How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve been a Gold Coast local for the past 25 years.
What do you love most about living here?
Every time I travel I appreciate something new about living here. I’m so grateful for the beautifully clean streets, our fresh air and the safety I feel here. Our Gold Coast beaches and coastline really are the best in the world and it’s just incredible getting to live a stones throw away from the ocean. Some of our parks and outdoor workout locations are breath taking.
Tell us about what you do and what you love most about it?
I specialise in women’s health and fitness, and my passion is to empower women in becoming happier and healthier via the use of my innovative programs. We incorporate not only health, fitness, and nutrition but also mindfulness and wellness.
I also own a private boutique fitness studio in Broadbeach and travel internationally speaking on stage, hosting health retreats and teaching others how to become healthier and happier. I mentor women online in my Angel Academy and self published a healthy recipe book in 2014. In line with this, I travel nationally coaching others on health and nutrition, and teaching cooking classes.
My favourite partis sharing the journey and supporting my clients transformations and getting to see them become happier and healthier.
How did you get to where you are today?
I was selected by the Queensland Academy of Sport in triathlon and offered a scholarship when I was 14 years old. A couple of years later I was travelling the country as an elite athlete and soon became Australian Champion. During this time, I noticed I began facing body image challenges and so I studied Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness to learn more. Then I started working in the Fitness Centre at Bond University.
I established my business when I was 22 and a few years later, after completing an Advanced course in Nutrition, I attended Jamie Oliver’s ‘Ministry of Food’ cooking course, studied with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, opened my fitness studio and launched the hard copy recipe book ‘Eat Amazing, Feel Amazing’. Not long after this, I began travelling, speaking and educating nationally and then internationally. I’m so grateful for how my career has progressed and the opportunities I’ve had.
How do we Gold Coasters fair in terms of health and fitness?
I love how active and healthy the Gold Coast is. Our Council has given us access to some great equipment in beautiful outdoor locations, how could we not be super stoked with our home?
There are always new healthy cafes and dining out venues opening their doors which is really exciting and it’s so nice to go check them out!
What are your top tips for getting started on a fitness regime?
My first tip is to drink more water. I would say around 3-4 litres per day is ideal. Get your body moving (aim for at least 30 minutes each day) and ask friends to join you if motivation is a challenge for you. Find something you love and do that. We have HEAPS of active options on the Gold Coast, here are some of my favourites:
What will you be teaching at the Colourful Masterclass this weekend?
I will be demonstrating the benefits of colourful food and vegetables using fresh ingredients from the Farmer’s Markets and teaching those who attend how to create some of my favourite and simple juices, smoothies and snacks. We will also have recipe tasting and gift bags for the first 50 people who register before the day.
What’s the greatest piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
There are two things I’d like to share here… I have heard world leaders talk about growth and progression. For me, this has been a major key in my development and it’s allowed me to really expand and maximise my life experiences. I love challenging myself and expanding the margins of my comfort zones. I would also like to encourage everyone to do this too. People are motivated by progress, it gives them hope and supports them in keeping on with the journey.
In saying that, it’s natural for us to experience set backs and the secret here is to fall in love with the journey.
Being a Gold Coast local, we have to ask your favourites:
Cafe: Commune Burleigh and Nude Sisters
Restaurant: Mamasan, Yamagen, Kiyomi, TEN Japanese, Greenhouse Factory in Miami and Mandala Organic Arts
Beach: I really love Tallebudgera Creek and I also see Burleigh Beach as having a piece of my heart because I grew up on the shores here. Mermaid Beach is also really wonderful
How does your weekend usually look:
My weekends usually start in the studio early on Saturday mornings with my clients, after this you’ll find me either swimming in the sea, supporting a charity or community event or relaxing with family
