Meet Our Cover Girl + 20 Mantras With 20 Brisbane Business Owners
Our January issue is here!
After the challenges of the past few years, it’s time to embrace a fresh perspective. Life often feels chaotic as we juggle work, family, friendships, and everything in between, but there’s always an opportunity to pause, reflect, and focus on what truly matters.
The New Year is the perfect moment to press reset – a chance to realign with your goals, refresh your mindset, and embrace the endless possibilities ahead. It’s not about perfection, but growth and progress as we carve out space to become the best version of ourselves.
This issue is all about new beginnings – letting go of the past and looking forward with optimism. We’ve spoken with inspiring individuals who’ve shared their words of wisdom and guiding mantras for the year ahead. Their stories remind us of the power of intention and the beauty of embracing life’s twists and turns with positivity and purpose.
That’s why we chose the beautiful Nauvoo McPhee to be our January cover girl. With her vibrant energy and refreshing spirit, she embodies this month’s theme perfectly.
WHO’S THAT GIRL? MEET NAUVOO
What’s your heritage?
I’m Māori, Norwegian, Scottish, and Irish. I was born and raised in Australia, though both Aotearoa and Australia are my home.
How do you spend your free time?
I LOVE to create. From dancing alone in my room, karaoke sessions in the car, paint sessions, writing, reading… all of it.
Comfort food?
Beef pho
When did you start modelling?
I was scouted at 16 through a school picture my agent found. Now, modelling is my full-time job. I’m just really grateful that this is my life and that I’ve been able to step forward in faith through each chapter this career has walked me through.
What are your plans for 2025?
My main focus is to serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’ve been called to the Philippines, and I’m so excited to dedicate all my might, mind, and focus to this experience.
YEAR OF YOU
Year of tenacity with Katie Page
Leader, businesswoman, trailblazer, and CEO of Harvey Norman, Katie Page has many feathers in her cap. Following a dynamic year that saw the launch of two new stores in Brisbane and the UK, we caught up with her to discuss her past and her future.
“Turn up. You have to be there on the ground, whether it is in any of the eight countries that Harvey Norman operates in, whether it is for your family, or whether it is for your health.”
Year of radiance with Maxwell H. Arbiter
High Jeweller and Coloured Diamond Specialist, Maxwell H. Arbiter, of family-owned business Argyle Jewellers, is carving out a reputation for himself in the world of fine jewellery. So, what does 2025 hold for him? It’s all about putting in the work.
“Take care of your responsibilities, follow through with your promises, and most importantly, get up and get the work done, day in, day out.”
Year of refinement with Jaye Edwards
11 years since opening his first salon, Founder and Owner of EdwardsAndCo, Jaye Edwards, dishes on building his hair empire and what the future holds for the renowned Australian salons.
2025 is about cutting the fat, letting go of the people who don’t serve you. You’re only as strong as those you surround yourself with.”
Year of vitality with Jen and Nick Ravenswood
Going beyond conventional treatments, Co-Founders of RAYS Wellness, Jen and Nick Ravenswood, are reinventing what health and wellness means through alternative healthcare solutions.
“Live life by design – having clarity in knowing what you don’t want just as much as knowing what you do.”
Year of tailoring with Sam Abi
Quality craftsmanship is at the forefront of high-end menswear brand Urbbana, led by Founder Sam Abi.
“The biggest risk you can take is not taking any risk at all.”
Year of indulgence with Xanny Christophersen
With a heritage as rich as their desserts, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights’ CEO Xanny Christophersen is elevating the business while keeping it innovative and true to its family origins.
“My father always used to say to me when I was a child, ‘Effort equals reward.’ Now that I’m older it rings so true.”
Year of creation with Lisa Sinclair-Robinson
Founder of celestial-inspired jewellery brand Constellate, Lisa Sinclair-Robinson, has been looking to the stars for inspiration. Now in their fifth year, Constellate continues to captivate with their delicate designs.
“While I breathe, I hope.”
Year of expansion with Daniel McKennariey
Nobody does a sanga quite like DannyBoys. And this year, Founder and CEO Daniel McKennariey is set to bring his irresistibly delicious sandwiches to more locations around Brisbane, with an exciting year of expansions on the horizon.
“Always give 100% to what you’re doing… unless you’re giving blood.”
Year of motivation with Nadia Bourboulas
With 20 years of experience teaching at respectable higher learning institutions including QUT and AIM, Nadia Bourboulas is empowering people to build their confidence in communication.
“Try my best every day and everything will fall into place.”
Year of resolution with Julann Tiernan
Drawing from both expertise and personal experience, Julann Tiernan from Tiernan Family Law believes that separation and divorce can be a step towards happiness, working to achieve kinder, more collaborative outcomes that protect the family unit.
“To continue to bring empathy, clarity and positive change to families experiencing separation and divorce.”
Year of rest with Michelle Tweddle
Wanna know the secret to a good night’s sleep? Mynt Lab Founder Michelle Tweddle lets us in on how she went from chronic insomniac to creating a game-changing bedding brand designed to help everyone drift off with ease.
“You are right on time… have confidence that things are unfolding exactly as they should.”
Year of purpose with Yasmeen Cathy
Every space has a story to tell – a concept that Interior Designer Yasmeen Cathy of Yasmeen Cathy Interiors understands deeply. As she steps into the new year, she remains dedicated to bringing those stories to life with designs that are both purposeful and timeless.
“‘Plan and a purpose, hope and a future.’ These words from my dad have been my guiding light for years.”
Year of the hangover cure with Sophie Hood
Meet Sophie Hood, Founder of Seoul Tonic – the South Korean-inspired wellness drink to drink before drinking.
“If it were easy, everyone would do it. Knowing that it isn’t easy, accepting it, and continuing to work toward my dreams make it a little more palatable.”
Year of growth with Alira Armstrong
Few appreciate the power of fragrance like Alira Armstrong, the Founder and Creative Director of LUMIRA. Find out about her inspirations, her creative approach, and what to anticipate from the brand in 2025.
“Embrace the journey. Staying present, connected to our purpose, and open to growth is the mindset I want to carry into 2025.”
Year of big moves with Caitlin O’Loan
PR whizz, Caitlin O’Loan, Founder of boutique public relations agency COCOM, reflects on the past 21 years and lets us know what’s to come.
“Create space for self, family, friends, and success.”
Year of effortless beauty with Lily Landers
Want an extra 20 minutes of beauty sleep each morning? A visit to Founder of Brow Posse, Lily Landers, will have you saying “I woke up like this” – literally.
“Focus on believing in myself and competing only with myself.”
Year of fresh starts with Brittany Potter
This year, it’s all about leaving the past behind and embracing bigger and better things. Brittany Potter from Flashback Laser Tattoo Removal understands the power of moving forward and shares her plans for the new year.
“Take the leap.”
Year of strength with Andrew Pap
Andrew Pap, Athletic Director of famous fitness franchise Fitstop, is staying motivated and driven as he unlocks his potential this new year.
“2025 is your year to be strong.”
Year of simplicity with Simone Vescio and Reika Roberts
Founded in Australia by long-time collaborators Simone Vescio and Reika Roberts, SIMKA focuses on clean, clinical skincare, born from their extensive expertise in the aesthetics industry. Looking ahead, SIMKA continues to set new standards in conscious skincare.
“Embrace the fluidity of visionary creativity. It’s about staying adaptable while continuing to push boundaries.”
For the full interviews and the entire issue, head here.
