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.
01. In your own words can you tell us what you do?
MB: I am one half of The Village Markets, which I co-founded with Sarah. We are an award-winning boutique market and community supporting small creative businesses since 2008. I also own Sun House Studio which is a design-led photoshoot space for hire, as well as a co-working studio for like minded people.
SS: I am co founder of The Village Markets along with Marissa. The market celebrates local creative talent and community. I also co own Alfie Est. 2011, along with my friend Kate. Alfie makes rad gear for cool kids - think bright colours, fun prints and cool cuts.
02. What was the journey that got you to where you are today?
MB: Sarah and I created TVM due to the lack of culture and innovation happening on the Gold Coast fourteen years ago - we were tired of the perception that it was all about Surfers Paradise, theme parks and Meter Maids!
We wanted to showcase all of the incredible local creatives that inhabited it and put the Coast on the map as being a culturally rich destination. Our curated boutique market stall lineup showcases fashion, art, vintage, beauty and lifestyle stalls, as well as live music, street food and our famous pre-loved designer and vintage Rack Sales. We were both working full-time in Marketing for a few years, and have also had 5 children between us. We now juggle kids, TVM and other business ventures - life is fun...but full!
Realising how much I love creating welcoming spaces and working with - and connecting - like minded people, I decided to open Sun House Studio. I have always had a passion for design and interiors so I definitely had some fun creating the space and I am looking forward to evolving it as I go.
SS: Marissa and I worked together in finance marketing & events and bonded over a love of fashion. When we were made redundant from our jobs, we decided to start the markets, frustrated with the lack of events on the Gold Coast. The markets have grown over the years and now feel like a Gold Coast institution. 14 years on, the markets are much more than just market-day. The business has evolved to include merchandise, networking events and an online directory.
03. How would you describe your own approach to your interior style & what have been key influences on this?
MB: I am definitely drawn to warm, earthy vibes. I love a space to feel welcoming and like home! I prefer unique pieces that have a story to tell, or have been sourced from small makers as opposed to mass produced main stream or trend-driven pieces. I am inspired by lifestyle - the ocean, the sun, family and friends and largely, travel.
SS: We’ve just finished our house renovation plans and the style is mid century and organic using green, golden and brown hues with concrete floors. We’re most excited to open our house up with an atrium in the middle and let in loads of natural light, which was key when working on the redesign. Definitely inspired by the interior designers and architects I follow in Instagram like Lala Reimagined, Minimaliso Architecture and Sarah Ellison Studio.
04. What is your most loved object or piece of furniture in your home and why?
MB: I still have the first piece of furniture my husband and I bought together around 15 years ago, it’s a beautiful wooden sideboard and I still love it to this day. This is the way I prefer to fill my spaces, considered pieces that will stand the test of time and have a story to tell.
SS: I do love our family photo wall. It’s simple black and white photos that always remind of family holidays and special moments.
05. What does a typical morning look like for you?
MB: I try to move with some pilates, yoga or a walk then meditation and a coffee before my kids wake up (they love a sleep-in, which is lucky for me!). Then it’s a big old rush trying to get lunches and kids ready and out the door for the school-drop, followed by heading
to the studio for work.
SS: The day starts early, generally with a small child in my bed, then off to the gym for a boxing session. Home and getting the girls to school and Arki to kindy. I’ll grab a coffee on my way to work and try and recover from the hectic morning for 5 minutes of peace in the car.
06. Your favourite way to unwind at the end of the day, do you have any rituals?
MB: I’m more of a morning ritual kind of person, but an ideal end to the day would be an ocean swim in the warmer months, maybe even followed by dinner down at the beach with my family.
SS: Music on and in the kitchen preparing dinner for my family. The kids are usually playing outside and its my kind of therapy.
07. Who makes the best coffee?
MB: Me! Ha. I am obsessed with my home machine, it brings me so much joy. Sometimes I will swing by Next Door Espresso near the studio, for a second coffee too.
SS: I do love Social Espresso, Burleigh or a big fan of Campos beans at home.
08. If you were to live anywhere else where would it be and why?
MB: I love Italy and would love to see more, so I would love to live there for a period of time somewhere along the coast around Puglia or Sicily. Maybe a house swap during our winter would be ideal!
SS: I would love for my family to experience Europe and Germany where my Dad is from or New Zealand where my husband is from. I grew up with many German traditions so would love for the kids to experience this.
09. Is there anything you are currently working on or towards?
MB: Most definitely, we are right in the middle of building a new home, so that is keeping me very busy and creatively inspired. I would essentially love to dip my toes into interiors or styling further, so we shall see.
SS: A new tee range for the markets and Christmas events, the Alfie summer range and renovating our home.
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