OPTIMAL LONGEVITY
A WORLD-CLASS KAILO X GOOP SUMMIT IS COMING TO TOWN
The art of WELLNESS
MASTERING THE BALANCE OF MIND, BODY, AND SOUL
INSIDE
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Editor
KIRI JOHNSTON
PAUL JOHNSTON
TRACY SINCLAIR
Creative Director
BRIDGET BROWN
Senior Account Manager
VALENTINA TRIFUNOV
Senior Account Manager
KELLY BEASLEY
Business Development Manager
YANA VAN DER BYL
Sales Support
JACKSON GREGORY
Digital Marketing Manager
CHARLIE COLEMAN
Journalist
NATALIE MCGOWAN
Digital Writer
BIANCA LICINA
Graphic Designer
LAURA SUTTOR
Photographer
CAROLINE ATTWOOD
Stylist
KATHRYN EDMONDS
Account Director
SARAH KENNEDY
Distribution
ALEX HOWARD
Contributor
DINUSHKA GUNASEKARA
Acknowledgement of traditional owners: We acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera/Yuggera Peoples, the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work today. We pay respect to Elders both past, present, and emerging and stand together with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders of today and tomorrow.
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Website
LEditor’s etter
I read somewhere recently that Brisbane is in its wellness era, and it felt spot on. Not only are we blessed to live in a beautiful city that’s sunny year-round, our laidback lifestyle and high quality of life is an incredible foundation for wellbeing. So, dedicating our March issue to wellness just makes sense.
In a world of constant stimuli, sometimes the best thing we can do is pause, reflect, and introduce small habits that bring more intention to our days. It’s not about perfection, just simply trying to be more present.
Our cover star, Uma, a schoolgirl from Byron Bay, arrived on set at 5am, fresh-faced and ready to step into the brief. Shot at sunrise, with the first light peeking through the greenery, the scene embodied the Garden of Eden: fresh, natural, and calm, before most had even started their day.
Wellness looks different for everyone, which is why this issue spotlights the people and businesses redefining the space, offering ideas to make everyday life feel a little more elevated.
We welcomed plenty of inspiring women into our studio for our Leading Ladies feature, each one leading the way and reshaping their respective industries.
With the KAILO x goop Wellness Summit bringing experts from across Australia to Brisbane to share their insights on optimal living, it truly feels like a transformative moment in the health space. It’s a first-of-its-kind event, and I can’t wait to hear what these experts have to say.
As we navigate our wellness journeys, we’re all a work in progress. Speaking of which, take a moment to put down your phone, disconnect, and lose yourself in these pages. Enjoy!
KIRI@STYLEMEDIA.COM.AU
We’ve curated Brisbane’s best jewellers to help you find your perfect sparkle
A luxe new precinct by Raes is set to debut in Byron Bay
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THE PEAK OF WELLNESS
Wellness is no longer a trend – it’s a lifestyle, and Brisbane is about to be at the heart of it.
WORDS KIRI JOHNSTON IMAGES CAROLINE ATTWOOD
Brisbane is gearing up for the ultimate convergence of pioneering minds, modern healing, and next-gen longevity science — a story that perfectly aligns with our wellness edition. Enter the KAILO Summit: a first-of-its-kind event that unites Australia’s wellness leaders with goop (yes, that goop) for an immersive day filled with education, inspiration, and connection.
Taking place on May 1st at The Star Event Centre, the full-day summit will feature a stellar lineup of wellness experts, each ready to share their cutting-edge insights. From Dr. Adeel Khan, the regenerative health doctor behind Chris Hemsworth’s wellness regimen, to Dr. Jane Caplan, a Harvard psychiatrist offering a deep dive into the mind-body connection, the day promises transformative experiences in all things wellness.
Add to that Olympic champion Dylan Alcott, sexologist Chantelle Otten, and celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello (who keeps J.Lo and Kendall Jenner at their peak), and you’ve got a dream team ready to recalibrate not just your health but your entire outlook.
Hear from Victoria Beckham’s facialist Melanie Grant, who will be speaking on behalf of Biologique Recherche on the Ageing Gracefully panel with goop, alongside Australia’s top psychic medium, David The Medium, and Dr. Adeel Khan.
Hosting the day is Australia’s beloved author and TV personality, Magdalena Roze, who will guide guests through thoughtprovoking panels and deep-dive sessions that go far beyond typical wellness advice. Expect to leave with fresh perspectives, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose — just what a transformative event should deliver.
For those looking to take the experience to the next level, the KAILO Live Boldly brunch on May 2nd at The Calile is an exclusive add-on that’s hard to pass up.
Hosted by Sarah Grynberg, who hosts the A Life of Greatness podcast, the brunch will feature conversations with manifestation expert Zoe Marshall, and a sound-healing session by renowned practitioner Tanya AliJani that promises to elevate your senses and leave you feeling, quite literally, lighter.
There will be a special goop-curated panel, and all guests attending the summit will receive goop goody bags valued at $500 — a rare treat for those who live and breathe beauty, health, and conscious living.
For those in the beauty and wellness industry, the KAILO Summit serves as a key networking event, offering invaluable connections with global pioneering health and wellness experts.
Consider this your sign to lock it in.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Luxury goop-curated goodie bag with premium Australian and international brands.
• Exclusive Partner Exhibition with wellness innovations and activations.
• Goop-curated panel on “Ageing Gracefully.”
• Live talks from top doctors and wellness specialists.
• Q&A with Dylan Alcott.
• Nourishing lunch and refreshments.
Uma wears LIDOS BOUTIQUE Holiday Shop Knit Tank $50, Holiday Shop Contrast Knit Shorts $60
PHOTOGRAPHY SEAN FENNESSY
LIVE WELL, FEEL WELL, BE WELL
Mastering the balance of mind, body, and soul is truly an art form. To reclaim your vitality and forge a better path forward, these are the experts we’re turning to.
THE BATHHOUSE ALBION
FLEX APPEAL
As an expert sports physiotherapist with eight years of experience –including a two-season stint with Brisbane Roar – Bridie Nicholson’s mantra is to provide you with “no bullsh*t physio care,” getting you pain-free fast.
What’s the most common injury people think they have but actually don’t Being ‘out of alignment’. There is no ‘normal’ alignment. We are not robots; our bodies adapt and move. There is no evidence to suggest that small asymmetries in our body lead to pain or injury. Unfortunately, many people have been told by a health practitioner that they are ‘out of alignment’ as a way to make them reliant on being put ‘back in alignment’ during sessions. My advice is to always ask your practitioner how they know you are ‘out of alignment’, how they know that it is relevant to your pain, and how they know they are putting you back in alignment. Watch the truth reveal itself! If you could ban one everyday movement, what would it be Driving with your head off the car seat. This drives me nuts! If you work on a computer, chances are you spend your entire day in a chin poke, forward head position. Why do we continue this in the car? I like to use the tactile feedback of the car seat on the back of my head to remind me to get out of a forward head position – it’s almost like I am doing a neck strengthening exercise whilst driving (hello multitasking!). Fun fact: keeping your head against the car seat reduces your risk of whiplash by 10% – and it reduces the risk of driving me insane by 100% What’s a movement or stretch that physios love but people rarely do Nerve glides are such
a life hack. Nerves can become sensitive to stretching, just like muscles. This is called neural mechanosensitivity, and it can feel exactly like a tight muscle. If you constantly feel tight and stretching hasn’t helped, there’s a good chance it’s neural mechanosensitivity. In that case, you should be doing nerve glides instead. What’s your top tip for office workers who spend most of the day sitting Move! There’s no such thing as perfect posture. It’s better to be in multiple different ‘bad’ postures throughout the day than to stay in the exact same position without moving. Hack: stop using a giant 3L water bottle. If you have no reason to get up and grab a drink, you’ll be parked at your desk, sipping on that bottle for hours (I see you with your Frank Green!). Instead, just drink from a small cup. In your work for Brisbane Roar’s women’s team, what was the biggest thing you learned Fast diagnosis and effective communication. When you’re out there on the field, camera on you, you’re up on the big screen – there’s no time to muck around. My two seasons with the Brisbane Roar taught me to be extremely time efficient and have direct, confident communication with coaches and players. I bring this to my day-to-day clinic work, however, rest assured there are no cameras in the rooms!
“We make getting better simple and stress-free.”
BACK TO BETTER
If you’ve every suffered from back pain, you’d know just how frustrating and difficult it is to treat. That’s exactly why top Brisbane specialists Paul Licina and Brendan Moore created BackSpace – a cutting-edge rehabilitation clinic designed to take the stress out of recovery. We sat down with them to learn how they’re streamlining spinal care and helping people get back to living, pain-free.
Can you give me a brief elevator pitch of what BackSpace is all about BackSpace is a spinal wellness centre dedicated to setting the gold standard in back care. Designed for anyone experiencing back issues, we offer a seamless, all-in-one solution for spinal health. Our approach includes functional assessments for strength, flexibility, and balance, along with tailored recovery programs featuring remedial massage, stretch therapy, and Pilates. Backed by an expert team collaborating with top specialists, cutting-edge radiology, and worldclass facilities, we provide personalised care with a clear path to recovery. At BackSpace, we make getting better simple and stress-free. What is the vision and mission behind Backspace Back pain is complex, with many potential causes and treatments. Finding the right care can be time-consuming, costly, and frustrating. At BackSpace, we simplify the process ensuring you get the right treatment, fast. How do you want patients to feel when stepping into BackSpace We want patients to feel engaged, empowered, and prioritised –more like stepping into an airline lounge than a typical clinic. With a calming atmosphere, welcoming staff, and a
premium fitout, BackSpace patients feel truly cared for from the moment they arrive. How do Paul’s spinal expertise and Brendan’s pain management skills work together to enhance care at BackSpace Back pain requires a multidisciplinary approach. Paul’s expertise in spinal care and Brendan’s focus on pain management create a well-rounded team, ensuring thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plans. Whether surgery, less invasive interventions, or physical and psychological care are needed, their combined leadership provides expert, comprehensive spine treatment. BackSpace isn’t just for people with chronic pain – what’s your philosophy on supporting the fit and healthy At BackSpace, we prioritise spine health at every stage of life –not just for those with chronic pain. Whether it’s minor discomfort you’ve been tolerating or severe back issues that you can no longer stand, we’re here to show people they don’t have to live with pain. Through our diverse offerings, we ensure the right approach for each patient, tailoring care to their specific condition, needs, and recovery goals for a truly holistic treatment plan.
The Name Of The Vein
Saving Face
Going beyond skin-deep, Cosmetics By Briony is on a mission to restore confidence and enhance natural beauty.
With a firm belief that people should have control over how they age, Briony Beard saw a gap in the market for a clinic offering more diverse treatment options than those readily available. Thus, Cosmetics By Briony was born – a welcoming space where clients can embrace regenerative aesthetics and achieve natural, long-lasting results.
At the heart of the clinic’s philosophy is education; Briony is passionate about empowering clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their treatments. Her approach prioritises balance, respecting each individual’s unique features to ensure enhancements remain natural yet transformative.
Their latest offering is the Hair Restoration Protocol HRP™, a groundbreaking, doctor and
Everyone wants healthy legs, right? But did you know that having healthy legs isn’t just about looks – it’s also a matter of wellbeing?
Noticing your leg veins becoming more visible can be concerning. That’s where ultrasound technology comes in – it’s a non-invasive, highly effective tool that detects varicose veins before they surface. By catching issues early, this gamechanging technology helps keep your legs looking and feeling their best.
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation and medical assessment, using ultrasound to create a crystal clear image of your blood vessels and map of your veins. This gentle examination reveals what is happening beneath the surface, helping your phlebologist design a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Ultrasound provides the foundation for modern
treatment options like Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLA) and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS), ensuring accuracy and maximising results.
These quick and relatively pain-free, nonsurgical procedures allow you to bounce back immediately while reducing the risk of blood clots. No more intimidating surgeries or long hospital stays – instead, you can focus on feeling great without the fuss.
Post-treatment, you can expect regular followup ultrasound reviews for a year to monitor your progress and ensure lasting vascular health and comfort.
With the right technology and expert care, you can step forward with confidence, knowing your legs are in good hands.
nurse-led treatment designed to restore hair loss with minimal intervention. Unlike traditional methods, this protocol requires no oral medication and is fully customised to each client following a one-on-one medical consultation. With ongoing monitoring and the flexibility to adjust the treatment as needed, it ensures optimal results at every stage, making it ideal for postpartum and menopausal women, those experiencing stressinduced hair loss, and individuals with thyroid or hormonal concerns.
Briony’s dedication extends beyond her clinic; she is also a clinical trainer at Derma Institute, sharing her expertise with fellow practitioners. For her, the greatest reward is seeing clients return, radiating confidence in their own skin.
Glow Like The Gods
A tanning and suncare brand born out of the pandemic, Mykonian Sun captures the essence of Greek summer and bottles it up for your days spent poolside.
Back in 2020, when the world was in a state of lockdown and travel was nearimpossible, mother-and-son duo Helen and Michael found themselves longing for Greece. The culture, the sun, the sea – all of it felt a world away. Wanting to bring a piece of their Greek heritage home, Mykonian Sun was created.
“We wanted to create something that captured the feeling of being on a sun-drenched Greek island, even if you’re just in your backyard,” says CoFounder Michael. With their heritage at the core of Mykonian Sun, Michael and Helen knew they wanted the brand to go further than just tanning and sun care, fully encapsulating the sense of escapism and beauty that’s synonymous with a Greek summer, adding “No matter how tough life gets, there’s always a place where the sun shines – and where some of the best tans are created!”
Every Mykonian Sun product is proudly Aussie-made, 100% vegan, and carefully formulated with high-quality, skin-loving ingredients. Designed to help you achieve a luminous tan while reducing sun exposure, their advanced
formulas blend skincare with sun care for the ultimate glow-up.
At the heart of these formulations are premium peptides, which stimulate collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and enhance tanning efficiency, helping you achieve a deeper tan in less time. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, works to prevent premature ageing, provide deep hydration, and support skin repair post-sun. Hyaluronic acid delivers intense hydration, plumping the skin and locking in moisture for a long-lasting, smooth finish, while carrot extract, rich in beta-carotene, enhances tanning while boosting the skin’s natural defence.
For the perfect pair, Michael swears by the Tanning Activator Lotion and Intensive Tanning Oil, which work together to prep, enhance, and prolong your tan.
With exciting new products and accessories on the horizon, Mykonian Sun is just getting started, offering innovative solutions that bring a touch of Greece to your everyday life.
FUNCTIONAL FASHION
WORDS NATALIE MCGOWAN
Pilates instructor-turned-activewear designer Perrie Nicholls’ brand, Agnes Athletica, combines performance with style.
Working as a Pilates instructor, Perrie Nicholls spent her days moving between studios in activewear that adhered to each studio’s uniform policies: no bold colours, logos, or patterns. That was when she noticed a gap in the market for stylish pieces that weren’t lacking in quality, often finding herself shopping outside of Australia to find what she was looking for. “Beyond teaching, my days were filled with errands, childcare drop-offs, and squeezing in my own workouts,” Perrie says. “I needed clothes that kept up with my busy lifestyle – that moved with me, looked great, and still felt true to my personal style.” Unable to find what she was looking for here, she decided to make it herself. Thus, Agnes Athletica was created.
Working in a career where activewear is your uniform, Perrie learned firsthand what activewear needs to do – and what it shouldn’t do. “Nothing’s worse than activewear that loses its shape or fades after a few washes.”
Focusing on high-quality blends that are made to last in timeless styles, getting longevity out of the pieces is integral to the brand. “I prefer a Lycra/Nylon blend. It’s durable, stretchy, and holds up really well, giving you that great feel and lift,” she explains. But what fits for one person, doesn’t mean it fits for everyone, and Perrie actively listens to her community’s feedback to ensure her designs are as comfortable and supportive as possible. Now, one year into her journey with Agnes Athletica, demand continues to soar, with increasing orders, wholesaling opportunities, and plans to transition from her garage to a dedicated office space. “Every day feels like a pinch-me moment,” Perrie reflects. “Coming from a small town with humble beginnings and being a high school dropout, I never expected to be where I am now.” One thing’s for sure: Perrie Nicholls and Agnes Athletica are just getting started.
Focus begins in the space around you – create room for mindfulness.
CULTIVATE CALM
Bring mindfulness to your workspace for a calmer, more creative mind.
Creating a mindful workspace is all about curating an environment that nourishes both your productivity and your soul. Start by setting the tone with calming lighting that makes you feel like you’re working in a serene sanctuary. Add beautiful artwork that sparks creativity and inspires you to think outside the box. Personal touches that bring you joy are essential for creating a mindful
workspace. Think: your beloved mug, always at the ready for a caffeine boost; a calming candle that elevates the room’s vibe; and a plush chair that practically invites you to unwind. And finally, a rich hand balm on your desk serves as a reminder to prioritise self-care, even on the most hectic days. In this peaceful oasis, you’re free to focus, create, and thrive.
EDIT LAURA SUTTOR
FROM RIGHT TO LEFT: LIFE INTERIORS Mystique Rug $4,149, IN THE ROUND HOUSE Steel Espresso Cup $25, AESOP Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm $43, IKEA Fado Table Lamp $29, VORSEN BENNETT Armchair $1,049, JAMES SAID Petra Burl Wood Desk $5,450, LIFE INTERIORS Bonnie Table Lamp $449, MECCA LE LABO Ambroxyde 17 Candle 245g $139, BOOKTOPIA The Creative Act A Way of Being Book $57.50, JAI VASICEK ‘Palm Trees Forever’ Print $2,000
WIN
A SIX-MONTH MEMBERSHIP PRIZE TO THE ALL-NEW, LUXE TOTALFUSION CHERMSIDE VALUED AT $2000
SCAN TO ENTER
promotion
Oral health isn’t just about aesthetics; it can impact your overall wellness. We chatted with Adore Dental’s Dr Ellie Kim to find out the best ways to care for our pearly whites.
What are your top three dental hygiene tips for maintaining a healthy smile Brush and floss like a pro, stay hydrated, and don’t skip professional care. What are your must-have dental care products for at-home maintenance An electric toothbrush is a game-changer for oral hygiene. It removes more plaque and improves brushing technique compared to manual brushing. It’s like using a vacuum cleaner versus a broom – both do the same job, but one is far more efficient! Fluoride toothpaste is essential, as fluoride strengthens enamel and makes teeth more resistant to cavities. Floss is also a must-have for cleaning between teeth, where most cavities and gum disease begin. How does oral health impact overall wellness Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, which has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. Inflammation in the gums
can trigger systemic inflammation, affecting the entire body. Additionally, untreated dental issues can impact digestion, sleep quality, and self-confidence. A healthy smile isn’t just about aesthetics – it plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing. Have you noticed any new trends in the dental industry Yes! Dentistry is evolving rapidly, with several exciting trends shaping the future. Minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, with more people opting for natural-looking smile enhancements that require minimal tooth reduction. Non-prep veneers, clear aligners, and conservative composite bonding techniques are all in high demand, and I have a special interest in this area. Digital dentistry is also advancing, with innovations like 3D scanning, AI-driven treatment planning, and same-day restorations making dental procedures faster, more precise, and more comfortable. ADORE DENTAL LOT 26/91-95 LINTON ST, KANGAROO POINT 3532 8604
Feel The Difference
Smile Bright
Unlock peak wellness with TH7, Australia’s leading recovery, wellness, and longevity brand. Backed by science and driven by innovation, TH7 offers everyday Australians affordable access to worldclass facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and evidence-based protocols designed to optimise health and performance.
Founded by health experts Greg and Tom, TH7 was born from a passion for making science-backed wellness accessible to all. Greg, a physiotherapist, has dedicated his career to improving the health space. Tom, a former elite athlete, experienced firsthand the transformative benefits of contrast therapy. Together,
they’ve created a space where anyone – from athletes to busy parents – can experience the proven benefits of hot and cold exposure, red light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
With clinics already thriving in West End, Noosa, Yeerongpilly, and Mount Gravatt, TH7 is expanding rapidly, with TH7 Newstead set to open its doors this May.
Through ongoing research, education, and a strong community ethos, TH7 empowers individuals to take control of their health. Step inside, feel the difference, and experience wellness redefined.
Science and innovation combined.
WELLNESS, UNFILTERED
No fluff, just real talk on self-care and self-love.
True beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s a glow that starts from within. When probiotics, prebiotics, and hydration work together, your skin thrives. When mindfulness and meditation quiet the noise, your natural light shines through. When essential oils and soothing scents surround you, relaxation sets in. By tuning into your inner world and taking care of your body, mind, and spirit, you’ll feel more balanced, more radiant, and more you
EDIT LAURA SUTTOR
IT’S GLOW TIME, BABY!
ANNA HOLDSTOCK
MECCA SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask $81
SLIP Silver Sleep Mask $65
AESOP Beatrice Oil Burner Blend $45
VIDA GLOW Clear Advanced Repair Capsules $85
LEADING LADIES
Breaking barriers, building empires, and rewriting the rules — these powerhouse women are proving that business isn’t just a boys’ club.
TAKING THE LEAP with Ashleigh D’Amico
From finance to fashion, Ashleigh D’Amico, founder of Green Wardrobe, turned her passion project into her full-time career.
“Take the leap, but also do your homework to set yourself apart from others.”
At just 13 years old, Ashleigh D’Amico was hustling. Eager to work but not yet old enough to get a job, she started her own business ironing clothes for people in her neighbourhood, spending her weekends and school holidays in front of the TV with the ironing board. It’s this strong work ethic that helped turn Ashleigh’s passion into a full-time career years down the track.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance, Ashleigh entered the corporate world and, having always loved fashion growing up, also started building her own business for a second time: Green Wardrobe. A consignment store run solely on Instagram, she found herself working two full-time jobs at once. “When I wasn’t at my corporate job, I was at home working on Green Wardrobe – early mornings, late nights, and weekends for quite a while,” Ashleigh says. Eventually, she managed to streamline her schedule to be more sustainable and efficient, until three years later last October, when Ashleigh decided once and for all it was time to focus all her attention on her passion.
Now, she boasts over 19k followers on Instagram, selling preloved and vintage pieces from luxury and designer brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, LOEWE, Zimmerman, and Scanlan Theodore.
The consignment process is simple: just submit photos of the designer clothing and accessories you’d like to consign, and they will be assessed for approval. Once approved, the process is fully taken care of by the Green Wardrobe team, and once your items are sold, you’ll get a cut of the profits. “It’s a win-win,” says Ashleigh. “Sellers get to clear out their closets, and buyers gain access to highquality, pre-loved designer pieces at a fraction of the retail price.”
A typical day for Ashleigh involves a dynamic mix of evaluating new arrivals, styling and filming social media content, researching incoming pieces, curating listings, and engaging with both customers and sellers. When it comes to her favourite items to sell, she gravitates toward rare and vintage bags. “I’ve had some standout pieces,” she shares. Her personal favourite? The iconic Fendi Baguette Bag.
When Kristy Morris and Kath Merlo met in their sons’ prep schoolyard, they instantly bonded over their shared journey – both seeking holistic solutions for their children’s health challenges. Kristy’s son was struggling with OCD, while Kath was searching for support for her son’s autism. Just weeks after meeting, they packed up their lives in Brisbane and headed to the USA, where they had access to cuttingedge treatments that were largely unavailable in Australia. “We were able to tap into resources we simply didn’t have here,” recalls Kath.
It was in America that the foundations for KAILO Wellness Medispa were laid. Inspired by their experiences, they envisioned a space where people could access a wide range of health and wellness treatments –from nutrition and vitamin therapy to body treatments. Upon returning to Australia, they brought that vision to life, and KAILO quickly became a game-changer in the industry. The rest was history.
Kristy, whose parents became McDonald’s franchise owners in the 80s, developed a passion for people and operations early on. She worked her way up to a restaurant manager position at McDonald’s after high school, before pivoting to become cabin crew for Virgin Airlines and later working in Human Resources for seven years.
Kath, on the other hand, grew up on a largely self-sufficient farm, raised by a teacher mother and a farmer-scientist father. Her deeprooted connection to wellness started young, and after completing a Bachelor of Marketing, she gained firsthand experience in business and branding working for large corporations in Sydney and Brisbane.
MAKING WAVES with Kristy Morris and Kath Merlo
The co-founders of award-winning KAILO Wellness Medispa, Kristy Morris and Kath Merlo, share their inspiring stories.
“Be passionate about what you do, whatever that is.”
Alongside her husband, Dean Merlo of Merlo Coffee – a fellow entrepreneur who shares her passion for business and marketing – she deepened her understanding of the industry.
Flash forward to today, and KAILO is highly regarded as one of Australia’s best wellness centres, with Kristy and Kath crediting their success to the strength of their partnership. “Knowing each other before going into business together is key,” Kristy shares. “You need to align on values and have a deep connection to your mission and vision.”
The duo’s vision has also caught the attention of major players in the wellness world – most recently, goop. Kristy recalls how the partnership came to be: “While presenting at the Foundermade expo in New York last May, I had the chance to meet goop’s partnership manager. I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I pitched the KAILO Summit on the spot. She loved it, and within weeks, we were working together.”
Now, the highly anticipated KAILO Summit in collaboration with goop is set for May 1 at The Star Convention Centre, followed by the VIP Live Boldly Brunch on May 2 at The Calile Hotel.
Further, Kristy has seen rapid growth since KAILO Nutrition’s launch in 2022. Now expanding into 43 locations, Kristy describes it as surreal. “Our team has a big dream and they are all incredibly committed to this journey. To see everyone’s hard work start to deliver global outcomes is surreal and highlights our passion and mission to empower people to take care of their own health.”
THE POWER OF HEALING with Jen Ravenswood
Shaped by family, hardship, resilience, and a passion for healthcare, Jen’s journey to co-founding her holistic pharmacy is a deeply personal one.
The daughter of Vietnamese refugees who fled to Brisbane in search of a better life, Jen learned early on from watching her parents that resilience and hard work – both physical and mental – are essential to creating your own opportunities. “It instilled in me a deep appreciation for making the most of the opportunities that came with this country in which I was fortunate enough to be born,” she reflects.
For Jen, education was a way to honour her parents’ sacrifices. “I saw it as a way of proving their journey to Australia was worthwhile,” she says. At 15, she took on her first job working through school holidays at a family friend’s supermarket in regional Queensland, before excelling in business and organisational management in high school and pursuing a pharmacy degree. Her passion for healthcare and entrepreneurship had always been clear, inspired in part by her mother’s unfulfilled dream. “My mother once dreamed of owning a pharmacy before the Vietnam War changed the course of her life – in many ways, this journey felt like fulfilling a legacy.”
Juggling full-time study with hands-on experience in pharmacy, Jen was also balancing the stress of immense personal challenges, acting as her mother’s carer during her leukemia diagnosis and treatment. A year after becoming a registered pharmacist, her hard work paid off and she opened her first pharmacy.
A natural innovator, Jen was an early advocate for digital health solutions, championing accessibility and enhancing patient experiences long before
“Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, and nothing easy is truly worthwhile.”
Telehealth became mainstream. Over time, she expanded her reach, opening multiple pharmacies across Brisbane and the Moreton Bay area. But amid her professional success, she herself faced her own health battle –an endometriosis diagnosis that reshaped her understanding of healthcare and deepened her passion for integrative wellness.
“Years in community pharmacy showed me the profound impact of integrating alternative therapies into traditional care,” she explains. “Integrating alternative therapies early in chronic care can reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals.” This realisation sparked a shift in her approach and, as conversations with patients began shifting toward prevention and addressing root causes, she saw the potential for something greater, helping people not just live longer, but live better.
That potential became RAYS Wellness. “The name RAYS represents light – shining a path forward for patients and bringing alternative therapies out of the shadows through education and awareness. Just as rays of light illuminate new possibilities, RAYS seeks to guide people toward better health, clarity, and empowerment.”
Through it all, Jen has learned some of her greatest life lessons, like the power of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and being unapologetically yourself: “Own your standard and embrace your obsessions – they are your strengths, not something to dial down,” she says. But perhaps the most valuable lesson of all, she’s learned her own fortitude.
The best kind of jewellery is designed to be cherished for a lifetime, and for Taiba Ash, her love for the craft has been honed in equal measure. “Coming from a family of 10 kids, it was easy to get lost in the pack,” she said. “I was always the energetic and imaginative one; I could teach myself anything if it meant being creative.”
Her passion led her to make jewellery as a hobby and creative outlet when she was accepted into nursing as a mature-aged student. Starting in her bedroom and growing in craft markets across Victoria on weekends, FinerRings was born from a love of affordable quality and handmade charm.
As a label known for helping women shine, the FinerRings story fittingly reflects the cause. “After one of the bigger markets, a young female commercial agent took a chance on my dreams and helped me get into Chapel Street,” Taiba said, and once the momentum began, it showed no signs of slowing down. FinerRings has had seven store
MADE TO LAST with Taiba Ash
From bedroom to boardroom, Taiba Ash – founder of FinerRings – turned her beloved side hustle into an iconic Australian jewellery label.
“The hardest part is getting over the self-doubt we impose on ourselves and just getting the business open. Owning a business is a labour of love, and it will only be as successful as the effort you put in.”
locations over five years, including a coveted boutique in Chadstone Shopping Centre – aka the largest shopping centre in Australia.
For Taiba, however, her mission remains the same: to create fresh and gorgeous jewellery by hand. “I live and breathe jewellery – it’s what’s covering my explore page, FYP, and suggested accounts,” she said. “Because of this, I see trends as they come to market while also creating pieces that are timeless and everlasting. I have pieces that I designed at inception 10 years ago that are still in our core collection because they remain extremely popular.”
With a newly launched sunglass collection, the reopening of the Chapel Street store, and FinerRings’ first watch ahead, Taiba’s success is a testament to her dedication. “The hardest part about starting your own business is getting over the self-doubt we impose on ourselves. Owning a business is a labour of love, and it will only be as successful as the effort you put in.”
CLIMBING THE LADDER with Karuna Mazzocchi
Without a tertiary education, CEO of Coronis Group, Karuna Mazzocchi, is proof that hard work and dedication are the true prerequisites to success.
“Don’t let your background, gender, or anything else define or limit your success. Believe in yourself and take the leap – you can do it.”
Karuna Mazzocchi’s climb to the top of the corporate ladder has been far from linear. Driven by a clear focus on her future, she left the traditional education pathway, moved to Sydney alone at 16, and got a job. Affordability pressures led her to Brisbane, where a retail job uncovered her natural talent for sales.
“People think sales is about the product, but it’s about the people,” she says. With an innate ability to understand and connect with others, she quickly climbed the ranks to Regional Sales Manager by 19, overseeing 18 stores and 200 staff. Yet she craved more.
“I was drawn to real estate because of its direct correlation between effort and earning – the harder I worked, the more I would earn,” she says. Joining Coronis Group as a sales agent, she spent three years immersing herself in the industry before opening her own Coronis Group office at just 26.
Finding fulfilment in leadership, she took on the role of Area Manager, overseeing up to seven offices and more than 90 staff. Upon returning from maternity leave, she was driven towards greater success and became the Coronis Group’s first COO in 2017. After six amazing years in that position, she was announced as CEO of the Coronis Group.
Reflecting on her journey to the top, she says, “When you put it on paper, it seems like a smooth and linear path, but it wasn’t. I often
struggled, felt like an imposter, juggled life, family, relationships, grief, guilt, and everything in between. It’s not easy... what’s important is picking yourself up and moving forward to the next goal.”
She believes connection is key, as success in any industry is built on genuine relationships. “If you don’t have the connection to convey your message, it will never be effective.” She also values surrounding herself with experts. “Just because you’re in a leadership position doesn’t mean you automatically know everything, so put incredible people around you who are experts in areas where you have knowledge gaps.” Another guiding principle? “Your gut is usually right.”
Since becoming CEO, Mazzocchi has led Coronis to more than double in South-East Queensland, driving growth across both corporately owned agencies and franchisee success. Under her leadership, the company has expanded into a national business, launching 14 new franchise offices and strengthening its industry presence.
Being named the Most Influential Woman in Property at last year’s REA Excellence Awards is a testament to her 20-year journey and impact – one that she hopes inspires other women. “I know from talking to a lot of women that there are still so many of us who hold reservations about how to juggle family and work successfully. I’m here to show other women that it is possible – you can do it.”
KEYS TO SUCCESS with
Tara Lancashire
Proving there’s no one way to success, Tara Lancashire of TML Advisory now leverages her wealth of experience to help others achieve their property dreams.
“Sometimes the detours lead to even more meaningful opportunities.”
From fashion to finance, Tara Lancashire’s career has seen her navigate both the global and professional landscape, but one thing has remained the same: her passion for guiding others to major milestones.
She’s a woman who’s worn many hats, and she’s rocked all of them. After studying business management and languages at an international school in Germany, she joined the fastpaced world of global retail in Johannesburg, then moved to Brisbane and continued to advance her career at Foot Locker Inc.. “The beauty of working for a global brand was that you got to experience not only different cultures but also how businesses operate in different environments,” Tara says. And while her priorities shifted after she met her husband and started her family, she found a way to combine the valuable lessons she’d learned navigating the property market, with her genuine desire to help clients navigate the complexities of finance. “I can really empathise with the challenges people
face when it comes to financing their dream, because I’ve been there myself,” she says. “Buying property in different countries and dealing with various financial systems taught me a lot about the importance of smart financial planning.”
Thus began TML Advisory. By combining her expertise in property with a more personal approach, Tara helps others achieve their goals of owning property—from securing the right loan for a first-time homebuyer to restructuring an investment portfolio.
Her journey is also an inspiration for those looking to make a big career shift, which she says is best achieved by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps and leaning on those in your network. “You might be surprised by how much you can learn just by having a conversation,” she says.
“My story proves that career transitions don’t always follow a linear path. Sometimes, the detours lead to even more meaningful opportunities.”
Born and raised in Brisbane, Tamara Gannon’s passion for property was practically ingrained in her DNA. With a father in commercial developments, two brothers in development and architecture, and a sister in interior design, the industry always felt like home.
While studying at QUT, she balanced two jobs, one of which opened the door to a career in real estate. Working as a receptionist at a familyowned buyer’s agency, she quickly gained insight into the industry’s inner workings. “It was a great foundation for understanding the behind-thescenes work in real estate and gave me valuable insight,” she recalls. “A powerful woman by the name of Meighan was the principal at the time, and I knew from working for her that I wanted to own my business one day.”
After graduating with a Bachelor of Property Economics, Tamara started as a sales associate before stepping into a lead agent role in 2021. The idea of becoming Director of TG Property Group stemmed from her desire to do right by people – whether they were sellers, buyers, or team members. “I always strived to make a positive impact, and one day I thought, ‘What if I could make the whole process better for everyone?’”
HOME STRETCH with Tamara Gannon
For Tamara Gannon, director and owner at TG Property Group, a career in property was a no-brainer.
“Stay determined and trust in your abilities. The property industry can be competitive, but there’s room for everyone who is passionate and willing to learn.”
With the guidance of mentors, she made that vision a reality.
Now, eight months into the business, Tamara remains focused on building a strong foundation. “We’re still in the process of adapting and implementing new systems to make everything as seamless and efficient as possible.” Each day starts with checking in on her team, offering support in sales, negotiations, and marketing. She also ensures clients stay informed and buyers receive timely updates. While prospecting and client meetings fill her schedule, she always carves out time to reflect on the company’s next steps – whether that’s expanding into property management, growing the sales team, or refining operations. “There’s always something to plan for, but I love the challenge of it!”
Tamara’s approach to real estate is simple: be different. “I’m not your typical real estate agent.” With a philosophy built on honesty, integrity, and long-term relationships, she prioritises clear, practical solutions – no matter if she’s negotiating or advising clients,. “I believe in a quality-overquantity approach, focusing on fewer, more meaningful and rewarding transactions that truly benefit my clients.”
RETURNING TO HER ROOTS with Katey Mandy
From an idyllic childhood immersed in nature to a career that honours the land she was raised on, Katey Mandy, founder of RAAIE, has a deep connection to the world around her.
“Don’t wait for permission. The world needs more women-led businesses, and the only way to make it happen is to take that first step.”
As a child, Katey Mandy revelled in the raw beauty of her surroundings. Raised on her family farm in New Zealand, she and her father spent years dedicated to restoring native plants that had been lost to farming over previous generations. Shaping her connection to land and nature at a young age, she developed a deep respect for the potency of New Zealand’s botanicals. “I witnessed firsthand how these plants adapt to extreme UV conditions, developing powerful protective and regenerative properties,” she says.
Going on to spend 13 years in the fashion and beauty industries in London and New York, Katey learned from some of the best names in branding, product innovation, and storytelling. Helping to build global brands, she reflects on her experience as “invaluable.”
Over time, however, she realised she wanted to create something personal – something that connected back to her roots. Returning home to New Zealand, Katey found herself standing on the edge of a metaphorical ocean, ready to “just dive in”. This feeling led her to embark on the journey of building her skincare brand, RAAIE.
“There’s no perfect moment, no clear path – just an idea you can’t
RAAIE
shake and the grit to make it real,” she says.
It was a lengthy process, but one that couldn’t be rushed. Collaborating with world-class biochemists, sourcing sustainable packaging, crafting the distinctive brand identity – each step was intentional and uncompromising. For Katey, transparency is at the core of a successful business, and she firmly believes that “sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a responsibility.” This ethos is woven into the fabric of RAAIE’s identity, from ethical sourcing to an incentivised bottle return program.
Setting a new standard in age prevention by harnessing some of the world’s most resilient plants, RAAIE is led by innovative science and rooted in nature. Having evolved in some of Earth’s harshest conditions, such as volcanic soil and high UV, New Zealand’s botanicals have an in-built survival instinct that translates into powerful antioxidants and regenerative compounds.
In a saturated industry, Katey believes that authenticity is key, saying “when you create something with integrity, it naturally finds its place.” And with RAAIE, she’s done just that.
@RAAIESKINCARE RAAIE.AU
A CUT ABOVE with Sandra Faiva
Award-winning hairdresser at Toni & Guy Bulimba, here’s how Sandra Faiva went from apprentice to salon owner.
“Be a sponge and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.”
For many girls, styling their Barbie’s hair was a fun childhood pastime. For Sandra, it was practice. “I loved doing my Barbie’s hair, and I loved fashion,” she recalls. “My friends and I would spend all our money on magazines, only to rip out the pages and cover our bedroom walls.” Her passion soon turned into reality when she worked as a hair model during high school before landing her first job as an apprentice hairdresser straight after graduation.
“As a first-year apprentice, I’m not going to lie – it was tough. The hours are long, the work is hard, and you don’t actually get to do much hair,” she admits. “But working with great staff and clients makes it all worthwhile. You learn how to make people feel good.” Determined to hone her craft, she set off for London, securing a role at Vidal Sassoon and learning from some of the best in the business. Returning home to Brisbane soon after, Sandra continued her journey with Toni & Guy, where she is now Studio Manager at the Bulimba salon, having been mentored by industry greats like Dennis Langford and Kevin Murphy.
Throughout her career, Sandra has worn many hats – apprentice, stylist, art director, educator, and salon owner – each role adding to her expertise in leading a successful team while still doing what she loves most: hair. “My role means if the salon is open, I’m there,” she says. “I’m the touchpoint for staff and clients, and I want everyone to feel welcome and a little spoilt while they’re with us.”
Trained in the prestigious Vardering program used by both Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy, Sandra believes in high standards and confidencebuilding techniques. She takes pride in solving concerns and creating dream hair, whether that means maintaining healthy locks or tackling a bold transformation.
With accolades like the L’Oréal Colour Trophy and a finalist spot for Queensland Hairdresser of the Year at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards, Sandra’s proudest moment remains when her team became finalists for AHFA’s Team of the Year.
THE DREAM TEAM
with Holly Holub, Lori Pirozzi, and Donna Chan
Meet the powerhouse trio behind Glow Culture, the brand dedicated to future-forward, fermented skincare solutions.
With decades of experience in beauty, health, and consumer brands, Donna, Holly, and Lori met in the corporate world – but they knew they wanted to build something of their own.
Donna, originally from New Zealand, built her career in marketing with global giants like Johnson & Johnson and Campbell’s Soup before venturing into indie beauty. Holly, a Sydney native, found her calling in marketing while working full-time in the personal care industry, later working at brands like Revlon, Unilever, and Clarins. Meanwhile, Perth-born Lori’s expertise spans pharmacy, health, and international sales, with roles at GSK, Sanofi, and McPherson’s.
“Comfort and support shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Driven by their shared entrepreneurial spirit and love for skincare, the trio uncovered the transformative benefits of fermented ingredients – and from there, Glow Culture was born.
Since launching, Glow Culture has quickly made its mark by delivering high-performance skincare powered by fermented ingredients. Designed to support skin health at a deeper level, the range is dermatologist-tested and formulated with science-backed fermented actives that nourish, repair, and protect.
Their advice for aspiring female founders? Embrace challenges, trust your instincts, and celebrate every win – big or small.
“Let go of your perfectionism. Sometimes it’s better to get started and reiterate as you go.”
IN HER SHOES with Stacey Head
After a sudden career change, she wear founder Stacey Head is now helping empower women from their feet up.
With a passion for flipping houses – and often getting hands-on with tiling, carpentry, and landscaping – Stacey realised she needed proper work boots that could keep up with her. When a stray nail went through the shoe she was wearing, she discovered a glaring gap in the market: work boots designed for women’s feet were incredibly hard to come by.
Determined to change that, Stacey launched she wear, crafting footwear to suit the natural shape and biomechanics of women’s feet. Unlike big brands that simply shrink men’s styles, her designs consider key differences like higher arches, narrower heels, and varied foot shapes,
to ensure true comfort and support. What started with work boots soon evolved into functional footwear for nurses, hospitality workers, and retail staff. “Women in these industries spend long hours on their feet, and they deserve high quality, durable shoes that offer real comfort and support,” Stacey says.
Now, she wear is stepping further into fashion, offering supportive shoes for everyday wear. With a new retail store in Hamilton and an exciting walking shoe range launching soon, she wear continues to help women move through life with comfort, stability, and style.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS with Brodie Lee Tsiknaris
Through hard work and a clear vision, Rokstar Salon’s Brodie Lee Tsiknaris proves you really can have it all.
The salon chair truly is a sacred place; it’s a dedication to uplifting yourself by putting your trust in someone else. It’s a weight that Brodie Lee Tsiknaris – founder of West End’s award-winning Rokstar Salon – bears with grace and a commitment to enhancing the process for everyone involved. “I love making anyone who sits in my chair feel beautiful and the best version of themselves, while seeing a team of talented individuals do the same.”
With a glittering portfolio that’s seen Brodie share her expertise on the world’s stage, it’s truly no wonder Rokstar is as lauded as it is; winning AHIA’s coveted QLD Salon of the Year for the fourth time simply represents another milestone year for the talented team! Instead, Brodie’s true mission is to create a supportive and flexible environment that celebrates working mums like her. “We are raising the next generation to see that hard work pays off, passion and family can coexist, and women
“Honestly just give it ago. I was told I’d regret leaving school and I was selling myself short… well, I’m still waiting on that regret!”
don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.”
While her sought-after talent means she’ll be jetting off to PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival as a hair director alongside L’Oréal, Brodie’s devotion to her loyal clientele never wavers and is even reflected in the newly renovated salon. “Every touch point has been thought out to really enhance the client journey,” she says, from the calming atmosphere in the spa room to the lumbar support in the chairs. An appointment at Rokstar truly is one for the books.
For Brodie, hairdressing opened the doors to a rewarding career that’s taught her to always keep the big picture in mind. “Don’t sweat the small stuff, consistency is key, and you can never take your foot off the pedal if you want to succeed,” she says. “Pay attention to everything but choose where you give your energy.” Bonus points if you can squeeze a Pilates class in!
WHEN THE STARS ALIGN with Cara Barrett
Some careers are chosen, but for Cara Barrett of Cameo Rose, being a hair salon owner was a calling that was seemingly written in the stars.
“Expand your training, hire staff to give back to this amazing and evolving industry, and treat the salon as a home.”
Cara Barrett’s journey to owning Cameo Rose salon is a testament to passion and commitment to her trade. If you’d asked her as a teenager, she would have told you she was destined to be a PE teacher. With a family of educators and a deep love for sport, it seemed like a natural path until a high school teacher’s suggestion sparked an entirely new direction. In Year 12, her home group teacher encouraged her to apply for an apprenticeship at Jon Le Court, a thriving salon at the time. Though hesitant at first, she decided to give it a shot. When she made it to the final two candidates and received the life-changing call that she was in, everything clicked into place. From the moment she stepped into the salon, she knew she had found her calling. Determined to master every aspect of the industry, Cara immersed herself in training, vowing never to tell a client, “I don’t know how to do that.” That commitment shaped her 35-year career.
Today, her greatest passion is training others, as she notes, you never know when a flat top might come back into fashion! Her strong work ethic was evident from a young age. Her first job mowing lawns for her parents quickly evolved into a thriving business, with neighbours, rugby mates, and even a school hiring her services. That early experience instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, time management, and an entrepreneurial spirit that would later serve her well in the world of hairdressing.
Even when she briefly stepped away from hairdressing to work as a Cabin Supervisor, the industry kept calling her back. This time, she knew she wanted to own her own salon. While shopping for hair colour for her mother, she casually asked a supply store if they knew of any salons for sale. In a stroke of perfect timing, the owner of Cameo Rose had inquired about selling just the day before. Cara acted fast, and they reached an agreement instantly. Since taking over, Cara has poured her heart and soul into Cameo Rose. Her days often begin at 6:30 am and stretch well into the evening, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She has created more than just a salon; she’s built a warm, welcoming space where clients feel like cherished guests.
Her dedication has been recognised time and again, with Cameo Rose winning Best Hair Salon in the Nudgee electorate three years running. Cara’s advice to aspiring hairdressers? “Don’t specialise in one field, expand your training, and hire staff to give back to our amazing and evolving industry. Treat the salon as a home, and your clients as guests to your home. We want our clients to feel welcome, to feel educated in their hair journey, and most importantly, to have fun.”
Cara’s love of travel offers a chance to recharge, while her loyal team has been key to her success.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR with Ana Silva
Embodying a passion for fashion, Ana Silva harnesses the power of authenticity through colour analysis and personal styling.
“When we pursue what we love with passion and authenticity, opportunities naturally begin to align and things start falling into place.”
When stylist Ana Silva watched her mum get ready in the morning, she saw a magical transformation as the woman in PJs who urged her to finish breakfast became a stunning and sophisticated bank manager in a pantsuit and heels.
This power of fashion was something that stayed with Ana as she earned a scholarship that allowed her to move from Brazil to Brisbane, and ultimately inspired her to leave a successful career in the pharmacy industry to pursue a life that fulfilled her. “When I turned 30, I had a moment of clarity standing in front of my wardrobe – it no longer reflected the woman I was becoming, and I realised as our lives evolve, so should the way we present ourselves to the world.”
In true form, Ana’s transition to stylist involved hard work and a commitment to learning, taking her from London’s Vogue College of Fashion to Milan’s European Institute of Design. “One of the most incredible things about so many European cities is that you don’t just see fashion – you feel it,” she says.
“It’s woven into the energy of the streets and it’s absolutely invigorating.”
Now, living by the mantra to ‘dress the message’, Ana shares her expertise on styling and colour analysis to help women look and feel their best. “Colour analysis is about honouring who you are, feeling confident in your own skin, and making informed choices that simplify shopping and eliminate the guesswork,” she says. “True style refinement is not just about clothing –it’s about confidence. When women wear clothes and styles that suit them, they naturally feel more self-assured and that effortless elegance will follow.”
And while Ana began her career by following the traditional route, she now knows her definition of success is about being true to herself. “When we pursue what we love with passion and authenticity, opportunities naturally begin to align and things start falling into place.”
WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Sure, working from home has its perks (read: pyjamas all day), but when the laundry starts looking more appealing than your to-do list, it might be time for a change of scenery. That’s where Studio42 Workspaces comes in.
An inspiring hub in East Brisbane designed for professionals who want to work efficiently, connect with like-minded individuals, and grow their businesses, Studio42 Workspaces is an answer to the ever-evolving work landscape we find ourselves in.
Studio42 Workspaces was born out of the need for a flexible, professional workspace that encourages collaboration and networking. Traditional office leases can be expensive and restrictive, while working from home often lacks the structure required for success. Here, professionals can find a balance that fosters growth and creativity.
Offering serviced offices, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms, Studio42 Workspaces is not only a great place to get stuck into some work, it’s also a community. Think monthly networking events and partnerships with local businesses that provide opportunities to connect and collaborate, making the workspace a dynamic hub for professional growth. The amenities are crafted to support a stress-free work environment, featuring private meeting rooms for focused discussions and shared spaces that encourage teamwork and a sense of camaraderie.
From freelancers and start-ups to established businesses, the space is tailored to suit various needs, whether you’re looking for a virtual office solution or a long-term lease. With high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully stocked kitchen, complimentary coffee and snacks, an ergonomic layout, interiors designed to enhance productivity, and a welcoming reception team, everything is set up so you can focus on what really matters.
Committed to supporting their members’ journeys, Studio42 Workspaces is here to help you succeed, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand.
HOW TO BE A CO-WORKING SPACE MVP:
Great ideas are worth sharing, but at a considerate volume
Keep small talk short and sweet: a simple “good morning” can brighten a day! Save the deep dives – like your cat’s gluten-free journey – for after work
Headphones help keep the peace
Enjoy the last drop of coffee? Be a hero and brew a fresh pot!
Reserved a room for 30 minutes? Staying on schedule ensures everyone gets their turn.
Keeping things tidy means more room for everyone to work comfortably
Love seafood? So do we – but maybe save it for home!
The printer is not your personal assistant. Printing 100 pages? Maybe don’t do it during peak hours
SERVICED OFFICES MADE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
MODERN MOOD
Refined yet inviting, this contemporary edit by Domayne layers sculptural forms, rich textures, and a neutral palette for effortless sophistication. A plush bouclé armchair, a statement bed frame, and tactile textiles bring warmth, while architectural artwork and statement lighting add depth and intrigue. Whether you’re curating a serene retreat or updating your space with modern luxury, these pieces strike the perfect balance of comfort and style.
From Left to Right: DOMAYNE Samuel Round Mirror $159, Jameson Floor Lamp $509, Eadie Lifestyle Low Tide Cushion $109, Tarma Accent Chair $799, Oliver Vase $199, Spiral Stairs Wall Art $329, Morris King Bed $2299 (also available in Queen Bed and Double Bed $2099ea and Uber King Bed $2399
GIRL ON THE GO
Always on the move? Consider this your go-to edit. Activewear has fully integrated into everyday style, no longer just for workouts. Think retro tracksuits, sculpting sets, and tennis-core staples that seamlessly blend into streetwear and casual dressing. Whether you’re running errands, grabbing coffee, or heading to pilates, athleisure is here to stay.. It’s function meets fashion in the most effortless way, because looking put-together should be as easy as throwing on your favourite sneakers.
SALOMON XT-Whisper Sneaker $260
VEHLA River Sunglasses $250
EDIT YANA VAN DER BYL
‘Raw yet refined’
JAPANDI CODED
Japanese influence meets Scandi cool, where warmth embraces Nordic minimalism. A harmony of clean lines and soul, muted tones with depth, and design that’s as inviting as it is aesthetic. Thoughtful simplicity, raw yet refined. Elevated, understated, effortlessly timeless. This is Japandi.
KHAITE Medium Olivia Hobo $4,220
A.EMERY
The Shaw Sandal $230
MAISON ESSENTIELE Kimono $390
CAMILLA AND MARC Leo Necklace $450
ALOHAS Sway Leather Ballet Flats $318.29
P. JOHNSON Organza Devon Top $425
AFTER
ENERGY
A date worth knowing: James St Up Late returns. Break free from the usual and prepare for a night of spontaneity. Tell your friends, start mood boarding the outfit and prepare to bring your best Dionysian behaviour: be young, sxc and free.
JAMES STREET
27 MARCH, FROM 5PM TO 8PM
WHAT’S HOT ON JAMES ST
The place to dress up, be seen, and take in the scene.
Save the date: Camargue’s highly anticipated Warehouse Sale is back. Enjoy up to 90% off coveted designers, including Acne Studios, Maison Margiela, Ganni, Golden Goose, Rabanne, and Lemaire, all under one roof.
Tailored Spaces
With a focus on luxury and a portfolio of high-end clients under his belt, Christopher of Thomas & Alexander Interiors has a penchant for creating beautifully designed homes.
Established in 1988, Thomas & Alexander Interiors has been a cornerstone of luxury design. At the helm is Christopher, whose global influence and instinctive approach to interiors has earned him a devoted clientele.
Rather than adhering to any single aesthetic or design, Christopher is adaptable, seamlessly adjusting his skill and expertise to suit each client’s personality, lifestyle, and the unique character of their property. Believing collaboration and having a healthy respect for each other to be at the heart of every project, he works closely with his clients to ensure a common goal is established, and from there, the creative process can begin.
Unmoved by fleeting trends, Christopher focuses on enduring elegance, prioritising quality craftsmanship and thoughtful curation. His work reflects a deep understanding of materials, textures, and space, resulting in designs that feel both refined and deeply personal.
With a portfolio spanning highend residential and commercial projects, Thomas & Alexander Interiors has built a reputation for delivering spaces that exude sophistication and comfort, a reflection of Christopher’s meticulous eye for detail and dedication to creating interiors that not only look stunning, but also feel effortlessly liveable.
GALLERY 201 LATROBE THOMAS & ALEXANDER INTERIORS SHAPIRO
GET YOUR GROOM ON
GREEN FLAG: A MAN WHO TAKES HIS GROOMING SERIOUSLY. A WELL-GROOMED GENT KNOWS THAT LOOKING SHARP AND FEELING FRESH REQUIRES A LITTLE EFFORT – AND THE RIGHT PRODUCTS. WHETHER YOU’RE REFINING YOUR SKINCARE, TAMING YOUR MANE, OR PERFECTING THAT SIGNATURE SCENT, A SOLID REGIMEN SETS YOU UP FOR SUCCESS.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste $16.95, Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Matte Sun Serum $50, Le Labo Shampoo Basil $66 Hommey 2 Pack Bath Towel $108, Aesop Mouthwash $30, Patricks BW1 All-In-One Body + Face Wash $45, Manscaped The Plow 2.0 $49.99
EDIT BIANCA LICINA
This Cantonese-inspired restaurant is the last venue to open in The Star’s luxury dining precinct, The Terrace. HUĀ offers a traditional Cantonese dining experience, with prawn dumplings, deep-fried duck rolls, and seafood san choi bows. And talk about being spoilt for choice, HUĀ is currently offering two menus! One is a dim sum menu, featuring steamed barbecue pork buns and pan-fried kimchi lamb dumplings. The other menu is a banquet menu, serving a curated selection that perfectly spotlights the star dishes.
@HUA_BRISBANE
CARTEL DEL TACO
Hawthorne’s beloved taqueria has expanded, bringing its signature Mexican street food to a brand-new New Farm location. Cartel Del Taco’s second outpost is just as vibrant as the original, serving up authentic tacos, bold flavours, and all the good vibes. And if you’ve been keen to sip on Kendall Jenner’s award-winning 818 tequila, you’re in luck – you can do just that here. Taco Tuesday and margaritas, anyone?
@CARTELDELTACOBRISBANE
GOROS
If your social feed is a parade of friends living it up in Japan and you’re feeling the FOMO, we hear you. But it’s time to swap envy for excitement because Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife is landing right here in Brisbane! Introducing Goros, Fortitude Valley’s hottest new opening. Expect a lineup of classic Japanese spirits, creative cocktails, and mouthwatering street food that’ll transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Tokyo. Add in neon-lit décor and immersive vibes, and you’ve got a venue that’s pure magic.
@GOROSBRISBANE
STILTS
Perched ten metres above the Brisbane River on the Kangaroo Point Bridge, you’ll find Stilts – Brisbane’s firstever restaurant on a bridge. With killer views and an upscale ambiance, the restaurant celebrates Australian land and sea with a menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced produce. Whether you’re toasting at sunset or indulging in a long lunch, Stilts offers a dining experience like no other.
@STILTS.DINING
MEDITERRANEAN, REDEFINED
Short on time but still craving a feast? The Tassis Group’s latest dining hotspot at The Star Brisbane delivers big on flavour and efficiency, serving up a Mediterraneaninspired banquet that’s just as indulgent as it is swift.
Walking into Dark Shepherd, the moody, atmospheric interior immediately subverts expectations – it’s clear this is not your ordinary Mediterranean restaurant. Gone are the familiar white-and-blue hues and stone-paved charm that’s become synonymous with the cuisine. Instead, this latest venture in a recent string of openings from the Tassis Group is a sleek, contemporary reimagining of the Med.
Seated in a curved booth beside the live lobster tank, we kicked things off with drinks: a crisp glass of Rioja for my lunch date and a summery cocktail named the Riviera Sunset for me. Sips were exchanged, nods of approval followed, and the verdict was unanimous: delicious.
Deliberating between the numerous enticing banquet options, we opted for the nine-course Big Chop Banquet, which was generously priced at $54 per person, then eagerly awaited the first round of entrées: oysters, pillow bread, and tzatziki. The oysters, served natural on ice, were smooth and velvety, while the tzatziki – easily one of the best I’ve ever had – paired beautifully with
the perfectly puffed pillow bread. We could have indulged in seconds (and thirds), but restraint proved wise, as the next wave of dishes was just as impressive. Moreish pastitsio bites (pasta, spiced meat sauce, and béchamel), woodfired scallops, and flash-fried kalamari dipped in paprika sauce – each plate was a hit.
Naturally, as with most Mediterranean restaurants, the real star is the lamb. Thankfully, the Big Chop Banquet delivers with two premium cuts: succulent lamb ribs and a tomahawk cutlet, both sourced from the foothills of Victoria’s Pyrenees Ranges. Dubbed the Wagyu of lamb, White Pyrenees lamb is renowned for its tenderness and depth of flavour, and here, it’s slow-cooked in a woodfired oven until meltingly soft and irresistibly rich.
Just as we thought we couldn’t fit in another bite, the chef’s dessert arrived: galaktoboureko –flaky filo pastry, creamy custard, and lemon syrup. Sweet and indulgent, it was the ideal finale to our delectable nine-part feast.
WORDS NATALIE MCGOWAN
HARRY BUTTERFIELD’S CORAL TROUT LARB CEVICHE
Brisbane’s Harry Butterfield, MasterChef Australia’s seafood guru, puts a bold spin on ceviche. His Coral Trout Larb Ceviche blends zesty Thai flavours with the fish’s natural sweetness, finished with crispy nori rice crisps. Bright, vibrant, and made to share.
FOR THE FISH & CURING MIXTURE
500g Coral Trout (or Kingfish), diced into 1cm cubes
250ml rice vinegar
Juice of 3 limes
150ml cold water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 brown onion, thinly sliced
FOR THE LARB DRESSING
3 tbsp fish sauce
1 1/2 tbsp lime juice
1 1/2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp caster sugar
1 bird’s eye chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp water
4 tsp toasted glutinous rice (ground into powder)
FOR THE HERB MIXTURE
1/3 cup coriander leaves, roughly chopped
1/3 cup mint leaves, roughly chopped
1/3 cup dill, roughly chopped
1/3 cup Thai basil, roughly chopped
3 large makrut lime leaves, deveined, rolled into a cigar, and thinly sliced (reserve some threads for garnish)
FOR THE NORI RICE CRISPS
6 nori sheets
6 sheets of rice paper
Neutral oil for frying
FOR THE GARNISH
Radish, thinly sliced
Green beans, finely chopped
Ikura (salmon pearls) (optional)
Wedges of lime
Olive oil
METHOD
1. Cure the fish: in a bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, lime juice, cold water, sugar, and salt. Add the sliced brown onion and the cubed fish, stirring gently to coat. Top with a paper towel and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The fish will turn opaque as the acid ‘cooks’ it.
2. Prepare the larb dressing: in another bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, caster sugar, chili, garlic, water, and toasted glutinous rice powder. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Taste and adjust: add lime juice or vinegar for more tang, fish sauce for saltiness, or water to tone it down.
3. Fry the nori rice crisps: lightly brush one side of a rice paper sheet with water and press it onto a nori sheet. Repeat with the remaining sheets until you have 6 nori-rice paper combinations. Heat a pan with about 1cm of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Fry the nori side down first for 5-10 seconds until it shrinks to the size of the rice paper but doesn’t colour. Flip and fry the rice paper side for 10-15 seconds until it puffs up and turns ultra-crispy. Drain on paper towels and break into desired scoop-sized pieces once cooled.
4. Combine fish and dressing: drain the cured fish, reserving about 2 tbsp of the curing liquid. Toss the fish gently with half of the larb dressing to coat evenly.
5. Add the herbs: add the herb mixture and chopped green beans to the dressed fish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine.
6. Plate and garnish: heap the ceviche onto a large serving dish. Pour over the remaining larb dressing and drizzle with olive oil.
Garnish with thinly sliced radish, lime wedges, and the reserved makrut lime leaf threads. Serve alongside the crispy nori rice crisps for scooping.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
When Gerald Ong, Head Chef at Brisbane’s new Cantonese restaurant, The Fifty Six, began working in kitchens, little did he know a box of beetroots would change the trajectory of his career for good.
Singapore native Gerald Ong’s culinary journey began with an apprenticeship at the Flower Dome in Singapore’s iconic Gardens By The Bay, where he honed his skills in modern French cooking techniques. But it wasn’t a perfectly-flambéed Duck à l’Orange that shaped his path – it was a humble box of beetroots left on the kitchen bench. “They were perfect in every sense,” he recalls. The box, labelled ‘Product of Australia,’ cemented his future. “I knew where I had to go next to have access to great produce.”
Growing up in Singapore, where, in his words, “Singaporeans are the most food-motivated people on the planet,” his openminded approach to food and love of cooking was born. “It’s a cultural melting pot of flavours, spices, and aromas,” he says. Relocating to Sydney, Gerald put his training to work and gained experience at two well-known establishments: Automata, where he learned to embrace seasonality and innovation; and Porteño, where he learned the beauty of “honest” cooking and the pure joys of eating.
alongside kitchen teams from both Australia and Hong Kong, I fell in love with Cantonese cuisine. That’s where I found my identity as a chef.”
Since then, he has made a name for himself with his cult pop-up restaurant, Project Enoki, and by spearheading the Chinese side of Canberra’s Tiger Lane precinct. Now, as Head Chef of The Fifty Six – the Cantonese restaurant perched atop the heritage-listed Naldham House –Gerald is bringing his expertise and vision to Brisbane.
“For me, food is about nurturing.”
For Gerald, the process of curating The Fifty Six’s menu was “quite simple.” Using the three fundamental pillars of Cantonese cuisine to guide him – freshness, balance, and elegance –his love of quality Australian produce remains unwavering. In the kitchen, a framed photo of B.B. King serves as a daily reminder: “Less is more. Make every note count.”
It was further south, however, in Canberra, where he found his calling. At Chairman and Yip – the sister restaurant to Hong Kong’s Michelinstarred The Chairman – Gerald’s perspective on food shifted. “That job changed my life,” he says. “Under the mentorship of the wok master and
Balancing the fine line between tradition and innovation is key to Gerald’s philosophy. “We respect the cuisine and culture that came before us and it’s central to the name. The Fifty Six is a nod to the first migration of Chinese to Queensland,” he explains. For him, honouring the past doesn’t mean being bound by it. “I’d like to see us as part of the rich tapestry of this great food city, and that we are a natural evolution of tradition for the here and now.”
WORDS NATALIE MCGOWAN
PHOTOGRAPHER: DEXTER KIM
PALMA PERFEC TION
WELCOME TO SUN-DRENCHED PALMA DE MALLORCA, THE DAZZLING ‘PEARL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN,’ WHERE VIBRANT CULTURE MEETS PICTURE-PERFECT LANDSCAPES. READY TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP? HERE ARE MY FIVE MUST-DO EXPERIENCES.
1. GET LOST IN THE STREETS
Like most European cities, the best way to explore is by foot. Meander through the picturesque streets of Palma where you’ll find trendy shops, vintage stores, beautiful architecture, and, of course, incredible street food. Streetside, you’ll find dreamy Portuguese Tarts, jamon sandwiches, and of course, plenty of tapas along the way.
2 . VISIT THE CATHEDRAL OF MALLORCA
Who would have though a small Mediterranean island could be home to such a eye-wateringly impressive cathedral? Step inside Palma’s La Seu, a Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline.
3 . DINE OUT
Palma’s food scene is anything but predictable. Think effortlessly cool cafés that rival Australia’s best, cocktail bars straight out of NYC, and fine dining destinations that alone are worth booking a flight for. Whether it’s laid-back brunch or an elegant dinner, Mallorca does it right. TRY: Boscando el Norte, Brassclub, Rosevelvet Eatery, Spot, Surry Hills Coffee, La Molienda
4 . GO ON A BOAT DAY
There’s no better way to experience an island than from the water, and Mallorca is no exception. Charter a boat (skipper highly recommended), drop anchor in dazzling turquoise bays, and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and sipping sangria. Trust me, it’ll be one of the best days of your trip.
5 . HIRE A CAR TO EXPLORE THE ISLAND
While Palma is the beating heart of the island, Mallorca’s magic extends far beyond. Rent a car, roll the windows down, and set off in search of hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and sleepy villages that feel untouched by time.
WORDS BIANCA LICINA
SKYLINE MEETS SEA
EXPLORING THE WET MARKETS
ALWAYS A MARKET TO WANDER THROUGH
RETAIL THERAPY IN CAUSEWAY BAY
POSTCARDS FROM MY FIVE-DAY WHIRLWIND IN HONG KONG
WORDS + IMAGES NATALIE MCGOWAN
THE ICONIC SKYLINE VIEW FROM THE STAR FERRY
GOLDEN HOUR IN MONG KOK
VICTORIA HARBOUR AT NIGHT
LAMMA ISLAND FISHING BOATS
