How 6 Brisbane Business Owners Are Redefining Luxury In 2025
The Luxe List
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We spoke with Brisbane’s business owners to get their take on luxury – from small moments of joy to bespoke treasures that hold lasting meaning.
To me, luxury is about freedom
Meet the creative mind behind TOHM Collective, Anna Stickley, business owner, mum, and curator of luxury jewellery. From sourcing unique pieces to collaborating with international designers, she shares what it takes to bring bespoke elegance to Brisbane’s discerning clientele.
“Luxury is about freedom — the freedom to choose, to pause, and to embrace moments that bring joy and meaning”
Anna Stickley, TOHM Collective
What does a typical day in your life as a business owner look like?
Every day is unique. Mornings usually start early with a coffee and some sort of exercise before checking emails that came through from designers overnight (I’m always juggling quite a few time zones!). The rest of my day is a blend of creative and operational work, from curating content for social media, working with designers, or meeting with clients to bring their custom creations to life, there’s always something in motion. And of course, the usual mum duties!
Why do you think luxury jewellery sourced from Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States resonates so strongly with your Brisbane clientele?
Brisbane has a sophisticated and diverse clientele that values timeless craftsmanship and international luxury, but what resonates most with my clients here is the storytelling behind each piece and the heritage of the designers. Many of the designers we work with have incredibly meaningful backstories—whether it’s a generational family business that has evolved over time or two sisters creating future heirlooms together. For Brisbane clients, it’s also about having the opportunity to experience these pieces in person.
Do you have a favourite piece from the collection right now?
I absolutely adore all the pieces from TOHM’s collection, but if I had to pick, I’m currently obsessed with the Ananya Chakra Icon Bracelet and the Gemella Jewels Stella Bar Necklace.
What’s been your most exciting collection, collaboration, or client experience so far?
One that stands out recently is hosting our first Melbourne trunk show alongside stylist, Elliot Garnaut. Overall, my favourite experience is working with designers to create custom pieces for clients. Bringing a unique vision to life and seeing their joy when they receive a finished piece is always a pinch-me moment.
To you, what does luxury truly mean?
To me, luxury is sleeping past 6am – a rare occurrence these days. Beyond that, luxury is about freedom—the freedom to choose, to pause, and to embrace moments that bring joy and meaning. It’s about finding beauty and connection in something deeply personal, whether it’s a piece of jewellery, a treasured memory, or simply time for yourself and your family. It’s about the liberation of choosing quality over quantity, meaning over trend, and individuality over convention. That’s the heart of TOHM as a brand at the end of the day.
To me, luxury is health and time
Award-winning Brisbane hairdresser Craig Smith of Fruition Hair redefines luxury with his personalised service and timeless expertise.
“Health, time and a sense of space are definite comfort commodities for me”
Craig Smith, Fruition Hair
How do you incorporate luxury into your salon brand?
Never cut corners on comfort. Ensure staff feel part of something special first, so they can pass that feeling on to clients, and select suppliers who know and understand the cultural cachet.
Is luxury defined more by skill or the connection you build with clients?
I’d say both. For luxury to have longevity, a stylist needs the skill to create a lasting look, but creating a premium haircut starts with an authentic conversation. I believe our 25-year heritage is a testament to the importance of getting to know our clients. Luxury is not a ‘one size fits all’ experience at Fruition!
Can you share a memorable moment when you gave a client an extraordinary luxury experience?
Decadence doesn’t always have to be about ‘things’; it can be about serving someone in a way that makes them feel like the centre of the universe. Whether it’s walking a client to their car under an umbrella, opening the salon door upon arrival, or making their coffee extra hot because that’s how they like it, all these small touches contribute to a luxury experience.
How do you make luxury feel accessible to all your clients?
It doesn’t matter what you do, where you live, or who you love. We will pour a glass of champagne, have a good conversation, and carefully curate a unique haircut that places you in a lane of prestige.
After achieving numerous hairdressing awards, what are your next goals for Fruition?
Our goal is to continue building on our strong brand reputation for superior quality, and perhaps venture into new communities who appreciate hairdressing services that offer something a little different.
To me, luxury is indulging in something extraordinary
Crafting impeccable dining experiences that don’t just meet expectations but exceed them, John Gambaro of the iconic Gambaro Group knows how to leave a lasting impression.
“The goal is to transport guests into a different world, where they can escape their daily lives and indulge in something extraordinary”
John Gambaro, Gambaro Group
How do you honour the iconic Gambaro legacy while keeping things fresh?
We ensure each new venture embodies the same dedication to quality and hospitality that has long defined the Gambaro brand. For example, Black Hide’s extension to Queen’s Wharf from its iconic Caxton Street location represents a natural progression into a world-class dining experience, creating an elevated setting that feels both familiar and new.
What does a day in your life look like?
I approach my work with the same sense of care, respect, and commitment that I have toward my family. When it comes to running the venues, no two days are exactly the same. I spend a lot of time overseeing operations, collaborating with our talented teams, and ensuring that each venue upholds the standards we’re known for – exceptional service, high-quality food, and creating memorable experiences for our guests.
How do you balance individuality while staying true to the brand?
The key lies in our unwavering commitment to excellence across all areas. This includes sourcing the finest ingredients, providing personalised service, and crafting unforgettable moments for our guests, no matter which venue they choose.
What excites you most about the future of Brisbane’s dining scene?
There’s an evident shift toward innovative dining experiences, with chefs and restaurateurs pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ingredients, and reimagining traditional dishes. At Gambaro Group, we’re committed to bringing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to the table and remain focused on staying ahead of trends.
With so many successes under your belt, what’s next for Gambaro Group?
While the Gambaro brand has been synonymous with Brisbane for many years, we plan to continue expanding our footprint on the Gold Coast, as we did in 2024 opening Pipi’s and Awaken Café. We’re also searching for a brand new home for the iconic Gambaro’s Seafood Restaurant that reflects our passion for fresh, sustainable seafood and an unforgettable dining experience.
To me, luxury is embracing nature
Embracing the lush life, Tennille Leslie, owner and creator of The Plant Bunker in Grange, finds abundant inspiration in simple connections and the beauty of the natural world.
“Having nature at your fingertips, being able to choose natural and simple, and drinking your morning brew from a handmade mug”
Tennille Leslie, The Plant Bunker
What sparked the creation of The Plant Bunker?
I’ve been into interiors and styling since I was little, thanks to my mum’s home magazines. My intense love for plants came after we renovated our house in The Gap, and I discovered how simple they were to add style. The Plant Bunker began under our home in late 2019 as a hobby business to keep me sane and feed my soul while being a stay-at-home mum.
How does your store offering reflect your idea of luxury for your customers?
Plants are a perfect connection with nature and allow you to tap into your inner peace when nurturing them. It’s a luxury to fill our homes with flourishing green life! At The Plant Bunker, we also sell a lot of homewares and gifts with a focus on local, handmade, and natural products wherever possible—keeping it simple and connected when we can.
How do you cultivate meaningful connections with your community?
When The Plant Bunker began, I felt our Instagram, @theplantbunker_brisbane, was a big part of what we were and how we got recognised. However, since moving to our Grange location at 126 Days Road, I’ve focused a lot more on establishing grassroots connections in the local community. We’re all about giving people a happy space within an urban jungle escape.
How do you keep your creative energy flowing?
A proper soulful rest, getting out to the river, and yoga – that’s where so much of the good stuff bubbles back to the surface, and my brain starts sparking with excitement for an idea.
What’s ahead for The Plant Bunker?
We’ve secured a nice long lease in our new space, so we plan to be here for a long time! I’ve tried to create a ‘kid in a candy store’ feel to our space, so visiting is more of an experience than just buying ‘stuff’. We also have a new online store (sofunkincute.com.au) for those who love an online scroll.
To me, luxury means health, wealth, and time
From turning dreams into diamonds to pushing the boundaries of design, Drew Brown, founder of BrownHaus, shares the passion and creativity that fuel his one-of-a-kind jewellery creations.
“The health to feel vibrant and alive, the wealth to enjoy the finer things in life, and the time to savour them fully with those I love. It’s about living with freedom, balance, and appreciation for every moment”
Drew Brown, BrownHaus
What’s your favourite part of the BrownHaus design process?
My favourite part is transforming someone’s vision into reality. Seeing the joy and awe on their face when they see their piece for the first time is indescribable — it’s why we do what we do.
What’s your top advice for someone creating their first bespoke engagement ring?
Lean toward timeless designs with a touch of personalisation — and always prioritise durability. It’s a piece meant to last a lifetime, so balance sentiment with practicality.
What’s the most memorable piece your team has crafted and why?
The Elysian ring, part of our new BrownHaus Vault collection, stands out. It features a breathtaking 4.15ct emerald-cut emerald surrounded by a constellation of 148 natural diamonds. It’s memorable not just for its beauty, but because it required every ounce of our team’s expertise to bring it to life.
What’s the most exciting thing about your new Newstead location?
We fell in love with Newstead’s energy immediately. The Longland precinct is brimming with innovative venues and an undeniable vibe. It felt like the perfect home for BrownHaus.
To me, luxury is a feeling
Ashley Portas, founder of Diamondport, defines luxury as simplicity and effortless elegance. For him, it’s about creating lasting beauty without rushing the process.
“Luxury is about evoking a sublime feeling. For me, it’s simplicity in design — minimalist, unrushed, and effortless. It’s difficult to articulate, but you know luxury when you feel it”
Ashley Portas, Diamondport
How did working with diamond merchants shape your approach to jewellery?
I began my career with a diamond merchant, interacting with bespoke jewellers and learning what makes a jewellery business thrive. At Diamondport, I focus on transparency, honesty, and accessibility, especially for clients purchasing their first significant piece. I’ve never worked for a jeweller before, so I focused on creating a customer-centric, ego-free experience rooted in care.
How do you balance design with client expectations for luxury in your engagement rings?
First and foremost, our engagement rings are designed to be worn daily. Balancing design with practicality is key — they need to be visually stunning yet durable and comfortable. A strong foundation and wearability are integral to achieving luxury that lasts.
What factors do you consider when selecting diamonds and materials for clients?
We prioritise diamonds with excellent cut, polish, and symmetry for maximum radiance. When selecting materials, we explain how each alloy performs in hand fabrication or casting, helping clients make informed decisions. This hands-on approach eliminates confusion often caused by salespeople without direct experience.
Can you recall a moment when a piece of jewellery truly amazed you or a client?
It’s not always about the most expensive pieces. Sometimes, a new design for a men’s wedding ring or remodelling a client’s old jewellery truly stands out. I’m constantly amazed by my team’s skill in transforming and enhancing pieces, ensuring they look extraordinary. It’s all about the final finish, angles, and execution.
How do you see the jewellery industry evolving with changing tastes and sustainability trends?
It’s hard to predict, but I believe sustainability will play an increasingly significant role. Clients are starting to prefer recycled gold and sustainable diamonds or gemstones. While lab-grown diamonds and yellow gold are trending now, tastes evolve, and I anticipate shifts in preferences over time, though I can’t say exactly when.
