Licensee & Business Owner, My Mermaid Home
Licensee & Business Owner, My Mermaid Home
Rachel Kelly is the Licensee and owner of the boutique Real Estate Agency, My Mermaid Home. An industry professional with extensive property management and sales experience she has been helping clients with their real estate needs for over 10 years on the Gold Coast. We chatted with Rachel about the unique way she broke into the real estate business and what she loves about the Gold Coast.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
13 years on/off. I first came in 2009 after falling in love with the city after schoolies. Life had some other plans and I went to then do a brief stint in the mines, a Euro gap year to find myself and then migrated back down to the Coast from Central Qld in 2012 and have been here since.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
As a child from a small town that didn’t have much going on I love the fact there is always something to go on the Gold Coast. Whether it’s the various free festivals across the city over the year or going to sit on Burleigh Hill with a beer and watch the ocean, or dinner at an amazing restaurant.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I had an interesting start to my real estate career, where back in my hometown of Hervey Bay after travelling Europe I came back to no job. My Dad told me to go down to the local pub and talk to Bull the local real estate Guru & agency owner. Into the Torquay hotel I went and pulled up a stool next to Bull and said “Bull, I want a job”, and he just turned around and looked at me and goes “You start tomorrow my girl”. Now nearly 11 years later I am running my own agency.
With that being said and what I learnt from Bull I take on every interaction with people showing no judgement and I will always give someone a go. I try to take on every day with a friendly and laid-back attitude which resonates with many Gold Coasters. I am straight forward when it comes to both my personal life and my professional life. To put it simply I am not afraid to have those tough conversations and ask for what I want (clearly I started my career walking into a pub and asking for the job I wanted), which is a trait I believe you need your real estate agent to have. You might see me cruise around in a linen set and some sandals and not suited up like many other agents, and it’s for that reason my clients love me, my expertise is second to none and I try and make clients feel comfortable in every environment.
For those who don’t know tell us about My Mermaid Home?
My Mermaid Home is a boutique Real Estate Agency based in Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast. Offering both sales and property management.
How did My Mermaid Home come about?
My Mermaid Home actually was & still is a renovation blog turn Real Estate Agency. I purchased my first property and managed to turn it into my home, which is My Mermaid Home, and I took people on that journey with me via my renovation Instagram, sharing DIY tips and tricks, reno advice and styling tips & tricks. People may have seen my hacks and DIYs shared by Kmart, Big W, Bunnings and more.
2022 came and I thought it was time to expand and use my expertise & experience in Real Estate and my love all things property & home related to create My Mermaid Home Real Estate, to help people find a house they could call a home like I did.
What is My Mermaid Home known for and what do you specialise in?
We are a boutique Real Estate Agency offering all aspects of real estate but specialising in Property management. I wanted to start the business and come into the industry and break the stigma around property management. The stigma that you can only get bad service & that’s property managers don’t really care. I want to prove the value in having an expert agency looking after your biggest investment.
What do you love most about running My Mermaid Home?
I love the people I get to meet, and the clients that turn to friends. The relationships I’ve been able to build with clients, tenants, and trades has been phenomenal, there are so many legendary people out there willing to help and support you as long as it’s reciprocated and it’s so great to be apart of.
What should customers expect as the standard My Mermaid Home experience?
Other than exceptional service and the knowledge base of everything Real Estate that I have, they can always expect me to have their best interest and what’s best for their property front of mind. All my clients know I am only a phone call or text away even if it’s just for a friendly convo or a catch-up beer.
My Mermaid Home is soon to celebrate its 1st year. Tell us what you’ve achieved so far and of your future plans.
In Feb 2023 we will be 1. With the growth we have experienced over the first 12 months you will see some more staff come on board that have a passion for property as much as I do. Along with a bigger space that we will hopefully be able to host client events along with workshops and DIYs all property related. Watch this space.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Espresso Moto, Mermaid Waters.
Restaurant: Mexicali
Bar or place for a drink: Nobby Surf Club
Beach: Nobbys
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I’m not sure there are such a thing as days off as a business owner haha, but you’ll no doubt find me doing something very active if I do get some spare time. Whether it be a sunrise run, F45 class with the Broadbeach legends, playing one of the many sports I do, or watching the GC Titans play at Cbus. And if you can’t find me at any of those places, you’ll find me down the beach with Bruce having a well-deserved beer.
Lauren Murphy, the Founder/Owner of The Style File Aus is our go-to Gold Coast girl when it comes to fashion advice. She’s the resident stylist for Robina Town Centre, a personal and editorial fashion stylist and a busy mum of two. So, it’s safe to say she knows how to dress to impress! Lauren gave us a rundown on the 2022 Melbourne Cup fashion trends and why she loves calling the Gold Coast home.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
My family moved from Sydney to the Tweed Region, (just South of the border), when I was four. At 17, we relocated to Tallebudgera Valley. I then spent my early twenties renting beachside units from Mermaid to Currumbin, and in 2015, bought a house with my husband in Elanora, where we currently live and love with our two children.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The main things I love about the GC are the laid-back lifestyle, the weather, the beaches, the incredible business starts ups, the healthy lifestyle and the fact that it is a beautiful place to raise young children. I also love the proximity to everything.. for example; the fact that I can go from school drop off to morning pilates to taking a client shopping, followed by a live football game, to dinner and drinks by the beach all in one day is very gratifying.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband Scott, who works FIFO as a Mining Manager, and two beautiful children – Cuba, 6 and Yorke, 4. I worked my entire teen years, every weekend and school holidays in a Kirra beachfront surf shop. I then went on to complete a Marketing Degree and a 10 year career in Media, Events and Public Relations. But after my second child was born, I decided to shift my career focus solely to my styling business, The Style Files Aus. I work closely with freelance clients on cleansing their wardrobe and shopping in alignment with their personal style, and I am the Resident Stylist at Robina Town Centre. I am a true Libran – a calm creative who loves beautiful things, a fighter of fairness but I am extremely indecisive. I have five brothers and sisters and five foster siblings also.
What made you want to pursue a career as a stylist?
A natural-born creative and a lover of all things fashion, I had dabbled in elements of styling without even knowing it as such in my old jobs. I found myself googling fashion courses while at my desk one day and I had a friend tell me she had enrolled in a styling course. I remember telling my husband “I wish I could do that” and his response was simply, “why can’t you?”. And from that moment on I decided no excuses would override my passion. I enrolled in the Australian Style Institute and took annual leave to complete my intensive personal and editorial styling training in Melbourne. The rest is history!
What trends do you think will be huge this year for the spring racing season?
I’m 100% confident that colour will be huge, especially monochrome colour play with shades of purple, pink, green and orange will taking centre stage. Feminine gloves, puffy sleeves, bows and statement eyewear will all be dominant. Along with woven, rattan textured accessories. Overall, a European Summer influence.
What’s on trend for headpieces this year? Fascinators, headbands, hats, what is your pick?
I think we will see a lot of netting and classic bows. Along with wide brim, sleek hats. And as mentioned above, I think we’ll see a beautiful display of woven, rattan textures.
What has been your favourite spring racing fashion trend to have emerged in recent years?
I love seeing suiting on women on track side! Although it can be a little warm on the GC for that year-round, so I’m going to say the glam 60’s style. Think structured smocks with pinched waistlines and buttons, paired with big hair, thick headbands and mini handbags.
What race day style trends do you think are overdone?
Those higher neck, lace dresses that make a person look 10 years older than what they really are and bodycon/bandage dresses. They are so done.
Which Australian designers are your favourites for racing season?
Aje and Zimmerman always bring the feminine frock goodies and some personal faves favourties of mine for a slight edge are Alice McCALL, Shona Joy and Dion Lee. If you’re chasing a last-minute spring racing outfit, Issue 1 at Robina Town Centre always have beautiful Australian labels.
What do you love about Gold Coast race day fashion?
I love that us Gold Coasters dare to be different and always wear a smile! We aren’t afraid of colour, colour and more colour, and wear outfits that make us feel good aka we’re big on “Dopamine Dressing”.
How will you be celebrating the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival?
I will be getting dolled up and heading to Nineteen at The Star with a couple of girlfriends for a few champagnes and a cheeky punt. I have always loved getting dressed up for Melbourne Cup and putting a complete look together, head-to-toe, and being around other people so full of energy and good vibes. I can’t wait!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Coffee- My local Down to Earth Café for coffee (7th Ave Palm Beach)
Breakfast spot: Plantation House (Tallebudgera Creek Road).
Restaurant: Tommy’s in Currumbin or Light Years in Miami for a girl’s lunch, Nineteen at The Star for fine dining, Ze Pickle Burleigh for a casual burgers and wings.
Bar or place for a drink: I can’t go past a Gold Coast Surf Club! Palm Beach, Currumbin or Tallebudgera are where I go most. Otherwise, it’s my favourite restaurants above with a side of margaritas!
Beach: The Alley, Kirra or 11th Ave Palm Beach. Gosh we’re luck here to be spoilt for choice.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
My days off usually consist of running around after my kids haha. Cuba plays football for Currumbin Eagles and is in Palm Beach Nippers, and Yorke dances at Coastal Dance in Currumbin. There is also soccer and touch football during the week. We also attend lots of kid’s birthday parties and social events lots of different venues around the Coast. I like to try and get to one of our local markets and if I can sneak away, I’ll do a reformer pilates class at Studio Pilates in Palm Beach. BBQ’s with friends by the pool are definitely popular in Spring/Summer, as are beach days with a few sneaky bevies to finish off!
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
