consumption 9.0l / 100km Acceleration 0-100kms 6.9 sec Test drive today at Coastline BMW, 770 Nicklin Way, Currimundi.

Phone 07 5491 9100.

february 2012

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13

view

words alli grant ll photography genine howard

Once a contestant on The Biggest Loser, these days Noosa’s John Morrall is most definitely a winner. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing, as Alli Grant discovered when she caught up with her old friend for a salad (of course) and a chat ... john morrall

A

s someone who is in the midst of battling through a wee bit of weight loss, I can only imagine how hard it must be for someone with serious weight to lose – The Biggest Loser type weight.

It’s challenging enough for me to watch what I eat and find the time to exercise, and I have a relatively small amount to lose, comparatively speaking.

This week I lost half a kilo. Half a freakin’ kilo! I know I should have done some kind of ‘I am half a kilo less fat than last week’ happy dance, but instead I pouted. I sulked. It wasn’t enough! And for a minute I asked myself, “Is it really worth all this … for a measly 500 grams?”

Yes it is. And no one knows that better than Noosa local John Morrall.

Not only did John have The Biggest Loser type weight to lose; he went on The Biggest Loser to do it. Well, to kick-start his journey, John was a contestant on the show back in 2009 (leaving the show early in a wave of controversy) and featured in our first issue of Profile Magazine, story written by yours truly.

As John says, there’s always an emotional reason for being overweight. And his? “I was a party animal – I loved to party, to drink, to eat.”

Today, John is a shadow of his former self, well a shadow with big, strong muscles. He is almost 50 kilos lighter, although he admits he still hasn’t reached his goal of sub-100 kilos. Not far now though.

When we last heard from John in that very first issue of Profile, he had started studying for his personal training qualifications and was looking forward to sharing his experiences through motivational speaking gigs. John achieved both these goals, running his own personal training business, Smart Bodies Australia, out of Noosa for two and a half years.

Unfortunately, as with so many reality TV contestants, John lost his way a little in the years following his Biggest Loser journey.

“The weight loss journey is a struggle. At 44 I underwent this period of total reflection. I had to start my life again. I had dollars coming in, yes, but really only enough to cover the bills. And the stimulation just wasn’t there any more – I wasn’t using my brain like I had been used to.

“My marriage suffered under the financial pressures and we ended up going our separate ways. We had to sell our house in a tough market – we pretty much went broke.”

Reflecting, John tells me he has had three significant reinventions over the years. “I believe sometimes you have to take a few step backwards in order to move forwards again.”

While he had established a successful personal training business, he just wasn’t satisfied. He knew it was time to look for a new direction. A new path.

“I knew what I wanted to do – I was 100 per cent determined to help people, to change people’s lives, I just didn’t know how. I had to share my personal 14

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growth and journey, but I didn’t know where.”

John was definitely missing the fast pace of life in retail and the media. A former Harvey Norman franchisee and Brashs state manager, he was used to pressure, to stress, to budgets and to succeeding. Where to from here?

“I felt lost and I started to slip back into depression, after beating it once. I didn’t know how I was going to pay the rent. My new girlfriend said, ‘John, you’re 48 years old. You have no money and no super. You can’t live like this.’

I guess this was my lightbulb moment. I knew I had to look for work.”

Sounds simple enough. However, John found it almost impossible to get an interview, even with his serious experience and business acumen.

“They kept telling me I was over-qualified, but really, I just needed a job.”

And then it happened. His dream job appeared – that of business performance manager with Sunshine Coast-based business, Jetts.

“I was ecstatic,” he recalls. Finally, a steady income and a role he could sink his teeth into that combined two of his passions – business and fitness. Before long he was promoted to the position of national training manager, thanks to a bit of Big John tenacity. The job became vacant and John lobbied Jetts’ owner, Brendan Levenson for it.

Today, John travels the country, using his stories of triumph over tragedy to inspire and motivate both staff and franchisees. He is in his element, working for a man he admires and respects. “I have truly respected just three business people in my time – Gerry Harvey, Geoff Brash and now Brendan Levenson.

He is such an amazing person.”

As John tells me more about his role with Jetts, he reminds me a little of a proud parent, bursting with pride over his little girl or boy’s latest achievement.

It’s lovely to see him so energised and enthused about what lies ahead.

John still trains four to five days a week, admitting that he watches what he eats, most of the time, and still loves a drink. While he did put 15 kilos back on, John is back on track, determined to reach that elusive 100 kilo goal.

“I’ll never go back to where I was. It’s just great being able to buy clothes straight off the rack. But in my head sometimes I think I am still 150 kilos. I battle with these insecurities every day.”

While he has taken a few steps back along the way, these days John is happily moving forward in leaps and bounds. He tells me controlling his mind is the key.

“It’s about reprogramming the mind. The mind is the most amazing thing we have, but to control it is our biggest challenge. It’s hard work, but you don’t get anywhere without hard work.”

And no one knows this better than John Morrall, a winner in my books. profilemag.com.au

business promotion

• • •

• • •

people

words candice jayde olive ll photography ben connolly

Jules O’Neill had been teaching people how to listen to the wise advice of their bodies for years before her own body sent her a terrifying message. She sits down with Candice Jayde Olive to talk about how critical it is to develop a well-rounded relationship between your body and mind.

I

’m running. Squeezed into spandex and nylon gear designed to support, strap down and uplift different parts of me, I round the corner of a leafy street and begin to power up the hill. My iPod blasts the Black Eyed Peas into my ears, and periodically my new phone app cuts in and tells me to speed up, or slow down, with the vaguely encouraging voice of an American male. Over all this, I can hear my struggling breaths and the thump of my shoes on the pavement. The afternoon sun is pounding on the back of my head like a hammer.

Despite all of this noise, a conversation is being held. The speakers are me and my body. Both of us are talking, and neither of us are listening. It is a conversation that has been going on all my life.

My body is telling me to stop. Its wheels and cogs and springs begin to

You can do amazing things if you just listen to yourself. Sometimes it takes an outsider to teach you how.”

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jules o’neill

falter; it slows down, becomes heavy. An ache in my knee is grinding, and my body tells me to pay attention to it, but I keep going. My body reminds me of the long week I’ve had at work, the sleep I didn’t get, the fight I had with my best friend that needs addressing. My stomach turns, reminding me of the lunch I skipped. I ignore it.

I talk back to my body. I tell my body it is the wrong shape, the wrong size, the wrong colour. I’m not strong enough, fast enough or pretty enough.

I’m not doing enough, earning enough, achieving enough. Keep going. Keep going. My chest hurts, but I keep going. I tell my body I hate it. It ignores me.

Jules O’Neill’s body spoke to her in no uncertain terms at the end of her 20-year marriage. As a mother, businesswoman and devoted wife, Jules thought she was ticking all the boxes for a perfect, happy life. “I was raised a Catholic, and we’re Polish, so my model of what a happy family is supposed to be came with a working husband, blissfully happy mother and gorgeous children who are her life. No exceptions. I grew up believing that I had to achieve this and when I did, everything would be perfect.”

As we sit in a cafe in Peregian Beach, she looks down at her coffee and tries to put into words a troubled feeling that crept into her life from nowhere. “It didn’t make sense. I had everything,” she says. profilemag.com.au

people Jules and her husband were teaching self-healing and emotional wellbeing seminars in Australia and across Europe. Their business, involving neuro stress release therapy, was in high demand. Neuro stress release uses affirmations and consciousness to talk to the body through the mind to deal with physical problems. While Jules was teaching others about the connection between a healthy mind and a healthy body, her own body was harbouring a secret pain.

“I was in my early 20’s, so when a growing sense of being trapped began to come over me, I just associated it with being hormonal.”

Problems with Jules’s health began to tell a physical story of the discomfort of her marriage and home life. “I was doing everything I possibly could to make my marriage work, because my parents’ divorce had been so hard to endure, and I didn’t want to put that on my children. My husband and I blamed each other for what lacked in our marriage, and the resentment began to fester.

Straight away I was physically exhausted, sometimes for no good reason. It was incredibly hard to focus on anything, and my temper was trigger happy.

A good friend of mine was dying of breast cancer, and in her last weeks she asked me if I was okay. It was a hell of a thing to be asked that by someone who was on their death bed. I knew I had to see someone.”

Jules’s suspicions were confirmed when she visited the doctor. Aside from being physically rundown, there were two lumps in her breast, one the size of a 50 cent piece. “At the time I felt real terror. I couldn’t escape from this now. I had been ignoring the advice I had been giving other people for years, and it was time to face up to that. Things were wrong inside me, and I knew I had the strength to do something about it.”

She began her road to recovery by diving deep into the philosophies that she had been teaching others to live by.

“I decided I would spend an hour a day just visualising what I thought happiness should be. In the beginning it was hard to break down those old walls, the expectations that society and my family had put on me. In time, the picture of what I wanted my life to be began to change. When I really asked myself if I was happy in my marriage, the answer was no.”

Jules began looking for an answer, and realised all along that it could only come from one place: herself. “As soon as I gave myself permission to admit I was not happy in my marriage, I could feel my energy returning. I felt a huge shift in my body. Soon after I began this daily practice, my husband told me he did not want to be married to me anymore. I was devastated. But then again, I’d asked for a solution to my entrapment, and it had come. If you really look inside yourself for ways to be happy and fulfilled, sometimes the path to get there isn’t exactly straight, or smooth.”

By focusing on what felt good, rather than what looked good to the people around her, Jules’s frame of mind improved and with it, her physical health.

A scan revealed the lumps in her breast had disappeared, and her energy was restored.

“There had been so much pretending going on in my life,” Jules tells me.

“My husband and I had been pretending for a long time that there was enough love left in our marriage. I had been pretending I was fulfilled by our business

february 2012

I had been ignoring the advice I had been giving other people for years, and it was time to face up to that.” and our day-to-day lives, and when I dropped the mask it felt so liberating. I wanted to go on teaching people how to do this. I feel like everyone should know the incredible power of being able to contact your body through your mind.” Jules decided that although things had broken down in her marriage, she could still be friends with her husband and maintain a healthy relationship, for their children. She realised that the regret, negativity and pain that comes so naturally from divorce would only threaten her health again if she let it rule her life.

Today, Jules teaches people about this often strained communication between the mind’s desires and the body’s natural tendencies. She uses a technique called ‘muscle testing’, that attempts to pinpoint dissatisfaction in the mind and how this plays out in the body. “Two nights ago I was seeing a family friend whose shoulder was basically immovable with pain.

I used the technique to drive out of him negative thoughts and feelings about his relationship. The pain dissolved. Your body reacts negatively to the negativity in your mind. It’s a simple principle, and helping people realise it is so rewarding.”

Throughout her time as a ‘healer’, Jules tells me she has seen thousands of people at her two clinics, which are booked a year in advance. She has helped in the treatment of every bodily ailment, from chronic fatigue to muscle pain, cancer and depression. She runs special seminars teaching women techniques to create happiness, whatever their vision of a perfect life. Jules plans to continue her work with the release of a series of books designed to change the way people think about their bodies.

“I could do this every day for the rest of my life. I haven’t given anything up, I’ve just changed what I believed the perfect life should be. My beautiful children, Essena, Tristen and Isis, are loving and supportive and I have a good relationship with their dad. I teach around Australia and hold seminars to encourage people to be conscious of their bodies, the environment in which their bodies are trying to thrive and what they’re expecting from your life.

You can do amazing things if you just listen to yourself. Sometimes it takes an outsider to teach you how.”

I reach the top of the hill and a view of the northern suburbs sprawls before me. I stop and lean against the lookout rail, and when I remove my earphones the silence rushes up like a wave. The hatred that I felt that pushed me so hard through the workout is gone, and I wonder what inspired it, how it came so naturally. As I catch my breath, I have the sense of finishing a long and passionate argument with an old friend who knows best for me, but when I turn around I am alone. I start back down the hill at a walk and begin to listen.

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his month we meet Ashley Fear, who has been a property consultant with Henzells for just over 12 months. Ashley is mum to Jake, seven, and Haylie, three.

What drew you to a career in real estate?

I am always looking to challenge myself and I love meeting new people.

What do you love the most about your role?

I love helping people to find the property of their dreams and achieve their goals. It’s very rewarding.

What is the most frustrating part of your role?

Definitely paperwork, it can be very time consuming.

How do you spend your time off?

I like to spend my time off with my kids, going to the park or out for lunch.

How long have you lived on the Sunshine Coast?

We moved here about three years ago. I couldn’t imagine a better place to raise a family.

If you could be on any reality TV show, what would it be?

Big Brother, I don’t think I would ever get bored – as long as I have someone to talk to I am happy!

What do you love the most about living on the Sunshine Coast?

The people, everyone is so friendly and they make me feel welcome.

Three words to describe you?

Positive, happy and dedicated.

Favourite place on the Sunshine Coast?

Golden Beach, I love taking the kids for a ride along the esplanade.

Favourite holiday destination?

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. This is where I grew up and I like to visit my family and friends.

Most embarrassing life moment?

When I fell off my high heels and broke my foot! (I was sober.)

Highlight of your career?

Each sale is a highlight in itself and is special for different reasons.

Describe your dream home?

A big waterfront home with a massive swimming pool.

How do you unwind?

I like to kick back and watch a movie at home.

What’s the best part of your day?

Between 5:00am and 6:00am when everyone is still in bed and I have the house to myself.

Motto you live by?

Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Who is your greatest inspiration in life?

I live for my children – they inspire me to become the best person I can be.

ashley fear, shot on location at Caloundra RSL

ll photography ben connolly The big, wide, wonderful world of real estate can be a daunting beast, with so much money on the line and people’s lives and family homes at stake. So, it stands to reason that you wouldn’t want to trust the sale of your property to just anyone. When it comes to making one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make in your life, you want someone you can trust on your side. With this in mind, meet the stellar team at Henzells Agency, Caloundra – a team of honest professionals who live and work in the local community.

Professionals who, after all, are just like you and me.

www.henzells.com.au AGENCY 18

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Henzells Caloundra 49 Bulcock Street, Caloundra Qld 4551 Phone: 07 5491 2000 Fax: 07 5491 5166 Email: sales@henzells.com.au profilemag.com.au

Why visit Harvey Norman® Maroochydore for

cooking appliances?

Because of what you will experience...

At Harvey Norman® Maroochydore, you can count on your friendly, knowledgeable staff to make your shopping experience an enjoyable one. We are totally committed to ‘excellence in customer service’ and ensuring you get the most out of your purchases.

Complimentary cooking demonstrations are held each week, showcasing some of the world’s finest cooking appliances.

Our fully trained demonstrator, Stephanie, will run these sessions and make your kitchen appliance choice fully informed!

We will take the time to guide you to products and technologies that reflect your individual requirements.

Plus after you have

made your purchase we encourage you to come back in for one-on-one sessions with our cooking demonstrator to ensure you get the most out of your new appliances.

There is simply no better way to buy a cooking appliance!

Michael Ryan

Franchisee - Electrica l

NO-ONE DOES KITCHENS BETTER! • Pre-purchase cooking demonstrations • Extensive product range and expert guidance • Post-purchase cooking demonstrations • Continued support for the lifetime of your product • Purchasing privileges for life • Excellence in customer service

But it doesn’t end there!

To make life even easier, we can also organise installation for your new appliances and removal of your old.

THE COOKING SPECIALIST www.harveynorman.com.au february 2012

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MAROOCHYDORE

Shop 5, Sunshine Homemaker Centre, 100 Maroochydore Rd 5452 7144 (Computers/Electrical only)

Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees.

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ladies at lunch

“I reinvent the world every day!”

MIN SWAN

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““The key to business is relationships and women are so good at creating those in business.”

MELANIE JACOBSON

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1. min swan 2. melanie jacobson 3. amber james 4. lorraine o’neill 5. ashley howard 6. megan meineke 7. mezze tapas

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ladies at lunch

THE RISE OF THE FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR words and photography genine howard ll sponsored by wealthways and boq maroochydore ll venue mezze bar, mooloolaba

With the number of women starting up new businesses in Australia each year booming, Genine Howard gathers together a group of business-savvy women to find out what is causing this rise of the ‘new entrepreneur’. What has been the change in society to see some 30 per cent of small businesses being owned by women? And just how are they fairing? Genine takes the girls to lunch to find out.

W

hen you think of an entrepreneur you often think of Richard Branson, Bill Gates or perhaps even Simon Cowell and his gazillion all-singing, all-dancing talent shows. And what do they all have in common?

They are men. Yes, for many a decade men have dominated the world of business. In fact, men have outnumbered women year after year in CEO roles. And don’t even get me started on the dismal number of females with roles as company board directors.

Now before our female readers start burning their bras at the injustice of it all, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Yes, women are now starting to climb the corporate ladder in the world of business and, in fact, are outnumbering men (year upon year) when it comes to starting up and owning small to medium-sized businesses.

Statistics show (well, a good Google search anyway) the number of women starting up their own business has increased by 7 per cent in the past five years (compared to 1.9 per cent for men) and the number seems to be skyrocketing. Just recently we were glued to our television screens (well, I was) to see comedian Julia Morris take out the reality TV show Celebrity Apprentice, once again proving you don’t have to have an Adam’s apple to make it in the tough world of business.

So why is it that women are leading the way to become business owners? To find out I took a group of like-minded entrepreneurial women out for tapas (and a good dose of wine) at the Mediterranean-inspired Mezze Bar in Mooloolaba.

Joining me is co-host Debbie Battaglini-Clarke, co-owner of BOQ Maroochydore branch who juggles infant twins, a three-year-old, two sausage dogs and a husband, all the while looking fabulously groomed and glamorous. Our guests include Min Swan, director of prestige event consultancy firm White House Celebrations who moved to the Coast at 16; Megan Meineke, who is originally from South Africa and is marketing manager of Sunshine Coast Grammar while running her own PR consultancy on the side; Melanie

february 2012

Jacobson, co-owner of local accountancy firm PJT Accountants who casually announced that she is planning on retiring financially by 40 (I am jealous of her already); Ashley Howard, marketing manager of Garry Crick Prestige who is currently in production of her own new business, a baby; Amber James, owner of her own PR firm, Amber James Consultancy, and lastly, true entrepreneur Lorraine O’Neil, who moved to Noosa with her husband some five years ago to ‘retire’ and now successfully juggles a multitude of businesses and consultancy roles. Lorraine is qualified to speak on this month’s topic as she has even garnered a PHD MBA in entrepreneurialism! Who knew there was such a thing?

And then there is me – owner of three businesses including two magazines (Profile Magazines of course) and a blog-cum-about-to-set-the-worldon-fire inspirational business, Alli & Genine. I started Profile Magazine nearly four years ago and we now employ nine permanent staff and countless freelance consultants. I am an entrepreneur (or like to think I am!).

So let’s find out which female entrepreneurs our panel of women aspire to.

business with a lifestyle and really created a product that is so unique to women. She’s entrepreneurial and smart in a business sense about the way she has grown the business.

profile: Which entrepreneurial women do you look up to in business? min: Janine Allis from Boost Juice. I’m inspired by the realness of her story. amber: Ita Buttrose. She is the epitome of a woman making it in a man’s world. I still want to know if she and Kerry ever …? debbie: I think they did. But that’s off the record! [profile: This is where I am meant to turn off the recorder but we girls always like a bit of gossip!].

On a local level I think Sue Willis inspires me. She juggles a demanding role and gives her time to a variety of charity work along with the fact she has come through cancer. She is not only a survivor but an ambassador for those styles of causes. amber: I love the fact she [Sue Willis] doesn’t pretend in business. What you see is what you get. megan: I think Lorna Jane. She has combined a

profile: An entrepreneur is generally defined as someone who pioneers change and who takes on an element of risk in order to achieve business success. Who here would say they are an entrepreneur? megan: I am not sure I would call myself an entrepreneur. melanie: I guess I would as I have created my own business path that is focused on allowing me to have fun in life and to have that freedom to do so. min: I reinvent the world every day! debbie: I think it comes down to the industry you are in. melanie: Yes, but it’s about doing things differently. megan: I guess it is doing something you are passionate about. lorraine: I am definitely an entrepreneur – money doesn’t come into it. min: I agree – it’s about what’s next.

profile: For those of you who own your own business, how hard was it when you first started? melanie: When I started my business I was 25 so I was not only one of the youngest in my industry but also one of few females. It was tough but I think it is a mindset you have to have. It’s whether you think you have got the worth, not whether you are female. lorraine: I agree, it is whether you can get out there and walk the walk and talk the talk, and then you can get somewhere. ashley: I find sometimes you have to prove yourself a little bit more being female. min: I think men like to look to see if you can do what you say you do, and once they see that they don’t care what your gender is. lorraine: I think they treat you like you are a girlie to start off with, but then once they talk to you and realise what you can do they will talk to you on the same level.

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ladies at lunch

“I think women are starting up their own business for lifestyle reasons …”

MEGAN MEINEKE

Our entrepreneurial ladies take time out of their busy days to talk business

profile: Women are starting up businesses in Australia at twice the rate of men. Why do you think that is? megan: I think women are starting up their own business for lifestyle reasons and are realising they have the confidence to find that balance. debbie: Women take inspiration from one another to get out and do it. Men often don’t talk with each other or provide each other with support. lorraine: I think the internet has a big role to play in allowing women to start up businesses from home. min: Two thousand and twelve is a huge year to live the life you want – the new movement is that you no longer live any other than who you truly are so I think this year you will see more and more women starting up their own businesses. melanie: Women are realising life isn’t all about working hard. You don’t need to be the wealthiest person to enjoy life. This is very different to what our parents did. megan: I think we are more accepting of failure now. If it’s okay to fail, more women are giving business a go. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work out. lorraine: Thomas Edison said, ‘I didn’t fail. I just found 1000 ways how not to make a lightbulb.’

You just go on to the next idea if it doesn’t make it. debbie: I’ll try anything once; I was married once, divorced once … [profile: insert round of laughter. Good one Deb!]. You don’t want to go to the grave wondering ‘what if?’. profile: Do you think women make better business owners than men? megan: I think females are very good at breaking down barriers so I guess throw females in an unfamiliar environment and they’re very good at working quickly and finding their feet. melanie: The key to business is relationships and women are so good at creating those in business. ashley: I don’t think you should focus on being female too much in business – if you don’t make an issue of it others won’t either. min: Women are potentially better at asking for

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help than men are … [profile: Anyone had their husband ask for directions lately? Thought not …] profile: We often hear that women are better networkers than men. Do you think that is the truth or are we better at gossiping? lorraine: Men talk about business but not about family. amber: I remember Debbie said to me that I needed to build a profile in business. She was so right – it is important to keep your profile up as clients, women in particular, expect it. min: I think men are in awe of women’s ability to network. Women tend to cut to the chase and get to a personal relationship quite quickly. lorraine: Women understand that the more you give the more you get back.

And I think that is one of the major keys to women’s success in business in today’s world – not only are women taking on their own businesses to satisfy lifestyle demands but they are so open to supporting one another to achieve their goals. I personally have been privy to the readiness of the Sunshine Coast business community to support, assist and mentor other women in business – all given without the expectation of getting anything in return. And of course, what they get back is just that, more than they give.

It’s a beautiful thing to watch as we all settled in for our drinks and tapas and let the conversation flow. These women are true networkers and connecters. By the end of the lunch, meeting appointments had been made, contacts passed on and advice and offers of support flowed freely around the table. This is what makes the new breed of entrepreneur so special … not only are these women leaders in their field, ready to take on the next business challenge thrown at them, they are more than happy to share with each other their highs and lows, and more importantly, their knowledge.

With more and more women starting up new ventures every day, the future for business is looking bright … and probably quite fashionable too.

MEZZE BAR, MOOLOOLABA Mezze Bar in Mooloolaba is the second restaurant of the same name to be opened by gorgeous owner, Ara Phillips. Situated on busy Brisbane Road, the exterior belies the venue’s Mediterranean-influenced interior – it is more akin to a bar in Greece, serving truly traditional tapas or ‘mezze’ (a selection of small dishes).

Throughout our lunch, Ara presented us with plate after plate of delicious Greek delicacies.

We all chose to have the set share menu of mezze so we could nibble as we chatted without needing to even look at the menu or make a decision. Hooray, no food envy!

We started with mixed Mediterranean dips with toasted Turkish bread and my absolute favourite – grilled Haloumi. This Cypriot-style cheese is served grilled with an Ouzo-infused tomato and basil salad. Yum! We then dined on seafood plates including crab keftethes (with a scrummy preserved lemon mayonnaise), char-grilled octopus marinated in lemon and oregano and Hervey Bay scallops with chorizo and a salsa verde.

We then tried Salada Koukia, a broad bean salad with garlic, olive oil, coriander and lemon, along with traditional Greek style meatballs (keftethes) with tzatziki. Both dishes were gobbled down with abandon until we realised there was more to come!

Next we were presented with plates of utterly divine pork belly, served with a mixed berry marinade. And last but not least, an all-time favourite – lamb souvlaki served with more Turkish bread. Most of us managed to sneak in room for the sensational Halva ice cream blended with pistachio for dessert.

All the fabulous dishes were washed down with an enjoyable riesling entitled ‘Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch’ (2009 Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria).

197 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba 5478 4932 www.mezzebar.net.au

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In fact, Spirulina has been described as the most nutrient-rich food ever discovered.

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MAROOCHYDORE

THE COOKING SPECIALIST 24

profilemagazine www.harveynorman.com.au

Shop 5, Sunshine Homemaker Centre, 100 Maroochydore Rd 5452 7144 (Computers/Electrical only) profilemag.com.au Harvey Norman速 stores are operated by independent franchisees.

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business promotion

rachel hutchinson

Ellerfield Financial Planning is a leader in its field, its success backed by ethics, a long history of helping individuals reach their financial goals, and a ‘family’ ethos.

Ellerfield would like to introduce Rachel Hutchison, who has been kind enough to share her family’s experience of working with a financial planner. Rachel is married to Stephen Hutchison and lives and works in the beautiful Twin Waters here on the Sunshine Coast. Together, they have two primary school-aged children – Emily and Thomas.

What prompted you to consider working with a financial planner?

We were doing our tax returns and had a couple of questions for our accountant at Keating and Associates regarding the best way to redirect some extra money we were trying to save, as well as the CPI increase in our salary. He recommended that we have a chat with Ellerfield as he realised that he was not able to answer some of our more involved questions and they were best qualified.

Why did you choose to work with the financial planner you selected?

We had several meetings with the Ellerfield team before any firm plan was implemented or any fees discussed. We felt that they wanted to get to know us on a personal level first and then on a professional level. We have made, and will continue to make all decisions together with their team – nothing is assumed, and everything is discussed at length to make sure that we are comfortable with their recommendations.

What were you hoping to achieve by working with a financial planner?

We knew that we could afford to repay our current mortgage, but it was probably going to take until we were approaching retirement the way we were going. We needed to consider how we were going to afford to retire and still live the great lifestyle we were used to. We also needed to look at being able to afford private schooling for our kids – this was always our dream, but we were not sure it was financially possible with such a short time frame as our oldest child was already in Year 6.

Has your financial planner helped you achieve these goals?

It is a work in progress but we are now able to see that all our goals are very possible. Ellerfield has been very proactive in showing us how we are

february 2012

going to be able to achieve our longer term goals in regards to a comfortable retirement, private schooling, and also how to have that overseas holiday we have dreamed about.

Could you explain how “ellerCentral cash flow management” has helped your family on a day to day basis?

We have always had a budget, and we follow budgets and forecasts at work, so we knew what they were. Ellerfield made us realise that unless you are constantly reviewing and following it, it is easy to just spend the extra cash in the bank account on a whim. I now know exactly where we spend our money on a weekly and monthly basis. We know that we are rapidly reducing our mortgage and also making more conscious and informed decisions on whether we really need that impulse buy. I still can go shopping and buy the clothes I like, the household bits and pieces, and the gifts I like to spurge on, but I also make sure that it fits the budget we have created.

Could you explain what the Ellerfield “MRP” is and why you chose to implement this strategy for your home mortgage?

Ellerfield’s Mortgage Reduction Plan is tailored for each client. For us, it meant small but important changes to how we could reduce our morgage quicker and more effectively without having to sacrifice. We had the standard variable rate home loan but changed it to a line of credit. We now have our salaries paid directly to our line of credit each week, which in turn reduces the interest calculated on a daily basis. Our day to day expenses are all paid for on our credit card which we pay in full at the end of the month. I also update our monthly budget regularly so I can see how much we have spent for the month and make sure we are not overspending.

Simply by doing this for the past eight months we have already made big inroads into reducing our debt.

Has your financial planner been able to help you in any areas that you did not expect?

We had no life insurance, income protection insurance or serious illness insurance, so if anything had happened to either of us we would have had to sell our beautiful home just to keep going. Ellerfield is also about to help us with improving our superannuation situation – that is the next step.

Would you recommend your financial planner to friends and family?

Without hesitation! They have certainly made us feel more in control of our financial future and we are very much included in all the decision processes.

They have the expertise to guide us, but we do not feel that they have taken over. We feel more in control of our finances and future than ever before.

Phone 5476 8744.

First Floor, ‘Ballinger Place’, 3-5 Ballinger Road, Buderim, Qld, 4556 www.ellerfield.com.au

Ellerfield Pty Ltd ( ABN 13010991081) trading as Ellerfield Financial Planning is an Authorised Representative of GWM Advisor Services Limited (ABN 96002071749) an Australian Financial Services Licensee, Registered Office 105 – 153 Miller St, North Sydney, NSW 2060. This advice may not be suitable to you because it contains general advice that has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal and tax advice prior to acting on this information.

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success

allan and barbara pease words alli grant ll photography ben connolly

Barbara and Allan Pease are the global king and queen of relationships, ready with a bit of science and a lot of laughs to help even the most challenged relationship through the tough times. Alli Grant caught up with Barb and Allan to chat about their latest offering, The Body Language of Love.

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D

ear Barbara and Allan, Please help me. My husband won’t put his dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Ever.

He doesn’t listen to a word I say. Ever. It takes him three times as long to complete a task as it takes me.

Always. And can you please explain why he can’t hold a conversation while watching the cricket on TV? It’s not that hard, surely? Oh and one more thing, why won’t he communicate his inner most feelings, thoughts and fears with me? He doesn’t want to talk … just have sex.

What’s with that?

Signed, INSERT NAME HERE, a frustrated wife (insert the name of ANY wife here).

Says it all really. We are different creatures. Men, women. Mars, Venus. Hunters, gatherers. Every day I struggle to understand why it’s so damn hard for my

husband to remember to hang up his towel. I have considered getting it tattooed on his forehead so that every time he looks in the mirror he thinks, “Oh, what’s that on my forehead? Ahh, that’s right. I must go and hang up the musty wet towel I left on the floor this morning.” But apparently, he can’t help it. It’s how he’s hardwired.

Allan and Barbara Pease, authors of such books as Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Read Road Maps, know a thing or two about men and women and what they want / need / think they want or need from the opposite sex, and they have 17 books printed in 52 languages sold in more than 100 countries to prove it.

But what I love most about Barbara and Allan is that, despite being global mega-stars in both the publishing and public speaking arenas, they are incredibly downto-earth and real. They don’t pretend to have the perfect profilemag.com.au

success marriage – and why should they? The flaws and challenges in their own relationship have formed the basis of their ridiculously successful brand and business.

The key to their success is to acknowledge and celebrate their differences and then work out strategies to deal with them, rather than to fight about them.

“We show people a reflection of themselves,” says Barbara. “They can see what they are really like, and that it’s okay. If women see that I can’t reverse park, they realise it’s okay if they can’t do it.” (Allan is quick to agree with Barb – apparently she’s officially the UK’s worst reverse parker!)

It’s important to know that whatever is happening, it’s okay. You just need effective strategies to deal with each situation” Here’s to being raw, real and honest, I say. More of it! Best of all, they are highly entertaining to interview. Allan is a hoot. Within minutes he is cracking jokes, many of them politically incorrect which I do adore (nothing politically correct about me, I’m afraid), and taking the Mickey out of himself and his beautiful wife, Barb, whom I have interviewed before.

Barb just smiles this “Yes darling, you’re completely naughty and as cheeky as hell but adorable and I do love you,” knowing smile. I love it! Barb’s body language is easy to read … as easy to read as the couple’s newest book, The Body Language of Love.

As opposed to most of the couple’s previous offerings, this little number is short, sharp and snazzy, perfect for people with little time looking for a big result.

“It’s a quick-fix book for relationships and for anyone wanting to get into a relationship,” Barb explains, going on to add that their goal was to create a book that could sit on the bedside table and be opened to any page, any time.

Each time you visit you’re guaranteed a chuckle and a pearl of wisdom from the king and queen of relationships.

“Our books capture what people are afraid to say, but what they are really thinking. We use humour so we can all have a laugh at ourselves,” Allan adds.

“Barb still can’t read a map to save her life …

“It’s important to know that whatever is happening [in your relationship], it’s okay. You just need effective strategies to deal with each situation,” Barb adds, quickly taking on the role of ying to Allan’s yang. The perfect balance, some would say.

“You have to know how to manage it and live with each other. People get divorced because they don’t like three things about their partner, then they get married again and don’t like the same three things about their next partner.

Better to accept it and learn the right strategies than to have to keep getting

Jack of all trades...

master of one.

divorced,” Allan wisely explains.

The Body Language of Love is a hybrid of the two very successful sides of the Pease International business, ‘Body Language’ and ‘Relationships’. Known the world over as Mr Body Language, Allan has been on the speaking circuit forever … before his two youngest children were born he would often spend nine months of the year on the road.

“It’s a combination of our existing books, but with some new research added and a lot more humour,” Allan explains, randomly opening to a page and reading. Of course, he makes me laugh immediately. Barb smiles that smile again.

“We have a formula we use for our books and it works really well. First, we always include provable science. Then we add real life experiences, and finally, we talk about the strategies. But it’s important that it’s humourous too.”

Funny it is. A quick and somewhat random flick and I can immediately appreciate the humour. Chapter headings called ‘Fondling a Cylindrical Object’, ‘Why Men Should Learn to Dance’, ‘Why Women Call the Shots and Hold the Handbook’ and ‘Other Come-Ons Men Should Memorise’; just a preview of what was to come when I did sit down to read the book.

I ask Barb for advice as to how to get my husband to actually read this book as she was, after all, the initiator of the ‘put all the things he leaves around the house in his office and eventually he will clean them up’ rule we now implement in the Grant-Battersby household. And it works! I figured there’d be some kind of subtle strategy I would need to employ, and I was right.

“Don’t ever buy a man one of our books as a present,” Allan warns me.

“He will think you don’t like him the way he is … guys don’t do criticism very well. We like to come up with solutions and be right all the time. We don’t like to be criticised.”

“I suggest you just start reading it. Have it on your bedside table. Tell him things, ask him things, get him interested. Ask his opinion. Don’t say ‘Darling, you need this’ as he will resent you thinking he has a problem. Just ask him for a solution. We get so many emails from couples saying that the books become the basis of a discussion time when they go to bed. That’s fabulous.”

Like anything, it’s all about hard work.

“Allan and I have to work at our relationship – very hard. You can’t just expect to have the perfect marriage. There’s a lot of negotiating! We are both very strong individuals,” Barb explains. Good to know even the experts need to put in a bit of hard yakka on the relationship front. And that’s after 19 years of marriage and two rounds at parenthood (both have children from previous relationships, plus together they have a four-year-old and seven-year-old).

A few more inappropriate jokes later, it’s time for me to leave the Pease’s.

I would love to have stayed on, laughing the afternoon away with Allan and Barb, but I had stuff to do. I had to rush home and trick, oops, I mean ‘engage’ my husband!

But before working on our relationship I have one thing to do. Pick that wet towel up off the bloody bathroom floor ...

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february 2012

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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cover story

I have been given several lifelines and I can choose to take them, or I can choose to dwell.”

THIS PAGE: REBECCA ATLAS WEARS OWN WHITE DRESS. HAIR BY DANIELLA SAVILLE, KOOSHKA HAIR, MOOLOOLABA (WWW.KOOSHKA. NET.AU) MAKEUP BY NATALIE HUNTER www. nataliehuntermakeup.com. PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ROBECCER MCLEAN, ADORI STUDIOS www. adoristudios.com.au

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ON COVER: REBECCA WEARS Flowers by Blooms of Noosa at Tewantin

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cover story

REBECCa ATLAS

words jessica jane sammut ll photography robeccer mclean, adori studios ll hair kooshka ll makeup natalie hunter

IF THERE WAS EVER A STORY OF LIVING IN THE MOMENT AND APPRECIATING EVERY SECOND, THIS IS IT. PROFILE’S JESSICA JANE SAMMUT MEETS REBECCA ATLAS, A WOMAN WHO HAS ENDURED PAIN AND TRAGEDY LIKE NO OTHER, AND YET STILL MANAGES TO SMILE.

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or anyone who thinks life can be pretty hard sometimes, read on.

I agree, it is a pain when we haven’t got enough time to ourselves, or can’t financially stretch to that dream holiday, or are worried about having to go shopping for a pair of jeans for fear of nothing fitting due to the Christmas eating and drinking overload. I concur that all of these things feature in our lives as legitimate concerns, perhaps causing some distress or heartache even, but yet when you hear the story I am about to tell you of a successful international model whose prize asset – her face – was attacked by tumours, while her relationships broke-down as she endured a further horror that no mother should ever have to experience (and which brings me to tears even to contemplate), I guarantee you will suddenly feel blessed. You will hold your children near, kiss your husband when you see him next and thank the universe for the past that you have had, and the future which is yet to come.

Meet Rebecca Atlas, former model, actress and television presenter for Channels 7 and 9, graduate of the prestigious Western Australian College of Performing Arts (where Hugh Jackman attended, no less), and former Westfield head fashion stylist.

Rebecca was born in Geelong, Victoria, in 1970. A natural performer.

Introduced to the arts at a very young age, Rebecca launched herself into theatre, dance and television and by the age of 10 was working on a semiprofessional level taking on advertisements and small acting roles.

“I was in no way from a showbiz background,” Rebecca explains. “My father grew up on a dairy farm and was a plumber. But I loved the arts. I took part in many eisteddfods, I had dance and elocution lessons, and I took part in everything I could. I also swam for the state and loved sport. I was very tall for my age standing at 5 feet 9 inches with size 10 feet when aged 10. When I was 12, my dancing really started to take off and I began to get offered professional dancing roles. It was through my dancing that I was scouted to do modelling at 14, and I never looked back.”

Rebecca was taken on by Team Models, an agency that specialised in younger talent with stars like Portia de Rossi on its books, and things started

happening very fast for her, with invitations to model in Japan, Europe and America flying in. By 15, Rebecca was modelling full-time.

“My parents and I realised this was a serious and incredible opportunity,” Rebecca smiles. “Up to this time, I had been attending an excellent private girls’ school, but it was agreed that I would need to take at least a year off to explore the direction that life was taking me, with a view to going back to school to complete year 12 later.”

Things went from strength to strength for Rebecca as she became more and more sought-after, modelling internationally, living in New York, moving between agencies, undertaking lucrative television commercials, co-hosting and presenting TV shows, teaching modelling deportment and obtaining acceptance into the exclusive Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAPA) when she was 24. It was here she undertook a degree in performing arts and broadcast journalism, having returned to school when she was 19 to fulfil her promise to complete her studies. But it was not all lavish lunches and glamorous rendezvous for Rebecca. Although she was flying high in her personal life and career (and in fact was a bit of an ‘It’ girl of the time), she had secretly been fighting illness for many years.

“Since I was a teenager, I have known I had an issue with my ovaries,” Rebecca explains. “When I was 12, I had my appendix out, and I while I was in surgery the doctors noticed my ovaries had cysts on them and advised my parents that I should have both my ovaries removed to avoid potential problems later on. They refused, knowing the gravity of what this meant.

Instead, I had the cysts removed. It was not cancer. Between the ages of 16 and 26, I underwent 10 further operations on my ovaries dealing with cysts, as well as a fair amount of hormone therapy. I also had endometriosis. Being in and out of hospital was something I lived with.”

Rebecca had become used to having to drop everything (including a few incredible opportunities) at the behest of her health and she accepted this as her life’s hand.

After WAPA, Rebecca travelled to Europe modelling and hosting a TV show

No one knows what the future holds, all we can do is live the best way we know how and appreciate every moment.”

february 2012

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It was a moment I will never forget. My world stopped spinning. My heart broke.”

Rebecca Atlas has the face of an angel – but behing her beautiful smile hides incredible pain, hardship and challenges 30

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in Germany, living in a little village on the Swiss-German border where she stayed for a year before returning to Melbourne, and it was then, when she was back on home turf, that Rebecca fell in love.

“When I got back to Melbourne, I met the most wonderful man. Suddenly the prospect of having children became relevant. I had been told by doctors that it was very unlikely I would ever be able to conceive children due to the condition of my ovaries. The operations had meant that my right ovary had been removed and only three quarters remained of my left one. My partner was devastated by this and told me outright that he could not marry someone who could not have children. So after a couple more operations and some hormone treatment, we tried to conceive. And by an absolute miracle, our little girl Anabelle was created. As a result, my partner proposed.

It was a dream come true for me.

“However, from day one after Anabelle’s birth, I knew something was not right. I kept insisting there was a problem, but I was told by doctors I was a ‘pedantic mother’. I watched Anabelle deteriorating before my very eyes. By the time Anabelle was seven weeks old, she had slipped into a coma and it was only at this time the doctors started listening. It was then that I was accused of causing her condition myself as I was told that Anabelle appeared to be displaying symptoms of a drug-addicted baby. I had never taken drugs. The authorities did not believe me and I was drug tested 10 times – a totally shameful and frustrating experience. It was only after these results came back clear that Anabelle was finally sent for an MRI. It was then we discovered she had a tumour on her brain.

We had only six more precious days with Anabelle before she died. It was a moment I will never forget. My world stopped spinning and my heart broke.”

The pain of losing a child has to be the worst thing a parent could ever imagine, and hearing Rebecca talk of her immense loss fills me with utter grief as I think of my own son. And if this was not enough to deal with, soon after Anabelle’s death, Rebecca’s fiancé left her. She was never to see him again.

“My mum and dad took me away and made me human again,” Rebecca remembers with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I had lost everything I had loved. The only thing I could do was to keep going and throw myself back into my career again.”

So this is what Rebecca did, and in doing so, the universe kindly threw Rebecca a life-raft as she was put back in touch with a love interest she had known in her early 20’s. Within two years, they were married, and against all odds, Rebecca was magically pregnant once again.

“We had a huge celebrity wedding,” Rebecca laughs, “with stars flying in from all over the world. Soon after, I found out I was pregnant again. It was unbelievably exciting, but also terrifying at the same time. Giselle was born happy and healthy, and I felt like I had been given a second chance.”

However, just as Rebecca’s world was looking up, she visited a dentist to remedy a sore tooth and her life was to shift once more.

“We were holidaying in Byron Bay and I had a pain in my jaw, so I saw a dentist. He pointed out that although I had a sore tooth, I could not open my mouth more than 10 centimetres, which was not normal. He advised me

to see a specialist, which I did when I got home. After much debate as to my condition, it was discovered I had a tumour in my jaw bone. I was stunned.”

Rebecca’s health declined very quickly, and she lost 20 kilograms rapidly, weighing in at only 36 kilograms even with her tall frame, and soon found herself having to be fed through a straw as the tumour took hold. She was placed on a drug trial for six months to help treat the condition and was also referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for radical face surgery, which meant having her face peeled off while bone and fat tissue was rebuilt through grafts. All this to the face of woman whose looks were vital to her career.

“It was very hard to have my looks tampered with. I had been judged on my face all my life and I found it extremely challenging to cope with. However, within eight weeks of my surgery I was back hosting a prestigious glitterati event in Melbourne. My surgery had left me unable to eat or speak, but I had managed to relearn these skills in this time. I refused to be a victim.”

Rebecca’s face started to deteriorate again within a year.

The drug trial she had been placed on was found to have caused bone disease in her face with the bone literally disintegrating. Rebecca was sent for urgent maxillofacial surgery again, and due to the condition of the bone, she needed to have her face rebuilt from titanium, an absolutely huge operation with immense implications.

But Rebecca was just happy to be alive.

“I was extremely unwell by this point, I have to admit.

My second facial surgery took a long time to recover from.”

Shortly after this operation while Rebecca was rehabilitating, tumours were found in Rebecca’s bowel and remaining ovary and she had to undergo more surgery to have part of her bowel and ovary removed.

“The removal of my ovary meant I went into menopause and developed osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, while my hormone therapy caused an oedema in my leg and caused me to puff up like a balloon. At the same time, my face was trying to heal and I was having to learn to use it again. It was certainly a test of character, and on some dark days I did not know how I was going to keep going. Then I just looked into my daughter’s eyes and it was all worth it.”

Unfortunately, as Rebecca recovered, in another cruel blow, her relationship with her husband broke down.

Once again, Rebecca refused to cower to fate and decided it was the right time for a fresh start on the Sunshine Coast, moving to Peregian Springs in February last year.

“I am slowly healing, physically and mentally,” Rebecca whispers. “The immense powers of anahata healing, yoga and meditation have really helped give me strength and resilience when I thought I had nothing left. My goal is to now educate others, especially children, on the benefits of mindfulness and yoga and to ideally set up my own yoga practice. I want to help others and share the knowledge I have learnt on this chequered journey. I look at all the wonder in life – it is the little things that make it beautiful and precious.”

With a role as co-host on her own show on Prime Radio Secret Women’s Business, as well as being a guest writer for various wellbeing magazines and nominated as the Australian representative for Rainbow Kids Yoga, Rebecca is a fighter.

“I have been given several lifelines and I can choose to profilemag.com.au

cover story

I had lost everything I had loved. The only thing I could do was to keep going.”

Rebecca wears Colin Heaney ‘Filaments’ kaftan, RRP $585 with matching headband. www.colinheany.com

february 2012

take them, or I can choose to dwell. Life has been tough.

I have had to sell my house to fund my ever-increasing medical bills which are now more than $100,000. I have also recently been warned I may develop breast cancer as a result of the hormone therapy I was on, but I refuse to worry about the ‘what ifs’. I refuse not to see the good in life.”

I can honestly say I have nothing but admiration for Rebecca; in fact I would go so far as to say I am in awe of her. I have never come across a more compelling story of hope in all my time as a feature writer than Rebecca’s and I ask her how she remains positive.

“I have a child and a child is a gift. My job is to look after her. Giselle has been in an ambulance with me more times in her life than on a fairground ride. Not many kids can say that. She now wants to be a doctor. Giselle is a constant driving force for me. I think we can learn a lot from children as they live in the moment and accept people and situations as they are. They see the beauty in everything.”

Rebecca took Giselle to Bali last year to assist at the Bali Street Kids Orphanage to give something back for all that Rebecca feels grateful for. Perhaps this innate sense of gratitude is the unique gift of someone who has nearly lost everything so many times.

As I leave Rebecca’s home, my worries about those jeans / that holiday / that time to myself seem insignificant and self-indulgent. I think of all that I have and I thank Rebecca for reminding me of this. No one knows what the future holds, all we can do is live the best way we know how and appreciate every moment. That is what life is all about, and Rebecca Atlas knows this more than anyone. profilemagazine

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wedding bliss.

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ben connolly

he Sunshine Coast is renowned as one of the wedding capitals of Queensland, luring couples everywhere to the region’s gorgeous scenery. Coast local Ben Connolly knows this, and as a photographer who specialises in weddings, he takes great pride in being included in his clients’ big day and being the one to capture those special moments.

After suffering a serious accident from a previous stint as a skydiving instructor, Ben’s life was thrown into perspective when he was forced to embark upon a new career, bringing about the launch of his own film and photography business, Velocity Images. “After I had my accident I couldn’t skydive or do anything like I used to be physically capable of doing,” Ben explains. “I had some time off after that, so I launched the company and started to get everything going again. While I was working as an instructor, I was taking skydiving videos and photos, so the business carried on from that but in a different field.”

Working in the photography business for nearly 10 years has definitely proven to be a rewarding job for Ben. “I feed off the buzz that other people get through receiving their wedding photos and

a star in the making.

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t’s perfectly acceptable for a bride planning her wedding to be controlling, nitpicky, demanding, basically a Bridezilla, and rightly so. The wedded Tara Sims has been through it all herself after getting hitched in 2010 and has since established her own online business, Star Wedding Decorations, allowing brides to be as finicky as they need in ensuring the best on their big day.

While planning for her own ceremony, Tara realised how difficult it was to find the right accessories and details to make her wedding as personalised as any bride would hope for. “I found that there were certain products and aspects of planning that were clearly missing in the market,” Tara explains. “I thought ‘I wonder if there’s a way I could find these products for other brides who have the same problem as me’ and from that I just came up with more and more ideas.”

She quickly uncovered the perfect opportunity to establish a business that would tailor to even the most specific needs of other fellow brides-to-be, something Tara has grown a passion for. “It’s a really rewarding job, especially with all the feedback I receive. If I can

ll words jaclyn paul

reliving what they had on that day. It gives them a big mixture of emotions and it’s a beautiful thing to see,” Ben says. “And when couples say they were pleased to have me play a part in their wedding, it’s a really rewarding thing to hear.”

When he’s not snapping those important moments in people’s lives, Ben can be found keeping active through his various hobbies – surfing, riding his new motorbike or hitting the gym on his days off. His prized possession, Stuffypotomous, a Staffy-boxer cross, also keeps him active and has been his biggest motivator since recovering from the accident. “She is my favourite thing in the world,” Ben confesses.

“After my accident, I was incapacitated for about eight months, I couldn’t do anything and was struggling with depression. So I bought her to help me out during that time and she’s been my best little buddy ever since.”

Ben spends his days capturing special moments on his clients’ big days, and also snapping shots for Profile Magazine. Not only is he an incredibly talented photographer, but it’s refreshing to see Ben’s passion for his work. Capturing beautiful memories – quite an honour indeed.

words jaclyn paul ll photography kara de schot

take a little time and stress out of their planning, it makes it all worthwhile.”

Along with her love for all things wedding, Tara remains passionate about health and fitness. As a former personal trainer, she still finds the time to instruct a class at her local gym and has set her sights on her latest goal; running in the upcoming New York City Marathon. “As part of my journey to the marathon I’m fundraising for the Heart Foundation. My goal is to raise $7500,” Tara says.

“It’s a great cause that I believe in as it supports and raises awareness about healthy eating and exercise, something I stand behind.”

This driven 26-year-old is certainly making waves in whatever field she decides to immerse herself in.

Whether it be negotiating with fastidious Bridezillas or in contrast, promoting all-important health and fitness wherever she goes, Tara is certain to succeed in anything she sets her sights on.

profilemag.com.au

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homegrown

ll words jaclyn paul

David Wills gets the best of both worlds – lazy, sunny days in Caloundra perfectly balanced with life in the fast lane in Hollywood, where he has spent much of the last 20 years. Jaclyn Paul discovers why this curator, photographic preservationist and editor now calls the City of Angels home.

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ho can complain about growing up on the Sunshine Coast? With sun-kissed beaches, amazing weather and friendly people, we really have a lot to be thankful for. Former Sunshine Coast local David Wills had the privilege of being raised in our gorgeous region, but for the past 20 years he has been chasing his dream in Los Angeles, claiming he still enjoys the perks of a coastal lifestyle while making it big at the same time.

This former Caloundra-based curator, photographic preservationist and editor has been busy showcasing his work overseas, with work being displayed in various exhibitions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York along with being profiled in big name publications such as The New York Times, Vanity Fair and Vogue.

Lately, David has been keeping himself busy with his latest achievement, Marilyn Munroe Metamorphosis, a photographic tribute book on the Hollywood star 50 years after her passing.

This Sunshine Coast local is definitely making a name for himself in Hollywood! david wills

profile: David, what was it like growing up on the Sunshine Coast? david: I have lived in Caloundra on and off all my life so I’m partial to the Sunshine Coast because I have history there. But it’s more than that. Growing up I think most of us take our home for granted, and after leaving home and travelling the world you realise what an absolute paradise we live in. profile: How does living in Los Angeles compare with life on the Sunshine Coast? david: To be honest, the difference is very minor, and that’s the main reason I can enjoy living in Los Angeles. If it was a big culture shock, like living in France, I don’t think I would have lasted this long. Americans in the coastal areas of California are very much like Australians. profile: When you visit the Sunshine Coast, what is on the top of your agenda? david: I love going for drives up to Montville, walking to the beach, and top of the list is of course Mum’s lamb baked dinners! profile: What’s it like living in the all exclusive Los Angeles? david: It’s a great place to live, very much like the Sunshine Coast. Its beaches aren’t as nice, of course, but Los Angelenos have a great mentality. They’re a very friendly and diverse population, and they certainly love Australians.

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profile: Tell us about your latest book. david: The book chronicles a 20 year period of Marilyn Munroe’s adult life. I wanted to bring together many of her more notable photographers to document the extraordinary relationship she had with the camera. The result is a coffee table book of 320 pages that features many never-before-seen or published images. profile: What has been you biggest achievement regarding your work? david: My books, I have done four now and am currently working on my fifth. They are very meticulous and time-consuming but creatively rewarding.

The books have enabled me to work with fascinating people from all over the world. Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston even wrote one of my introductions, which was a big honour. profile: What do you do when you’re not working? david: Work takes up all of my time but when you love your work, it’s not really work. When I can, I like to get out to Palm Springs to hike, relax and catch up with friends. profile: Do you have many friends and family who you come back to visit? david: Yes, many. The friends I made here as a child have pretty much always been in my life. My parents also live in Caloundra, so I try and come back to visit about once a year.

profilemag.com.au

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window shopping

my favourite things ...

Seeing as this is the month of love, my fashion and beauty influences are all romantically-linked. I can’t help it! I do love classic fashion; anything that celebrates femininity gets a tick in my book. So this issue I have collected items that typify romance – think soft, frills, pearls and lace.

We also head inside, always immaculately dressed, real estate agent Grant Smith’s wardrobe to take a peek, plus give you the chance to be a Model For A Day in our ongoing makeover competition – the first winner will be showcased in our March issue.

So come on, feel the love!

GENINE HOWARD PUBLISHER / group MANAGING director

ON COVER: Covergirl Rebecca Atlas wears martini Sweet Nothings Maxi Dress, rrp $199.95 and silver balls necklace, $24.95. available from La Vida, Mooloolaba. Photography by Robeccer McLean, Adori Studios

avoiding bridezilla After a summer of wearing mainly flats and thongs, my feet have been punished now that I am back into my sky-high stilettos. So I recently found the Femme Slimline Gel range which is based on a super-soft gel that offers superior cushioning. Ahh ... my feet can sigh in relief! They are also perfect for brides who have to stand for hours in high heels while still maintaining a smile for the camera. I love the ingenious Slingback Strips for strappy shoes. No more sore feet or bridezillas!

RRP $8.95 each. Available from all leading pharmacies and independent supermarkets. For stockists phone 3860 6082 or visit www.neatfeat.co.nz

left: Daniella Saville of Kooshka Hair. above: Kooshka hair new salon in Mooloolaba

model for a day Ever wanted to look like a Profile Magazine cover girl? The search is on to find local women keen for a total makeover transformation at the hands of our experts.

Simply send us a recent photo and tell us your favourite Profile Magazine cover to date.

You can enter online at www.profilemag.com.au, email fashion@profilemag.com.au or pop over to our Facebook page, upload your photo and tell us your favourite cover (if you are game!).

The winner will enjoy a full pamper session, including a hairstyle makeover from the experts at Kooshka Hair, Mooloolaba (new location!), and professionally applied makeup, and will then enjoy being styled by the Profile Magazine cover shoot crew in their very own photographic session. Our lucky lady will be featured in an upcoming issue of Profile Magazine.

Entries are open now for 2012; the first winner will be showcased in our March issue. Enter now!

endless love This gorgeous and unique 1930s inspired slip was created with the beautiful bride or modern day siren in mind and is featured in Madonna Bain’s winter collection ‘In the Boudoir’ sleepwear range, RRP $180.

Made to order and can be purchased online at www.madonnabain.com.au

things we love Each week on our Alli and Genine blog (alliandgenine.wordpress.com) we review some of the things we love. Alli, who is a little on the bustier side says, “Model and TV personality Annalise Braakensiek has created a range of super sexy and well-priced lingerie for girls like you and me. Girls with … ahem, assets. If you’re a C to E cup, Annalise is for you.” These pretty bra and underwear sets are also perfect for the bustier bride-to-be and Annalise’s range is currently on sale – you can snap up an Annalise bra for $30 or less in-store at your local Bras’N'Things or online. www.brasnthings.com or www.annalise.com.au

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bliss on buderim

beauty

...it’s all about you

Ph: 5452 7894 february 2012

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profile loves hold me Hand-beaded silver clutch, RRP $229. I Cherry Shoe, Noosa Heads. Available from www.icherryshoe.com.au

Right on time for the month of love, romance is back in the fashion department. Think soft frills, pearls, shimmer and whimsical lace for looks to love. Perfect for a wedding, romantic Valentine’s date or just for the love of it. pretty in pink Uscari cocktail dress made from 100 per cent silk, $338.

Available from La Vida, Mooloolaba, phone 5444 8833

love lace Lace and bead detailed tank and matching cardigan from Katherine, rrp $127.95 and rrp $151.95. Available from Gingers Boutique, Buderim, phone 5445 6616

a little magic Magically Simples dress, RRP $310.00. For stockists head to www.missunkon.com

coming up roses pearls for girls Double strand freshwater pearl necklace, RRP $249.95. No longer confined to being thought of as a ‘nana’ accessory, pearls can be a part of any outfit for women of all ages and typify romance. Available from www.luluandi.com

Cream rose dress by Carolyn Morgan, RRP $59. Gypsy Girl Boutique, alexandra headland, phone 5479 2099

Designed by www.witchwords.com

Creating Conscious Connections in Business goddesses@lunch - Wednesday 15th February 2012 Speaker: Kim Edwards Director - Sea English Academy

Venue: 4th Floor Restaurant, Mooloolaba Time: 11.45am til 2.30pm. Tickets $45 pp $35 members RSVP 13/2/12

Tel: 0402 462 804

goddesses@brunch - Thursday 23rd February 2012 Speaker: Kylie Patchett - The Tall Poppy Project

natalie@enlightenedgoddesses.com www.enlightenedgoddesses.com facebook.com/EnlightenedGoddesses twitter.com/Egoddesses

Venue: Sandbar Beachfront Bistro, Coolum Surf Club Time: 10.00am til 1.00pm. Tickets $45 pp $35 members RSVP 21/2/12

“... where you mean more than just your business card” Natalie McIvor Director

NetConnect Seminar - Thursday March 15th 2012 Mooloolaba Speakers: Jill Chivers, Carren Smith, Jodie Nolan, Jodie Taylor Paterson & Natalie McIvor

Time: 9.30am til 4.30pm. Tickets $109 pp $99 members RSVP 10/3/12

Proudly Sponsored by

Witch Words intuitive branding & design for sassy entrepreneurs

Seats are limited! Book online TODAY at www.enlightenedgoddesses.com 40

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Refresh revitalise and escape

Why not give the perfect gift with one of our Spa Experience gift vouchers

Our Summer Spa Escape will awaken, refresh and revitalise your skin.

Enjoy a sensory session in our AQUA therapy centre and steam room, then begin your journey with a Shimmer Salt Scrub complete with algae petals to exfoliate and remineralise your skin.

Then choose from either a one hour SpeciďŹ c Thalgo facial or a one hour combined massage. We’ll also include a special complimentary gift from Thalgo to extend your sensory voyage at home... sheer summer bliss.

Summer Spa Offer per person

Valued at $280

AQUA Day Spa 14-16 Hastings Street Noosa Heads Qld 4567 Email: aquadayspa@sheraton.com SNR1384

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$195*

*Valid to 28/2/12 excluding 20/12/11 to 15/1/12. Subject to availability.

For bookings please call the Spa on 5449 4777 and quote PROFILE. Visit sheraton.com/noosa. profilemagazine

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vanity case

love and strife Love & Strife natural perfume oil, RRP $39.00 (5 ml). Hand-blended pure essential oils with a sparkling top note of French pink grapefruit oil and luscious heart of Bulgarian rose absolute – the traditional flower of love, and narcotic night blooming jasmine – the flower of lust and strife. Available online with shipping Australia-wide at www.aromantik.com.au

my little powder puff Kevin Murphy Powder Puff volumising powder for hair, $36.95. Available at Strut Hair, Maroochydore. Phone 5443 5605

bed of roses [A’kin] Pure Rose Hydrating Natural Face Mist, RRP $21.95. The [A’kin] range is available in David Jones, Priceline, health food stores and pharmacies. call 1800 631 283 or visit www.purist.com

the look of love

This month, our vanity case is bursting with romantic, soft sensual items to get you in the mood for love.

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Youngblood Eye-Illuminating Duo, RRP $35.95. Available from Kooshka Hair, Mooloolaba. Phone 5444 7715

surrender yourself

bathe me

Be Genki Serenity Body Oil, RRP $34.00. For stockists head to www.begenki.com

De Lorenzo ET dry shampoo with organic rosehip and rice extract, RRP $19.95. Available from Roca Verde, Mooloolaba.

Phone 5444 7200

love lustre Triple milled soap from Cristina Re Love & Lustre Collection, RRP $16.95. Available at Mimi’s, Mooloolaba, phone 5452 6522

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5444 7715 Shop 1, 20 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba

february 2012

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style counsel

ll photography ben connolly

grant smith

AT JUST 24, GRANT SMITH RUNS A MILLION DOLLAR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS, and IS AUSTRALIA’S YOUNGEST CENTURION EVER, PLACING HIM IN THE TOP 2 PER CENT OF 300,000 SALES PEOPLE WITH CENTURY 21 INTERNATIONALLY, FIVE YEARS IN A ROW. WE MEET GRANT TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT HIS IMPECCABLE SENSE OF STYLE, HIS LOVE OF LOUIS VUITTON AND HIS SHOE FETISH.

profile: What do you love most about your job? grant: It’s the people; it’s the passion and the feeling of accomplishment.

Changing people’s lives and being involved with the purchase or sale of their biggest asset is an absolute pleasure and honour. It’s something I don’t take lightly, I still wake up every day after so many years loving what I do with a passion. profile: What must-have item should all guys have in their wardrobe? grant: Every successful businessman should have a nice watch, wallet and shoes. The rest is the base, but these three items everyone will pay attention to. I am very fussy with my wardrobe and its presentation. On my must-have list is a black tie and white loafers; they are two items that seem to get constantly used in my wardrobe. profile: Do you have a favourite designer? grant: Without a doubt Louis Vuitton, its quality and style is timeless and its leather stationery goods hold a great subtle style. profile: Which male celeb do you think is the epitome of style and why? grant: I can’t say there is one, but I enjoy flicking through the pages of men’s style magazines, taking an idea and either working with something in my wardrobe that I have that’s similar or adding pieces to keep in with the looks.

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Natalie Miller

profile: What and where is your favourite boutique? grant: I wouldn’t say I have a favourite boutique, but I do enjoy shopping in Melbourne. I get most of my shoes from Mark Muir shoes, an importer of Italian leather shoes in Melbourne. Even the Gold Coast boutiques have some nice clothing. I look for something that isn’t standard that everyone wears. I like to be unique in what I wear. profile: What is your fashion fetish? grant: There is no doubt that this would be shoes, I have more than 70 pairs of shoes. It seems to be everywhere I go I buy shoes. I’m sure there are shoes in my wardrobe I haven’t even worn. Those who know me call the male Imelda Marcos, I do have quite the shoe collection. profile: What do you always carry with you? grant: It’s always the quick check of wallet, phone, keys and sunnies. The four items I never leave the house without. profile: What is your signature scent? grant: My signature scent would have to be Tom Ford Black Orchid, I’ve never smelt it on anyone else and it is such a unique, soft smell. I first smelt it on someone in America and I had to have it, so I bought it from the Tom Ford store in Las Vegas. I also have a number of other scents that I wear to match how I feel such as Prada, Chanel Allure, Armani and Issey Miyake.

profile: How would you describe your own style? grant: I don’t really have a set style, I’ll have different looks for different occasions. I love a relaxed resort look with loafers during the week, but at the same time I enjoy wearing a suit and getting dressed up.

profile: What is your best style tip? grant: I think the best style tip is that everyone should have a pair of white tailored shorts; they just seem to work well in any environment, either casual corporate or wine and lunch. I seem to always be looking for them when they are in the wash.

profile: What is your fashion inspiration? grant: I really feel comfortable in a relaxed short sleeve shirt and shorts, with a nice pair of loafers. We live on the Sunshine Coast; it’s a relaxed area so our dress sense should be too.

profile: What is your craziest fashion memory? grant: I remember when I was a kid I always had a thing for crazy patterned Okanui pants and moccasin shoes, it just seemed to be a look I went through for a few years.

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advice

plan ahead with Wade Blackford The new year is now well under way and I hope you’re all sticking to resolutions as we prepare to face another year.

The years seem to get shorter and shorter each time and Christmas comes around way too fast.

One of my new year’s resolutions is to be more organised and to help my clients do the same.

So how can you be more organised when it comes to your hair? One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to get those locks in order is to put a plan in place for the entire year.

What does this mean? You need to figure out how often you would like to have your cut and colour done and what day works best for you.

Then you can contact your stylist so they can book you in for the whole year.

The benefits of planning for your hair are surprisingly satisfying. You get the time and day you want every appointment, and you can plan your bookings around special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. You will also know how many times you’ll be visiting for the year and what services you’ll be having, which means you can work out how much you’re going to spend.

Ask your stylist to contact you a few days before as a reminder, but once you get into the groove and set up your diary you won’t look back. Imagine no more looking in the mirror then rushing to the phone and trying to make a last minute appointment.

colour much simpler. You know when you’ll be going to the salon, so you can start planning the big change earlier, like cutting out pictures and choosing colours. It’s much easier when you have a plan.

By the way, here are my favourite bloggers for February – www.kookooandtherabbit.com, blog.yimmyayo.com and oraclefox.blogspot. com.

Strut Hair and Beauty 5443 5605 www.struthair.com.au

With your appointments set in stone for the year it makes things like changing your cut or

summer essentials with Dr Alison Jamieson Be active this summer, but remember to protect yourself in the sun. The ocean is warm and it’s time to lose a few kilos and get that beach body back!

At this time of year it seems like everyone is out and about power walking, running or swimming.

I was quite proud of myself for managing to keep swimming all winter but now I can’t find a quiet lane to swim in. While exercise and the outdoor lifestyle is something we should all aspire to, we should also remember to protect ourselves from the dangers of skin cancer.

Dr David Simpson from Cozmedics says: “A study of marathon runners carried out in 2006 found that those who did the most outdoor exercise had far more abnormal moles and were likely to have an elevated risk of both melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma if not caught early enough, can be rapidly fatal and can affect all age groups, from children to the elderly. Treatments are very limited if it is not detected before it starts to spread.

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“Apart from skin cancer, exposure to strong sunlight ages the skin and leads to thickened, coarse skin with wrinkles and blotchy pigmentation as well as prominent small red blood vessels typically on the face and chest.

Prematurely aged skin is a typical finding in people who spend a lot of time outdoors.”

So what can we do to protect ourselves?

Choose a time when the sun is less intense.

Before 10:00am and after 4:00pm is a better choice than going out for a lunchtime swim.

Cover up, especially the most vulnerable areas of the body. Seeking shade or wearing a hat and covering your shoulders are far more effective than trying to filter the sun with sunscreens.

When shade is not an option, wear a rash vest and use a good quality sunscreen and reapply frequently. Unfortunately, many of the skin cancers we see affect the area around the nose, lips and eyes.

It’s important to protect these areas with shade,

at least factor 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses.

We often associate having a tan with being healthy, but why not get a spray tan?

Treatments such as photodynamic therapy are also available for sun-damaged skin, which can not only remove pre-cancerous cells but also improve the overall health, look and feel of the skin.

Finally, get your skin checked at least once a year, and also before having any skin treatments carried out.

COZmedics Medispas – Noosa, Maroochydore, Ascot, Kenmore 1300 792 299 www.cozmedics.com.au

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HAIR STUDIO

february 2012

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the good life

words genine howard ll photography ben connolly

The Sunshine Coast is a natural place to get outdoors and get healthy. Profile’s Genine Howard talks with personal trainer and owner of Active Living dan sullivan to find out his secrets to health success and discovers that even personal trainers need to work on their fitness!

D

an Sullivan is one determined man, a man who followed his dreams and started a personal training business and gym out of a basement car park in Mooloolaba with a few rusty dumb bells and an old bike. It was 2003. What a year that was for Dan – in the same year he started Active Living, his father (his number one mentor) passed away, as did a close friend, and he also met the girl of his dreams – his now-wife and mother to his two beautiful girls. Today, Active Living is a roaring success, having developed into a wellness company with a holistic approach to health and fitness. Dan happily balances his passion for fitness with his three loving girls.

dan sullivan

profile: What is your personal philosophy when it comes to health and well-being? dan: Imagine your body as a Ferrari or a huge diamond ring, would you protect it? Nurture it? Like to show it off and be proud of it? Everyone has a Ferrari and a huge diamond ring, it’s your body, it’s you … no one can take that away from you. Cultivate your spirit to be the best you can be by having a schmicko vehicle to drive in.

profile: What health tips do you swear by? dan: My daily fit five. 1. Daily movement action – move your body some way every day. 2. Daily eat well action – make a point of having fruit and vegies every day. 3. Daily feel good action – make someone else feel good about themselves, you will feel good in return. 4. Daily learning action – learn something today you didn’t know yesterday. 5. Daily relaxation action – purposeful voidness, release the chatter from your mind … meditation is great.

profile: Do you consider yourself a fit and healthy person? dan: Fitness is a broad term which I don’t believe relates to your physical capabilities alone. I consider the physical, chemical, emotional, mental and spiritual states. Although these dimensions of wellness change every day with me I would currently rate myself a seven out of 10 overall.

profile: What reality TV show would you be most likely to appear on? dan: World’s Strictest Parents, there would be no jeans halfway down the legs or lumps of steel in ears, I think I could have some fun with this. On a serious note, education starts at home and discipline is essential if you want to lead a successful life.

profile: How do you keep fit and healthy? dan: First and foremost my attitude, secondly set goals, and last but not least, turn up, give 100 per cent and keep doing it.

profile: Favourite pastime or hobby? dan: I love my media room, snuggling up watching movies with my wife, especially the old ones from the 1940s starring Charlie Chaplin or John Wayne.

profile: What sports and fitness activities do you participate in? dan: Genetically I am a power athlete, however, I am quite partial to endurance activities these days – triathlons, marathons and adventure racing. profile: What’s your favourite ‘good’ food? dan: Olives, olives and more olives – I love eating olives with my gals at 5:30pm and discussing the events of our days. profile: What’s your favourite ‘indulgence’ food? dan: Mount Vesuvius pizza from Augello’s, it’s the best! I was banned from having them once and it nearly destroyed me. profile: Western medicine or natural medicine? What’s your preference? dan: Both have a place in our society, it’s more a question of reactive or proactive. Proactive all the way. Your best insurance policy is taking responsibility for your actions.

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profile: What would your dream job be? dan: I would love to travel, attend every major sporting event in the world, write about them and present a documentary. profile: What’s your favourite spot here at home? How do you explore your region? dan: Noosa National Park – I have a lot of fond memories as a child spending summers there. Generally, I explore the region via swimming, running and cycling. profile: Greatest sporting achievement? dan: Completing the New York City Marathon, it reminded me of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I questioned every facet of my life from my purpose to my basic physiological requirements – an absolutely amazing experience. profilemag.com.au

l i p o d i s s o l ve

f a t disso lv ing injec t io ns

A non-surgical solution for Fat Reduction Pay for 3 treatments now and save $450 Offer valid until March 30, 2012

“An amazing procedure that melts away fat in hard to lose places: love handles, tummy, hips, buttocks and thighs�

Dr Hugo Pin MD (Fra) Peregian Beach 1300 698 346

1300 MY VEIN www.sunshineveinclinic.com.au

february 2012

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life

top tips to confidence with Maggie Wilde “It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.” Author unknown To create a confident approach to relationships, career and goals, it is important to develop strategies that can easily transform self doubt, procrastination or fear into confidence, focus and determination.

According to research, the world’s biggest fears are: fear of getting older or dying; fear of public speaking; fear of bees; fear of rejection and fear of what others might think / making mistakes.

Overcoming fears four and five may just be the key to creating inner confidence and a focused approach to a happier attitude about our life, relationships and careers.

Often people unconsciously repeat patterns of unhelpful behaviour or thought processes based on these or similar fears. They therefore procrastinate or sabotage their goals and dreams. If that’s not good enough for you, you

might consider my top strategy for building confidence – turn your inner critic into your inner coach.

3. Let the fear of making mistakes go once and for all. We can’t grow if we don’t learn from mistakes.

Many people have experienced that inner critic or know someone who has. That niggling voice in the back of the mind: ‘You shouldn’t’, ‘You’re too this or too that’, ‘You’re not good enough’, ‘What’s the point?’, ‘Others are better’, ‘What would people think?’. Imagine how different it would be if you could transform that unhelpful dialogue into an inner confidence coach – all it takes is a little vigilance and practice to catch the critic and replace it. Next time you hear that inner critic … ask yourself, ‘What would my inner coach say instead?’

4. Do one thing different each week – step out of your comfort zone.

Key confidence strategies:

Maggie Wilde Confidence Coaching & Hypnotherapy Centre 1300 664 544 www.maggiewilde.com

1. Be aware of and swap the inner critic to confidence coach support.

5. Use mind rehearsal – see and feel with all of your senses your success now.

6. Do a belief audit regularly.

7. Be on alert for the ‘I can’t / I shouldn’t’ syndrome and change it to ‘I can … I do’.

8. Write a list of your good points and read them to yourself every day.

9. If these symptoms persist, seek help from a professional.

2. Do it anyway – what’s the worst that can happen?

This Year, Find Time For Yourself.

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Fernwood Maroochydore Call 5479 0744 Sunshine Homemaker Centre fernwoodfitness.com.au facebook.com/fernwoodfitness

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Not as happy as you used to be?

Are stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia or ADHD overwhelming you?

Are anti-depressants not working for you? Find out why.

Do you find yourself irritated, not able to feel excited, or constantly thinking negatively? Do you have trouble sleeping, your mind won’t stop racing, or you wake too often through the night? Do you get anxiety at bed time where you can hear your heart beating while your head is on the pillow?

One single underlying issue can cause all of these symptoms including anxiety, nervousness, depression, or lack of excitement and motivation for life. Stress feels overwhelming, and little upsets cause feelings of anger. Palpitations, excessive heat in the body, tingling in the hands or feet, irritable bowel syndrome, foggy brain and lack of concentration including ADHD in children, can also be present. Often these symptoms have been going on for months, years or even decades. You may suffer just a few of the above symptoms or perhaps all of them.

The cause has been found in the gut and seems to be widespread throughout the community. It is a malicious infection mainly picked up from travelling overseas, or having contact with someone who has travelled, which is often only

detected in specialised testing. This infection has been shown to release a neuronal toxin, affecting the nervous system physically and mentally. It has not often been associated with mental health conditions even though studies are available showing its impact on the brain.

It can be passed on from person to person very easily, and so more than one person in a household may be suffering from similar symptoms and both may be affected.

Often, sufferers are able to correlate the first sign of symptoms, coinciding with a trip overseas where they experienced a tummy bug causing diarrhoea or vomiting. Australia is so close to the Indonesian countries it can be transmitted from, and Australians travel there often for their holidays, so imagine the number of people returning who could be infected and how it can be passed on quite easily through schools, day care centres, or places of work.

Fortunately it is quite easy to address, and most symptoms are relieved as soon as the infection has been eradicated. I have seen patients who have suffered depression for four decades, and after treatment for one month

have improved out of sight. Other patients have shown improvement after just one week of treatment.

Bacterial infections are just one part of a seven step process for permanently treating mental health conditions. These steps have been proven with testing to improve the brain function immeasurably, without the help of medication, in adults and children for all mental health conditions. If you would like to know more, please call the clinic for a free half hour consultation to find out how this process can help you. www.advancedwellness.com.au Jodi Chapman B.H.Sc. Naturopath Suzi Le Fanue BSc(BMed) ND Naturopath & Nutritionist

Advanced Wellness & Behavioural Centre 5443 1987 44 Baden Powell St, Maroochydore

Sharing your journey for life

Sunshine Coast Fertility Specialists: Dr George Bogiatzis, Nr Denise Donati, Dr Rebecca Matthews (Scientific Director), Dr Kirsten Morrow, Dr James Orford (Medical Director)

• • •

After hours private consultations and semen analysis are available by appointment call

1300 FERTILITY (337 845) • •

february 2012

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life

fertility first steps with Denise Donati Taking the first step to talk to someone about your situation is perhaps one of the hardest steps you will ever make – it is difficult acknowledging that you may need assistance to start your family and it can be very confronting.

Be sure to choose a team that will strive to meet your emotional, physical and spiritual needs and provide clear and comprehensive information so you know you can participate in and make well-informed decisions about their investigations and treatment. You also need a team who will work closely with you to provide you with the best chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Where do we start?

The current definition of infertility is failure to conceive (or carry a pregnancy to a live birth) after one year of unprotected intercourse if under 35 years of age or six months if over 35.

Of course, if there is a known factor that will affect fertility such as ovulation disorder (polycystic ovarian syndrome), endometriosis or a low sperm count, fertility treatment should be accessed

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as soon as possible. For women aged 40 and over, it is recommended that investigations are commenced after three months of trying to get pregnant without success, as female age is one of the most important predictors of whether pregnancy will be achieved.

Before commencing treatment, patients need to see a fertility specialist, although many clinics offer an initial free, private consultation with a fertility nurse. When you call a clinic ask if you can see a nurse for a free chat first and also ask the clinic staff if after hours initial consultations are offered as this helps to reduce the time you have to take off work.

The initial consultation Prior to commencing treatment with a fertility clinic, you (and your partner) will be asked to provide some initial information which will help the nurse prepare for your visit. The amount of detail required will vary from clinic to clinic so make sure you phone around and ask to see a copy of the information they require. The more

detailed the information the easier it is to tailor a treatment plan for you as this information can help guide decisions.

You and your partner will also need to have some routine tests performed. Some of these will need to be repeated every year or so.

Your initial consultation with a nurse or fertility specialist will allow them to gather all the relevant information regarding your circumstances, medical condition and previous care in order to provide the direction for your future treatment.

Both partners are encouraged to attend this appointment.

Fertility Solutions Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg 1300 FERTILITY (337 845) www.fssc.com.au

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life

the development of orthotics with Tyson Franklin When I first graduated from podiatry in 1988 there was just one method of making orthotics.

You took a plaster cast of the patient’s foot and sent the casts to a lab to be made. This was the norm.

This casting technique presented a few problems.

Firstly, the patient had to be relaxed when you took the cast and secondly, if you were sending it to a lab, you had to wait 24 hours for it to set properly, otherwise it could be damaged.

In 1988 orthotics were made from a plastic type of material, ranging from hard to very hard. The only difference between a sport orthotic and a standard orthotic was a cushioned top cover, which wore out.

In 1988, a patient would have to wait two weeks before their orthotics were ready to fit – which seems ridiculous when a patient is in pain.

february 2012

Move ahead 20 years and what has changed?

Well, for some podiatrists not much – they still take plaster casts, send them off to a lab and wait two weeks to do the fitting, however more and more podiatrists are starting to use computer scanning technology to speed up this process and also offer a range of softer orthotic materials – similar to those materials used in athletic footwear. So now a ‘sport orthotic’ is a sport orthotic – which can be made from a different material to a standard orthotic.

Scanning a patient’s foot speeds up the process because the podiatrist can now design the orthotic on site and email this information directly to the lab; meaning the turnaround time is reduced to five to seven days.

could be done faster, so my clinic purchased its own milling machine last year – which meant we could design and make orthotics within 24 hours – at no additional cost to the patient.

Very few podiatry clinics have their own milling machine because of the costs; however in another 20 years I think it will become the norm, because in 1988 and I’m showing my age here – I didn’t even own a computer.

Proarch Podiatry 1300 776 272 www.proarch.com.au

Foot scanning was definitely the way of the future and I got involved in 2006, however I knew it

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on the table

a touch of romance cookies and cream baked cheesecake

I

am so excited about this recipe. Who doesn’t love anything to do with cookies and cream? Now you can enjoy this delightfully guilt-free cheesecake with your Valentine – no love handles here! You don’t get a huge serve, but it is quite rich, so remember everything in moderation is the key to weight loss success.

Annette

with Annette Sym Symply Too Good To Be True author www.symplytoogood.com.au

Cookies and cream baked cheesecake (serves 12) ingredients filling •• 500g low-fat cottage cheese •• 125g 80 per cent less fat cream cheese •• ½ teaspoon vanilla essence •• 1 whole egg

method Preheat oven 160ºC fan forced.

To make base: In a food processor crumble biscuits until fine crumbs appear. Add in milk and blend together. Coat a pie plate with cooking spray and press biscuit mix onto base of plate.

Refrigerate while making the filling.

To make filling: Clean food processor bowl and blade. Blend cottage cheese in processor until •• 1 x 400g can light condensed milk very smooth. Add cream cheese, vanilla essence •• 25g (5 squares) dark cooking chocolate and eggs and combine well. Pour into a large bowl grated then add condensed milk. Combine well using an electric beater. Pour half of the filling into another •• ¼ cup cocoa bowl. Add grated chocolate and sifted cocoa base to one of the bowls and combine using electric •• 12 choc chip Vive Lites biscuits (Paradise®) beater. Pour the white filling over biscuit base then carefully pour the chocolate filling in a zig •• 1 tablespoon skim milk zag pattern. Bake for 45 minutes. Leave to cool.

•• cooking spray Refrigerate until required.

•• 1 egg white

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with Dr Plonk www.drplonk.com.au

Shall I compare thee to a rosé? Semi-romantic words with Valentine’s Day looming large and poor romantic saps like me unsure of the right expression of one’s true love. Nouveau or naughty indulgences seem to be successful, but not just another box of chocolates and frilly knickers. A bottle of rosé and a romantic dinner will do. Unfortunately, the good name of rosé has been tarnished, if not destroyed, by cheap European imports and previously poorly made Australian examples.

Rosé is not just mixing white and red, except in champagne rosé, to give a pink, sweet, thin-looking wine. Good examples are made from red grapes and may include grenache, shiraz and pinot noir, depending on the region. Minimal skin contact, sometimes only six to 12 hours, and cooling the process down allow the skins from the red grapes to impart structure from tannins and colour without overpowering the wine. Depending on the style, the wine can be as dry as any red or semi sweet, but all have some balance of acid and mild tannin to make a palatable drink.

I recently travelled to McLaren Vale and had some crackers. For a fuller fruit style try the Woodstock grenache rosé 2011. It has aromas of strawberries and rose petals with a juicy mouth feel, balanced with some fruit acids. Take your Valentine out for a tangy Thai prawn dish. The Minko pinot noir rosé 2011 has a reserved nose of strawberries and cherries with a much tighter palate, giving good length. This would balance with twice cooked pork belly and aromatic glaze. If you need a little lift to treat yourself as well as your Valentine, try some Bollinger rosé non-vintage champagne. Bubbles and diamonds are a girl’s best friends.

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ALL YOU CAN EAT MEZZE $24PP

february 2012

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travelfile

ll words genine howard

noosa springs resort

When locals think of Noosa Springs Resort they think of weddings and golf. But there is much more to this Tuscaninspired oasis. Genine Howard takes the challenge to discover all that Noosa Springs Resort, Noosa, has to offer … and, well, fell in love.

N

oosa Springs Resort has seen more weddings than Elizabeth Taylor – it is as well-known for its spectacular events as it is for its 18-hole championship golf course. Being a local for a few years now (can I call myself a local yet?) I had always thought of Noosa Springs as an enigma in the Noosa region – it sounded like an exotic oasis that I hoped to see one day and explore, although I wasn’t too sure of what to expect there. Was it a residential community? Was it a resort? Didn’t it have an amazing spa? Wasn’t it for golfers? As I discovered, Noosa Springs Resort is all of that … and more.

I decided to take my husband, Rowan, on a romantic weekend away and indulge in our two passions – his; golf, and mine; a good old day spa pamper session. So the idea was that we each indulge in the others favourite pastime.

Yes, that meant I had to play golf – certainly not high up on my list of favourite pastimes – and he had to come with me for some good girly pampering. I always find golf to be one of those sports that is really hard to be good at, and my competitive nature and ego usually get a bruising each time I play, hence I avoid the game at all costs.

So when I relented and agreed to play on the superb Noosa Springs golf

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course, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did few of my balls find large holes filled with water, many of them actually made it into the correct small holes. Rowan played far better, of course, but all-in-all I played well enough to not have to run around the table with my pants down (although I suspect that might be a different game).

The golf course is really quite stunning, even for non-golfers to appreciate.

I was advised on good authority (my husband), that the course is one of Australia’s best resort courses and offers a night time practice range (for golfers with insomnia?). We had a motorised golf cart which made the experience even more enjoyable, complete with its own esky. Thoughtful!

My next task was to drag my husband off for a few hours of pampering in Noosa Springs Day Spa. I had arranged for us to indulge in a hydromassage and steam experience so we could enjoy the spa together. However, on arrival we were both whisked off separately through the corridors and rooms of the spa to the gender-specific dressing rooms, unsure if we were to ever see each other again. After changing into swimwear, dressing gown and slippers, I was ushered along to the hydromassage pool. Hooray! There was my husband waiting for me patiently in the pool. Well, realistically he had started without

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travelfile me and was already a pile of relaxed muscles in the mass of watery jets. The hydromassage pool is really quite incredible and felt akin to an ancient Roman spa, without the Romans and aqueducts. It is an indoor pool filled with all sorts of underwater massage jets, bubbles and showers designed to pound tired muscles and stimulate circulation. I was dubious at first and thought Rowan would be bored and get out in the first five minutes, but before we knew it we had been soaking and bubbling away for nearly an hour! After a quick shower, we each popped in and used the steam rooms and the infrared saunas just for good measure, before rinsing off our rejuvenated bodies and being shown to a relaxation room for more bubbles (the alcoholic kind) and fresh fruit. Delightful!

The spa at Noosa Springs is simply amazing. Modelled on Roman spas of old, the concept is to provide guests with the ultimate day of relaxation, from the hydromassage pool to its luxurious change rooms and relaxation areas to its flotation pool and, of course, beauty and therapeutic treatments. They even have a scary-looking blitz shower that shoots out thousands of icy water jets at you from all angles. We decided to give that one a miss.

Clearly famished from all the golfing and pampering, we took our rejuvenated bodies and hungry tummies down to Relish Restaurant at the resort’s clubhouse. The restaurant offered us a couple of options, from a casual sandwich in the café area to a la carte dining overlooking the golf course.

Keen to continue the romance we settled for a nice table in the restaurant and enjoyed a sensational meal from its extensive menu. While running the risk of sounding like a brochure, the menu really did have something for everyone, from seared scallop salad (my favourite) to roasted duck and pork belly to fish and chips, all well-priced and five-star standard in a relaxed setting (I am getting hungry just thinking about the food again!).

Back to my challenge. To confirm that Noosa Springs Resort was indeed a place to stay for tourists and locals alike, we needed to test out the accommodation. We chose a two-bedroom golf apartment overlooking the course. Now here is where confusion could easily set in – the apartments were not like any hotel we had stayed in. In fact, you could literally move right on into the apartments and live happily with everything you need. Indeed many have! Usually reserved for golfies (not sure if that’s what you call them

but let’s for the purpose of this article) and retirees, many of the apartments were occupied permanently – and why wouldn’t you? There is, of course, a separate residential community located just next door with some 299 resident allotments (the resort and residential area covers 103 hectares!).

The accommodation is just stunning – two spacious bedrooms, two good-sized bathrooms, large open-plan living areas and kitchens complete with dishwasher and modern appliances, but best of all two private balconies, with one looking directly out to the golf course so you can watch the pros in action while sipping on a chardy. Although we only live 40 minutes away from the resort, we did feel completely removed and as if we were on holiday.

So what about the weddings? As I mentioned, Noosa Springs is well-known for its weddings so I decided to find out what all the fuss was about. General manager Mark Brady took us on a tour of the resort and its conference / event facilities; I must say that if I were to get married again (it was a consideration if the romantic weekend turned bad) then Noosa Springs would be high on my list. What a gorgeous setting – Mark pointed out a plethora of romantic ceremony settings throughout the resort and flicked through a few wedding albums showing picturesque settings for photography. The function rooms were stunning, spilling out to a private terrace overlooking the golf course and big enough to cater for the largest of receptions. You can easily see why this place is a popular choice for both local and international couples.

Challenge achieved. We ate, stayed, played, relaxed and discovered the secrets of Noosa Springs Resort and found that there is so much more to this resort than weddings and golf. I, for one, will certainly be back for all that it has to offer. Maybe just not for the weddings; after all, I’m not Elizabeth Taylor!

Links Drive, Noosa Heads Phone 5440 3333 www.noosasprings.com.au • 18-hole championship golf course • World-class spa • Relish restaurant and function / conference rooms • Tennis court, fitness centre and heated 25 metre swimming pool • Resort accommodation

Supporting Queensland Tourism: Profile Magazine, a privatelyowned Queensland business, is doing its part to promote Queensland tourism destinations.

private balcony

18-hole championship golf course

february 2012

hydromassage pool

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PREMIUM COOKING APPLIANCE SPECIALIST NO-ONE DOES KITCHENS BETTER!

MAROOCHYDORE

THE COOKING SPECIALIST www.harveynorman.com.au

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Shop 5, Sunshine Homemaker Centre, 100 Maroochydore Rd 5452 7144 (Computers/Electrical only)

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• Pre-purchase cooking demonstrations • Extensive product range and expert guidance • Post-purchase cooking demonstrations • Continued support for the lifetime of your product • Purchasing privileges for life • Excellence in customer service

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abode

ride in style Ride in colourful style with the Electra Peacock Bike, RRP $799.

Visit www.bicyclestore.com.au

holiday fever Feel like you are on a tropical holiday with this bright vintage print. Prices start at RRP $25 for a 30cm x 43cm Citrosano paper print. Visit www.vintagevenus.com.au

light my day Helena pendant light in yellow with white accents, RRP $169.

Available from beacon lighting. www.beaconlighting.com.au

Add a juicy pop of citrus flair to your life with these lively, citrus-coloured accessories for the home and beyond.

with Belle Hemming Interior Designer www.spaceplanners.com.au

fashion for the floor relax with wings

This Akira Haru rug is from the latest rug collection from Akira Isogowa & Designer Rugs. A contemporary play of traditional Japanese patterns and colours. Made from 100 per cent New Zealand wool. Available from Designer Rugs Fortitude Valley, phone 3852 6433

Yellow and white striped butterfly chair available with stainless steel or white frame. Visit Angelucci 20th Century – www.angelucci.net.au

eames styling Replica Eames Chair in lime green, RRP $299.

Visit www.sokol.com.au

colour in the kitchen outdoor living with bondi Add a splash of colour and print to your outdoor space with the latest Bondi collection of outdoor fabrics from Warwick Fabrics. Visit www.warwick.com.au

february 2012

The iconic Retro Smeg Refrigerator is now available in many wonderful colours. Visit www.smeg.com.au

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milestones

ll words alli grant

W

ayne Patten is a director with PJT Accounts & Business Advisors, a proactive accounting firm based in Kawana. Quick to brush off the typical accountant stereotype, Wayne would prefer to grab a beer with his clients than spend hours locked away with a calculator, crunching numbers. In fact, PJT was set up not just to complete tax returns but to help people realise their dreams. He’s also into cars – after racing a car around Bathurst, he definitely caught the ‘fast car’ bug. But PJT is definitely his focus. As well as offering services in the compliance field of work, PJT has a very strong focus on business development strategies, financial planning, wealth creation and superannuation strategies which are designed to add specific value to each client’s business.

Life changing milestone 1: Purchasing a large accounting business at 27 in 2003 When I was 27 I made the transition from manager in a large, long-standing accounting firm to business owner of that firm, after just five years in the accounting industry. My clients don’t see me as a typical accountant, hidden away crunching the numbers, as I am much more likely to be out enjoying a beer and talking business with them.

Life changing milestone 2: Complete overhaul of business in 2007 In 2007 my partners and I began the huge transformation of PJT. We wanted to be more than a typical accounting firm (one that just did things like tax returns and financial statements). We wanted to change people’s lives, realise their dreams, and be their partner in achieving phenomenal success – financially and work / life balance-wise.

We realigned our goals and developed a comprehensive business strategy (that frequently gets reviewed). At least 50 per cent of our business is dedicated purely to business advisory services. We take the time to visit with our clients onsite regularly, always keeping in touch with their latest issues. This has sheltered many of our clients from the worst of the global financial crisis.

The change in focus gave us (the partners) a far better work / life balance.

Life changing milestone 3: Racing a car around Bathurst in the Shannons Nationals round in 2008 I raced around Bathurst after just six professional races, having watched Peter Brock, Dick Johnson and Allan Moffat for years beforehand, and realised a huge childhood dream of mine. This was a challenging and exhilarating moment being on such a dream track for the first time surrounded by 50 other 60

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cars with blind corners and a track disappearing over the skyline, all filmed on national television. This moment proved to me that you really can achieve anything you dream if you want to. I have registered to do the seven Shannons Nationals events which will be televised on SBS, One and Fox Sports. I enjoy the mateship with the crew, which is made up of friends and family.

Life changing milestone 4: Deciding to focus on the hotel industry in the late ‘90s / early 2000s I’ve always been interested in the hotel industry (who doesn’t love going to the pub?), and early in my career I knew I wanted to specialise in working with hoteliers. I worked hard over the years to learn the ins and outs of how to make a hotel successful, establishing a name for myself and becoming familiar with the industry. I even bought a pub of my own along the way (The Empire in Roma). I’m very passionate about the hotel industry. I spend a lot of the time out of the office, travelling around Queensland meeting with regional pub clients in their businesses, but it’s not a chore for me as I truly enjoy meeting clients on their premises and working with them to make their pubs the best they can be. Best of all, I help a lot of good regional pubs avoid closing down.

When we recently came back from Christmas holidays, I returned to several inquiries in my inbox from pub owners around the state wanting advice – you know you’ve done well establishing yourself as an industry authority when people approach you! It’s nice not looking for leads any more, and having people come to you for advice.

Life changing milestone 5: Being a keynote speaker at the BStar International Conference in 2011 Last year I had the honour of being a keynote speaker at the BStar International Conference. This is a conference for business owners and advisers in specialist industries – i.e. hotels, farming etc. This was a big deal for me, as public speaking has never been my thing, let alone in front of 300 plus people from my industry. It was a huge step outside my comfort zone, as I usually engage with business owners one-on-one. To be considered expert enough to share my skills and experience was a fantastic compliment. And I must have done an alright job, as I have been invited back to speak again this year.

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scbwn feature

The Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (SCBWN) is a dynamic force on the Coast. Boasting more than over 400 members and a plethora of knowledge, the network provides inspiration and connections for women in business. As an advocate of women in business, profile magazine is proud to highlight some of the talented SCBWN members in our quarterly feature.

Enjoy meeting the members! For more information on the network and how you can join, head to www.scbwn.org.au.

Pikki Street Corporate Centre

anna oliver Anna Oliver, owner of Pikki Street serviced offices says, “A serviced office is an office that can be rented on a casual or monthly basis and includes a receptionist, furniture, electricity and other extras. Once I describe our services, people understand and are quite surprised that this service has been available in the area for seven years.

“Research shows us that a high majority of Australians, especially Sunshine Coast residents, work from home,” Anna explains.

“Our virtual telephone answering service takes the home business to the next step. Our clients can divert their mobiles or home numbers to a dedicated line at Pikki Street Corporate Centre when they are in a meeting or simply doing paperwork. We can answer their phone in their company name. We can make appointments for them, do quotes, typing, collect their mail and they can even meet their clients in one of our meeting rooms.

“This service offers clients a professional presence for their business for the cost of a couple of coffees per day.”

Phone 5452 9800 www.pikkistreet.com

EXHALE AUSTRALIA

AINSLIE BRODIE and kylie brown Exhale Australia is an online active wear store that stocks high-profile brands from the US. The company was launched in 2011 by codirectors Kylie Brown and Ainslie Brodie who both returned to Australia last year with their families after long stints overseas.

Kylie and Ainslie were searching for high-quality, versatile and stylish active wear so started sourcing brands that were both new to Australia and ticked the boxes in terms of practicality, style, versatility, price, quality, and, of course, comfort.

Brands featured in the range include Prana, Our Love Yoga, Royal Plush, So Low and Omgirl.

Exhale’s vision is to provide customers with a range of active wear that easily transitions into leisure wear so you feel confident, stylish and ready to tackle anything life throws at you.

To view the full range of Exhale clothing visit the store online or if you would prefer to get up close and personal you can also book a group viewing for you and your friends.

Phone 0488 099 651 www.exhaleaustralia.com

PHOENIX MEMORIALS

SUE MCLEISH Families are becoming more involved in organising their loved one’s funeral and more thought is going into how they would like them to be remembered for generations, seeking beautiful creations that represent the life their loved one lived.

Phoenix Memorials has taken this one step further, producing diamonds from human / pets ashes and hair. A very special heirloom for generations. Not everyone can afford a diamond this is why Phoenix Memorials also creates other stunning pieces not normally seen in the memorial industry – lead crystal wind chimes, heart-shaped orbs, unique stirling silver bracelets and the latest stainless steel / silicon design for men. Customdesigned resin pendants with the ashes and symbolic features are also popular.

The company’s latest product is designed to help teenagers grieve for the loss their mate.

The R.I.P bands are made of silicon and have a full colour image and inscription printed on the band. R.I.P bands are delivered in time for the funeral. Individual images and inscriptions are all part of the service Phoenix Memorials provides to families. “We are passionate about our products and helping families in their grieving process”, says Sue. www.phoenixmemorials.com.au www.ripbands.com.au | 0407 276 248 sue@phoenixmemorials.com.au

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scbwn feature naomi doyle

STEPS ahead

Stewart Tandy & Assoc.

Licensed real estate agent Naomi Doyle has built a strong reputation for achieving exceptional results and delivering work to uncompromisingly high standards in a range of property sectors on the Sunshine Coast over the past 20 years. A natural communicator and networker, Naomi is ideally placed to connect buyers and sellers.

She has an extensive contact base, both locally and throughout Queensland, established through active engagement with the community on many platforms. Her involvement as a member of the SCBWN (and she was a finalist for Corporate Business Women of the Year), for several years provides an understanding of local market trends and opportunities. On a personal level, Naomi interacts with local sporting and cultural groups and enjoys golf with family and friends.

In property development, Naomi has co-directed joint ventures in commercial and residential projects. As such, Naomi is conversant in dealing with local council in relation to planning issues of re-zoning and development, at one stage acting as an industry representative to State Government in relation to changes to the building industry.

Naomi Doyle Phone 0418 154 836 naomi@stewarttandy.com.au

CARMEL CROUCH

Koko Homewares

Toni Reedman

Carmel Crouch Managing Director of diverse community based organisation Steps Group Australia has hit success in the group’s latest workshop delivered through their education centre The George Street Academy.

Koko Homewares was established in Mooloolaba by owner Toni Reedman in December 2002. Now located in Buderim, with a second larger boutique in Emporium, Brisbane, the Koko philosophy of stylish, specialty retail continues.

The niche course First Impressions is designed to teach ladies of all ages how to best apply makeup for a fresh, natural and beautiful look, tips on styling hair to suit individual face shape, and how to dress to impress in the workforce.

The course uncovers industry ‘secrets’, powerful first impressions, who can wear red lippie and even how age changes makeup application.

Toni travels both domestically and internationally several times a year to source a unique mix of products. The carefully chosen range of homeware, giftware and fashion accessories is fused with both recognisable brands and unique pieces.

First Impressions is a great course for those entering or re entering the workforce, for women who feel the need to brush up on their personal presentation skills, and for young women who are yet to learn them.

Carmel has been thrilled with the overwhelming response to the course and genuine positive feedback saying ‘everyone leaves with a new found sense of self confidence which truly is the most powerful contributor to a great first impression’.

Phone 1300 886 062 www.tgsa.com.au

The Koko team is committed to providing a contemporary range, creative mechanising and friendly service. Though based locally, the small team thinks big, with a design aesthetic referenced globally but focused on the Queensland lifestyle.

With a clear vision of the Koko brand and customer base, Toni aims to expand Koko Homewares into the exciting world of e-tail in the near future.

The Koko team looks forward to welcoming new and existing customers soon. Visit the store online and register for their newsletter for all the latest Koko news.

Phone 5326 1008 www.kokohomewares.com.au

YOU’VE GOT 30 SECONDS... CONTACT US TODAY That’s how long you have to create a great first impression on your prospective employer.

aFTeR

Ready to get the edge at your next interview?

BeFoRe

february 2012

Our First Impressions Workshop will teach you practical skills in wardrobe, makeup and hair styling… and much more!

a 9 George St. Caloundra Qld 4551 P 1300 886 0622 e info@tgsa.com.au

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pay off your home sooner in 2012 with Linda Ireland Kick-start 2012 with some tips to pay off your home sooner.

Pay more regularly: By paying a loan fortnightly or weekly rather than monthly, you can save thousands of dollars in interest. If you pay monthly, you make 12 payments per year. If you split your monthly repayment into two and pay fortnightly, you make the equivalent of 13 monthly repayments per year.

Regular extra repayments: Just paying a little extra every month can have a big impact. Based on a loan of $300,000 at 6.3 per cent over 25 years, if you pay an extra $50 each month, the loan will be repaid about 18 months earlier and you will reduce the interest owed by $24,000.

Extra bulk repayments: Making a lump sum payment into a loan can make a substantial difference. Say a borrower received a bonus of $1,000. If this was deposited during the first month into a loan of $300,000 at 6.3 per cent over 25 years, it would reduce the overall term by two months and the total repayments by more than $4,000.

Make it automatic: Use internet banking to make your repayments automatic and align them with your pay cycle. This will help with budgeting and will ensure none are missed.

Offset account: A mortgage offset account is attached to your home loan account, acting as a savings account and allowing you to make withdrawals. It offsets the interest owed on your loan. If you have a $200,000 home loan and $15,000 in your offset account, you will only be paying interest on $185,000. Used correctly, this feature will not only reduce the interest you pay but also the life of your loan.

All-in-one facilities: All-in-one facilities save interest by having all of the borrower’s income credited to the loan account, immediately reducing the loan balance. The loan account effectively becomes the borrower’s only banking facility, as access to the funds is by way of cheques and / or debit or credit cards.

Transfer your loan: If you think you might want to move, make sure your lender will allow you to transfer your loan to another property and not overcharge you to do so. If your loan isn’t portable, you are likely to incur discharge costs and new establishment fees, not to mention possible lender’s mortgage insurance.

Refinance: If you currently have additional home loan features you don’t use, consider saving money by refinancing to a loan with a more basic product offering a lower interest rate and / or lower fees.

Professional packages: Consider professional packages, which offer reduced interest rates and a range of features in return for an annual fee.

They often have credit cards and other product discounts attached.

Mortgage Choice 5476 9333 linda.ireland@mortgagechoice.com.au

Pay your fees and charges upfront: If your lender allows you to pay your fees and charges upfront, you will not be forced to pay interest on the amount, saving you money.

Turbo ChargeYour Business Business Advice

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Superannuation

Grow Wealth

Improve Cash Flow

Financial Planning

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business

financial infidelity – it is real with Leisa Toomey I have previously discussed this topic, but as a result of the number of clients I see who are victims of financial infidelity I thought I would raise it again.

In layman terms, financial infidelity is a term coined to describe the activities of a partner who is hiding the real financial picture from you.

It comes in many guises but in its simplest form it could be anything from secret shopping to having secret credit cards. However, at the other end of the scale it could be gambling debts or a business venture that has gone bad – and it could be eating away the equity you have in your home – all without your knowledge.

There are many reasons people seek to hide the truth from their partner. They range from being ashamed of their actions; to a sense of entitlement; to being scared about what their partner will say or do when the truth inevitably

comes out. Unfortunately, many people don’t know that their partner has been financially unfaithful until it is too late and there is a large debt to be paid off or they no longer have an asset worth what they thought it was.

However, you can have some degree of protection by ensuring you and your partner have a basic understanding of where each other is at financially. Even if one person handles the finances in the relationship, the other should at least understand the basics of how much is being spent and how much is being saved.

find that they ended up with a massive debt after they separated and the business subsequently collapsed.

The bottom line is that lack of honesty can and does ruin marriages, especially when it comes to finances. So be upfront with each other, obtain independent advice if necessary, and ensure your financial future is as protected as it can be.

Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers 5413 8900 www.stolaw.com.au

It is important to also seek the advice of your accountant or solicitor when committing to large business dealings to ensure you fully understand your obligations, especially if you will not be actively involved in the business. I see way too many couples who did not realise the implications of acting as a guarantor for their spouse only to

NoosaCare Inc.

NoosaCare Inc Carramar • Kabara

Aged Care incorporating Carramar, Tewantin and Kabara, Cooroy

Care Quality & Service to our Resident Community

• Ageing in Place • Permanent and Respite Accommodation • Extra Services Available

february 2012

Carramar, Tewantin

186 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin Qld 4565 Ph. (07) 5449 8799 Fax. (07) 5449 0195 Email. carramar6@bigpond.com.au

Kabara, Cooroy

20 Topaz St, Cooroy Qld 4563 Ph. (07) 5447 7355 Fax. (07)5442 5199 Email. kabarahostel@bigpond.com.au

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confidence in 2012 with Laurie Clarke I have two words for 2012 – confidence and action. There’s no denying the fact that the past couple of years have been a challenging time for a lot of people across the globe, on an individual basis, and for large and small businesses alike.

With my ear to the ground as a local resident and bank owner / manager I know that, despite the green shoots breaking through, small businesses on the whole aren’t back to pre-GFC levels and still have some way to go.

Over the past couple of years our steely determination and never-say-die attitude have been shining through, but it’s not just a great attitude that will see us through the hard times.

It’s a well-known fact that to eliminate anxiety you need to take action about whatever it is troubling you. While we can’t control things such as global events and natural disasters, focusing on what is in our control is important.

Your actions don’t have to be expensive or overly time-consuming; you just need to do something.

But they need to be smart actions – based around your own business point of difference, whether that is price, service, speed of delivery or product range.

From our own perspective, the BOQ Maroochydore point of difference is personal service and continuity. So Deb (my wife) and I are adding to our staff resources and up-skilling our team to leverage this further in 2012.

Other possible actions could include: •• Attending a briefing on the major Sunshine Coast infrastructure projects coming up, and finding ways your business can tap into them.

•• Working out how to take advantage of the mining boom. If you can’t participate directly, then see how you might be able to support local businesses that are supplying products and services to the resource sector.

It is impressive how many locals are already engaged – from our civil contractors to architects, designers and manufacturers.

•• Get your website or Facebook page up and running, or expand its functionality if you’re already online.

•• Host a client function as a relationship builder, thank you event or new product launch. Ask your clients to bring a friend. These events needn’t be expensive.

•• Develop a flyer (maybe with a special offer) and do a mail drop to businesses or households in your target market.

A prerequisite for all of these actions is a plan. It doesn’t have to be glossy or overly detailed, but it has to be written down so it directs your actions and helps your chances of success.

The economic recovery will come eventually, but your business will be better positioned if you start doing things to generate new clients and growth, rather than sit back and wait for them to arrive.

BoQ Maroochydore 5443 2711 laurie.clarke@boq.com.au

This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The views expressed in this article are solely the views of the author. Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740.

right move

don’t call every home loan lender in town Just call us. Because we can talk you through the hundreds of home loans available to us from our wide panel of lenders, and help you choose which ones suit your needs. And there is no charge for our home loan service. So save yourself time and trouble and call Linda Ireland today.

hang UP

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will you get value for what you create with Linda Harley When it is time to sell your business, how sure are you that you will receive the value for what you create? From my experience in business sales, the importance of planning for the future of your business can not be underestimated. A business plan will ensure you stay firmly on track and focused, but of equal importance is the exit plan. How are you going to optimise the value for the business you have created?

You are probably familiar with the saying “you get what you pay for” – in selling a business it is “you receive the value for what you create”. To plan for your exit continue to run the business as you normally would, but always ask yourself how a new owner might view the business you have built, and respond to the decisions you make.

Seven things a buyer will pay a premium for Each business has its unique selling points and no two businesses will necessarily have the same market value. As a guide, there are seven things a buyer will pay a premium for.

february 2012

1. A powerful brand. If someone wants your brand they will try harder and ultimately pay more as they perceive you to be the best on offer.

One thing buyers will not pay a premium for is you. While considering the points above, include a plan to make yourself redundant in the daily operation of your business.

2. Great product. A high quality product that is and will continue to be in demand.

If your business cannot satisfy any of these points, the time to start working on them is now.

Planning your business sale will ensure you do get value for what you create when the time is right to sell.

3. Reputation. You are a nobody until you are somebody. Make sure your business has the best reputation in your industry to stand out to a buyer.

4. Guaranteed income. Buyers want a return on investment. Ensure your business provides a buyer with confidence of ‘future maintainable earning’.

Savvy Business Sales Phone 5444 3300 Linda@savvybusiness.com.au

5. Clients. A loyal client base with ongoing relationships that will be maintained.

6. Systems. Buyers want to see a well-oiled machine with systems operating smoothly that will continue to operate well under new ownership.

7. People. Your people are a key factor to the successful sale of your business. Buyers will pay a premium for great people.

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win

win fair trade jewellery

win a novotel twin waters escape This Valentine’s Day, Novotel Twin Waters Resort (www.novoteltwinwatersresort.com.au) is offering a choice of two romantic options for an intimate evening with your loved one. Lily’s on the Lagoon Restaurant is serving loved-up couples a delectable three-course set menu for $70 per person including a rose and champagne on arrival and handmade chocolates.

For $48 per person, Nouveau Restaurant offers a classical French-inspired menu with a rose and a glass of sparkling. The perfect end to a romantic dinner can be found in one of the resort’s stylish rooms with a special overnight rate from $159. This month, one Profile Magazine winner will win overnight accommodation in a stunning over-water lagoon suite for two including breakfast at Nouveau Restaurant, valued at $350.

My Global Hunter (www.myglobalhunter.com) sources beautiful jewellery from artisans from all over the world while adhering to a ‘fair trade’ and keeping things ‘green’ policy. In 2009 Lisa Beygel, founder of My Global Hunter, decided to start sourcing beautifully crafted jewellery from artisans globally. Accessories include rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, and many of the pieces are individually hand-crafted – something for everyone! This month, Profile Magazine and My Global Hunter have two pieces to give away to one lucky winner; a Bronze Glass Flower Necklace and four Circle of Life Bracelets (valued at $302 for the set).

scan this with your smartphone to jump straight to our competition page

win a kuvings silent juicer Head to the Profile Magazine website to enter and for terms and conditions.

win beautiful curls Ever dreamt of having perfect, gorgeous curls? It’s never been easier to create salon-quality curls and waves all by yourself and with the professional clip-less curling irons from Modiva Professional (www. modiva.com.au) you can create stunning looks without having to visit the salon. Profile Magazine is giving four lucky readers their very own Modiva Professional curling iron, valued at $89.95 each, with three different sized barrels to choose from; 13mm, 25mm and 32mm.

Give your daily nutrient intake a boost by juicing your fresh fruit and vegies with the Kuvings Silent Juicer (www.kuvings.net.au). The universal juicer meets all your juicing needs, from firm carrots to fine wheatgrass. It may be quiet in its operation but it is loud with features.

The patented extraction method presses and extracts rather than grinding and chewing like most juicers do; this technique retains all the nutrients and enzymes, for a healthier, natural juice every time. This stylish new concept designer juicer will certainly add style and complement your kitchen décor. This month, Profile Magazine has one Kuvings Silver Juicer to give away, valued at a staggering $499.

“Creating Publicity, Profit and Purpose in your business”

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drink on arrival • two course lunch • gift bag • lucky door prizes • mini trade expo profilemagazine

S P E A K E R S

Thursday 15th March 2012 4th Floor Restaurant, Mooloolaba 9.30am til 4.30 pm $99 Members $109 non-Members

Carren Smith - Passion, Purpose and Profit; 3 ways to guarantee your message makes you money!

M OT I VAT I O N A L

Design by witchwords.com.au

Educating. Networking. Connecting.

Jodie Taylor-Paterson - Unleash your PR potential and monetise your media

Witch Words intuitive branding & design for sassy entrepreneurs

Jodie Nolan - From Start-up to Success – what makes a small business successful

Natalie McIvor - Networking with purpose and passion Jill Chivers - How to generate FREE publicity for your business

Book and register online TODAY www.enlightenedgoddesses. com/events/seminars/

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• • • • • • • •

Just Look Where The Beach Is! Avoid The Carbon Tax Possible Tax Allowance The Only New Building In Cotton Tree Last Apartments Now For Sale Underground Secure Parking Resort Pool And Heated Spa Fully Airconditioned

the last word

Rachael Bermingham with her three boys, Casey, Bowie and Jaxon

Former Profile Mag cover girl Rachael Bermingham has achieved a level of success most of us can only dream of. As one of the original founders of the 4 Ingredients phenomenon, these days, Rachael is focused on a new dream … her publishing company, Bermingham Books. This year, Rachael will publish her eighth book, continue touring the country (and the globe) and may even have a sneaky little TV show or two in the pipeline.

“When I was

growing up I wanted to be … an egg collector … I had high hopes even back then ...

“

Rachael Bermingham is one of the Coast’s biggest success stories. This now-single mum of three beautiful boys manages to juggle a thriving publishing company with touring, all with her trademark smile intact!

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I grew up on … the Sunshine Coast I start my day by … remembering what I’m grateful for, going through my goals and visualising having achieved them, and if the boys are still asleep I’ll read a book or manuscript until my boys are up and it’s cuddle time!

I would love to be a better … runner – I honestly can’t run to save myself but would love to learn one day.

Most people don’t know that I … collect crystal spheres and love Criminal Minds – complete contradiction I know!

When I was growing up I wanted to be … an egg collector; as in go into the chicken coops with my basket and collect all the eggs. I had high hopes even back then ...

I couldn’t live without … my boys, dark chocolate, red wine, my friends and books.

I am at my happiest when … others are happy. Life is great!

My most annoying habit is … expecting everything to be done yesterday. I learnt patience with my kids but I’m still learning it elsewhere.

When I am not working I am … being a mum or having fun with my girlfriends.

In five years I hope to be … a better version of myself as I am now.

I wish I could … sing – loud and proud!

What makes me laugh out loud is … my brother. He’s the funniest person I know.

The best meal I have had was at … the Hilton in London – the best beetroot salad in the world.

Yum! Actually a melt-in-your-mouth, creamy Moreton Bay Bug dish at Glass in Sydney was pretty memorable too – amazing!

The one person I would most like to meet …

Beyonce Knowles.

My favourite restaurant is … anywhere I have awesome company and don’t have to cook!

If I didn’t live on the Coast I’d live … in many places and hop between them all … Sydney, Melbourne, The Whitsundays, LA, New York, London, New Zealand and Thailand. profilemag.com.au