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JOLENE

Here are some beautiful captures of this amazing human doing what she loves, sharing her magical Zenthai bodywork in the peaceful embrace of the beach and autumn-toned leaves. Make sure to give her new page @bodyachemy_____ a follow. That is where you can arrange your bodywork session.

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LAURA

This is Laura and this is what a 15-minute shoot with lots of chatting in between looks like.

This woman is truly special.

I first met Laura when she was running her super fun hula hoop classes, and I had a full-blown girl crush on her!

She’s a multi-faceted human who shares her energy across so many beautiful spaces.

Since becoming a mum to her gorgeous daughter, Laura has gone full-time with her holistic hair sessions and she’s now my hairdresser.

That’s a big deal for me, considering I’ve cut my own hair for 15 years and have major trust issues when it comes to hairdressers.

But Laura just gets it!!! She understands shape, vision, and hair health.

And the added bonus? She’s simply a joy to talk to during the session.

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HOOLIA

Meet Hoolia!!!! An extraordinary local musician whose soulful melodies are born from the haunting sound of her musical saw and little ukelele. Originally from Argentina and now calling Cairns home, Hoolia’s unique artistry and musical taste has left many venues impressed. She was also a participant of my SKIN project. To thank her for being part of it, she received a gift voucher.

A reminder to all SKIN participants: only one month left before your gift voucher expires. If you haven’t booked in yet, I highly recommend getting in touch super duper soon.

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JESSE

It’s been a while... I’ve been a little busy living my dreams and a little less glued to the screen.

Sharing some candid, clean shots of Jessie today while doing admin work... @jesse_of_pure_intent is a true multitasker. Ecstatic dance DJ, yoga and quantum teacher, and currently brewing something big behind the scenes…

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DANIELLE

Danielle was one of the incredible women who took part in my SKIN project — a raw, honest exploration of stories, self-image, and resilience. To celebrate her contribution, she received a one-hour photoshoot gift voucher… and what unfolded was truly unforgettable.

Danielle is an extraordinary woman, and our connection was instant and deep. In preparing for her session, we sat down and explored her ideas, and I was blown away by the richness of her vision. She wanted to embody the transformational phases of her life, drawing inspiration from the divine feminine and the shadow sides we all carry.

She channelled:

• Venus (Pride) – Born in purity

• Eve (Lust) – The original sinner

• Lilith (Envy) – The liberated woman

• Persephone (Indolence) – Queen of the underworld

• Hestia (Greed) – The fire keeper

• The Morrigan (Wrath) – Reborn in ashes

• Dea Tacita (Gluttony) – The silent sacrifice

Seven goddesses.

Seven deadly sins.

One soul’s journey through power, pain, and personal rebirth.

It was an honour to witness and capture her essence through these archetypes. Danielle, thank you for trusting me with this vision and for reminding us that transformation is sacred.

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NICOLA BRYARS

Nicola Bryars is not only a brilliant artist but also a dear friend whose work I deeply admire. Her sensitivity, depth, and vision consistently move me. I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about her practice and her two recent exhibitions, which I found incredibly powerful.

- Bio -

Nicola Bryars explores the spaces in between and their hidden frequencies. Growing up surrounded by repurposed materials, like draftsman’s paper from her dad’s engineering office, which her mum transformed into fabric patterns, Nicola discovered a passion for drawing early on and went on to major in printmaking. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UNSW and completed her final year at the University of Texas at Austin. Nicola was a member of the contemporary art group The Upholstery (2003–2008) before committing to full-time solo practice with her 2018 show Biophilia. Her recent exhibitions include Organic Data at Northsite Contemporary Arts and Resilience at Mulgrave Gallery in Cairns.

- Organic Data - Threshold Exhibition 2025 - Northsite Gallery -

Organic Data responds to the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, documenting the exposed trees roots along Holloways Beach. Each historic pianola roll has been screen printed with drawings Nicola created and designed from this documentation. The shadows cast from the rolls reveal illuminated music notes that evoke coded messages, mirroring how trees communicate through an underground mycelium network. Using notes from the pianola rolls a soundscape created by Orange Peel Music accompanied the piece, blending synthesised music with sound recordings from Holloways beach, creating an immersive experience for the viewer.

- Ceremonial Protection Cloaks - Resilience Exhibition 2025 - Mulgrave Gallery -

Nicola explores resilience through the personal stories of ten Cairns women. Each linen cloak hangs freely in the space, screen-printed with botanical illustrations that symbolically reflect each woman’s journey. Sewn by Nicola’s mother, Lidwina, the cloaks are a collaboration rooted in care and generational connection. A soundscape by Orange Peel Music, featuring the women’s voices, deepens the experience — drawing listeners closer to their stories. Delicate rice paper pieces displayed on the walls connect each botanical illustration to its story, inviting reflection on strength, healing, and connection.

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JESSICA

This was my second time photographing the incredible Jessica — an award-winning poet and writer facilitator.

This shoot marked a deeply meaningful chapter in her life: the arrival of her beautiful daughter. Thanks to the advances of science, women like Jessica can choose when and how to create a family on their own terms.

I have so much love and respect for powerful, courageous women like her. It’s truly inspiring to witness what becomes possible when there’s both independence and unwavering willingness.

Thank you, Jessica, for being such a radiant example to us all.

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From the SKIN series. Unpublished.

Skin holds more than beauty, it holds becoming.

Scars, creases, spots... the softness of being seen.

We are not flawless; we are human.

And that is enough.

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When the boss-babe behind www.sacredcreationsdesigns.com steps in front of the camera, I’m a happy girl!

Teala is stunning, fierce, and empowered.

Here are some beautiful captures of her in her own designs: soft, durable, high-quality, and unique pieces you’ll treasure in your wardrobe for years to come.

I love working with you, Teala!

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Divine Mumma Muse Jolene for www.sacredcreationsdesigns.com

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Beautiful angel Sharni for www.sacredcreationsdesigns.com

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Don't prioritise your looks my friend, they won't last the journey. Your sense of humour though, will only get better. Your intuition will grow and expand like a majestic cloak of wisdom. Your ability to choose your battles, will be fine-tuned to perfection. Your capacity for stillness, for living in the moment, will blossom. And your desire to live each and every moment will transcend all other wants. Your instinct for knowing what (and who) is worth your time, will grow and flourish like ivy on a castle wall. Don't prioritise your looks my friend, they will change forevermore, that pursuit is one of much sadness and disappointment. Prioritise the uniqueness that makes you you, and the invisible magnet that draws in other likeminded souls to dance in your orbit.

Unpublished from the SKIN project.

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Woken. Women.

Bones and Flesh.

Rocks and Death.

The angels. The devil.

It's yours to decide what you'll see.

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SRI - RESILIENCE

Sri’s resilience is quite and strong.

Sri has been quietly navigating the storm of mental health challenges for many years. Behind her calm presence is a journey marked by deep struggle—through depression, anxiety, and a painful brush with suicide. A recent diagnosis of ADHD shook her world but also brought clarity. Finally, she could understand herself in a new light, and begin to live with more intention and self-compassion.

No one truly knows what others are going through—and that’s what makes Sri’s presence so powerful. Despite the weight of her internal battles, she still finds the capacity to show up with gentleness, care, love, and kindness. That quiet strength is its own kind of resilience.

Her story, like so many others in this project, reminds us of a powerful truth: we are all fighting something. And it’s not the absence of struggle that defines us—it’s how we choose to move through it.

As the photographer and storyteller behind this project, I’ve been deeply moved by the vulnerability and strength each woman has shared. A common thread has emerged: we are all the same. What sets these women apart is not that they’ve avoided pain, but that they’ve grown through it. Their stories are here to inspire change, offer hope, and share the tools that helped them transform adversity into resilience. They are not broken—they are becoming their strongest, truest selves.

Words from Sri:

Parallel worlds ripple within my temple. Do they meet. Swimming through the thick strokes which catch me in passing, as I paint my way to rise from treacherous depths. Nets of the world claiming parts of who I am storming inside, swimming side by side as one. There is beauty which reflects the creation I am. The stars above guide me with nature which grounds me. Finding strength within to let it be, accept, grip and embrace the light and dark which creeps in. Intertwined like mangroves to the mud, the roots set. Navigating its way to survive in a world which is giving both effervescence growth with the problems which lurk. It’s the resilience to keep rising within to be unique. Learning to communicate and to be understood and heard. There is no right or wrong. It’s perspective, love, empathy, understanding in harmony. That knowledge is my superpower. This is the feeling I embrace to survive and be whom ever I want to be as I evolve. I called it; my paralysed paradise in bloom, shed and regrowth. It’s a balance of bloom and storms whichever is greater or smaller. I lead my way to the light after my storm sweeps in. I keep choosing to bloom in every way possible when I can. Just keep breathing and add a little sunshine where possible. 

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HENRIETTA - RESILIENCE

I chose Henrietta Marrie to be part of the Resilience project because her life’s work embodies strength, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment. As a proud Yidinji woman, Henrietta has broken barriers in Indigenous policy, education, and international advocacy, all while remaining deeply connected to her roots in Cairns. 

Her journey reflects the kind of quiet resilience that not only inspires change but uplifts others along the way. Henrietta’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in protecting identity, heritage, and country.

Henrietta’s paragraph contribution to this project:

My advocacy for ownership of Indigenous cultural property continues as I fight for the return of the shell regalia of Ye-i-nie my great-grandfather, Chief of our clan.

My name is Henrietta Marrie, Yidin name “Bukal Bukal”, the start of a journey, that started with my grandparents who gave me this name through my first law ceremony (the fire warming lore).  As I grew older, I found my way.  The path has already been carved out for me when I was young.  The many milestones I achieved always brought me back home to that first law to my story places, understanding much of what I have learnt and what I must give back to help our younger generations to keep alive our history and stories that connect us to our country.

I continue to take on roles on advisory boards and in leadership positions, advocating for Indigenous communities and protecting their rights and interests

After many years of working with the United Nations, Montreal Canade, I was Headhunted by the Christiansen Fund, US US-based philanthropic organization, in California, I relocated once more to split my time between Silicon Valley and Cairns. Over nine years, I  would oversee the distribution of $35 million to help promote, sustain and encourage Aboriginal biocultural diversity across Northern Australia.

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KAREN - RESILIENCE

Karen, an Indigenous Australian artist, healer, and cultural facilitator based in Cairns, exemplifies resilience through her dedication to preserving and sharing Aboriginal heritage. As the founder of CEED Healing, she offers transformative cultural immersion programs that reconnect individuals with Indigenous traditions and spirituality. Her signature program, Rainbow Song Lines, combines ancestral wisdom with personal development, guiding participants on journeys of self-discovery and healing.  Through her work, Karen fosters cultural understanding and spiritual connection, ensuring the vitality of her heritage for future generations.

In my personal experience attending several of Karen’s healing sessions, I was profoundly impacted by her strong energy and presence. Her ability to create a sacred space allowed me to connect deeply with my own spirit and the ancestral wisdom she so passionately imparts. Karen’s resilience shines through in her commitment to cultural preservation and her powerful spiritual practices, making her an inspiring guide for those seeking healing and connection.

Karen’s words that were included for the resilience project:

The statement, “If you can’t talk properly, don’t talk at all,” kept me small for a long time. Embracing vulnerability and the willingness to listen deeply to heal the trauma stories of childhood and intergeneration has helped me to find my voice. I know I have healed when my relationships with myself and others have changed; this personal and internal shift has created a resilient, loving and authentic woman. 

“A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretence and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.” – Maya Angelou