Wonder women RECOGNISING THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF GOLD COAST WOMEN.
Katrina Sanguigno
Katrina Sanguigno is a dynamic communications dynamo, Director of Jumpstart PR, who’s known for her creativity and ability to connect clients with their markets. The creative powerhouse has been working in marketing for 23 years, starting at international behemoth brand, Hard Rock Café and rising through the ranks to become Domestic Marketing Manager (Australia and New Zealand) at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Redundancy propelled her to make the leap into starting her own consultancy. “Whilst I was initially nervous and somewhat apprehensive about starting my own business, I was thankful to the support I received from many tourism operators on the Gold Coast. As they say, ‘one door closes, another one opens’, and I was very lucky and blessed that many doors opened.” In 2016, Katrina took a few years off for personal reasons and then in 2020, decided it was time to “jumpstart” her career again. “Starting up my business again, really has been like riding a bike. It hasn’t taken long to reconnect with many business associates and friends or establish new connections.” Besides her formidable network, Katrina’s advantage is her ability to “think outside the box, find that point of difference and deliver something special”. “I enjoy seeing results when everything comes together. The buzz that the client receives when they see their news story on TV, hear it on the radio or when they see it in a magazine or newspaper, is amazing. I love that, knowing that all the hard work
Deb FarnworthWood
A familiar face in business and community philanthropy, Deb Farnworth-Wood still pinches herself when she sees a kangaroo and revels in the sunshine and opportunity of living in Australia. “We moved here from the UK in 2007 to retire, but it didn’t unfold like that,” she recounts. “My husband and I bought the original Australian Skin Clinic and within a few months I realised I wasn’t ready to retire and decided to franchise the clinic instead. “I sold the Australian Skin Clinic franchise in 2019 although I kept the original clinic (now called Ultimate Skin and Body Clinics). I also bought a men’s skincare range (Valor Organics) in 2019 and in 2020 I bought the mineral makeup company Issada Cosmetics.” Deb has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and vision that put her a step or two ahead of market trends. “Before moving to Australia I had an 18-year background in health as the managing partner of a large multi-disciplinary medical centre. I was the first non-GP to become a partner in a UK medical practice and we and effort has paid off.” With a background working across various industries, including film, tourism, hospitality, beauty and sport, Katrina currently works on PR campaigns for Bermingham Books and several published authors and titles, as well as the award-winning short film, “Seven Times - A Domestic Violence Story”. “I am passionate about what is happening in the domestic violence sector,” she explains. “I have been involved in raising much needed funds and awareness to help women escape toxic and abusive relationships. Through my work with Seven Times Short Film, I have been able to assist in fundraising for RizeUp Australia at the recent Seven Times Ipswich Premiere and will have another opportunity at the upcoming Gold Coast Seven Times Premiere, 5 November at Event Cinemas, Pacific Fair.” Firmly focused on her business, yet content to “go with the flow” wherever her career leads her, Katrina says she’s equally happy being a wife and mum to two teenagers and a dog named Wookiee. “I’m at a point in my life where I’m loving the clients I work with, and I am happy to see where it all leads. The next chapter is yet to be written.” jumpstartpr.com.au 32 slim magazine Summer 2021/22
were the first non-pharmacist group to own a pharmacy then we also opened England’s first pharmacy drive-thru. “I was really keen to get into aesthetics and we had a fledgling aesthetic clinic offering injectables and a few treatments. But my husband wanted the two of us to retire to Australia. So we moved here.” Close to 15 years later, and the Clinic has undergone many changes, essential to keep pace with technological advancements, treatment trends and customer demand. “We have treated over 30,000 clients and some of our clients have been coming back for over 20 years, since before I even owned the clinic. “We offer a boutique experience and because we are not in a shopping centre we have a private, discrete location which people love.” Business success has earned Deb a slew of Awards and recognition, including listing in the BRW Fast starters in 2014 and 2015 and in the BRW Fast list in 2016 “I was a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards in 2016 and won the Gold Coast Woman in Business Award in 2017.” All these achievements are great for the brand profile and reward for hard work, but they don’t come close to the sense of satisfaction Deb feels from the close connections with her clients and their sense of self-worth. “There is a huge link between how we look and how we feel,” she explains. “I love that my businesses are all about making people look and feel fabulous. “I constantly set myself new challenges, usually to grow each business bigger than the last. Although I’ve only owned Issada a little over a year, we have achieved more than we could have imagined. Many of my team have worked with me for years and understand my core values and what needs to be done. We have completed a full rebranding exercise, launched Issada Clinical Formula Skincare and expanded our customer base significantly. We are currently moving into a bigger factory in readiness for further growth.” Charity and supporting women in business are equally important to Deb. “In the business community I help female start-ups with advice and guidance where I can and I also serve on a couple of boards and advisory boards. I support several charities including Support the Girls, Gold Coast Christmas lunch and several children and wildlife charities.” www.issada.com www.ultimateskinandbody.com.au www.shavewithvalor.com
