The Merrymaker Sisters, Emma and Carla Papas, have been changing the way Australians see health and wellness since 2012.
The infectiously upbeat pair are passionate about helping people live their best lives and, following their own advice, moved to the Gold Coast just last year.
We had a chat with the girls about what we can all do to improve our health right now and how we locals rate in terms of a healthy living city.
How long have you two been Gold Coast locals?
We moved here from Canberra in February 2016.
Why did you move to the Sunshine State?
Well, why would you want to live anywhere else?! It’s amazing that we’ve created a business where we can work from anywhere, so we wanted to live by the beach. Sydney was a little too big city for us so the Gold Coast it was! Best decision ever 😉
How do you think we Coasties go in terms of health and wellness?
We think if you looked up the healthiest city in the world… Gold Coast would be there! We love how everyone is outside, walking and soaking up the sun! It’s a high vibe place that inspires us to smile, eat well and move in a way that makes us feel amazing. So yeah, you guys do VERY well!
What is the message you want to share with people?
One of our biggest inspirations is the philosopher Joseph Campbell. He said, the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. We’re all so unique, so let’s shine light on that, love who we are and be 100% ourselves every single day.
How did you come to be where you are today?Â
Oh! We will try answer succinctly, as we could go on for days! Every little step has been part of the journey and brought us to where we are today. But it all started with the simple idea of starting a blog. Then creating an eBook. Then a hard copy book. Then a mobile App. Then a podcast. And so on and so on!
We really believe it’s about action, taking one little step after the other… and just keep on stepping. We’re not saying that we haven’t had ‘failures’ we definitely had our fair share but it’s about believing that every no is just preparing you for a bigger and better yes. Our other value is fun, so we always try and follow the fun too, if something isn’t feeling right or we’re not enjoying the process we’re really quick to change it up and make it into something we do enjoy.
Merrymake means to bring joy to, so in every business and life decision we keep that in mind!
What are three things people can do to improve their health right now?
Be kind to yourself. Drink lots of water. Focus on adding more good to your plate (rather than restriction).
What are three things we should incorporate into our daily diets?
For us we always include avocado (they make EVERYTHING better), cacao (because chocolate = yum!) and lots of colourful veggies!
What exciting things are you two working on right now?
As of this minute we’re making delicious sweet potato and bacon bites for the Get Merry App! YUM! But our next big project is Merry Mind, which will help Merrymakers create a balanced mindset with simple action steps and guidance.
What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?Â
Follow your bliss. The stuff that brings you joy, do MORE of that.
Being a Gold Coast local, we have to ask your favourites…
Beach: Nobbys Beach
Café: BSKT
Restaurant:Â Hellenika or Bonita Bonita
Weekend hang:Â Essence of Living pilates/yoga, followed by Burleigh Farmers Markets, followed by beach time, followed by BSKT coffee, followed by chill out time back at our epic home we call Blissland with our two amazing housemates.
