Gold Coast Wonder Women – Claire Mitchell, Shannon Graham, Georgia Lane, Nicolle Edwards

Wonder women WE SALUTE JUST SOME OF THE REGION’S WONDER WOMEN WORKING TO EMPOWER, INFORM AND ENHANCE THE

Claire Mitchell, founder and CEO of ECO. Modern Essentials harnessed her extensive experience working with entrepreneurs to launch her own business in an industry in synergy with her own interests and values. ECO. Modern Essentials specialises in essential oils and aromatherapy, selling products direct to consumer, supported by blogs on the use of essential oils in therapies, beauty and house cleaning. Subscribers receive a box of oils and a book on a specific topic, plus a new blend each quarter, and there’s a newly launched Oil Club which delivers six oils every two months.

“I wanted to work with products and customers that resonated with me,” says Claire. “I love the ingredients, the process, the products, building a team that loves every facet of the business and the brand as well, and making a difference in everyday life for our customers.”

Connection with brand devotees is essential to the evolution of ECO, which has 20,000 active followers on Facebook. “We rely on our customers’ feedback,” explains Claire, “Connecting with them, listening to them and devising new products to suit them.” The business has won several awards for its customer service excellence, and has been a finalist in the online retail Awards, the ORIAS.

During 2020, when the focus was on the home and personal care, ECO enjoyed phenomenal growth. “We grew 200 percent in the past 12 months,” says Claire. “We have just relocated to Burleigh in a new building with double the space. We have 20 staff on the Gold Coast and 350 products and expanding. “We source as many of our essential oils in Australia as we can. Our diffusers are sourced overseas. Research and development is a massive focus for us. We have a whole team dedicated to product development. Because we’re nimble, passionate, innovative and Australian, we have managed to compete with billion dollar international companies. “Our customers tells us they love that ECO products evoke the Gold Coast lifestyle, the beach, well-being. They know we’re accessible, honest and show where we source from, innovative, with educational content and always learning.” 20 percent of the company’s products are exported, with a focus on the US, Middle East, New Zealand and Singapore. In 2021, Claire reports, the business will focus on investment in pushing hard into the US and NZ.

“We’ve just launched a new Zodiac range. We aim to keep it fresh and fun. We’re on the edge of new technology and we’re learning every day as the world changes.”

Shannon and Geoff Graham founded Grahams Natural Alternatives 20 years ago in response to their son, Ryan developing eczema. As Shannon explains “Geoff had spent a life-time enduring eczema and had tried steroids and various medications. We didn’t want to go down that path with Ryan.” Instead, this pioneering couple investigated every type of topical home and health remedy available, from medicinal honey to calendula cream, until they came up with their unique formula. “Our products have TGA approval and importantly, clinical evidence to support them,” says Shannon, adding that the Grahams’ range now comprises 50 products for all types of skin conditions; psoriasis, rosacea, acne and more.

“As well as skincare, we make deodorant and a range of pet care products for pets with skin conditions. We’re always developing new products.” Gold Coast-based, Grahams now exports internationally, with major markets including Asia, Canada, Europe and the UK, where they are available in Boots, the country’s largest pharmacy and beauty chain. “Around the world, Australian-made is highly valued,” says Shannon. “Our ingredients are natural and high quality. People know Australia has strict regulations.” After two decades, the main motivator behind the brand is the heart-felt testimonials from customers. “They tell us our products are life-changing, that they’ve totally altered their self-esteem and their well-being,” says Shannon. “That’s what spurs us on.”

Georgia Lane is a familiar face to many, thanks to the popularity of the Women of Influence events she has organised since 2010. A Gold Coaster since 1980, Georgia grew up and went to school here, before heading to the ‘Big Smoke’, Sydney, where she spent a decade in marketing within the financial services, IT, telecommunications and retail industries.

She returned to the Gold Coast in 2004 with her husband, Derek. Today, she is mum to daughter, Jaime and son, Nicholas and runs a marketing business, Fastlane 30 Consulting, focused on helping businesses to develop memorable brands and deliver effective marketing communication to their audiences. Women in Finance was Georgia’s first foray into networking in 2005. As she explains, “We wanted to offer a place where women from the finance industry could connect with other like-minded women” “We recognised that there were golf days, sportsmen’s lunches and social business events for men, but there were very few for women. The Gold Coast has a very spread out CBD (Central Business District) and it was difficult for professional women to meet and connect with others like them to form friendships, find a mentor and simply enjoy each other’s company. “In 2010 we rebranded to Women of Influence so we could invite guests from other industries.” Since then, thousands of Gold Coast women have enjoyed their events, benefited from sharing their knowledge and making lasting connections. “Our objectives have been the same since we started: to connect, learn and grow. We aim to connect businesswomen in a professional, warm and motivating environment; help educate our audience with qualified and engaging speakers and grow our guests, sponsors, speakers and charity partners who gain from being a part of the event.” 2020 threw a minefield of challenges in the path of events organisers. “2020 started with our biggest event yet for International Women’s Day in March, when we sold out of our usual room and ended up with almost 350 guests,” she recalls. “In 2021 and beyond, we want to be able to continue delivering great events that allow our members to connect, learn and grow, plus we want to have a more solid base to work from with respect to funding, organisation and delivering on our goals and objectives.” To that end, Georgia is committed to returning to studies this year, undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropy at QUT Business School. “I am hoping this will allow me to help Women of Influence, our charity partners, RADFLY and other organisations to flourish and add value in the community. As a marketing consultant, I have been providing outsourced marketing for decades and I would like to combine that knowledge and experience with my new skills in philanthropy.”

Nicolle Edwards is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RizeUp Australia & New Zealand. RizeUp is a not-for-profit organisation that provides practical support to families fleeing domestic and family violence.

With a sales and marketing background, Nicolle’s passion for charity work began when she assisted an acquaintance set up house after fleeing a violence relationship. This injustice sparked a fire in Nicolle and she realised that this support should be available for all families trying to escape domestic violence, which laid the foundations for RizeUp, established in 2015.

Along with raising awareness and funds for their cause, RizeUp delivers vital support for vulnerable families through their various programs. From furnishing homes, providing emergency supplies, providing school support, counselling and legal support, RizeUp has become synonymous with creating exceptional outcomes for the vulnerable in our community. Now an integral part of the domestic violence service system, refuges and specialist crisis services right across Australia have come to rely on RizeUp. “RizeUp aims to make a very real difference,” Nicolle explains. “As a community-driven organisation, our focus is to walk beside the families we support to give them the best possible chance to press the restart button on a life free from violence.”

Nicolle’s successful journey has been widely recognized by the community. As a result, she is an accomplished TEDx speaker, sought after podcast guest, Westfield Hero (twice over), Commonwealth Games 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay bearer, just to name a few. Today, Nicolle manages over 700 volunteers and is resolute in continuing RizeUp’s expansion across Australia and over the Tasman into New Zealand. RizeUp Patrons include Shelley Craft, Mia Freedman, Petero Civoniceva, Simone O’Brien and Cameron and Allison Daddo.

“Domestic and family violence affects everyone - all races, religions and social classes,” Nicolle asserts. “RizeUp works to shift attitudes, perceptions and challenge societal norms in Australia and everyone, no matter who you are can help change an ending.”

A favourite for locals in the know, Sunset Café Bar & Grill is idyllically situated on the waterfront with views over the marina – the perfect vantage point for savouring the sunsets.

Breakfast, brunch and lunch are just as delectable sourcing local Aussie produce and our talented team can cater for events and functions.

Watch pelicans soar where boats moor. Meet friends. Experience the perfect food treat at Sunset Café Bar & Grill, Marina Mirage’s hidden delight.

She introduces KITX – which she says “was born from a spirit of kindness, integrity and transparency”. “The X represents the future.” KITX strives to be a pioneer in design-led, sustainable and ethical fashion. “We create product love with high frequency wear, superior quality and creative design while consciously sourcing materials that minimise harm to our planet’s precious resources.” She continues “I strongly believe in a better world through the simple mantra of making women look and feel beautiful, without harming our planet, so everyone can win.”

ACT LOCAL THINK GLOBAL JUMPSUIT RRP $525

ENDANGERED CIRCLE SKIRT RRP $395

EVOLVE TIE SHIRT RRP $295 DECLARATION DRESS RRP $595

imaginary wardrobe)? I have a

teal velvet Leona Edmiston wrap dress that has been such an incredible “go-to” to host or attend events, and I always feel like a movie star in it. Plus, every woman should have ONE pair of jeans she knows her booty rocks in and mine are @ embodywomen, especially as I’m a curvy gal! I also have a few Auguste The Label pieces that are so pretty and feminine that always make me feel summery and happy.

Bianca pops up as a social commentator and panellist on shows like the Today Show, The Morning Show and Studio 10. Today, she’s part of the team on the breakfast show, Bianca, Dan & Ben weekdays on the Gold Coast’s Hit90.9. Follow her crazy world on Instagram @biancadye and Facebook and her mental health awareness page @anxietyfree.

For a quiet retreat my go to for many years has been the incredible Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast. It has been a game changer for me, both mentally and physically and has saved my sanity many times! For a girls’ weekend, you just can’t beat Byron and I love escaping in my old Kombi to Brunswick Heads and turning my phone off for a few days.

We were supposed to go to New York City this year and then … COVID-19. So that’s on hold of course, but somewhere I have always wanted to go is Darwin. I love to go up there and do that swim in the cage with the crocodiles. It looks amazing!

@stylefast do the most amazing easy floaty sexy summer dresses that you can roll up into any luggage. They can take you from a glamorous dinner to a girly lunch and to the beach! I always have at least two or three of those in my suitcase! I never travel without my NAK haircare, travel size hair treatments, otherwise my hair goes green from the chlorine in the pools. Plus, Zuii Organic tinted moisturiser is the BEST and lavender oil to calm me on a plane.

moment? Tanya Hennessy’s New book Help Self: Learn from my mistakes so you can make different ones! Because she’s hilarious and I definitely need a lot of self-help and also Elton John’s autobiography. So good!

live without? I have to be across a lot of social media accounts for our breakfast show (so I know what’s going on around the coast) but of course @hitgoldcoast is my go-to! I also love to share what’s going on with @RUOK as I’m a proud ambassador for this fantastic mental health awareness organisation. I also have my own account for mental health awareness @anxietyfree - with 50,000 followers, it’s just a really authentic page talking honestly about anxiety and mental health awareness. I’m really proud of it and I guess you could say I’m addicted to the maintenance of that. Favourite sunnies? My Valley

Eyewear sunnies. I have about 20 pairs I’m addicted plus, they are a local Gold Coast business.

Skincare must-haves? My VIXIN

Stemcell Daily Face Moisturiser - it’s a GAME-CHANGER for your skin. Especially as you get older, your skin gets so dry and this stuff it really nourishes it.

I have the Simple Habit app on my phone and I listen to a five-minute meditation in the morning before the brekky show. At the end of the day I do a 20-minute meditation to help me unwind and help me go to sleep most nights. It really does help. I also try to get in at least two cardio sessions at EMF Pacific Fair each week plus a yoga session which really helps me de-stress.