I moved to Mission Beach in 2009 with my husband Michael and our three children, Tarkyn, Piper, and Brecken. We were drawn here by the relaxed lifestyle and strong sense of community, and while I thought it would simply be an amazing place to raise our kids, it soon became the perfect place to build a business I love.

After Cyclone Yasi, I purchased the former Mission Beach Organic Hair Studio, renamed it Minx Hair Design, and completed my hairdressing apprenticeship. By 2013, the salon had outgrown its original space, and I joined forces with my sister Lynette to create Minx Hair and Beauty.

In July 2022, Minx moved into its most vibrant home yet — a beautiful, modern salon that also brings together women-owned small businesses, including Out of the Ashes cosmetic tattooing and Beauty by Sarah. With this move came fresh energy and new talent, including emerging stylist Mikayla, who has already become a much-loved part of our Minx family.

For me, Minx has always been about more than just hair and beauty. It’s about confidence, connection, and community. I love making people feel good about themselves, and that passion runs through everything our team does. After more than a decade, I feel proud knowing Minx is part of the Mission Beach story and grateful every day to be building a business in a community I love.

I grew up on the Cassowary Coast, a farmer’s daughter at heart, and always knew this part of the world would call me home again. In 2014, I returned to Mission Beach, drawn back by its natural beauty and relaxed pace — the perfect place to raise my young family.

In 2020, once my youngest child started school, I quietly launched The Bowerbird’s Pantry from a small corner of the Mad Bakers Wholesale Bakery. My vision was to shine a light on local artisanal produce — stocking everything from fresh eggs and dairy to chocolate, tea, coffee, vanilla, pepper, chutneys, sauces, jams, and sourdough. This complemented my other business, The Wholefood Company, where I also love to use local ingredients in our house-made cakes, cookies, quiches, and desserts.

As the business grew, I relocated to a larger South Mission Beach premises. Today, The Bowerbird’s Pantry offers a wider range of specialty groceries as well as wholesome takeaway food and drinks. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 2 pm, and I’m excited to soon launch online ordering to make it even easier for people to shop local.

For me, it has always been about more than just running a store. It’s about celebrating local producers, nourishing the community, and sharing the flavours of Mission Beach. After a decade back home, I feel grateful to see how the Pantry has grown and proud to play a small part in supporting this amazing region.

We first discovered Mission Beach in 1991 while living in Cairns. Life in the city was becoming too hectic, so we set off on a road trip along the Bruce Highway in search of a new lifestyle. By the time we returned from the Victorian border, we knew Mission Beach was the place we wanted to call home.

Not long after, we bought a small booking office that offered camping and bike hire in The Hub. As the town grew and changed, so did we. That little venture has since evolved into Mission Beach Workx — a much-loved store offering surf and resort wear for men, women, and children, along with hats, shoes, sunglasses, souvenirs, shell jewellery, and dive gear.

Beyond the shop, we’ve always been active in the community. Chris has enjoyed being part of Rotary, helping to run the Mission Beach Markets and playing a role in creating the Splash Pad at Wongaling Beach — an attraction families now flock to and enjoy.

What we love most are the people. We’ve had the joy of welcoming travellers from all over the world, listening to their stories, and reconnecting with those who return year after year. After 31 years, many of our visitors now bring their children and even grandchildren back to see us. That, to us, feels like the greatest reward. Mission Beach truly is a special place, and we’re proud to have made it our home and to still be part of its story.