When we mention the name Hembrow, chances are, you know the family we are referring to. And rightly so! Because the family does have its fair share of noteworthy members. Two of which are Amy & Emilee. The sisters together are the founders of the award-winning skin clinic, SSKIN, located in Bundall. Which also happens to be one of the top influencer and celebrity hot spots on the Gold Coast.

We were fortunate enough recently to get to know the entrepreneurs and what it was like launching a holistic beauty business in the midst of the pandemic on the Gold Coast. Read on to find out more.

How long have you both been Gold Coast locals?
A- We were born on the Gold Coast, we lived here most of our lives but moved overseas when we were teenagers. We moved around quite a bit from Singapore to Geneva, but we ended up back on the Gold Coast eventually in our 20’s.
E- Born on the Gold Coast and then moved overseas in high school and traveled around with the family for a while then made our way back in my early 20s.

What do you each love the most about the Gold Coast?
A- The lifestyle. I love how close everything is and the beaches.
E- I love how relaxing it is, everyone is super chilled and easy going. Being super busy with the kids and work it’s nice that the Gold Coast is slow-paced.

Tell us how SKINN Clinic came about.
A- Emilee came to me with an idea, she wanted me to contribute my business background and at first, I said I wasn’t interested because I was too busy but then I finished up working at Saski Collection and messaged her saying I was all in.
E- I honestly had no place I would recommend to friends and family to go, nor a place I felt comfortable going for my own treatments. I wanted to create a safe place to go with wonderful staff and all the perfect treatments under the one roof. I also wanted a quiet location, not on a main road or shopping centre so its private for our clients.

What makes running a business on the Gold Coast so great?
A- The sense of community. SSKIN is my first business that is face-to-face services and I love getting that feedback and having those touchpoints with the consumer.
E- I love working with such amazing employees, we are like a little family and they are all so great to work with. I also love that I now have a place to go for all my beauty/skin needs.

What’s it like being in business with your sibling?
A- It’s great! You always have someone to lean on and we both work to our strengths.
E- I think it’s really nice that I get to work with my sister, we both have such different ideas for the clinic so we bounce things off each other and get to be super creative together.

Being entrepreneurs, what are the biggest challenges you have both faced?
A- Balancing family life with work life, especially seeing as we are family. It can be hard to switch out of work mode.
E- Balancing mum life with working. Its a juggle that keeps me super busy!

What did you learn from opening a business in the middle of a pandemic?
A- That you need to be adaptable and to have contingency plans in place for when you may need to pivot in your business plan.
E- To be innovative! In life, things will pop up and you need to look at it as an opportunity to grow, not as a dead end.

What does a typical day in the life of each of you look like?
A- Every day is different for me it usually starts with coffee and breakfast with my family before heading into the clinic. In the afternoons I like to take my daughter to the park or for beach walks.
E- Every day is so different, some days I work from home with the kids. I will take them to a park or play centre to let them burn off some energy while I pump through emails. Sometimes I’m strict with the kids with no work allowed; and some days I get the kids babysat while I work, whether it be: work at SSKIN, photoshoots, events etc

Tell us the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and why you consider it the best?
A- That we all feel a sense of imposter syndrome at one point or another, it doesn’t mean you’re an imposter it just means you’re pushing yourself further out of your boundaries. I like this advice because it’s easy to let self-doubt cripple you from moving forward. I remind myself that if I feel a little uncomfortable to push through, I look back on moments and remember that feeling and I’m so proud for where I am now.
E- Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from reaching your dreams. Life and business is all about trial and error, if you dont try you won’t ever achieve your goals.

What are you both looking forward to the most in the next 12 months?
A- I’m having a baby so that’s a big one! Also growing my business, it’s not even 2 years old yet so it’s still got a lot of growing to do.
E- Being able to travel again!

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
A
Café: Paddock
Coffee spot: Canvas
Restaurant: Labart
Bar or pub for a drink: Apres Surf
E
Café: Bam Bam Bakehouse
Coffee spot: Manolas Brothers
Restaurant: Little Truffle
Bar or pub for a drink: The Tropics

How do you each choose to spend your days off?
A- Relaxing, pool days, hanging at my mum’s house with all my sisters and their kids too.
E- Going to the beach with the kids and my hubby.

There are few greater pleasures in life than a pamper sesh. Whether it’s a massage, a facial, an exfoliation or any other sort of treatment, heck you get to sit/lie down and zone out and just sign us up already!

There are plenty of beautiful day spas scattered around the GC and thank goodness for that because nothing gives the mind, body and soul a little pick me up quite like a visit to one of these godsends.

We’re here to save you the Google search and download our intel on our region’s finest spots for some much-deserved self-care. From the north, south, east and west….

The Bathhouse at Ground Currumbin
Set amongst remnant rainforest in front of a lovingly restored 100-year-old farmhouse, enjoy hot tubs, spas, plunge pools and saunas in a lush outdoor setting under the canopy of a majestic fig tree. Combine your bathhouse experience with a wellness treatment from the highly skilled massage and beauty practitioners for the best of all worlds.
Our pick: The Ultimate Relaxation, including hot tub, sauna, essential oil massage and bespoke organic facial
Where: 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

eforea spa at Hilton
I mean, it’s at the Hilton and do we really need to say anymore? The signature of eforea spa are their Journey Enhancements, which are powerful mini treatments that can be added to your existing services or enjoyed by themselves. Specially designed for eforea, they introduce guests to special, commonly unexperienced techniques from the most fabled spa cultures around the world. Count. Us. In.
Our pick: The Vichy Shower Experience to increase circulation throughout the body
Where: 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

RE/WIND
With luxurious accents from pillar to post, this Currumbin gem is one of the GC’s most loved wellness centres. Equipped with a salt therapy room, yoga and pilates classes, meditation and sound healing, along with two registered nurses to undertake anything from scar revision, to PDO threads, iv vitamin infusions and cosmetic injections, it’s the ultimate A-Z of self-nurturing.
Our pick: Salt Therapy – it’s a wonder treatment
Where: 31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Endota Spa
Endota is basically another word for day spa – that’s how established the brand is here in Oz. In fact it’s our largest spa group and if you’ve visited one, you know why. From the moment you walk in til the moment you float out, it’s pure bliss. If you’re channelling a group spa date or organising a hen’s ‘do, Endota is the perfect choice for some pampering with your posse.
Our pick: Intense Radiance Facial to promote collagen and elastin activation
Where: Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Robina, Coolangatta

One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort
Exquisitely appointed with all details considered, One Spa offers locally inspired rituals, unique water therapies, spacious treatment rooms, private change room facilities and a relaxation area that overlooks the peaceful green landscape. A wide range of rejuvenating spa treatments await, including a geisha bath, lusar and Vichy showers, and a four-seater spa.
Our pick: The Knowing Touch massage. This unique Akwaterra facial and body massage incorporates both warmed and chilled ceramics to relax the mind and ease discomfort from tight, sore muscles.
Where: RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ross Street, Benowa 

On Eagle Wings
Nourishing relaxation awaits at this stunning Gold Coast hinterland spa. Inhale the fresh mountain air as you lounge by the heated 25m infinity lap pool, taking in the peaceful sounds of waterfalls and nature. The impressive treatments menu includes the ‘who’s who’ of pampering, with facials, massage, body treatments, pedicures or manicures. Bliss!
Our pick: Pure Chocolate Indulgence Spa Package, including all things pamper plus a complimentary cheese platter, sweet fruit chocolate box and bubbly
Where: 59 Lowry Court, Mudgeeraba  

Chuan Spa
This slice of heaven was as hotly anticipated as the latest reinvention of the Dior Saddle Bag and we’re pleased as punch to announce that it surpasses all expectations! Chuan Spa at The Langham, Gold Coast, delivers luxury wellness in spades, with a holistic approach unique to the prestigious global hotel group. Offering a range of treatments to both in-house guests and non-hotel guests, expect to leave this serene sanctuary relaxed, reconnected, and revitalised.
Our pick: the signature Chuan Harmony Massage designed to stimulate meridian harmony. This unique mind, body and soul experience combines the therapeutic elements of acupressure with various relaxation massage techniques to induce a deep sense of calm.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Lost World Spa
Located within the stunning O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, is there a better place for a day spa? We think not. With million-dollar hinterland views, a trip to O’Reilly’s isn’t complete without a stint here. Indulge in one of the relaxing massages, facials, hot stone therapies, spa or steam room treatments, and enjoy some restorative time alone…or with that someone special.
Our pick: The Lost World Ritual. It’s a splurge…but it includes the lot and will change your life
Where: The end of Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Greenhouse The Bathhouse
This modern-styled Australian boutique bathhouse and communal rejuvenation space is pure ecstasy. Offering access to two hydrotherapy spas, a custom-built wet steam room, a traditional red cedar sauna, a magnesium plunge pool, sundeck and lounge area, don’t think, just book. A shared experience for up to 10 people at a time, it’s everything you’d expect from the Greenhouse Canteen girls, and then some.
Our pick: Signature Massage + Luxe Soak Package, with full body massage, soak, plant-based lunch and bubbles or kombucha
Where: 7/37 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
This is a complete wellness destination designed to help you truly rest and focus on your health, which sounds pretty darn perf to us. Set among over 200 hectares of beautiful native bushland, there’s everything from soothing spa therapies to wellness consultations, plus stress management, emotional wellbeing and movement sessions tailored to your needs. This is your time to stop, rest and relax.
Our pick: Hawaiian Bodywork Massage, ideal for shifting tension from the physical, energetic or emotional bodies
Where: 192 Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera Valley

Soak Bathhouse
Hit the reset button at this retreat…reimagined! Based on four ‘pillars of wellness’ (recovery, nutrition, movement and connection), this modern Australian bathhouse and spa is a holistic wonderland. With a truly beautiful environment where guests feel inspired to linger, relax and socialise rather than zip-off straight after a treatment, Soak experiences are high quality, affordable and accessible. To quote Nike, just do it.
Our pick: A Soak membership with bathhouse sessions, beauty and recovery services, and massage discounts
Where: Pacific Square, 2532 – 2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

SpaQ at QT
If you’re all about customisation, this is the spa for you. There’s no need to select a treatment – just make a booking and decide once you’re there! For those who allow time for a 1+hour treatment, enjoy complimentary access to the Hammam-inspired steam room to ease your body and mind into spa nirvana. All treatments include time for a personal consultation and post-treatment recommendations.
Our pick: The Plush Princess therapeutic salt scrub, massage and facial massage
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Azure Spa & Fitness
At Azure, they request that guests rest, relax and recharge…and we oblige! Located at The Star Gold Coast, this chillaxation powerhouse offers a wide range of decadent treatments, using leading skincare brand BABOR. There are six treatment rooms, including a dual treatment space and an exclusive outdoor cabana to hire, and you had us at private cabana. Go on, live your best life and level up that ‘you time’ with a stay-cay for maximum R&R.
Our pick: Deep Sea Body Indulgence with a salt exfoliation, body wrap and full body massage
Where: Pool Level, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

The Banya
Ok, so this is not technically on the Gold Coast, but like Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman, we’re happy to claim it! Set in the heart of the ‘biggest little town in Australia’, The Banya is a total #mood. The Bathhouse features a tiled lap and three large hot mineral pools hugged by lush foliage and cobblestone pathing. There’s also a wood-fired sauna, a steam room, a cold plunge, five massage treatment rooms, and a rooftop sundeck for post-treatment relaxation. Namaste!
Where: 35-37 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby

Words by Bianca Trathen.

These days it seems as though anyone with a laptop can dream up an idea and decide they want to create a business. Which is great news for those who have the tools and are willing to put in the hard work to make it happen.

If you’re a business owner already, you’ll understand that deciding you want to do it is the easy part, after that, it’s all about gathering an arsenal of tools, all of the knowledge you can possibly find and often, a sprinkle of glitter or some such magic to keep things flowing.

One Gold Coast business owner who knows a thing or two about hard work is Dean Oakley, founder of Thrive Web Design. Like many of us, he started his business with a laptop and a dream and now, as the name suggests, it’s absolutely thriving.

For the past 14 years Dean and his now 15-strong team have expanded to boast a vast portfolio of international clients, some of which you already know and love for whom they build beautiful, hand-crafted websites that in turn, help those business’ to grow.

Grace Loves Lace was one such client. Thrive worked next door to Grace Loves Lace in 2011, creating their first ever website and worked closely with them for years. Since then, the wedding dress designers have evolved into a a multi-million-dollar international company.

In 2017, Instagram star Tammy Hembrow approached Thrive to create her site to promote a new exercise program and when the website went live, thousands of copies were quickly sold, creating the brand she’s known for today.

Art Lovers Australia is another business that approached Thrive, this time wanting an online marketplace for artists to sell and showcase their work to lovers’ of art. Since its launch, the site has seen a huge amount of growth.

Not only those well know businesses though, Thrive has also created sites for everyone from law firms to dance schools, ecotourism websites and surf schools and pretty much everything in between.

So what’s the secret to all of this success? According to Dean, it’s a genuine care for what you do and the clients you work for.

He says, “We want to create the best possible online presence for all of them. We listen closely to their needs, requirements and expectations, adding our own professional input along the way. It’s about sharing knowledge of each other’s industries and working symbiotically to create the best possible outcome for that specific consumer market. I’m big on having the right people on the right jobs and our amazing team consists of some of the very best in the industry leading the way”.

So there you have it, you really can make your own business dream come true with a laptop and a little (a lot of) hard work.

If you’re keen to see what Thrive can do, check out their work here.

LOCATION: 71 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
PHONE: 07 5535 0063

Words by Kirra Smith
Photos supplied by Thrive Web Design

STORY SPONSORED BY THRIVE WEB DESIGN