Inspired Business Stories
Local makers, creators and innovators tell their stories and how the Surf Coast has inspired them.
Happy Spaces: Matty Lawrence
Happy Spaces was established in May 2016 by Matty Lawrence with his first close to home coworking space based in Bayside, Hampton. He brought the concept to Torquay and has been progressively opening the newly developed site located on Gilbert Street since February 2020.
From Around Here: Mandy Entwistle
Mandy is a Geelong Local that has slowly moved further down the coast and has tried her hand at many things.
From Around Here is a curation of lifestyle gifts, fashion, plants, homewares, food, wine and spirits for the mindful consumer who wants to truly buy locally made goods from within the region we live
The Wild Garden: Kate Simpson
The Wild Garden floral styling specializes in weddings, picnic style proposals and unique events across the Surf Coast. Kate Simpson is the creative behind the business, who works from her home studio in Bellbrae. She is known for her bohemian style, with wild and rustic floral designs her specialty.
In the Skies: Anna McIldowie and Simon Holloway
In a vine covered lane, at the start of Mountjoy Parade, you will find In the Skies Art and Music store. Opened in October 2020, it is a family run business by Anna McIldowie and Simon Holloway.
Staley Health: Nikki Staley
Nikki Staley, founder of Staley Health, has a Doctorate degree in Philosophy, specialising in Metaphysical Science. Born in Melbourne, she is an accredited Holistic Counsellor and Reiki Master. In 2010 Nikki relocated Staley Health to Torquay.
Surf Coast Picnic Co: Lynda Lister
Lynda and her young family moved to Torquay 10 years ago, to be close to the beach and nature. The Surf Coast Picnic Co is all about making memories with family and friends in the outdoors.
She is Earth: Sarah Elise
Sarah Elise, founder of She is Earth, has been using essential oils for as long as she can remember. As she became more aware of the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical benefits, she began to create her own blends to share with family, friends and her children.
March Creative: Brittany March
Brittany March is a multidisciplinary creative working as an artist, graphic designer and illustrator. Living by the sea has played a huge role in shaping her life, and she’s been fascinated by the ocean, marine life, and the natural world for as long as she can remember.
Winki Zinc: Belinda Sharrok
A small local business with a big smiley heart. Winki Zinc is a range of tinted SPF 30 sun balms that are sustainable, non-toxic and made right here in Australia.
Torquay Merchant: Suzzanne Roberts and Kara Faganel
Torquay Merchant is a curated, lifestyle emporium by mother and daughter team Suzzanne Roberts and Kara Faganel, who are passionate about mindfully selecting and sourcing ethically distinctive wares. “People often refer to it as the hidden gem full of all things fashion, home, furniture, lifestyle and wellness” says Kara.
Okki & OkkiD: Fiona McPherson
Okki womenswear was born in 2016, with a dream to create a women’s denim collection using the highest quality fabrics. The brand was the evolution in her fashion career as a designer, after creating the successful childrenswear label Oishi-M. In 2020, Okki-D was launched, the kidswear version of Okki.
Heroes Home Doctor: Dr Caroline Taylor-Walker
Heroes Home Doctor is led by Dr Caroline Taylor-Walker who is an accomplished GP and is the owner and founder of not only Heroes Home Doctor, but Ministry of Skin in Torquay. Dr. Caroline’s passions include general practice, skin cancer and aesthetics.
Jono Spiteri Photography
Jono Spiteri specialises in images of our Victorian coastline, ocean and especially the surf. He likes to mix it up with shots from the land, drone or using his water housing to swim amongst the action. He showcases his best work on social media for sale.
Peep Studio: Christine Price
After working from home for 10 years, Christine Price followed her dreams to open a retail space for Peep Studio. Specializing in lashes and brows, the Torquay based business has amassed a loyal following. “Peep Studio is a peaceful and fun environment to lay back and have your brows and lashes tended to,” says Christine.
Linda Gorfol: Photographer
Linda Gorfol recently turned her passion for photography and capturing special moments into a business. Linda was born in Slovakia and moved to Australia with her fiancé in January 2015. In 2018 she moved to Torquay and said it was “the best decision ever”.
The Riverbank Cafe: Jo Hughes & Tess Morrisey
The Riverbank Café is a small, family run, Lorne business by Jo Hughes and Tess Morrisey. Located in an idyllic vine covered lane, alongside Erskine River, the café sits in a small strip of shops with Pizza Pizza restaurant, Dudley Moss barber shop and In The Skies Art gallery
Tribe Skincare: Kayla Houlihan
Tribe Skincare is a natural, vegan-friendly, Australian-made skincare range, based in Torquay. Created by Kayla Houlihan in 2017, when she identified a gap in the skincare market for products and a skincare routine to specifically target sensitive skin. The product range is designed to reduce facial redness, minimize breakouts and relieve dry patches and eczema.
Movida Lorne: Frank Camorra
MoVida Lorne combines modern Spanish cuisine, that is well known and loved in Frank Camorra's Melbourne restaurants, with the beachside atmosphere of Lorne. As Franks tells us “our aim is to ensure that guests have an incredible meal paired with fun Spanish or local wines in a relaxed setting.”
Hot Chilli Mama: Sue Porter
Hot Chilli Mama was established 3 years ago by Sue Porter, along with her now teenage children Matt and Kate, as a way to combine the family’s love for chillies, with a small business that would allow her kids to earn pocket money. Sue is a chilli lover, mother and now entrepreneur, who lives by the mantra that life is too short to do something that no longer makes you happy.
Fern & Gum: Caroline Shelbourne
Fern and Gum provides a collection of thoughtfully curated gift boxes that showcase the incredible producers of the Otway region. Caroline Shelbourne partners with more than 30 local producers to create ready-to-send gifts that can be ordered online.
