Gold Coast born and bred creative force behind Homebodii, Ingrid Bonnor has transformed those once-overlooked getting-ready moments into a global obsession with luxe loungewear. From quiet coastal beginnings on the Gold Coast to wardrobes around the world, her brand is all about softness, femininity and feeling a little bit fabulous at home (or, let’s be honest, at brunch too).

We chatted to Ingrid about growing a global brand from the Coast, designing pieces women actually live in, and the local spots she escapes to when it’s time to swap boardrooms for beach walks.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I was born and bred on the Gold Coast. It’s home in every sense of the word. I grew up here when it felt a little quieter and slower, and I’ve loved watching it evolve into the vibrant, creative place it is today. No matter how far Homebodii travels globally, the Gold Coast is where my and our heart are.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
It’s the lifestyle and the people. There’s an ease here a warmth that you don’t find everywhere. You can work hard and dream big, but still finish your day with sand between your toes. That balance has always grounded me and influenced how I approach both life and business.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a mum, a wife and a creative at heart, and someone who genuinely loves building beautiful things whether that’s garments, a team culture, or meaningful relationships with our customers. I started Homebodii in 2012 from a very simple idea and a lot of determination. It wasn’t glamorous in the beginning it was long days, small wins, learning as I went but I’ve always believed in staying authentic and growing with intention.

What inspired you to start Homebodii?
Homebodii was born from my own experience as a young bride and former model. When I got married, there wasn’t really a concept of “wedding morning” attire the way there is today. The focus was entirely on the dress, but not on those beautiful, emotional moments beforehand getting ready with your bridesmaids, the anticipation, the photographs that last forever. I couldn’t find anything that felt feminine, luxurious and special to wear during that time.

That “aha” moment planted the seed for Homebodii. I wanted to create pieces that honour those intimate moments and make women feel confident, comfortable and truly beautiful long before they walk down the aisle. I’m incredibly proud to have been one of the early innovators in a space that has since become so mainstream. To see “wedding morning” style now celebrated globally is really special, knowing it began from such a personal place.

What does the design process look like for you, from idea to garment?
It always starts with a feeling. I’m inspired by softness, femininity and timeless silhouettes. From there, it moves into thoughtful fabric selection, sketching, refining details, sampling and perfecting the fit. I’m very hands-on throughout the entire process because I care deeply about how something feels on the body comfort is just as important as beauty.

In recent years, a major focus for us has been consciously moving away from polyester and transitioning into more natural fabrications. Sustainability and longevity are incredibly important to me as both a designer and a mother. By the end of 2026, our goal is for 90% of Homebodii pieces to be made from natural fibres. It’s a commitment we’re proud of, and one that reflects the direction we see the future of fashion moving in.

As a Gold Coaster, has the local culture and lifestyle influenced the style and ethos of Homebodii?
Absolutely. The relaxed coastal lifestyle is woven into everything we do. The light, the ocean, the sense of calm it all influences our colour palettes, our fabrics and the effortless femininity we’re known for. There’s a natural ease to Gold Coast style, and I think that’s reflected in Homebodii.

We love seeing our robes and sets worn beyond the bedroom styled down at Burleigh Beach over swimwear, or layered effortlessly from a slow morning at home straight to brunch. That versatility and relaxed confidence feels very Gold Coast to me. It’s about comfort, beauty and ease, all at once.

What’s been your proudest “pinch me” moment with Homebodii so far?
There have been some incredible milestones over the years international stockists, fashion week showcases and global growth but honestly, the most meaningful moments are hearing from women who’ve worn our pieces during life’s most special chapters.

From the very beginning, I wanted brides to feel just as special in the quiet, intimate moments before they walk down the aisle. Over time, that vision has grown whether it’s a bride on her wedding morning, a new mum in those tender early days, a thoughtful gift for someone special, or simply a woman at home wanting to feel beautiful and confident in her own space. It’s such an honour to be part of these moments in a woman’s life cycle. Designing for those memories has always been the heart of Homebodii.

I’m also incredibly proud of the longevity of the brand. We turn 15 this year, which feels surreal. In fashion, that kind of staying power is rare. I truly believe it comes down to staying authentic, evolving thoughtfully and the continued support of our amazing community. It’s something I’m deeply grateful for.

Homebodii has grown way beyond the GC. What’s been the most surprising thing about taking a local brand global?
How universal the message is. What started here on the Gold Coast now resonates with women across the world. That’s been incredibly humbling. It’s also reminded me that staying true to your identity rather than trying to chase trends is what builds something lasting.

Any business advice you’d give your younger self back when you first launched?
Be patient. Back yourself. And don’t rush the process. Growth takes time, and there’s real value in learning things the hard way.

Listen twice as much as you speak, ask questions constantly, and stay curious. There’s so much wisdom in experience.

And most importantly, build resilience and grit. It’s not all glamorous there are hard seasons, setbacks and moments of doubt. The key is to keep showing up, stay grounded in your vision, and be willing to do the work when no one is watching.

What’s next for Homebodii?
We’re focused on growing thoughtfully. Expanding globally while keeping the brand personal and intentional is really important to me. I want Homebodii to continue evolving, but never lose the warmth and authenticity it was built on.

What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Le Jardin Main Beach
Restaurant: Bar Ricci
Beach: Main Beach

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Time with my family, long walks, simple dinners with friends, and moments to reset. Living here reminds me not to take the simple things for granted.

If you’ve ever slipped into a flowy linen dress that made you feel like you should be barefoot on the Amalfi Coast (or at least Burleigh), you’ve probably met KIVARI.

Founded by Gold Coast local Kirstin-Lee Keysers – aka Kiki – the label was born in 2014 when she swapped life as a radiographer for one designing dreamy, ocean-inspired pieces.

Taking its name from “Ki” for Kiki and “Vari,” meaning “by the water,” KIVARI captures that effortless coastal spirit we all chase – sun-soaked, feminine, and free. From selling handmade leather bags at The Village Markets to opening 11 boutiques nationwide, Kiki’s journey is pure Gold Coast magic.

We caught up with her to chat all things creativity, coastal living, and what’s next for KIVARI’s global wave.

Tell us a little bit about your time as a Gold Coast local.
I grew up on the Gold Coast, and it will always hold such a special place in my heart. The lifestyle there shaped who I am – the ocean, the sunshine, the sense of freedom. I spent my days surfing and being outdoors; it’s where my love for creativity and connection began. It’s still a place I go back to when I need to feel grounded and inspired.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
There’s an ease about the Gold Coast that I love – it’s relaxed, yet full of energy. You can go from the beach to the hinterland in half an hour. It’s that balance of natural beauty and community that makes it so special.

What inspired you to start KIVARI?
My mum taught me to sew from an early age, and that really sparked my love for creating. In my early twenties, I’d travel to Bali on surf trips and started making leather bags there — small runs that I’d bring back and sell at the Burleigh Markets. That’s really where KIVARI began. It wasn’t about building a brand at first, just creating pieces that felt personal and authentic.

KIVARI was born from a desire to create clothing that feels timeless, effortless, and connected – pieces that women can wear every day and feel confident in. It reflects the freedom of coastal living and the spirit of travel – inspired by journeys near and far, and the sense of discovery that comes with exploring the world

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Travel, art, and the ocean are my biggest inspirations. I’m always drawn to the colours and textures of the world around me – the sea, the cliffs, the changing light. Every collection starts with a feeling or a place that has moved me, and it evolves from there.

Tell us about the process of creating a KIVARI collection.
Each collection begins with a story. We start by exploring concepts, colour palettes, and fabrics that evoke a certain emotion or place. From there, we work closely as a team – from design through to production – refining every detail to bring that story to life. It’s a very collaborative and intuitive process.

What’s your proudest business moment?
There have been so many milestones – from opening our first store to expanding globally – but honestly, it’s seeing women all over the world wearing KIVARI and connecting with the brand that makes me proudest. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how many beautiful people are part of our journey.

What kind of person wears KIVARI?
The KIVARI woman is confident, grounded, and free-spirited. She appreciates quality, connection, and authenticity. She seeks beauty in the everyday and chooses pieces that make her feel beautiful.

What’s next for KIVARI?
We’re continuing to evolve – expanding both in Australia and internationally, and finding new ways to connect with our community. We have huge growth plans ahead, with exciting projects and new locations on the horizon. Our focus remains on creating with purpose, championing natural fabrics, and building a brand that continues to inspire and empower women everywhere. There’s so much more to come – you’ll have to stay tuned and watch this space.

Gold Coast Favourites
Café: Tarte Bakery & Café, Burleigh Heads – My go-to for morning coffee and a slow breakfast. The pastries are unbeatable.
Restaurant: Hanks in Kirra or Rick Shores – nothing compares to that ocean view. Paper Daisy at Halcyon House is also a favourite for the perfect cocktail by the pool.
Bar: Burleigh Pavilion – sunset drinks here are magic
Beach: Burleigh Heads – it’s always held a special place in my heart, the energy and the waves are unmatched.
Place to stay: Mondrian – elevated, relaxed, and right on the water; the perfect coastal escape.

Kirstin-Lee Keysers is guest speaker at the upcoming Busy Girls Social Club – The Summer Edit event at Mondrian Gold Coast on Saturday 29th November 2025.

From fashion runways to fine piercings, Gill Lawrence has always known how to turn style into a statement. After years building iconic fashion brands, she returned to her Gold Coast roots to launch Covetear, a luxury piercing and jewellery brand redefining what it means to adorn yourself with intention. We sat down with Gill, the creative force behind Covetear to talk inspiration, sustainability, and what makes the Gold Coast the perfect home for a little stylish rebellion. 

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I actually grew up on the Gold Coast, my family moved here from Melbourne when I was 13 – I went to St Hilda’s in the early ’90s before moving to Sydney to become a doctor. Spoiler: I became a fashion designer instead. After twenty years in Sydney and four kids later, I missed the sunshine, space, and attitude of the Coast. I came home a decade ago and honestly haven’t looked back.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast has grown up – but it hasn’t lost its soul. I love that I can have a meeting over coffee in the morning, be in the ocean by lunch, and still feel creatively charged. There’s this bold, unapologetic energy here – people are building things, backing themselves, and doing it their own way.

Tell us a little bit about yourself (both personally and professionally).
I’m a serial entrepreneur with a fashion background and a love for design, detail, and a bit of disruption. I’ve built brands, raised four kids, and finally accepted that balance doesn’t really exist for someone like me – so I stopped chasing it. My rule is simple: parent the best I can, work as hard as I can, care for my team, friends, and family and trust that good things follow.

Professionally, I spent years in fashion – founding Milk & Honey and showcasing at Australian Fashion Week with Toi et Moi – before wanting to build something that felt more personal, lasting, and meaningful. Covetear is that: beauty, rebellion, and precision in perfect balance.

What inspired you to start Covetear?
I’d been collecting ear piercings during my travels and had some amazing experiences overseas. Back in Australia I realised that while the jewellery world had evolved, piercing hadn’t. You either had pharmacies, sterile piercing and tattoo studios or luxury brands selling piercing jewellery without the experience to match. During COVID, when I wasn’t travelling, I decided to take a body-piercing course – just to see if I really loved it. I did. So I merged my fashion business background with piercing and launched Covetear. I wanted it to feel like the love child of a luxury fashion house and a piercing studio – meticulous, rebellious, and completely intentional.

How does Covetear’s approach to ear piercing differ from traditional piercing studios?
Most piercing studios think about the single piercing. We think about the whole ear. We respect the journey – everything we do is about anatomy, design, and emotion. The jewellery is engineered for comfort and healing, but it’s also designed to look intentional and elevated. The studios feel more like luxury boutiques – calm, beautiful, and deeply personal. It’s piercing, reimagined.

Can you walk us through the creative process behind designing a Covetear piece?
We design pieces you’ll still love ten years from now. They’re not trend-driven – they’re sculptural, balanced, and wearable. Each design starts with the ear, the real star of the show. We think about angles, balance, and how it’s actually going to feel day to day. Because great piercing jewellery shouldn’t just look incredible – it should heal well, sleep well, and live with you.

Sustainability is clearly a core value for Covetear. How did you ensure that ethos is embedded into every part of the business?
Sustainability, for me, isn’t a buzzword — it’s just how good business should be done. We use recycled gold, ethically sourced gemstones, and partner with small, family-run workshops that genuinely care about their craft. Our packaging is fully recyclable, and we design for longevity — from our interchangeable jewellery system to our Circular Piercing program, which lets clients re-use their pieces in new piercings. For us, that’s non-negotiable. Waste simply isn’t an option.

Covetear focuses on the in-studio experience as much as the jewellery itself. What can a customer expect when they visit?
At Covetear, piercing isn’t just about what happens in the chair — it’s about everything that follows. From the moment you walk in, the space feels intentional, calm, and beautifully considered. Our piercers are experts in both placement and healing — they’ll guide you through every stage so your piercing looks and feels perfect long after you leave. Most people arrive nervous and leave glowing. It’s more transformative than they expect.

What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Favourite café: Elk Espresso – yum
Favourite restaurant: The North Room – this husband and wife team deserve many Michelin hats!
Favourite bar: Rosella’s – proudly 100% Aussie and always has a great vibe.
Favourite beach: Burleigh – it’s iconic for a reason

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Days off are a luxury right now – we’re expanding nationally, so I’m usually juggling about 10 things at once. But when I do get a day off, it’s simple: a long walk with my dog along the Broadwater, maybe a HOTA market visit, movie with my kids and dinner somewhere new with my partner – Ideally near water with wine and a sunset.