Co-founder of The Village Markets Marissa Bowden is one of the Gold Coast’s most prominent business owners. As if running the much-loved designer markets doesn’t render her busy enough, Marissa is also mum to two beautiful daughters, Stevie and Pepper.

Ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday, we sat down for a chat with Marissa on all things balance, business and babies.

This weekend is Mother’s Day, how will you celebrate with your daughters and your own mum?

My beautiful mother will be away this Mothers Day unfortunately. There is no The Village Markets that weekend, so I will be spending my day/weekend with my little family (husband Rick and my girls Stevie 5 and Pepper 3), along with my sister and her little fam and my grandmother Joan (86). We are hoping to go for a little weekend escape to a cottage in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Lots of quality family time and a few cheeky vinos no doubt. We love to getaway when we can and have started documenting our family adventures via @the_travelling_tribe_ with a website to come soon.

What do you love most about raising your family on the Gold Coast?

It’s the best! We are so incredibly lucky. We have the most beautiful beaches right on our doorstep, we can stroll up for a coffee barefoot if we wish, it’s warm most of the time so the kids are always outside (or creating masterpieces at their art desk!), we have great local schools and plenty of cultural experiences available. Our neighbourhood is so fun, we can just walk down to the beach and the girls can spend hours playing in the sand with our neighbours kids or scooting in our lane until dark. The city has really evolved and there is such an incredible culture here, I’m excited for our kids as it will only get better.

How has your mum shaped your life?

My mum has been a huge influence, she’s taught us to be humble, she’s taught us self worth and to be happy for other people and to celebrate the achievements of others, she’s compassionate and kind and a beautiful blend of strength and softness. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model, really.

What are some of things you’ve learned that you hope to pass down to your daughters?

That they are the creators of their own destiny, that they can do anything they put their hearts to. That they are perfect just the way they are. That kindness is the most important quality of all.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since becoming a mum?

Patience. Self love.

You co-own The Village Markets, how do you find balance between being a mother and running a business

Still figuring that one out as I go! It’s always a juggle and no two days are ever the same. I just feel so grateful that I have created a business that allows me to be flexible, spend lots of time with my babies and be there for my family, always.

What advice would you offer other mum’s thinking about starting a business?

Go for it!

A favourite piece of life advice you follow yourself…

It’s all about balance.

You’re not a Gold Coast local if you haven’t…

Spent your Sunday at The Village Markets!

Had a couple of beers and fish and chips at Burleigh Headland on sunset.

Surfed Currumbin Alley.

Swam at Tally Creek.

Eaten your weight in Acai bowls 😉

Tell us your favourites…

Beach – Currumbin Beach

Coffee Shop: Hide N Seek (Miami), hands down the best coffee on the Coast and the friendliest most unpretentious owners, Mark and Rosie. I also love The Salt Mill at Currumbin for the same reason and their Acai bowls.

Restaurant: At the moment I am loving Rick Shores! Those bug rolls are next level, the staff are great and the view is incredible. I also love Justin Lane for pizza and vino. The Nasi Goreng at Bam Bam Bakehouse is also delicious, and I love that we can sit in the park next door with the kids and they bring it out to you!

Weekend hang: Aside from Sunday’s spent at TVM shopping, eating, chatting – oh and working 😉 – my favourite thing is waking up and going for a beach walk, coming home to our little shack for a brekkie with my fam, heading to the farmers market for our weekly produce, back home to grab the towels and brollie and we hit our local beach for a morning of sunshine and playing, then home for lunch and a family snooze, a couple of cold beers and maybe an early dinner somewhere local with friends.

The world is in quite the state of flux at the moment, we’re being encouraged to stay home so as not to spread the risk of infection which of course means, local businesses may start to struggle. Where possible though, we should still be supporting them wherever possible and a good way to do that is by using online layby service Afterpay.

If you’re not familiar, Afterpay allows you to pay off your purchases over several weeks but get your goods straight away and we’re a little bit obsessed to be honest. In the interest of supporting the many clever, local makers around these parts and because of the world we currently find ourselves in, here are 10 Gold Coast brands offering Afterpay and may the self-control be with you. Happy shopping.

Duke The Label
Activewear for women of all shapes and sizes is our kind of activewear! With a mantra of ‘accept yourself, love yourself, keep moving forward’ the business is all about empowering and encouraging women and in beautiful, comfortable clothing no less. Best of all you can stock up because, Afterpay. Plus we could all use some time out in nature at the moment.

The Undercurrent
Living local and proud of it. The Undercurrent are in the business of tee shirts representing 10 local suburbs from Surfers to Cooly. Each tee is printed with a sweet graphic representing historical aspects of the area and designed by a local artist. It’s the perfect gift for anyone passionate about being a Coastie and visitors who might need a little nudge #palmyforlife.

Moss Living
If we have to stay home, we may as well be surrounded by beautiful, comfortable things right? Moss Living offers exactly that in the form of luxuriously, cosy clothing, beautiful linen sheets and quilt covers and pillow slips and all the things and it’s all absolutely stunning. If you’re in the market for some goodies, look no further than this stunning brand.

Drift Candle. Co
Okay so again if we’re staying home, home can at least smell good right? Drift Candle Co. has us covered for that with their collection of absolutely DIVINE candles including flavours like The Hinterland (pure magic and perfect for stay at home days) and Coconut and Tahitian Lime for a bit of uplifting goodness. We’re in love with all of them.

Cort Jewellery
Husband and wife team Ash and Dean Butt know what’s up when it comes to silver jewels. They hand make chunky rings of the signet and gemstone variety and pendants with cute little designs like cactuses, palm trees and peace signs. Some of us around these parts may have hands stacked with their pieces. Get some for the coolest cat in your life.

Valley Eyewear
Well haven’t Valley developed a cult following over the last few years. Another husband and wife team absolutely killing it, Michael and Tenielle Crawley have created an iconic brand with the coolest of eyewear. Their shades can be seen covering the eyeballs of your boy Chris Hemsworth and many other noteworthy celebs. Buy these fellas for someone who ain’t afraid to be noticed.

Mahiya Leather
Bohemian luxe fashion has taken over the world, fact. There are a couple of Aussie brands leading the charge and one such brand is our very own Mahiya Leather. Either online or instore you can nab yourself leather handbags and wallets as well as an array of floaty floral frocks and the like.  Because you deserve pretty things now more than ever.

Cedar & Stone Botanical
Plant based skincare has become quite the thing amongst the growing number of people passionate about both the planet and the products they put into their bodies. The Cedar & Stone gals are firm believers in ditching the chemicals and their range of skincare, teas and mists both smell delightful and work wonders. Choose these if you care about healthy living.

Olas Supply Co.
Born from a love of travel and adventure, Olas Supply Co. offer mens, womens and kids shirts, tees and overalls in casual, comfortable and cool-as-a-cucumber styles. Established in the last couple of years, Olas quickly became a fave amongst locals in search of the good life. Grab some threads for when you’re stuck at home but still want to look fab.

Words by Kirra Smith.

Farm life is the good life – wide open skies, fresh air and of course, tasty foods straight from the ground and into your hungry face.

Because the Gold Coast is the greatest place on Earth, we are blessed with both beautiful beaches and farmland where said foods can be grown happily and healthily.

Here are six farms where you can go and grab yourself some straight-outta-the-ground-goods.

Freeman’s Organic Farm
An entirely family owned affair, Freeman’s Organic Farm is already much-loved amongst Gold Coasters. Established in 1915, the farm became became the largest banana farm in Australia in the 20s with over 100 acres of bananas. These days you can purchase their organic goodies from the Farm Stall but make sure to check their Instagram page first because they sell out quickly.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Farm & Co. Kingscliff
No doubt your Insta feed has been flooded with pretty pics from Farm & Co.’s sunflower fields at some point in the past but did you know they also have a little shop from which you can purchase fresh produce? Yep, they do. The Farm Store is stocked with organically grown produce from the working farm and they sourced other produce fresh from other suppliers. Have a wander through the farm and then stock up on goodies before you head home.
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen

Ground Grocer
Ground Grocer is a family-run organic grocery store with daily deliveries of lettuce, cucumber and seasonal vegetables from their farm in the Ecovillage and a team of local growers. Their bees are also working hard to keep them stocked with beautiful honey.
Where: 4 Village Way, Currumbin Valley 

Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World is175 acres of land in the Tweed Valley which it would seem is the perfect place to grow tropical fruit. You can (and should) purchase boxes of said tropical fruit plus boxes of avocados and treats like farm honey, macadamia nuts and dried fruit. Order online and opt to get it delivered if you like.
Where: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah

Blueberry Fields
Blueberry Fields is a family-owned blueberry orchard nestled in the scenic Byron hinterland of northern New South Wales. About an hour’s drive from the GC, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day out. During October, swing by on Sunday mornings to pick your very own blueberry buckets and experience the joy of farm-fresh goodness firsthand. They have a small farm gate stall set up in front of the orchard. Drop by to pick up the freshest berries. They stock the stall whenever fruit is available.
Where: 769 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet, NSW

Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is a family-run operation spanning generations of strawberry growers. They’ve turned their passion into a full-fledged family affair. Swing by their Farm Shop any day of the week for a taste of their farm-fresh strawberries and mouthwatering strawberry ice cream, crafted from their own strawberries and vanilla ice cream, blended right before your eyes for a truly delicious real fruit treat!

During growing season (July – December) you can PYO (pick your own) strawberries amongst the fields. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
Where: 912 Chambers Flat Rd, Chambers Flat

Words by Belinda Symons.