Co-founder of The Village Markets Marissa Bowden is one of the Gold Coast’s most prominent business owners. As if running the much-loved designer markets doesn’t render her busy enough, Marissa is also mum to two beautiful daughters, Stevie and Pepper.

Ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday, we sat down for a chat with Marissa on all things balance, business and babies.

This weekend is Mother’s Day, how will you celebrate with your daughters and your own mum?

My beautiful mother will be away this Mothers Day unfortunately. There is no The Village Markets that weekend, so I will be spending my day/weekend with my little family (husband Rick and my girls Stevie 5 and Pepper 3), along with my sister and her little fam and my grandmother Joan (86). We are hoping to go for a little weekend escape to a cottage in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Lots of quality family time and a few cheeky vinos no doubt. We love to getaway when we can and have started documenting our family adventures via @the_travelling_tribe_ with a website to come soon.

What do you love most about raising your family on the Gold Coast?

It’s the best! We are so incredibly lucky. We have the most beautiful beaches right on our doorstep, we can stroll up for a coffee barefoot if we wish, it’s warm most of the time so the kids are always outside (or creating masterpieces at their art desk!), we have great local schools and plenty of cultural experiences available. Our neighbourhood is so fun, we can just walk down to the beach and the girls can spend hours playing in the sand with our neighbours kids or scooting in our lane until dark. The city has really evolved and there is such an incredible culture here, I’m excited for our kids as it will only get better.

How has your mum shaped your life?

My mum has been a huge influence, she’s taught us to be humble, she’s taught us self worth and to be happy for other people and to celebrate the achievements of others, she’s compassionate and kind and a beautiful blend of strength and softness. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model, really.

What are some of things you’ve learned that you hope to pass down to your daughters?

That they are the creators of their own destiny, that they can do anything they put their hearts to. That they are perfect just the way they are. That kindness is the most important quality of all.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since becoming a mum?

Patience. Self love.

You co-own The Village Markets, how do you find balance between being a mother and running a business

Still figuring that one out as I go! It’s always a juggle and no two days are ever the same. I just feel so grateful that I have created a business that allows me to be flexible, spend lots of time with my babies and be there for my family, always.

What advice would you offer other mum’s thinking about starting a business?

Go for it!

A favourite piece of life advice you follow yourself…

It’s all about balance.

You’re not a Gold Coast local if you haven’t…

Spent your Sunday at The Village Markets!

Had a couple of beers and fish and chips at Burleigh Headland on sunset.

Surfed Currumbin Alley.

Swam at Tally Creek.

Eaten your weight in Acai bowls 😉

Tell us your favourites…

Beach – Currumbin Beach

Coffee Shop: Hide N Seek (Miami), hands down the best coffee on the Coast and the friendliest most unpretentious owners, Mark and Rosie. I also love The Salt Mill at Currumbin for the same reason and their Acai bowls.

Restaurant: At the moment I am loving Rick Shores! Those bug rolls are next level, the staff are great and the view is incredible. I also love Justin Lane for pizza and vino. The Nasi Goreng at Bam Bam Bakehouse is also delicious, and I love that we can sit in the park next door with the kids and they bring it out to you!

Weekend hang: Aside from Sunday’s spent at TVM shopping, eating, chatting – oh and working 😉 – my favourite thing is waking up and going for a beach walk, coming home to our little shack for a brekkie with my fam, heading to the farmers market for our weekly produce, back home to grab the towels and brollie and we hit our local beach for a morning of sunshine and playing, then home for lunch and a family snooze, a couple of cold beers and maybe an early dinner somewhere local with friends.

Ahh our humble, little ol’ Gold Coast… we’re famous for our food and fab beaches, but what about fashion? Well if we know a thing or two about Gold Coasters, it’s that beating our chest and making a big hoo-ha isn’t really our vibe so you might be surprised to know that some of Australia – and the world’s – most loved fashion brands started right here. Yep, turns out we’re really good at making more than just epic margs.

Here’s our pick of the 10 labels putting the GC on the global fashion map!

Kivari
What started as a humble stall at The Village Markets has since blossomed into a global brand bringing elevated resortwear to the everyday. So much so that even Saks Fifth Avenue can’t get enough of them – see, it’s not just us! If you aren’t familiar with Kivari’s signature look think ultra feminine meets boho prints and patterns, crafted for the dreamers and the wanderers – it’s giving major holiday energy and we’re here for it.

Olas Supply Co
Inspired by founders Joel & Nicole love of travel as well as the places and people they found along the way, so we guess you could say that Olas Supply Co isn’t just a brand; it’s a lifestyle. They’ve got goodies for the ladies, the lads and even your mini’s so the whole fam can get kitted out in your favourite swag from signature tees to matching sets that have summer written all over it. Designed for life by the ocean, they’re the ultimate for our sunkissed summers.

Rhythm
If you don’t already know Rhythm, then are you even really a Gold Coaster? It’s the quintessential surf brand that’s all about the good vibes and great design. From swimwear to clothing, Rhythm have become experts in capturing that laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of the Gold Coast. Consciously created, each and every piece is thoughtful designed with the coastal lifestyle in mind – think endlessly cool and comfortable.

Grace Loves Lace
If you’ve ever been a bride or are dreaming of one day being one, we bet you’ve pinned a Grace Loves Lace gown on your Pinterest board. Come on, don’t deny it – they are behind the most pinned wedding gown so you’re not alone. Known for their effortlessly beautiful bridal gowns, Grace Loves Lace has become an icon in the wedding space not just in their home town, but all over the world. They’ve got more than 20 showrooms globally so clearly they’re doing something very, very right. With a focus on comfort, style and individuality Grace gowns are made with movement in mind because ain’t nobody got time to be uncomfortable on their big day! But it’s not just lace they’re all about, there’s so much more – just take a look at their latest collection, an evolution from their signature silhouettes introducing more structured options made from crepes and more, while maintaining their commitment to gowns that move with you.

Peony Swimwear
Peony’s journey from The Village Markets to becoming a world-renowned sustainable swimwear brand has been one of our favourite success stories. Ever since lawyer turned swimwear mogul, Becky Jack, quite her day job to launch the boutique swim brand out of her garage the brand has not missed a beat delivering collections each and every season that make us immediately add to cart. With swim that as luxe and chic as it is eco-friendly, it’s no wonder celebs like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid approve of this Gold Coast gem.

Isabelle Quinn
Since 2015 Isabella Quinn has been bringing some of our favourite designs to life, think feminine and contemporary silhouettes with a hint of romance. Known for her signature crochet dresses and unmistakably IQ prints with pops of seasonal colours and floral influences because there’s more to life than black, white and beige. This Gold Coast brand has paved their own way and carved a niche in not just the local fashion scene with refined silhouettes in each hand-made piece, but Australian’s all over wanting a piece of IQ because IYKYK.

Sabbi
They might be relatively newbies on the fashion scene but boy have they made a splash with their iconic “this senorita needs a margarita” fits – and truly we’ve never related to something more. Cool and quirky by nature, Sabbi was born from a fusion of love for both art and fashion, with all the designs hand-painted by Jase and Ash themselves made for every day life. And what’s more iconic than a fit that can take you from beach to bar? Spoiler: nothing.

Cleo Harper
Fitness meets fashion with Cleo Harper, the activewear brand that’s all about looking fab while breaking a sweat. Known for their flattering cuts and attention to detail, Cleo Harper’s pieces are made to move with you, whether you’re hitting the gym, taking a hot girl walk in Burleigh or just popping out for the farmers market and your caffeine fix – Cleo Harper have got you covered, literally. Designed on the Gold Coast, this label has built a loyal following of women who love workout gear that look as luxe as they feel when you’re wearing them.

Homebodii
We don’t think we’re out of turn when we say that Homebodii were the pioneers of lounge and sleepwear, and can you believe founder Ingrid Bonnor did it all from right her? Known for their aesthetic designs, the label has become a go-to for brides with their dreamy robes, pastel prints and lace lined pieces they’ve got everything from custom pj’s for the whole family as well as dreamy lingerie for all occasions. Because why not inject a little romance into your every day life? If you’re a home body looking for something beautiful to slip into, Homebodii’s got your name all over it.

LSKD
Okay so technically these guys aren’t quite Gold Coast grown, but they started their journey just down the road in Logan so we’ll claim them as our own – and their flagship store is right here at Pacific Fair. Never ones to be content with settling for the norm, you’ve probably seen the insane evolution LSKD has been on these past few years and it’s not just us who are big fans – they’ve built a cult following. Functional, design-led pieces are at the forefront of the brand so you’re guaranteed to love the buttery soft fabrics and trend-making silhouettes. They’re on a mission to inspire people to be 1% better every day and let’s just say that’s a whole lot easier when you’re kitted out in their epic fitness apparel.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Farm life is the good life – wide open skies, fresh air and of course, tasty foods straight from the ground and into your hungry face.

Because the Gold Coast is the greatest place on Earth, we are blessed with both beautiful beaches and farmland where said foods can be grown happily and healthily.

Here are six farms where you can go and grab yourself some straight-outta-the-ground-goods.

Freeman’s Organic Farm
An entirely family owned affair, Freeman’s Organic Farm is already much-loved amongst Gold Coasters. Established in 1915, the farm became became the largest banana farm in Australia in the 20s with over 100 acres of bananas. These days you can purchase their organic goodies from the Farm Stall but make sure to check their Instagram page first because they sell out quickly.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Farm & Co. Kingscliff
No doubt your Insta feed has been flooded with pretty pics from Farm & Co.’s sunflower fields at some point in the past but did you know they also have a little shop from which you can purchase fresh produce? Yep, they do. The Farm Store is stocked with organically grown produce from the working farm and they sourced other produce fresh from other suppliers. Have a wander through the farm and then stock up on goodies before you head home.
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen

Ground Grocer
Ground Grocer is a family-run organic grocery store with daily deliveries of lettuce, cucumber and seasonal vegetables from their farm in the Ecovillage and a team of local growers. Their bees are also working hard to keep them stocked with beautiful honey.
Where: 4 Village Way, Currumbin Valley 

Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World is175 acres of land in the Tweed Valley which it would seem is the perfect place to grow tropical fruit. You can (and should) purchase boxes of said tropical fruit plus boxes of avocados and treats like farm honey, macadamia nuts and dried fruit. Order online and opt to get it delivered if you like.
Where: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah

Blueberry Fields
Blueberry Fields is a family-owned blueberry orchard nestled in the scenic Byron hinterland of northern New South Wales. About an hour’s drive from the GC, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day out. During October, swing by on Sunday mornings to pick your very own blueberry buckets and experience the joy of farm-fresh goodness firsthand. They have a small farm gate stall set up in front of the orchard. Drop by to pick up the freshest berries. They stock the stall whenever fruit is available.
Where: 769 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet, NSW

Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is a family-run operation spanning generations of strawberry growers. They’ve turned their passion into a full-fledged family affair. Swing by their Farm Shop any day of the week for a taste of their farm-fresh strawberries and mouthwatering strawberry ice cream, crafted from their own strawberries and vanilla ice cream, blended right before your eyes for a truly delicious real fruit treat!

During growing season (July – December) you can PYO (pick your own) strawberries amongst the fields. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
Where: 912 Chambers Flat Rd, Chambers Flat

Words by Belinda Symons.