For our May edition of ‘In Conversation With’ we chat with fellow interior designer and owner of Evoque Interiors Amber Leigh.

Establishing her own interior design studio in 2015 was heavily influenced by a passion for residential design and being surrounded by renovations from a young age, with both parents working in the construction industry, “my mum definitely ignited my passion for joinery design and showed me strength in a super male dominated industry”.

We get insight into the key learning experiences throughout her career and glimpse into Amber’s own approach to her interior style outside of the studio, “eclectic interiors appeal to me the most, being able to balance different styles and pieces that shouldn't go together but do”. In keeping with the theme of ‘In Conversation With’ Amber also shares with us her favourite objects and her daily routine.

For this edition of ‘In Conversation With’ we chat with Justine Alpen, founder of The Bud Club. Justine specialises in creating unique floral arrangements with inspiration often coming from the morning's flower market offerings resulting in unique and considered results, previously unavailable to Gold Coaster’s. We learn of the design process for the Mermaid Beach studio that combines functional and minimal design and what the journey of growing a business has looked like for Justine. In addition we chat about the joys of being her own boss and the daily rituals that happen outside of work hours.

I just kept moving forward, kept producing flowers, kept saying yes to opportunities even if they scared the hell out of me! I think that mentality of just going for it without judgment on myself has gotten the business to where it is today.  Changes are inevitable and encouraged so I can’t wait to see what the next 3 years will bring. 

Without knowing what you were looking for you could easily miss it, with a minimal exterior blending into the main strip of Nobby’s Beach is SOMM Wine Store. Inside, walls are clad with intriguing handpicked bottles of vino, curved features & a minimal colour palette, an extension of ones home, warm and inviting. SOMM has filled a serious gap in the Gold Coast’s market providing access to great wine with a focus on showcasing small procedures & makers.

For January’s edition of ‘In Conversation With’ we had the pleasure of interviewing owner of SOMM Wine Store, Joe. Community is at the core of SOMM, from the local family owned makers showcased to Joe’s desire to share these with Gold Coast locals and build relationships from a shared appreciation of good wine. We learn of the inspiration behind establishing SOMM for Joe & his wife Natalie and the key learnings from the experience. And, in keeping with our piece's theme we focus on delving into design & interiors, favourite restaurants and practices to end the day. 

We hope you enjoy this piece as much we enjoyed creating it and for all your wine needs learn more about SOMM via @sommwinestore

For this edition of ‘In Conversation With’ we had the pleasure of chatting with Gold Coast based Visual Artist Tania Blanchard.

For this edition of ‘In Conversation With’ we had the pleasure of chatting with Marissa Bowden & Sarah Schoeller, the duo behind Gold Coast’s iconic The Village Markets.

Established in 2008 out of a desire to shine light on creative elements of the Gold Coast beyond the Surfers Paradise Strip & Meter Maids, the two left behind the world of finance marketing to begin TVM. Fast forward to 2022 and thriving in a rapidly evolving environment, they have continued to offer creatives and independent brands the opportunity to connect with their community. TVM has become a household name among locals & remains the bread and butter to the coasts bursting creative scene.

We learn of the pair’s respective journeys that led to establishing TVM & more recent ventures including Bowden’s design-led creative space, Sunhouse Studio. The intent behind Sunhouse is not dissimilar to that of TVM with a desire to offer a space for creatives to come together and connect. We also get insight behind their respective lenses, learning of key influences in the interior styling space & objects they hold close in their own homes along with th the daily rituals they both fit in amongst their busy lives.

We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed creating this piece.

For this edition of the journal we had the pleasure of interviewing the duo behind Hevan-Yah Gelato, Amy & Holly. Known for their focus on seasonal flavours with an emphasis on local artisans & creating scoops likened to those you would find in traditional Italian gelaterias in their distinct Pozzetti cabinet. We learn of the journey to opening Heven-yah, experiences along the way & the importances of appreciating rest & quality time with loved ones.