Stylish and Successful: Miss Margie

I recently interviewed a very talented women, and I'm so glad I get to share her story with you all. 

Her name is Margie Andrewartha and she is the talent behind Adelaide handbag and jewellery brand

 Miss Margie.

Margie's story is truly inspirational.....she has formal training in Physical Education. However her career in fashion is what has made her a successful woman in business . One of Margie's first jobs was in door to door sales, she really didn't enjoy doing this, but when she had to start approaching clubs and getting to know club promoters as a part of this job, her career took a different path. At the time the whole social media scene did not exist, and there weren't really any entertainment based magazines around, so clubs didn't have a place to advertise. It was suggested to Margie that she should start a magazine so clubs can advertise in it. At this point Margie thought why not and started Network Magazine. Her publishing career then grew as she started Onion Magazine, Rip it Up Magazine and Attitude Magazine. The magazine life took Margie all around Australia and Overseas, attending record launches, concerts and hanging out with rock stars! 

Her life then came to a point where she could'nt really be living the 'rockstar lifestyle' anymore as she had children and needed more family time. In 2008 Margie sold Rip it Up and Attitude Magazine and decided to take a break to spend time with her family. 

Fast forward a few years to 2012, and Margie gives birth to her new baby 'Miss Margie' 

Miss Margie is a handbag and jewellery brand designed by Margie. It all started from her own wants and needs when it came to purses and handbags. She couldn't seem to find a stylish wallet that she could use day to day as well as for travel. This frustration turned into the creation of the Darling wallet (as seen below). After her friends saw Margie using the Darling wallet, they wanted one too! The range has now grown to include bags of different shapes and sizes, and are named after Margie's friends.

Darling Wallet

The bags and purses are made from cowhide, however no cows are harmed for the purpose of making these bags. The cowhide used is a bi-product! :) and the prints are stamped on.

The cool and unique thing about this brand is that you can choose the style of bag you want and then choose the colour and print you prefer, so you can basically get a one-of-a-kind bag! 

 Margie showed me the sample fabrics that she will be using in her upcoming summer collection. It is definitely something to look forward to, with pretty pastels and cool textures.

 Margie visits Bali about 3 or 4 times a year and works closely with the Balinese artisans who help create her vision.

Currently Miss Margie bags and jewellery can be purchased online and are stocked in stores around Australia. In Adelaide, Margie has her bags showcased in her husbands cafe and bottle shop; The Tasting Room and East End Cellars on Vardon Avenue in the city. They have created a shopping and dining experience, with Coffee, Handbags and Alcohol...all in one beautiful place! 

It was such a pleasure chatting with Margie and hearing all about her adventures, for all aspiring entrepreneurs, Margie says "Do something you love because you will be good at it and don't give up!"

Beauty Spot: Arbonne Mineral Powder Foundation

I was recently sent the Arbonne Mineral Powder to try out. I was so excited to try it because I have never actually tried a powder foundation before. I usually use foundations which have a moose of liquid consistency. 

The Arbonne Mineral Powder Foundation packaging looks like this....

 

I really like the sleek design, it's just cool to look at and it's the perfect size that could fit in a handbag nicely.  

 After trying it I realised that a little goes a long way! The way I applied it was with a large buffing brush. I tapped the brush into the powder and buffed it into my skin. Once I did this I went outside to take a photo of my skin in natural light, which made me realise I should have primed first or placed this mineral powder over a more wet foundation. I have large pores and my skin has been getting extremely dry for some reason, so the powder seemed to be showing of my large pores and dry skin patches (as you can see from the photo below....

I then decided to clean my face and do what I should have done in the first place, I primed my face and then applied the powder. This time it worked so much better, as you can see below. My skin looked smoother and felt so much better!

 I have to admit, I definitely need more practice with applying powder but I think it will be one of my new good friends!

Let me know if you use a mineral powder foundation, have you tried the Arbonne one?

The Life of an Actress: Gretel Scarlett

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Australian actress; Gretel Scarlett

Here's what she shared with me.....

What is your current role?

I play Sandy in the Australian Tour of Grease the Musical.

It has been really fun. We get to perform to a different audience every time. The current musical is great because it is a mix between the movie and original stage show, and all the songs from the movie are included.

What made you get into acting?

I was really into performing as a young girl and my parents saw this in me and decided to nurture it by providing me with opportunities where I could do what I enjoyed.

 I remember when I was 12 years old someone asked me what I wanted to do with my life, and I answered "I want to go to WAAPA", they were like, "what is that, a burger from hungry jacks?". It is the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. I was a research queen when I was young, so I had looked this place up and I knew that, that was where I wanted to go.

I ended up going on to attend WAAPA and completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Musical Theater. I was one of only 18 people that they take in each year. The course went for 3 years, it was intense, we are basically locked away for 3 years and are trained in all areas of performance from acting, to dancing and singing. 

What are the opportunities that have opened up for you so far? 

I feel that my career is not based on luck, rather it is accountable to a lot of hard work. After graduating I got a role in Breast wishes, Mama Mia, and Wicked. These were great experiences. I was then asked if I wanted to renew my contract with Wicked, which I decided not to, I thought I would take a risk and see what else was out there. The risk really paid of because I then landed the role of Sandy in Grease the Musical. Before this role, I had mainly only had small supporting or ensemble parts, so this was my time to step out into a lead role.

Throughout my career I have traveled all around Australia and parts of Asia, including Singapore and South Korea. It's so nice getting to perform to so many different audiences.

I've met a few famous faces along the way including Hugh Jackman (he was so grounded!), Burt Newton, and Todd McKenney. It's been so great to meet industry professionals and talk about their lives as performers and hear about all of their experiences. I was having a chat with Burt Newton (who is also performing in Grease) and he was telling me about when he was on TV before colour TV was introduced!

Gretel performing in Grease the Musical

Who and/or what inspires you?

Professional life wise; Burt Newton, he is a theatrical legend, he has so much history, he's such a lovely man, he loves his work and he is always on his A game, this is the 3^rd year I have worked with him and he is so inspiring.

Personal life wise; I am really into sharing the message of living a healthy lifestyle and supporting women's rights, so I am inspired by people on Instagram who also share this message, an example would be Jessica Smith (she is a Para-Olympian who is behind 'join the revolution' promoting positive body image) also Jennifer Hawkins who works hard sticking up for women's rights

I am an avid user of Instagram and twitter, and it is inspiring to me to be able to share my life with my audience, as well as get inspired by others doing great things.

What beauty products can you not live without? 

One product I love is the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Foundation Pen. It can be used as a foundation, concealer and/or highlighter. It's great for getting rid of puffy eyes, because Sandy can not look like she had a late night! I also can't live without the they’re real mascara by Benefit, it's great for day and night!

What is you current beauty regime?

I have very sensitive skin so less is more for me. In the morning I wash my face with the Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser and mosturise with an organic baby moisturiser, which has manuca honey in it (I found it in a little organic shop). In the night, I remove my make-up with the Derma Blend make-up remover, cleanse with the Cetaphil cleanser and mosturise with the same baby moisturiser.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

At the moment I want to build my profile in Australia or go to the West End in London. I would love to get another lead role. And it would be great to get in film and TV.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors and actresses?

Work hard, keep practicing don’t be critical of others make sure your critical of yourself, people criticize others but don’t look at their own self, be open to taking on criticism about yourself, because it can really help.

It is also important to understand that judgments will be made purely based on physical looks when it comes to whether or not a person is chosen for a role. Even though the talents is there, the look may not be right. Do not take it personally, just always understand that this is how the industry works!

Gretel mentioned that audiences have been enjoying Grease so much and that the show opens in Adelaide on the 3rd of August and ends on the 31st of August with 8 shows a week from Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at BASS. Gretel also has an album coming out soon….so follow 'Gretel Scarlett' on Instagram to find out more details!

I finished the interview of by asking Gretel what she was looking forward to getting up to when she gets to Adelaide. Apart from doing the show, she said that she Love's coming to Adelaide, and can't wait to visit goodies and grains at the Central Market, Haigh’s, and Glenelg. 

The Strand Experience: A hair lounge in Hyde Park

Adelaide's hottest new salon launched in style last Friday and Saturday. Invited guests were pampered with hair treatments, celebrity style blow outs, delicious bites from King William Road cafes and French champagne. The red carpet was rolled out and as we walked in we felt like true celebrities....

The interior has such a beautiful calming yet cool personality with exposed brick walls, fresh flowers, leather chairs and candles alight 

I attended the launch along with my sister, Susan (from Fashion Adventurer) and Emily (from Adelaide Style File). We each had a hair stylist and were given the option of choosing from a range of celebrity hair styles. I went for the 'Bingle Beach Waves' (inspired by Lara Bingle).

My hair was washed (including a hair treatment and an amazing head massage), blow dried, and then styled using a hair straightner. My stylist for the day was the owner of The Strand; Heidi Jehle. 

I was so happy with how Heidi went through each of the steps with me and even went the extra mile of showing me how to get the perfect relaxed waves!

Once my hair was done, I went and had a look at how the other girls were going. How beautiful do the curls look in their hair (as seen below)!

So, here is my before and after look. I have always loved the look of relaxed waves on short hair but I could never get it right myself, and therefore just thought it didn't look good, but now I am inspired to try this look again!

We had such a fun, girly day out. The Strand really went above and beyond to make sure we were looked after, it was such a nice feeling that we could relax while being pampered. We all agreed that we would definitely go back for the Strand experience. 

Below is a photo of myself with Heidi. As I was getting my hair done I asked her about her life as a hair dresser and this new venture, here's what she shared with me:

"I have a passion for hair dressing! I started my first salon, La Tease in Blakes Crossing 2 years ago and I managed a salon for 5 years previously. It is stressful but exciting to buy my own salon, since I was little I wanted to own a shop and I wanted to be a hairdresser.

I don't have any hairdressers in my family but my mum is a make up artist, and both mum and grandma have natural talent for doing hair but did not pursue it as a career.

I wanted to open a salon that has a different concept, which provides a service where every customer who comes in will feel like they are getting the celebrity treatment.

At the moment at the Strand we have 2 hair stylists and a concierge, the concierge is in place to provide customers with whatever they require as they are getting their hair done.

My hopes with the Strand are to create a movement in Adelaide with hairdressing, as well as set up more Strands around Adelaide.

Career highlights so far include opening 2 salons, styling Lisa Emmanuel's hair and styling for the advertiser. 

For those wanting to get into the Hairdressing industry, I will say that it is not easy, there are more downs than ups, but if it's your passion, follow it!"

Thankyou so much to The Strand for pampering us, if you want to be pampered by The Strand, check them out!

http://www.thestrandexperience.com.au/

A day in the life of a Marketing Manager: Sarah-Jane Hook

What is your role?

I am the Marketing Manager for The Myer Centre Adelaide. I provide an integrated and strategic approach to the Myer Centre’s marketing to drive customer traffic and sales for the retailers within the shopping centre.  This includes being responsible for all customer facing communication channels in the local market and rolling out targeted promotions to drive sales for key categories. Eg, fashion.

What would your average working day look like?

7am, alarm goes off, hit snooze. Sometime between 7am – 8.30am work out what to wear with the added challenge these days of a) styling a fashionable outfit and b) what will work cycling to work without requiring a drastic wardrobe change. 8.30am cycle to work and park bicycle in the Myer Centre’s Pedal, Prep and Go storage room. 9am, coffee time! I always start my day with a quality coffee.  9.30am, attend to emails, review overnight communications on the centre’s social channels and review the day’s schedule.10am management team meeting communicating workflow of other departments amongst team heads. 10.30am on site meeting with event suppliers - stylist, audio visual technician and equipment hire specialist to discuss logistical requirements for upcoming fashion parade.  12pm work in progress meeting with Visual Merchandiser/Social Media coordinator, going over strategy for digital content creation and briefing in centre presentation projects. 1pm (if schedule permits) head to the gym for a quick lunchtime workout. 2pm conference call with creative agencies (media buyer, advertising agency, PR agency) directing a briefing on upcoming targeted promotions. 2.30pm following up on conference call with submission of briefing documents with action deadlines and budget allocations. 3pm catch up on emails and reading of industry trends / case studies / news. 3.30pm analyse results from previous targeted promotion / last month / last period and prepare post campaign debrief reports and presentations. 5pm prepare briefing memo and distribute to centre retailers on an upcoming promotional opportunity relevant to their business.  6pm head off to the Nike Run Club before cycling home or cycle home and head to a Bikram Yoga class to switch off and sweat out the day. Once home find something to eat. 10pm check activity on the centre’s social channels before catching up on reading and heading to bed.

How did you get to your position of being a Marketing Manager?

I started my career working in real estate in a marketing support function. I realized it was the marketing aspect of the industry that really interested me and began to research how to progress with a career in Marketing. I completed a Bachelor of Management (Marketing) while working part time in the real estate industry continuously.  This was invaluable as by the time I graduated from my degree I had six years marketing experience behind me.  I then moved on to a marketing assistant role on a large residential land release.  An opportunity came up with a maternity leave contract as Marketing Manager at Harbour Town (a brand direct outlet shopping centre) and this was my stepping stone into the retail / shopping centre industry. I have since honed my experiences within the industry with marketing roles for Westfield and now in my current role as Marketing Manager for the Myer Centre Adelaide.

Have you always wanted to work in the Marketing area?  Yes, consumer behaviour theories fascinate me as well as blending a love of visual communication and creativity with numbers and statistics.  Marketing is a social science.

What do you love about your role? I love that no two days are the same.  The marketing of a physical location which is a busy, public place results in working amongst a dynamic environment with many, many stakeholders.

In your current role, what has been your biggest achievement? I’m pleased to have rolled out a rebranding project and multiple launch projects with the centre as well as receiving industry recognition awards for several tactical promotions.

Over your career, what has been your ‘love this’ moment?  I love that a career in retail marketing enables you to work in a sphere with very talented and creative people.  The styling advice and exposure to a myriad of fashion can be a girl’s dream!

Any advice for anyone aspiring to work in the Marketing / Fashion industry?  Never lose sight of return on investment and always focus on surprising and delighting the customer.

Lush Grand Re-Opening

Last Friday I attended the Lush Re-Opening in Rundle Mall. This event was open to all, and the rain did not stop the masses of Lush lovers from lining up to be the first to shop at the new look store....

A massive line outside the store in the middle of Rundle Mall, kept on lookers wondering what all the excitement was about. Shoppers were welcomed by Lush rep Ayla and Rundle Malls store manager. We were told that the this new look store is the first of it's kind in Australia......yes that's right Adelaide has the very first new look Lush store!!!

Whilst lining up we were treated to cute little drinks and vegan cupcakes from The Fakery Bakery (which unfortunately I missed out on :( but I heard that they were delicious!

I was one of the first to enter the store, and although there were so many people, the staff were so friendly and helpful. One of the Lush ladies tried the salt scrub on my hand, it felt amazing (I definitely recommend trying it!). I also tried the bubblegum lip scrub, which smelt and tasted so yummy...I was told that you can scrub your lips with it and then just lick it off!

This store is filled with goodies and they're all natural. You can pick up some amazing things from essential skincare items to pamper lux pieces as well as gifts for loved ones.

 It's would be worthwhile to spend some time in the store and speak to the lovely Lush ladies about what products would work best for your skin or what items will make bath time so much more interesting!!! Let me know what you think if you end up checking out the store :)

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner!

I recently received a special little package from Benefit Cosmetics.....

Inside was the Benefit They're Real Mascara and the all new They're Real Gel Liner Pen....along with some cute little jewels

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I was so excited....I had seen all the posts and all the positive comments about this brand new product by Benefit, on social media. It's an amazing invention and is going to make my life so much easier when it comes to getting the perfect eye liner line!

I couldn't wait to try it out, after practicing on my hand... I went for the eyes. It was so easy, the gel just glided  and the shape of the tip is perfect for getting a precise line around the eye and creating a wing. 

Here's the final look....what do you think? 

Benefit's They're Real Push-up Liner will be available to purchase at the end of June....get your hands on it as soon as you can!!!