Inspired Business Stories
Local makers, creators and innovators tell their stories and how the Surf Coast has inspired them.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
Natalie Martin: Watercolour Artist
There’s a good chance you’re familiar with Torquay artist, Natalie Martin’s colourful watercolours, but you probably didn’t know she also juggles work as a graphic designer, teacher, consultant, and an art director.
In the Flow Photography – Britt James
Hi, I’m Britt James, the creator and photographer from the Surf Coast behind In The Flow Photography - a photography business born out of a love for Yoga and wellness. I have expanded into photographing brands and people all across the ‘passion & Purpose’ spectrum.
SeeSea Images: Craig Crosthwaite
My name is Craig Crosthwaite. I’m a photographer from Anglesea. As a kid friends called me “CC” and that became the inspiration for the name SeeSea Images.
Cinnamonsart: Cinnamon and Rowan Stephens
Cinnamon and Rowan Stephens produce creative metalwork suitable for indoors, gardens, made to be worn or to adorn your home. They are inspired by their natural environment and love to call Anglesea home. Their most recent work includes architectural screens that bring wall sized metal art designs to gates, security doors and windows.
Ash Hughes Photography
Ash Hughes is a passionate local photographer capable of capturing both vertigo-inducing and striking images of the Surf Coast. His spectacular landscape images – captured both with a hand-held camera and a drone – soon attracted a loyal Instagram following of almost 10,000 fans.
Loose Ink Design: Lucy Burke
Meet Lucy Burke, the creative behind Loose Ink Design. She’s a printmaker and illustrator living on the Surf Coast.
Romy Photographer: Romy Becker-Roache
Meet Romy, a talented photographer who has lived in Torquay for 20 years, and was drawn to so many amazing locations for landscape and seascape photography. Her style of photography is very natural and full of life, color and captures raw beauty at her best.
Leslie Carvitto Photography
Leslie Carvitto is a local photographer creating vibrant and authentic imagery for female business owners and conscious creatives. She has been honoured to collaborate with incredible women on the Surf Coast who are working for themselves, redefining success and building a creative life they love.
Surf Coast Creatives Podcast: Ben Hucker and Jess Mellington
Ben & Jess are on a mission to bring the stories of creative entrepreneurs to life with the Surf Coast Creatives podcast.
More Inspired stories coming soon…
There are so many stories to tell about the Surf Coast’s local makers, creators and entrepreneurs. See how you can get involved.