Meet the Founder of B Styled for Life.
Meet the Founder of B Styled for Life.
It’s no secret that the last couple of years have been tough on everyone. Mentally, physically and even financially. But at the end of the day, how we view ourselves and the world around us can really determine how we live our life. We recently spoke to Moana Robinson, a personal stylist and life coach from ‘B Styled for Life’ and spoke about her recent TED Talk on “the best pieces of a broken world.” Moana’s insight sheds light on how to re-analyse how we view things, and ultimately how we can be the best versions of ourselves in this ever-changing world.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Six years.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love the relaxed atmosphere and the people that I have met here are amazing. It is such an interesting diversified place with an unlimited amount of things to see and do.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am married to Peter who has an interest in car racing. This is a great family sport and we all love watching. We have a purpose-built facility at Southport where we work from. As a personal stylist and life coach I enjoy seeing clients there and holding workshops in a beautiful training/presentation room. I also see clients online for both styling and coaching. We have two daughters who are married and live in Brisbane. We are blessed to have six beautiful grandchildren.
What made you want to pursue a career in assisting people from the inside out?
I have always had an interest in colour, fashion and style and would have loved to have a boutique. With my business I can take people shopping and still get enjoyment in their shopping satisfaction. It is important to me though that I do not just style people on the outside because personality and confidence matters also. It is important that people dress as themselves not as they think they ought to dress to keep up with everyone else or the latest fashion. Style is very personal and individual. Being a personal stylist and a coach means that I cover everything and can work with the client as a whole person not just the aesthetics of garments worn, hairstyling and makeup. I am very lucky to have worked out what it is that I love to do and what can also help others. I love the concept of Ikigai which is the Japanese concept encompassing what you love to do with what you are good at and what the world needs. ’ ‘Iki’ in Japanese means ‘life,’ and ‘gai’ describes value or worth.
You have done your very own TED Talk. Explain to us the premise behind “The best pieces of a broken world.”
Again, I have spoken about the Japanese concept of Kintsugi which is where something is broken and it is repaired with gold. This to me is a metaphor for making the best out of a situation. The Japanese pots and bowls that are repaired are actually more valuable than they were before. This is how some businesses including mine have changed with the current times. I also speak about concepts from other countries where they use positive traditions to get through tough times. I was given the opportunity to do a Ted Talk and at the time felt very strongly about the negative impact COVID was having on everyone emotionally and economically not to mention physically. I wanted to change everyone’s perspective to look at the gold in a situation.
What is the most satisfying part of your job?
Seeing a client’s face light up when they understand how different they can look when wearing the right colours and also experiencing the transformation when someone has had coaching and realises what has been holding them back from living the life they want to live.
What does ‘success’ mean to you?
Success to me means having choice and freedom. It is about being able to choose how you live your life in a more meaningful way. For me, success is the feeling that I have from progression to better myself every day as I do strive for excellence in everything that I do.
What does your typical day look like?
I always get up early and either go to pilates at 6am or meet my friend Tina for a walk and breakfast. We do have breakfast out quite often as I don’t go out in the evenings as much now that we have two little Cavoodle puppies who we enjoy spending time with. I also take the dogs for a walk a few times a day. Most of my work is done online and if I have appointments they will be either in my studio, online or mobile. I don’t travel as much as I used to but enjoy holding workshops and group presentations at the studio. I run a networking group with my friend Karen Clark every Tuesday called “Tuesdays on Tedder”. This is online when we usually focus on accountability and achieving goals. Once a month we have a social face-to-face luncheon at different cafes.
Tell us the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and why you consider it the best?
I have received a lot of good advice but do live by “CANI” from Tony Robbins – Constant and neverending improvement.
What are you looking forward to the most in the next 12 months?
More of what I already do and some plans that my husband and I have to travel more with our dogs in a motorhome as I have proved that I can work from anywhere – I have written two books while busy traveling and also zoom calls.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Hard Coffee in Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Restaurant: Thai Eatery in Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Bar or place for a drink: 3 Sixty Restaurant Bar, Labrador
Beach: Southport Spit and Main Beach
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I love to socialise with friends and see family. We also go to the beach or park with the dogs on a Sunday and I like to go to the Marina Mirage Markets on a Saturday morning or HOTA Markets on a Sunday morning. Sundays are definitely recharge days to prepare for the coming week.
Meet Catie Fry, the Master Distiller and Co-Founder of Clovendoe Distilling Co. The latest distilling company to take the Gold Coast by storm with their non-alcoholic and low-alcohol spirits. Thanks to the help of her long-term friend Sarah Bendy, they both brought the company to the GC early last year and haven’t looked back since. Read on to find out more!
How long has Clovendoe Distilling Co. been on the Coast?
Clovendoe Distilling Co. was originally launched from Rockhampton in Central Queensland, however, we saw an opportunity (both personally and professionally) and relocated to the Gold Coast in January 2021.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
We just love the easy-going attitude of the Gold Coast. Many people live here for the sun, surf and outdoors and that generally brings a vibe that is focused on nature, wellbeing and recreation. We find so much inspiration for our business from the local vibe and we also find that locals really get behind local businesses so we couldn’t appreciate being part of the Gold Coast community more!
Tell us a bit about Clovendoe Distilling Co.
Clovendoe is the first female-owned and operated distilling company in Australia, and the first producing both non-alcoholic and low-alcohol spirits. We are driven by creating products that offer social inclusion, choice and sophistication; meeting the needs of consumers who have become more mindful in their drinking habits. And we are passionate about the art of distilling, using traditional copper-pot stills to curate our spirits, retaining the complexity of the palate and botanical aromas without added sugars or sweeteners. We recently took out a sweep of awards at the Global Spirits Masters blind tasting, with all of our products awarded medals (1 Masters and 5 Gold medals) so we are extraordinarily proud to be competing on the world stage just 2 years into launching Clovendoe.
How did the concept of Clovendoe come about?
Whilst launching a gin and rum distillery with my husband in Central Queensland, I found myself juggling a business and two small children. Leading a busy life and seeking ways to incorporate a social life into my schedule (i.e. struggling with FOMO!!), I combined my love of working with botanicals with creating sophisticated, guilt-free alternatives to alcohol and sugar-loaded soft drinks. After a couple of years of Research & Development and perfecting my recipes, I approached my long-time friend Sarah and together we officially launched Clovendoe Distilling Co. in 2020.
What do you consider your favourite part(s) of working in this industry?
I am a creative at heart, so I love being able to experiment with botanicals and create new products. I take so much inspiration from nature, collaborating with local growers to find amazing botanicals at our doorstep. All of our products are distilled, small-batch, and all of our botanicals are prepared by hand so a lot of creative passion goes into producing our spirits. Both Sarah and I know the non-alc industry is exploding and we really enjoy being part of an emerging category. Forward-thinking mixologists are curating impressive non-alc drink menus and dedicated non-alc bottle shops are starting to pop up. There is a cultural shift in our drinking habits and we think the booze-free bar cart is here to stay.
How would you describe the flavour profile of your spirits?
Our spirits are crafted in the style of a vodka or gin and created using 21 unique botanicals. Our products are sugar and sweetner-free, so the botanicals are really the star of the show. Each product has a distinctive and unique flavour profile:
– Seed stimulates the senses with the familiar essence of the Australian backyard, infused with organic lavender, rosemary, lemon thyme, lemon myrtle, orange and lemon peel.
– Sprout balances organic rose petals and juniper berries with middle eastern spices including liquorice root, star anise, cinnamon and cardamom.
– Stem is a crisp infusion of citrus notes and fresh, exotic scents of South-East Asia including organic lemongrass, mint, kaffir lime leaf, ginger and galangal.
What is your favourite spirit(s) from your range?
My personal favourite is Seed. The botanicals we use are reminiscent of the ‘Australian backyard’ and remind me of my childhood in regional WA. The rosemary shines through nicely with tonic water and it has beautiful subtle floral notes. Sarah loves Sprout, as she says it has a unique flavour profile which transports her to a time when she was working in the Middle East.
Why do you think there has been a surge in demand for zero alcohol products recently?
We have seen a growing consciousness and focus on wellbeing, mental health, balance and social inclusion. These shifts have people seeking alternate options to alcohol, whether that be abstaining from alcohol, reducing their consumption or simply finding the balance that suits their lifestyle. And we have all been in that situation where as the ‘designated driver,’ the choices are limited to soda water, juice or soft drink. Consumers are now seeking the same choice and sophistication for non-alcoholic options.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Running a small business typically means that no day looks the same, our days are diverse and often bring unexpected actions to juggle! As the Master Distiller, I love days working with our small team in the distillery, prepping botanicals, distilling, experimenting with new flavours and managing orders and deliveries. Other days see me out and about, meeting customers, doing tastings and other events. Sarah is our master organiser, finding time in between to plan, report, order supplies, pay bills and keep all of the logistics in order.
Tell us the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and why you consider it the best?
“Stay in your own lane” which is really about keeping focused and being true to yourself and your strengths.
What are you looking forward to the most in the next 12 months?
I have been working on a new creation using some innovative botanical combinations. Whilst I am currently in the R&D phase, I would love to be able to launch this in the next year as I am really excited about it.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: The Milkman’s Daughter in Mermaid Beach is our favourite cafe. This is why we were so excited when they agreed to add Clovendoe cocktails to their menu!
Restaurant: You can’t beat Siblings in Kirra. The owners are passionate about fine dining and their drinks menu is innovative, it brings happiness just reading the menu!
Bar or place for a drink: We love Capricorn Distilling Co., a local gin and rum distillery in Burleigh Heads.
Beach: We can’t go past our local, Kirra beach for its totally laid-back vibe.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
We love getting outdoors, spending time at the beach, walking, swimming and having BBQ’s with friends. Life can be so busy, so being able to ‘switch off’ is so important.
Did you know that in Australia, women in their 50s and 60s are considered the fastest-growing homeless age group. To combat this ongoing community issue, a new TV show named ‘The Girlfriend Hour’ has been created by multi-international award-winning Gold Coast TedX speaker/CEO & founder of Sharanis Publishing House, Shar Moore. With live filming underway at Helensvale Community Centre and Library between June 13 to 15, we got to know Shar before the launch of her new TV show.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
In a nutshell, I am feverishly committed to helping women shine. It’s a good thing that I have created a publishing and media company, as this provides the platform for the women we work with to truly stand out. As a mum of 3 adult children, 2 grandchildren, my hubby and I work from our beautiful home and have created the perfect work-life balance. I’m excited about helping women take their stand and through our Feminessence® movement, we profile women through our magazines and books. I’m pretty darn excited about the upcoming TV Show ‘The Girlfriend Hour’ as it’s going to be a refreshing approach to modern-day life.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
We have been on the Gold Coast for five years now.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The vibe of the Gold Coast captured my heart from the moment we relocated from Brisbane. The particular feel is unmatched by any city in Australia and continues to grow in terms of stature as a city on the rise, as well as provide a home to a wide range of nationalities all seeking a location to be proud of. Oh, and there are some gorgeous boutiques!
Tell us about The Girlfriend Hour TV Show you have coming up.
The Girlfriend Hour® brings a whole new approach to live TV. We aim to shine a light on the subjects people discuss quietly amongst themselves. The Girlfriend Hour, truly is a dream come true for me. Bringing together a stellar lineup of influential, seasoned and powerful women (and men) to inspire and empower others. This has been my purpose, my vision and my dream and the reason for launching Feminessence® magazine and now The Girlfriend Hour®. Women’s voices, our stories and our experiences matter. By sharing our stories, we lift each other up, we inspire action and we help each other to rise to the occasion. The full production of GFH has already been accepted on Binge TV to an audience of 60 million viewers.
Can the women of the Gold Coast be part of the live studio audience?
Yes! We have invested in a venue with space for 150 people to join us live during filming each day. See what happens behind the scenes during production, the good, the bad and the better, as we bring to light positive, heartwarming content with the experience of over 300 live events both here in Australia and abroad. Tickets are available now and are definitely worth wagging work for!
What’s the importance of spreading awareness about ongoing community issues like homelessness amongst Aussie women?
If we fail to continuously raise the awareness of the underrepresented, their needs simply become buried in the mountain of new issues that present themselves year in, and year out. What appears in the media often reigns supreme over long-term issues, as they draw the current attention of those in power to effect change. We just can’t leave the longer-term problems behind in favor of the new trend.
Being an entrepreneur, what has been the biggest challenge(s) you have faced?
Multi-tasking. When you run a bustling publishing company, you have many balls to juggle and it can be challenging carving out time for yourself, your partner, your family and then your friends. I can’t say I’ve figured it out completely, but on a Friday afternoon, you will find me wagging with a girlfriend somewhere on the Coast.
What does a typical day in the life of you look like?
My day starts around 6am with a scan of my activity on Social Media before entering our Operating Systems to ensure all tasks are being attended to. The calendar is next in line to see what appointments I have for the day before touching base with the team, who are now based in four different countries. My first break for breakfast is at around 8.30am before my first scheduled calls begin around 9am.
An update on strategies being employed across the business in Femiessence Magazine and the Girlfriend Hour, reviewing the Program, as well as progress on Magazine issue deadlines, takes me through to lunch at around 1pm. More scheduled calls in the afternoon whilst updating the team on outstanding tasks. Production updates usually follow in the later afternoon before a break for dinner. At 7pm further reviews of Social Media to gain an understanding of the activity of the day before closing off round 8.30pm. Oh and in amongst that, I take my puppy for 2 walks around the block.
Tell us the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and why you consider it the best?
The best advice I have ever been given is “to go an inch wide with your area of focus whilst maintaining a mile deep concentration”.
What are you looking forward to the most in the next 12 months?
Honestly? I’m excited to film the TV shows. It’s been a dream for 10 years or more and I just know that it will become the best friend to so many around the world. And personally, meeting my newest grandchild in August.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: Cafe Catalina, Broadwater Parklands
Coffee spot: Pearl & Ash, Brickworks Southport
Restaurant: Mr Kojima, Chevron Island
How do you each choose to spend your days off?
Family time on the weekends gains my foremost attention. Boating, travel and time with my 3 children and 3, soon-to-be 4 grandchildren. This fills my tank week in and week out. Of course, I also love time out with my girlfriends just relaxing without any time restraints.
If the past couple of years have taught us one thing, it’s that lazing around in your pyjamas all day, every day is totally acceptable. So we don’t know about you but our shopping carts have been filled with comfy loungewear and sleepwear a lot more than mini dresses lately. And one brand that you may have come across is Envious Dreams. A dreamy, luxe sleepwear brand that allows you to personalise your jammies; oh and they are also expanding into the bridal space – so ATT: Brides-to-be. (You’re welcome!) So without further ado, meet the brand’s owner, Lisa Norton-Knight, get to know her local faves more about the perfect statement pj’s (yeah we said that) from Envious Dreams.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
17 years, I was one of those that visited for a two week holiday and never went home.
Tell us a bit about Envious Dreams and your journey to with the company.
Envious Dreams provides luxe personalised sleepwear and accessories for women and men. Our main aim is to give people confidence and comfort. We’ve found that our customers say that simply by wearing a set of personalised pj’s their mood can be lifted along with their confidence and happiness. Our luxury gift boxes can even be a thoughtful present on any special occasion if you wish to gift a new level of comfort. Envious Dreams was a startup business in its infant stage looking for someone special to take it from baby to big and bold. I instantly fell in love and saw the potential this business had to take it to great heights and I suppose the rest is history?!
What advice would you give to someone who is trying to become an entrepreneur?
My advice would be to set really high goals and reach for nothing less than big.
How do you define success?
Success is not just one thing. Success is many different things but a couple of my own thoughts on success would be:
1. Having a strong team. You cannot scale a business or grow if you don’t have a positive strong team around you.
2. Always set big goals and targets. Goals and targets keep you motivated and staying focused will always get you to your goals.
What makes Envious Dreams products superior to your competitors?
Our products are designed and personalised in Australia for comfort and confidence. We not only pride ourselves on the quality of our products but the over and above service that comes with every sale. Shopping is not just about the product, it’s about giving each and every customer an experience that they will remember.
Why is running a business on the Gold Coast so great?
We are very lucky to have the lifestyle that comes with the Gold Coast, the beaches, the hinterland, the community support. Mix these three things with running a business and it equals a great life.
The lounge/sleepwear retail category has had a bit of a boom in recent times, why do you think that is?
With shopping turning to online due to lockdowns and being stuck at home with no travel, we find ourselves online so much more and everyone needs to fill that desire to shop and receive gifts. Who doesn’t like to get a package in the mail and open something as nice as a set of personalised pj’s?
What is your most popular product?
Our most popular product is our Summer Dreams Short PJs which come in six different colours – with another launching in December. Watch this space!
What is your personal favourite product from your range and why?
My favorite product from our range is the Black Winter Set of PJs and matching sleep mask. I feel like I am sleeping in luxury every time I wear them.
What are you working on for Envious Dreams at the moment?
We are just launching our bridal range with hot new items also arriving in December. With the last two years of weddings being postponed and rescheduled we are expecting 2022 to really ramp up again with weddings.
Where can we get our hands on Envious Dreams products?
All our products are available online at www.enviousdreams.com.au
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: Definitely Paddock Bakery in Burleigh
Coffee spot: The best coffee is from Helena’s Espresso in Nerang
Restaurant: We are regulars at Roy’s by Gemelli in Bundall
Bar or pub for a drink: How can you go past the Roosevelt Lounge?!
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
I believe a healthy work-life balance is incredibly important, so my weekends are usually spending time with my kids, taking them to sports and making time to catch up with friends.
