Primary School Teacher, Holistic Life Coach and Trained Youth Mentor
Primary School Teacher, Holistic Life Coach and Trained Youth Mentor
Eddie Tyquin a primary school teacher, holistic life coach, trained youth mentor and a genuine ray of sunshine! She created Looking for Ladybird, a wellness and motivational program that aims to provide the young, old and everything in between with positive routines and tools that lead to a happy, healthy and self-confident life. We chatted to Eddie about her colourful workshops, her impending motherhood and her favourite Gold Coast restaurant (that knows her order by heart).
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved to the beautiful Gold Coast 3 years ago. I am originally from Brissy and spent a lot of time here growing up. I always knew that I wanted to move to the beach as soon as I finished university. I was in love with the surfing culture and the people that the beach lifestyle attracted.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
My favourite part about living on the Goldi is being able to surf every morning. I love seeing the Burleigh crew out, cheering each other on waves and referring to 0 waves as ‘donut’. It’s a great energy out there and something that I love being a part of. The crew has a demographic of 9-year-old groms to 70-year-old men with ‘rash vests’ and bucket hats. The vibe is always great and the best way to start your day! The people that the Gold Coast draws in is truly something magical. Now that I can call myself a local, I feel that the slower pace, calmer people and surf culture has had a unique impact on me and I won’t ever be able to go back to being a city gal!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am 26, a teacher, soon to be mum (yay), a youth mentor and a holistic life coach! I like to have my hand in a few cookie jars because that’s how my mind works. I am always creating something or working on a new project. I love styling myself and my home and you probably only ever see me in rainbow or something colourful. Fashion has always been my outlet for expressing myself and something that has definitely helped me find my own personality and flare. I struggled as a teenager and since then I have always strived to be in a position where I can lead, inspire and educate young people on the tools for navigating life.
For those who don’t know tell us about Looking for Ladybird?
Looking for Ladybird is a wellness and motivational program. I believe that the key to a happy and successful life is to find the right daily routines that motivate you to get the most out of every day. I like to teach my formula and happiness recipes in the form of one-on-one coaching for teens and adults, community workshops, school workshops and through my new podcast, ‘Does it Come in Rainbow?’, which you can listen to on Spotify!
How did Looking for Ladybird come about?
The program first started as a blog, almost 8 years ago. I started sharing with my community all of the adjustments I was making in my life to help improve my own mental health. I started this because I felt as though there wasn’t a mental health platform that was relatable or had actionable steps for me to take. This has always been a core value of Looking for Ladybird, ‘being relatable and realistic for others.’ By sharing my struggles and then the actionable steps I took to move forward, it acted very quickly as my own personal therapy and in turn started really helping those people around me.
Last year, I decided that I wanted to transition Looking for Ladybird into more than just a blog so I trained to become a youth mentor with Shine from Within and studied to become a holistic life coach through Mind Body Food Institute. I had a dream of hosting colourful and happy workshops for tweens, teens and adults as well as being able to add more mental health exercises into my classroom. There are so many things that I wish I was taught when I was a teenager. At the end of the day, that is my biggest goal; to make a difference to the mental health of our young people.
What is Looking for Ladybird known for and what do you specialise in?
Looking for Ladybird is known for hosting colourful and creative mental health workshops and life-skills classes. I specialise in helping young people create positive routines to help them get the most out of life! Some of the topics we cover are, goal setting, creating a strong morning routine, getting to know your core values, leadership skills, fostering positive friendships, gratitude, nutrition and exercise, building self-confidence and using your brain to your advantage.
The things that I teach tweens and teens are very similar to the things that I teach adults. Learning about mental health and how to care for our brains and bodies is for everyone! The earlier people can install positive routines into their life, the better off they will be! I also love working one-on-one with people because that way we can really work out what is currently blocking them from being the best version of themselves!
What do you love most about running Looking for Ladybird?
What I love most about running Looking for Ladybird is when my clients send me pictures of their morning routine or goals up on their wall. It makes me so happy to see them installing their routines and my teachings into their life straight away.
What should customers expect from Looking for a Ladybird workshops?
Looking for Ladybird workshops are always colourful; the energy is always high and the activities are very hands on. Each individual in my workshops is seen and heard. I like to help each individual personalise their routines to suit their life, their brains and their interests. There is no set formula that will work for everyone so it is really important that I get to know everyone on a personal level so that I can help them individually.
I also don’t like to overcomplicate things so I like to teach my happiness formulas in a way that is fun, creative and memorable. I do however, love data and find people are more trusting when there is scientific-based evidence behind a method (particularly adults). Fortunately, because I am so passionate about mental health, I retain this knowledge very easily and therefore, can share current research with my clients. I believe it is really important to give people the tools but also educate them about their brains and bodies.
The one-on-one coaching works a little differently and is more client driven. Together we unpack any personal blockages and from there we figure out the best methods for moving forward. If you are interested in one-on-one coaching or any of my workshops, please send me an email at [email protected].
What is on the horizon for Looking for Ladybird?
I am having a baby in March which is so exciting! I have already learnt so much from the pregnancy which of course I have been sharing my lessons so far in my podcast… because that’s what I do. I am excited for Looking for Ladybird to transition into things that I have learnt while being a mother and I believe this will bring a whole new audience and network of people for me. I feel a strong connection to the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and Maria Montessori so I am doing a lot of learning myself at the moment. I am excited to share these lessons with my community and be able to help a whole new network of people.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Tarte, Burleigh. Their brown sugar, choc chip cookies! I actually went through a phase last week where at 3pm, I NEEDED one of their cookies with my cup of tea. They are perfect.
The Wholefood Pantry- Palm Beach. This is my favourite café to sit at solo and do some work. I order the banana smoothie and toasted banana bread. All of their stuff is made from beautiful, organic ingredients and I don’t know about you but I really feel like I’m kicking life when I sit at an organic café and eat wholesome banana bread.
Borough Café- Burleigh – their acai bowls! I love the Acai Bowls from Borough Café. They put this funky vegan vanilla ice-cream on top which makes breakfast so much more fun!
Restaurant: Montezumas, Burleigh. Me and my partner Drew love Montezuma’s. We get the same thing every time, the lady doesn’t even bother giving us the menu haha! My partner is from California so it is the closest thing to authentic Mexican that you can get! It is SO GOOD.
Rick Shores … you may have heard of it. This year, Drew proposed to me at Rick Shores which makes this place even more special to us now. It’s always a special time when we go there.
Light Years – This one is my fav!!! The eggplant bao buns are my go-to and the vibe is so funky! This is always the spot I choose to have my B’day dinner at.
Bar or place for a drink: Rosella’s in Burleigh has started to become a little tradition of ours. The staff are so lovely and it reminds me of the bars in New York.
Palm Beach Surf Club – if we are catching up with a group of people, the Palm Beach Surf Club is our spot. Prime location and good times!
Beach: Fortunately, I live right next to Burleigh beach so convivence-wise, this is my spot. If I want something a little less hectic, I like finding a quiet zone in Palm Beach.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
If I have a full day off, I like to spend it with myself and take myself on a little date! To be honest, I am always working on something. Even on my days off, I write a to-do list that I like to check off. I just love projects and ticking boxes! These range from writing (I am working on a number of different books), creating these funky personalised jeans, podcasting, surfing, painting, journaling, cooking and I actually enjoy cleaning and giving my spaces a freshen up (koo-koo).
Friends, they’re the family we choose and worth their weight in gold. But LBR, don’t we all kinda fancy ourselves as the group authority on where to go for the best nosh, vibe and cocktail list? Well stick with us kids, we’ve got this!
Here are our tried and tested (on repeat) recommendations to elevate you to Queen Bee status. XOXO.
Jimmy Wah’s
Anyone who’s someone is eating modern Vietnamese, and no-one does it better than Jimmy Wah’s. Named after Robyn Williams’ charismatic character in ‘Good Morning Vietnam’, it’s sure to get a thumbs up from your squad. If you really want to nail the dish recommendations, we suggest you handball this conundrum to the chef with the ‘Feed Me’ option. Choosing his top choices for 7 courses (plus a side), you’re guaranteed to please the posse.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
T’Ang Court
Srsly, the mere mention of The Langham will have your mates nodding in approval. The bougee T’ang Court honours its Michelin-star sister restaurants specialising in fine Cantonese dining. Reflecting the timelessness of the Tang Dynasty, China’s golden age, score extra points for the epic cultural nod. The authentic Cantonese dishes are complemented by the high-end, contemporary fit-out. In the words of Nike, just do it.
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Coast
Dripping in coastal-styled furnishings and high-quality on-fleek accents, COAST is the restaurant with the most! This spectacular $2.5 million-dollar venue adorning the first floor of the brand-new Ocean by Meriton is all about fine modern Australian shared cuisine, and breathtaking uninterrupted views of the big blue. Sink a margi with your gang at the 14m marble bar, a second one outside on the stunning terrace, and the next (several) with your designer dinner in the main dining room.
Where: Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Siblings
Occupying arguably the most iconic turf on the Coast, Siblings packs wow-factor for days. This modern Aussie brunch and dinner hot spot at Kirra Beach Pavilions is dripping with 1950s Miami beach vibes from pillar to post. Beautifully styled with a colour palette and décor celebrating its glorious surroundings, a meal here should be on every Gold Coaster’s to do list. The food is on-point and there are 52 signature cocktails to enjoy with your chums. Nuff said.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Palette
When The Australian Good Food Guide awards you 14 points and two chef’s hats, you’ve officially arrived. With accolades like this, your fancy friends will be all over it like Pro Hart on a Stainmaster commercial. Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Palette takes inspiration from artworks on display and major exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blends. Fresh ingredients sourced locally where possible create a showstopping modern Australian menu guaranteed to woo.
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Restaurant Labart
There just aren’t enough stars for this Burleigh blockbuster. Another modern Australian restaurant to dine for, it is fine dining at its, well, finest. The work of passionate husband and wife team Alex and Karla Munoz Labart, Labart offers a seasonal, share-style menu made with only the best produce and a sustainable wine list to match. The earthy, refined and understated interior creates a warm and welcoming ambience, providing the perfect setting for an intimate meal with friends.
Where: 8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores
Focusing on fresh, locally sourced produce with the intention to share, soz but we don’t want to #TooGood. At one with the ocean, the infamous Rick Shores overlooks beautiful Burleigh and serves up some of the very best eats in town. With awards up the wazoo, it’s a sure thing when you want to impress. Speaking of, insist your mates order the Fried Moreton Bay Bug Roll and don’t be surprised when they weep tears of joy. Wash them down with a few of Rick’s cocktails and this is not the time to volunteer for DD duty. Happy days.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
The Glenelg Public House
If your peeps are fangirling/fanboying over perfectly cooked, juicy steaks of the highest quality (paired with the tastiest sides to level up the yum factor), look no further than Glenelg Public House in Mermaid Beach. The vibe of the low-lit space is relaxed and welcoming, encouraging you and your crew to settle in – with a glass of red in hand of course – for the long haul. May we recommend the banquet for a well-rounded, standing-ovation-worthy nosh-up. You’re welcome.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
The North Room
An intimate little beauty tucked away in Mermaid Beach, The North Room is the ultimate pocket rocket. Seating a maximum of 20 people, you feel extra spesh with super attentive service and food that embodies the ‘ole ‘you eat with your eyes’ adage. The seasonal menu encourages you to try something new each visit, with a focus on fresh, ever-changing dishes crafted from the highest quality produce. Add a sophisticated fit-out and Mind = Blown vibes are a given.
Where: 2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (between Ventura Road and Cronulla Avenue)
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Do you like money? Who doesn’t? But with the rising cost of living, it’s time to take a serious look at where yours is going and how best to save or even better, grow it! One young lady who we all have a lot to learn from is Molly Benjamin, founder of Ladies Finance Club. So you’ve read Rich Dad Poor Dad and the Barefoot Investor and still can’t make sense of it? Ladies Finance Club is here to help you in whatever format works for you. We found out a bit more about Molly ahead of her nationwide roadshow, upcoming book (Girls Just Wanna Have Funds!) and what exactly she loves about the Gold Coast.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in the hinterland of the Gold Coast in Mudgeeraba surrounded by animals, as my parents ran the local veterinarian and we always had a range of different animals (including a wallaby for a short period of time). I attended All Saints Anglican School with my twin sister and older sister and after doing uni, I moved to London where I spent six years working in the finance sector. While working there I noticed that many of the women I worked with and many of my girlfriends (including myself!) were all pretty bad with money, yet guys at the same age were buying properties. So I started a business! Haha that was the short version!
What do you love about the Gold Coast?
The fact that you can be at the beach and then in the tropical rainforest in less than 30mins.
For those who aren’t familiar with ‘Ladies Finance Club’, can you please explain what it is?
Ladies Finance Club is all about helping women take back control of their finances and grow their wealth. We run events, online masterclasses, courses and have an online club with hundreds of women across all areas of Australia wanting to get fierce with their finances. We work with the best experts in Australia to breakdown and teach women about investing, property, budgeting, saving and getting out of debt!
How did the concept of ‘Ladies Finance Club’ come about?
Massive confession, I was shocking with money and was consulting for a bank in the UK in comms and events. I noticed many of the women I worked with and my girlfriends were all a bit #clueless when it came to investing, superannuation and spending, so I started running events in my living room with my galpals. We would invite someone over to talk to us about our finances and boom LFC was born. Since then, we have grown (very quickly) and had over 25,000 women through an event, webinar, masterclass or course since we launched in Australia in 2019.
Why is it so important to empower women to take control of their finances?
Well money and women stats are a bit grim. In Australia women live longer, earn less (yes there’s still a pay gap), which means women are retiring on less and have less control of their futures. A horrifying stat in Australia is that one of the largest growing demographics of homelessnessn is single women over the age of 55. I don’t want that to be the reality for the women in my life. With the cost of living going up and money in the bank account not doing much, we must look for other ways to grow our money and investing is a great way to do that! No one wants to retire into poverty, we want to be cruising the Med with our galpals! Investing isn’t just for men, or for people who are good at math, investing is for everyone! If you can do basic grade 3 math and if you can shop online – you can definitely invest! Check out our super simple course here.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Last year I was awarded the Women in Finance award for Financial Wellbeing Program of the Year in Australia and that was a very proud moment! I also finished my book which will be out in Feb 2023 – Girls Just Wanna Have Funds!
If you could give anyone a bit of advice, what would it be?
Build an emergency fund (or as we like to call them OMG funds) – have 3 months’ worth of cash sitting in a spare bank account in case of an emergency! This is the first step to creating a strong financial foundation!
What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?
We are just about to embark on a nationwide roadshow including coming to the Gold Coast (yay) in October and November. And also my book is coming out next year so I can’t wait for that!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Tarte in Burleigh
Restaurant: Locally in Mudgeeraba my family and I love Wine Barrel and I am also a huge fan of Rick Shores -it’s definitely our special occasion place – although when I was a kid where The Tropic is now used to be a buffet called Choices and I loved it haha showing my age!
Bar or place for a drink: Burleigh Pavillion – cant beat a water view
Beach: Burleigh it’s the one I grew up with, I love the nature walk and love running (or attempting to run it), clearly I am very biased here towards Burleigh haha!
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
I’m away from the Gold Coast a lot with work so it’s great to hang out with the family at home and our adorable dogs. I love popping up to Harbour Town for a bargain, playing squash in Nerang, catching up with Mum for Yum Cha in Robina Town Centre and of course hanging out at Burleigh!
