- WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
It’s a mad rush to get kids to school, walk the dog, go for a run or to the gym. All of the above activities whilst returning emails on my phone – I am the queen of multitasking!
Then, I do the rounds between the Villas office and the Bower office. Meetings, phone calls and rushing all day long to get my list done before school pick up! I have an aversion to my laptop so my phone is an extension of my arm and my number one business tool. - WHAT’S YOUR MISSION?
To inspire others and give back to the community around me. Set the example for my three boys, that work can be something you love doing and that your passions can become your means to get by. And to help others!
“I love that every room is different and unique. We have 14 suites that have various configurations – a barn, a gorgeous cottage and a family house. “
- WHAT’S ON YOUR CRITERIA WHEN SEARCHING FOR NEW PROPERTIES?
I have to have that gut feeling. I’ve learnt to trust my instincts. Our most successful investments have not always been what seems “safe and normal” to everyone else. Some of the basic criteria is North facing, private, sunny aspects and close to the beach! - YOU’VE JUST OPENED THE BOWER IN BYRON BAY, WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS PROJECT?
I love that every room is different and unique. We have 14 suites that have various configurations – a barn, a gorgeous cottage and a family house. I love that we have something to suit everyone’s needs.
This is also the first project where I have not done everything myself – It was too big of a job and I needed help to do it successfully.
It was incredible to put together a dream design team with everyone who had their own roles. And we all worked so well together. It was a big step to go from being “the team” being made up of just myself, to organising a team, ‘letting go’ and having complete faith and trust in everyone. The result was far better than I could have ever imagined. I’m so happy with the final outcome.
- WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST HURDLE WITH THIS PROJECT?
Definitely time management! Getting it all done in the shortest amount of time, working with a huge team of creatives who all had deadlines that had to be achieved. I’m more of a go with the flow kind of person, so I learnt a lot about leading a team and working with various personalities. All whom were just amazing and pulled it all together so beautifully. - WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR PROJECT INSPIRATION FROM?
The Bower was a direct result of our New York trip at the beginning of this year. We loved staying in the Bower District and checking out all the gorgeous boutique hotels. If we couldn’t live in New York, then I wanted to have my own little slice of New York style in Byron.
Every project has some form of inspiration behind it, usually from our travels. - WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A CREATIVE RUT?
I ask for guidance from the people I admire and trust. It always comes back to trusting yourself… but I know it always helps to have design gurus who I can call to help re-inspire me and point me in the right direction. I’ve really realised the power of two minds being better than one lately! It’s not about taking all the credit, it’s about sharing the opportunities and creating amazing teams. This is how I want to approach all projects from now on. - WHO ARE YOUR CREATIVE HEROES?
Lynda Gardener, Belle Hemming, Kate Sacks and so many more… - WHAT IS ONE LESSON BUSINESS HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT LIFE?
Not to take it all too seriously.
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