How do you like to start your weekend?
Currently I don’t actually have a weekend like most people. On a Saturday I am overseeing Marketta Street Food, but I try to do something small for myself every day so as to not feel like I miss out on a weekend. It could be as simple as a walk on the beach, yoga, heading to the gym with my husband, who is a personal trainer, or just an amazing glass of wine in front of an outdoor fire.

How do you like to unwind?
If I have a whole day I head down to Mullumbimby to Kiva Day Spa. It is this really cute Queenslander converted into an outdoor spa and has a plunge pool and a wood-fired sauna. Best of all it is a silent space. After being around thousands of people each week – through our events – the silence is golden!

What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Depending on what is happening at the time, sometimes a well-spent weekend is checking out a festival to find musicians to play at marketta or simply doing nothing but reading a book. I think a well-spent weekend is doing what you love.

Where’s your go-to place to eat on the coast?
Hellenika in Nobby’s Beach hands down. You cannot go past the combination of slow-roasted lamb and a real Greek salad. After going to Santorini this year, every dinner at Hellenika reminds me of that magical island.

Thoughts on the general creative scene on the coast at the moment?
The Gold Coast is such a young city, so the fact that we are creating our own creative culture and nurturing the movement is so positive. Our local council has a great understanding of the importance of this and is extremely supportive. It is really exciting to play a part in the ever-evolving Gold Coast landscape.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Travel is always inspirational but a lot of our inspiration comes out of necessity. For example, we may need to create a new event because we get a lot requests for certain types of food or music. Tapas on Wednesday nights is a result of this. We had a massive amount of requests for something mid-week for locals because Saturday Street Food can get too crowded … so now we have tapas every Wednesday. A lot of our concepts happen organically.

Who inspires you?
So many different people. My mentor, my husband, the girls I share my office with, musicians. Actually everybody has something inspirational about them, it is just with some people we need to look a little harder.

What was your childhood dream?
Apparently when I was eight, I asked my mum what I was here for. I guess my search for purpose started fairly early. I used to cut all of my clothes up, draw all over my bedroom walls and listen to a lot of different music This may explain my Fine Arts Degree, my 10 years in the fashion industry, and now having a venue creating events!

Any words of wisdom?
Always act diplomatically not emotionally. Dream big and work smart.

What has been your greatest achievement?
If it is material achievements I would think about Australian fashion week, Miami Marketta or hosting The Cat Empire and The Waifs. On the other hand, I think my greatest achievements would be that I understand myself, know to listen to my instincts and treat people equally.

What does success mean to you?
Waking up happy and inspired every morning. Setting goals and achieving them.

What’s next?
We are working on next year at the moment and have some exciting announcements in the new year for Rabbit and Cocoon and Miami Marketta.

Only a Gold Coast local would know that …
It is a $44,000 fine to have a pet rabbit in Queensland. Please note, we do not have any rabbits at Rabbit and Cocoon.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … The Cambus Wallace for cocktails.
Relax … At home with no phone, no desktop, no iPad, no laptop! Everything off.
Indulge … The Fish House, Burleigh Heads.
Be inspired … Monthly Group Healing with Gail Warrick, Burleigh Heads.