Surf Coast Creatives

Ep.60 with the magnificent @zoestrapp.photography is now streaming! Such a good chat with this amazing creative and visual artist from Anglesea. We covered a number of topics including the ever present imposter syndrome. Find out how Zoe deals with it and why she's made no room for anything other than a creative life filled with passion & adventure.Episode LIVE now on your favourite podcast platform. Great chats Zoe! Listen right to the end for a special offer from Zoe and perhaps a small gift for Christmas! This episode of the podcast is proudly brought to you by Stonker in TorquayBen & Jess :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been two years since we spoke to master landscape photographer, Craig Crosthwaite, from Anglesea. We catch up for a chat about "that photo" he captured of the blood moon on November 8 2022.Hear how put it together and how he got 61,000 likes, 28,000 shares and 1,000 comments on his Facebook page. Some people even took credit for the photo themselves - it was that good. David Attenborough even got in on the action.Make sure you check out CC's Facebook page under SeeSea Images for some other bangers we discuss.This episode of the podcast is proudly brought to you by Stonker in Torquay, Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a chat with the Commercial Director and Managing Director of Red Paddle Co Australia. We talk passion, innovation, sustainability and how to find work that feels like play.Get 15% OFF all 2022 Red Paddle Co inflatable SUPs at Stonker. Thanks for joining us George & James!This episode of the podcast is proudly brought to you by Stonker in Torquay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got out first doctor on the Surf Coast Creatives podcast.Dr Gil Stynes has been a University Hospital Geelong (UHG) stalwart over many years, starting work here first as an intern, before working as a general surgery and plastic surgery registrar. When completing a surgical PhD at UHG, Gil developed a specialised implant that allows skin to grown onto foreign materials, potentially revolutionising the field of robotics and skin penetrating medical devices, such as intravenous lines and catheters. And the best part? He's a customer at Stonker. Ben was asking about Gil's background in the shop one day and just had to get him on the podcast for a chat. Gil is a doer, a thinker, and creator. Tune to hear his incredible story and how he and a team of experts may one day change the face of healthcare and medicine as we know it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shaping is hard. Ian "Chiz" Chisholm joins us for Ep.56 of the podcast.Imagine getting told "we're going to run your business into the ground mate". That's exactly what happened to Chiz when he setup a shaping business in Torquay 26 years ago.Some local brands weren't happy about the upstart from Melbourne entering their turf. Find out who Chiz got a special visit from early days and how he's since built one of the top longboard brands in Australia.So much wisdom in this episode from a bloke who's been there and done it all. We talk about confrontation, resilience, family life, building a brand, marketing and so much more.Tune in now on you favourite podcast feed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to get 500,000 downloads for your podcast and build a psycho community that loves you to bits. Rob & Lach from The Funny Business podcast join us for episode 55 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. These boys do not hold and they tell it how it is that is for sure! We talk business, building a platform, what makes good content, overcoming challenges and negative feedback and the secret behind the success of the Funny Business podcast (HINT: It's all in the name). It's a belter! Thanks so much for your time Rob & Lach. Check out the Funny Business podcast when you get a chance.Proudly to you by the all NEW Stonker Studios in Torquay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Local Jan Juc resident Ashleigh Butler spent a decade living and travelling in campervans across Australia and the US with her partner, Jared. She left behind the ideals and conveniences of suburban life but wasn't prepared to abandon wholesome food and good cooking, even with limited resources in the kitchen.In her first collection of more than 65 recipes for campervans, caravans and tiny homes, Ash shows it's simple to cook delicious, seasonal and nourishing food when all you've got is a two-burner stove, a small fridge and an incredible, everchanging view.We talk creative projects, facing your fears, parenthood, publishing, content, travelling, sustainability and lots more. Get yourself 10% OFF the purchase price of Ash's NEW book by using the CODE: "ash" at checkout! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Surf Coast Creatives podcast episode 53. In today's episode Ben interviews Bryan Hynes from Hynesight Productions. Bryan is our first videographer on the podcast! The episode is packed full of practical hints and tips for making awesome videos for your business or artisanal craft. For anyone interested in videography, pushing the envelope as a creative and storytelling, then this episode is for you. Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Stonker - home of foiling, SUP and kiteboarding gear on the Surf Coast in Victoria, Australia. Sit back and enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever dreamt about waking up in the morning feeling happy and grateful for your body and not obsessed about what you are going to eat, or not eat?Imagine being able to enjoy the pleasure of food WITHOUT losing control or gaining weight? Sounds too good to be true right? We chat with holistic health expert, Leanne Rowbottom to find out more.Hear why Corona proved to be a blessing in disguise for Leanne after she was forced to shut down her massage therapy business too. Plus, a whole lot more on running a business as a sole, female entrepreneur. This is episode 52 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast brought to you by Stonker in Torquay. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back!The Surf Coast Creatives podcast returns with your hosts Ben & Jess.Yep. You couldn't keep us away. We miss our community. We miss the people! We miss everyone dearly and yeah, we miss doing coffees. We miss doing events, miss doing online mini master classes. It's just been too long away. Our last episode was published on September 6th, 2021. So what have we been doing? We go run through the what we've been up to the past 12 months and why we're pumped to be restarting the podcast. Sit back and relax with the return episode of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast.Proudly brought to you by our new sponsor Stonker! Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

All good things to come to an end hey?Sad to say we're finishing the podcast component of the Surf Coast Creatives. We'll continue celebrating the work of creatives on the Surf Cost in Australia but find out why we don't have the time or resources to commit to the pod right now .HINT: Big couple of months coming up for Ben & Jess!Join us for a chat as we talk stats for the pod, our personal highlights and what it takes to make a great podcast.  Find out why we aren't disappearing altogether though and what we'll do instead. This is Ep.50 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Enjoy.Ben & Jess :)

Been itching to get this guy on the podcast for a chat. He's a landscape photographer based in Torquay and goes by the name, Ash Hughes. Ash hails from Ballarat but moved to the coast a few years ago with his wife. He's now a dad to two kids and works full-time as an accountant. On top of that, he's an in-demand wedding photographer with x32 weddings booked already for the season ahead. And he only started shooting weddings last year! But it's Ash's timeless imagery of the coast that came first. He's grown a legion of loyal fans on Instagram with 12,000 followers (in 3.5 years!) sweating on his next masterpiece. There's so much packed into this episode for young creatives and even older creatives who might be afraid to get going. We chat all things marriage, fatherhood, photography, inspiration and Ash's advice for young photographers and creatives - find out why Ash doesn't like wasting time watching TV and what he does instead. Welcome Ash Hughes to Ep.49 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast!LINKS Ash Website - ashhughesphotos.comAsh Instagram - @ashhughesphotosAsh Tools - Photo Mechanic

Our guest today is Geelong-born Artist and Photographer, Ferne Millen. Ferne has a passion for telling stories using visual arts and portrait photography as her medium. And she's been doing it for 21 years! Ferne talks about studying at the VCA and then progressing into a career in Melbourne and eventually settling in her home studio in Jan Juc. Ferne's latest exhibition “Journey on Wadawurrung Country” is being taken outdoors, at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (running 28 Aug - 24 Oct, 2021). Her work will be featured as part of the Core Outdoor Program. Projections which will showcase Ferne's photographs of Direct Descendants of Wadawurrung and will be projected onto the Ballarat Town Hall.This Surf Coast girl is both candid and down to earth in our chat. If you are interested in what it takes to make a lifelong career in the Arts world then this is the episode for you. Find out what it was like to dive head first into the Arts Industry from a young age and hear about Ferne's battle with mental health issues that she has now learnt to harness. Leave us a rating on iTunes after the show or better yet share the episode with one friend. This is episode #48 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Enjoy!

Our guest today is a talented local Designer, Jodie Hayes. Jodie runs local Torquay denim store, Scout for Vintage.If you're a fashion lover and want to create a sustainable brand, then you'll love this episode.Jodie runs her business in the heart of Torquay. She aims to sell vintage garments and gives each garment a second life beyond landfill. Jodie has a creative soul and has had a go at running multiple businesses at a young age. Tune in for an in-depth chat with Jodie about what it was like to dive head first into business at a young age. We talk about much more including Jodie's passion for the denim industry and where she hopes to take her business in the future.She is super down-to-earth and we loved hearing her story. Leave us a rating on iTunes after the show or better yet share the episode with one friend. This is episode #47 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Enjoy.

Our guest today is one of my favourite podcast hosts Andrew Hellmich. Andrew is the host of a photography business podcast called PhotoBizX.If you're wanting to build your photography business with a consistent flow of clients then this is the episode for you. Andrew is an entrepreneur, photographer, and author living on the Central Coast in NSW. He talks about the importance of work-life balance. Andrew and his wife have been running their photography business for more than 14 years and Andrew has racked up more than 400 episodes for his podcast. Tune in for an in-depth chat with Andrew about how to get clients using Facebook Ads. We talk about much more including Andrew's passion for business and his advice for budding photographers and other creatives who rely on having a consistent flow of bookings.It's an absolute ripper. Andrew is an awesome guy and we can tell you now he has given away the farm on this episode of the podcast.Leave us a rating on iTunes after the show or better yet share the episode with one friend. This is episode #46 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Enjoy.LINKSPhotoBizX - Fb Ads cheat sheet (mentioned by Andrew right at the end of the episode if you want to start putting some of his advice into practice TODAY!)

Our guest today is the founder of not one but two awesome brands, Be Franc. Creative, a boutique branding and content agency, and homewares specialist, FrancHome. Her name is Eliza Francombe.If you're into your DIY experiences then you'll love listening to Eliza's story. She is a soon-to-be mum of two kids and runs her studio out of the Ashmore Arts precinct in Torquay.Eliza has recently added in-person workshops to her bow, helping attendees create unique pieces for their homes. She is a modern-day creative weapon with a foundation of skills built working in fashion photography and graphic design. We chat about pregnancy, motherhood, and the ups and downs of running your own creative business. Plus, we talk about Eliza's passion for art and creativity and her advice for young creatives. It's a good honest chat and Eliza has some real character so we hope you enjoy it.Leave us a rating on iTunes after the show or better yet share the episode with one friend. This is episode #45 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Enjoy.P.S. Tune in right to the end for an exclusive $50 DISCOUNT CODE for one of Eliza's creative workshops!APPS MENTIONED BY ELIZAToDoist - Organise your dayF.lux - Screen dimmerTrello - Project management

Our guest today is the curator of the world's biggest Surf Museum, Craig “Gonzo” Baird.If you're into the history of surfing in Australia then this is the episode for you. Craig tells us some wild tales of surfing before it became a sport. He also explains how he has managed to avoid producing a resume his entire life. He relies on gut intuition and following his passion to get by. Learn how Craig got a job airbrushing t-shirts for Rip Curl which started a 26-year career.He's now the head curator of the Australian National Surfing Museum where he has been for 27 years. Find out how he stumbled into this role as well and the overlap with his job at Rip Curl.We talk about much more including Craig's passion for art and creativity and his advice for young creatives.Leave us a rating on iTunes after the show or better yet share the episode with one friend. That would really help us out. Once again I'm your host, Ben Hucker. This is episode #44 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Enjoy.ANSF links:wwww.australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.auwww.facebook.com/ANSMTorquay/www.instagram.com/australianationalsurfingmuseum/www.youtube.com/user/surfworldtv

We chat with Torquay local Jenna Hutchison about the transition from business owner to a full-time artist in episode #43 of the podcast. In her first two years painting, Jenna sold two commissions. She had a lot to learn. Take two during 2020 and she sold eighty-seven commissions in short thrift. Jenna shares how momentum built as an artist in 2020 has led her on the path to successful collaborations with other creatives. But there's so more much packed in too. From learning how to make candles at home 8 years ago and making them by chance for a friend's wedding, Jenna's candles eventually featured in Vogue. It was the birth of Jenna's first business, Love Ludie.From there, Jenna garnered more attention and was eventually stocked in +50 stores all over Australia and the U.S.There was an epiphany to come though after Jenna went through the traumatic experience of losing her Dad to cancer. Find out how she dealt with this painful period of grief which still impacts her today.In this episode you will learn:How Jenna went from flat broke to 87 commissions in 2020Why 2020 got real busy for Jenna and why she shut her retail store downHow Jenna got featured in Vogue at the start of her journeyHow Jenna dealt with the loss of her Dad to cancer when she was working in the cityOn painting, collaborations, and sponsorship with Microsoft Practical tips for building a HUGE following on InstagramAbout Jenna Hutchison:Jenna Hutchison is a self-taught artist from Torquay, Victoria. She is the talent behind LoveLudie, an artistic brand that creates art, candles and incorporates workshops on yoga and art. Jenna's works have reached many partners and gained a ton of sponsorship from different brands and events all over Australia and the US. Some of her products have graced the pages of Vogue and have landed in the stores of surf brand Quiksilver. Connect with Jenna Hutchison on:Website:              https://www.loveludie.com/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/loveludie/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/loveludie Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:              https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreativesThis episode is brought to you by our new partner Maxted Clothing. Tune into Ep.9 of the podcast to hear more about Maxted's story and go in the draw to WIN A WEEKEND AWAY at Barwon Heads. 

Join us for our chat with professional artists Geoffrey Carran & Rowena Martinich. They talk about artistic risk, the intricate balance of life and art, and the necessary hustle when it comes to the business side of art. Make no bones, for Geoffrey and Rowena, art is a 24/7 thing. Despite their success to date, Geoffrey & Rowena both agree there is always that sense of hesitancy that never goes away as a creative—something that Geoffrey describes as “never-ending stage fright.” There is so much more too. Tune in for their take on work ethic, curiosity, business skills, and the inevitable burnout and how to deal with it. In this episode you will learn:How to keep the ball rolling as an artist and running with momentumWhy it's important to walk away or take a break from artistic workThe nature of working with different clients and commissionsHaving a firm belief that "your art is your business"The common challenges of doing art full-time and as a partnershipAbout Geoffrey Carran & Rowena Martinich:Melbourne-based artists Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran work both independently and collaboratively to create giant public murals and collectible artworks. Their art has adorned buildings and spaces throughout Australia, as well as prominent international commissions and exhibitions. Their work as individual artists informs and inspires their collaborative projects, marrying their two diverse practices of vibrant Abstract Expressionism and Representational painting. Martinich&Carran's projects often blur the boundaries between art and design with a strong focus on colour.Connect with Geoffrey Carran & Rowena Martinich on:Website:              https://www.martinichandcarran.com.au/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/martinichandcarran/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/martinichandcarran/ Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:              https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreativesThis episode is brought to you by our NEW SPONSOR Maxted Clothing. Tune into Ep.9 of the podcast to hear more about Maxted's story.

Join your host Ben Hucker with Torquay guest, Claire Summers. Ben speaks to Claire about a cascade of traumatic life events that hit her in 2017. Oprah entered Claire's life not long after. Claire is the founder of Gratitude Glass Jars which became a viral sensation in 2017 after the ‘Big O' came across her product.But an unhealthy relationship, the loss of a dearly wanted baby, nursing her father through terminal cancer, a near-death experience with IVF treatment, and being sexually harassed by her new boss meant Claire almost didn't make it for her first meeting with Oprah.Tune in to hear the rest of that story and learn how Claire set about retraining her mind to tackle life's lemons with gratitude. In this episode we cover:The Gratitude Glass Jar – one card a day for 365 days a year.How Claire never planned for Gratitude Glass Jars to become a business.How Oprah came across Claire and her Glass Jars.Claire's former life as a corporate highflyer and technology executive.Claire's near-death experience with IVF treatment, losing her Dad, dealing with an abusive relationship and sexual harassment in the workplace. About Claire Summers:Claire created Gratitude Glass Jars to help her heal from distressing life events by capturing daily notes of gratitude. These notes enabled her to rebuild herself and her heart. She made them while in her Mum's care after a lengthy hospital stay. A month later, she had a job opportunity in the US. Despite her fear, Claire took the job, believing it to be her way forward.But only weeks into her new role in a new country, she found herself being sexually harassed by her boss. After all this, Claire was still aware of the power of gratitude. This concept had helped her in the past and could potentially help others. Seeking some light-hearted relief, Claire took her Gratitude Glass Jar to the New York Now Trade Show. It was where her life changed forever.Connect with Claire Summers on:Website:              https://www.gratitudeglassjars.com/LinkedIn:              https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-summers-28479643Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/gratitudeglassjars/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/gratitudeglassjars/ Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:              https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreativesEp.41 is brought to you by our new sponsor Maxted Clothing. Make sure you go in the running to WIN A LUXURY WEEKEND AWAY at Barwon Heads. More details on Maxted's website. 

Our guest for this episode of the podcast is the editor and owner of Surfing Life Magazine, Ray Bisschop.Ray has been described as a “visual marketing genius” by some of his peers. He's also a designer, photographer, loving husband and devoted Dad who started surfing about 35 years ago.In fact, surfing lit the spark for an interest in all things creative. These two elements combined have led Ray on a three-decade journey to become owner and publisher of Surfing Life magazine, But he had his fair share of challenges in between. He spent 30 years dreaming of the day he could for a blue-chip surf mag like Surfing Life. The lesson? Do not give up on your dreams. There is so much wisdom packed into this episode of the podcast along with some ripping yarns. We cover: The definition of a creative and what is an entrepreneur?30 years later, never give up on your dreams.The most sustainable thing you can do when it comes to work…How budding surf photographers and writers can get published in a mag like Surfing Life.The difference between print and digital media – kind like coffee makers and instant coffee!Plus, so much more…About Ray Bisschop:Ray dreamt about working at Surfing Life magazine for the last 30 years. Starting out as a graphic designer who'd always surfed, he thought there could be nothing better than working in the same field as your passion. Thirty years later, Ray is doing precisely that.He's seen it all in his long career, from working as an analog designer to web, photography, video, and social media, finishing up as a Creative Director before taking on his current role. The one takeaway Ray has from this whole experience is... “never give up on your dreams.”Ray is a firm believer that the more we learn about technology and ourselves, the more we understand how certain things can never be replaced like a mother's warm hug, a cold glass of beer, and the visceral effect a print magazine has on readers. Connect with Ray Bisschop on:Website:              https://www.surfinglife.com.au/LinkedIn:              https://www.linkedin.com/in/raybisschop/?originalSubdomain=auFacebook:           https://www.facebook.com/raybisschopInstagram:          https://www.instagram.com/raybisschop/Twitter:                https://twitter.com/raybisschop/ Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:              https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreatives

Our guest for this episode of the podcast is a hugely talented illustrator by the name of Fabiana Aguilar.Fabi is currently in the process of making the move from Melbourne to the Surf Coast. Born on the Northern beaches of Spain and raised between Senegal, Canada and Spain, Fabi got used to moving from country to country from a young age. As an adult, she has spent long periods of time in France, Ireland, Italy, the Caribbean and for the last 3 years, Australia. Fabi comes from a family of creatives: a portrait painter and pianist grandma, photographer and screenwriter mum and Doctor Dad who loves to surf. Fabi's Dad got a little concerned (in a good way) when Fabi decided to go all-in as an illustrator and designer though. Find out how Fabi dealt with this pressure from Dad (and others).There's so much packed into this episode of the podcast so we hope you enjoy it! We cover:Travelling solo and finding your passionWhy Fabi became an illustratorHow to build a brand in a foreign country Learning Aussie EnglishSteaking your claim as a young female artistThe apps and tools that Fabi uses to stay on trackThere's no denying that art and illustration is part of Fabi's DNA. Check out her gallery on Instagram when you get a chance and say a big hola!Leave us a rating on iTunes after the episode or better yet share the podcast with ONE friend. That would really help us out.This is episode #39 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast with your hosts Ben Hucker and Jess Mellington.Explore Your Creativity Join Skillshare to watch, play, learn, make, and discover.

Our guest on this episode of the podcast is freelance photographer and cinematographer, Mike Guest. He's our first international guest and joins us all the way from Edinburgh in Scotland!Mike includes Patagonia among his list of clientele and is also the co-founder of the Dawn Days movement which went viral in 2020 after coronavirus hit.Lookup #dawndays to see more of Mike and other peoples work from all over the United Kingdom and beyond.We cover a lot today including the important topic of men's mental health and what it takes to make it as a photographer or videographer and all-round creative in the modern world.And just to give some context, it was 5 am in Scotland and Friday 4 pm on the Surf Coast in Australia!Mike is quite a character so we hope you enjoy today's episode of the podcast. Sadly no Jess on this episode of the podcast. We wanted this to be a man-to-man chat and Jess also had a prior commitment before we scheduled the episode.Leave us a rating on iTunes after the episode or better yet share the podcast with ONE friend. That would really help us out.This is Episode number 38 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast.P.S. Check out Mike's brand new short-film (released 15 March 2021) called the Ripple Effect - A film By Mike Guest and John Duncan. Grab a cuppa and watch this one when you have a quiet moment to yourself. It will bring a tear to your eye guaranteed. 

We caught up for a chat with the savvy founder of a hugely successful business in Torquay called Retreat Yourself Box for this episode of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Her name is Kate Buchan (nee Williams) who got married at the beginning of 2020 to her loving partner Andrew. Kate had a little bubba too at the end of 2020 so she now juggles life as a busy entrepreneur, Mum to Charlie, loving wife, friend, and the rest! Find out how she juggles it all while running a business with a national footprint and off-tap sales growth due to a renewed focus on health in 2020. There's a whole bunch in this episode including Kate's passion for travel and a brief encounter with the judging panel on Channel 10's Shark Tank program too.In this episode you will learn:Why balance in life requires strong self-disciplineThe journey behind Retreat Yourself and WHY Kate started the businessWhat not getting into Shark Tank taught Kate about business & lifeThe apps and software that help Kate & Retreat Yourself stay on track. The ONE thing Kate needed to change in order for her business to work.She's such a beautiful lady and remains humble to the core despite her success to-date. In fact, Kate believes she is just getting started. We couldn't think of a better follow-on from International Women's Day than having a guest like Kate on the pod. Leave us a rating on iTunes or your favourite platform and let us know what you think of today's episode. About Kate Williams:Kate came up with the idea for Retreat Yourself when she found herself in the corporate world post nine years of working, volunteering, and travelling worldwide. Kate's travelling adventures gave her a different perspective on life and made her aware of major flaws in the health industry and how we're living day-to-day. She is a founder, daydreamer, and self-confessed accident-prone adventurer!Connect with Kate Williams on:Website:              https://retreatyourselfbox.com/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/retreatyourself_box/Linktr.ee:             https://linktr.ee/retreatyourself_box Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:              https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreatives

Join your hosts Ben Hucker and Jess Mellington with the coveted 2020 Nikon Surf Photo of the year winner Ren McGann. Ren talks about the discipline of fine art ocean photography and provides his perspective on some of the challenges facing modern-day photographers. Ren also talks about his unique editing style and why he sees it as a deeply personal matter. For him, it is better to be true to himself than produce the same cookie-cutter shots prevalent on social mediaIn this episode you will learn:How Ren grew up off-grid and took the leap to become a full-time creative.Being at ease surfing on a 12–15-foot wave!What spoils the Photography industry?The experience of developing a safety impact vest for extreme sports.On swimming with underwater wildlife including Tiger Sharks!Finding your personal style when it comes to editing & Ren's favourite apps for doing so.About Ren McGann:For Ren, being in nature daily is a dream worth living for. When he takes his camera, loads his car, and drives up or down the coast, the trip begins. Nothing brings Ren more peace than being surrounded by giant waves or sitting camouflaged capturing wildlife in the bush. He was awarded the prize of the 2020 Nikon Surf Photo of the year in 2020. The judging panel comprised 10 high-profile judges including X7 World Surf Champion, Stephanie Gilmore. Tune in and let us know what you think! This is our first time opening up the borders on the podcast too so leave a rating on iTunes afterwards if you're tuning in on an Apple device or PC.Connect with Ren McGann on:Website:         https://www.renmcgann.com/Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/renmcgannphoto/Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/renmcgann/?hl=enCatch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:         https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreatives 

Join your hosts Ben Hucker and Jess Mellington with guest Kayla Houlihan, the founder of Tribe Skincare for Ep.10 Season 3 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. We talk about the journey of a former art teacher now running a multi-million-dollar natural skincare business. Kayla gives the background and tips to help her fellow creatives manifest their entrepreneurship goals. Kayla admits at first that their products were exclusively for their skin clinic, but after featuring it online, the attention it received grew non-stop to a throng of thousands of followers today. Tune in and take away a ton of lessons from a successful entrepreneur who has managed to stay humble despite her roaring success to-date.In this episode you will learn:Art teacher before, founder of a skincare brand nowA gap in the market and a lack of products made for sensitive skinOn forming a reliable team and catering to the broader market Outsourcingresources and focusing on your strengthsSome practical three-point advice to remember for entrepreneursTune in right until the end for an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on Tribe Skincare products (only available to listeners of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast!)About Kayla Houlihan:A former beauty therapist from Geelong, Kayla founded a vegan-friendly cosmetic brand called Tribe Skincare. Her business has enjoyed a dazzling trajectory and notoriety since its inception, but it has come with a fair share of challenges and setbacks that would have stopped most people in their tracks. Kayla is generous, pragmatic, and has wisdom beyond her years. She is not even 30 yet!With thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok and a foray into business podcasting, Kayla is not only producing a gorgeous product that women all over the world want but is also helping other entrepreneurs with her knowledge. Connect with Kayla Houlihan on:Website:              https://tribeskincare.com.au/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/tribeskincare/ Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:              https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreatives

Join your hosts Ben Hucker and Jess Mellington with guest Ryan Rowell, the co-founder of TORQ F1T. We talk about Ryan's journey from motocross champ to the owner of an elite gym in Torquay. In addition, we assess how important a healthy lifestyle is when it comes to doing your best work as a creative. Ryan shares his experience building a gym in a garage with his partner Erin, transitioning the brand, and managing clients. Ryan took what he and Erin learnt from opening their first gym in California all the way to Torquay. They decided to take a step back and keep things lowkey this time around though. With the challenges from recent lockdowns, he tells us what they do to keep the hype for their brand running. In this episode you will learn: Keep it moving: Your presence, content, clients, and the business.On navigating their business during a severe lockdown a la 2020.Phasing out MotoX after almost ten years of racing.Building a gym out of a garage in Southern California.What helps the management work consistently for TORQ F1T.About Ryan Rowell:Ryan started his journey in fitness through racing motorcycles at a young age in Southern California. As a retired motocross professional, TORQ F1T became his new passion. In 2009, he accomplished the #1 Plate in the AMA 125A class. He is also a podium contender in both motocross and off-road racing.Ryan is an avid cyclist and currently races mountain bikes while training other professional and amateur athletes. He went to Crafton Hills College and had quals in Diet and Fitness and certification for NASM-CPT, TRX®, USAW, CPR, and First Aid.Tune in right to the end to find out how you get 10 FREEE SPIN Classes with Ryan & Erin at TORQ F1T!Enjoy!Connect with Ryan Rowell on:Website:          https://www.torqf1t.com/Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/torqf1t/                              https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastpilates/                              https://www.instagram.com/ryan_rowell/ Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:          https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreatives

Join your hosts Ben Hucker and Jess Mellington with guest Romy Roache as they chat about the discipline and mindset of an artist running a photography business. Romy explains a specific method of taking pictures and how she defines creativity in this episode. For Romy, images are what they are – natural. As for advice, she believes aspiring artists should work with themselves and from the heart without comparing other people's works. Find out more from what she has to say as you stay tuned to this episode.In this episode you will learn:People and relationships as a part of creativity. Don't get sidetracked – the hustle behind being a full-time artist, photographer.Are you born with creativity, or is it learned?Apps essential for the business and Romy's take on editing.On finding inspiration from everything and everyone around you.How to respond when somebody says you can't make a living from your passion.About Romy Roache:Romy's love for the ocean stems from her childhood, where she was bred and born in a tiny coastal hideaway called Dutton Way, Portland. No wonder she feels so at home and connected with the sheer beauty of Victoria's dynamic landscapes. Romy is now fortunate enough to be living in Torquay, part of the Surf Coast, a backyard full of iconic surf beaches and rugged, untamed landscapes.Through her photos, Romy wants to tell a story of tides turned, of sun-dried land, and light dancing upon wave tops, combining a love for the ocean and creative imagery.Romy is still that little girl from Dutton Way, excited to see what magic Mother Nature unfolds… She wakes up to her alarm, hearing nothing more than the local cockatoo's, grabbing her camera bag, coffee, and off she goes in search of a location that catches her eye and waits to see what beauty unfolds before her lens.Creating art pieces that not only bring the beach to different homes but encapsulate the delight of texture, colour depth, and feeling.Connect with Romy Roache on:Website:              http://romyphotographer.com.au/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/Romyphotographer/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/romyphotographer/ Catch Surf Coast Creatives on:Website:              https://surfcoastcreatives.com/Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/surfcoastcreatives/Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/surfcoastcreatives

Welcome to the Surf Coast Creatives podcast Anthony or 'Ant' Williams.Before moving to Torquay, Ant was a Sports psychologist for a motoGP team based in the South of France. He worked with boxers, mountaineers, kickboxing fighters, athletes competing in five-day adventure races without sleep, rally car drivers and big wave tow-in surfers.He wanted to experience a dangerous sport for himself though. He searched high and low to find his niche and eventually discovered free-diving at 30 years of age.The rest is history. Here are 3 of his major achievements:Longest breath-hold swim in competition: 223mDeepest dive in competition: 100mLongest breath-hold time: 8 minutes.And on 27 March 2019 Anthony plunged into a frozen fjord in Kirkenes, Norway, achieving an amazing depth of 70.3 m (230.643 ft)—a new World Record!The dive lasted 2 minutes 29 seconds and saw Ant push through the pitch-black abyss on a single breath. Incredible.Tune in and let us know what you think and take a look at Ant's brand new podcast if you want to hear more. Links below:Ant's Bio -->> http://www.antwilliams.com/Ant's podcast -->> Performance Focused LeadershipAnt's Business -->> https://modusleadership.com.au/about/

Really excited to sit down for a chat today with the founder of Natural Harry in Barwon Heads, Harriet Birrel. Harriet, or 'Harry,' is the creative dynamo behind 3 best-selling books called Natural Harry, Whole and Home. Her first 2 books were self-published and her final book has been picked up by a publisher along with her 2nd title, Whole by Natural Harry. Learn about Harry's life as a full-time creative and her inspiration for living a humble life on the coast. Harry opens up about her childhood as well and takes us through the transition from fashion designer to recipe designerThis is a great story of following your gut and a primer for those who want to publish their own book someday.She has an infectious energy and was so fun to talk too albeit from Queensland where Harry and her (growing!) family are stuck due to new border restrictions. Tune in right to the end and let us know what you thought of the episode on iTunes. Ben & JessSurf Coast CreativesP.S. Become an official fan of the podcast with our new Patreon page. Check it out!

We turn the tables on co-host Jess Mellington and put her under the microscope for this episode of the podcast. Jess opens up about her childhood and her thirst for adventure. Her quest for all things travel and adventure led to a six-year career working on superyachts in the Mediterranean and raging seas of the pacific. Jess eventually turned her back on the party, party lifestyle and gruelling schedule of the super-yachts though in preference for a career in the world of fitness. Hear how she made her way from the high seas to the coastal town of Torquay where she began her next adventure as an entrepreneur and owner of her very own gym. It's what happened next that defined Jess and made her the woman she is today. Spoiler alert: it wasn't all sunshine and lollipops in spite of the amazing community that Jess managed to build. This is a must for any young female business owner or anyone who wants to know more about how to bounce back from failure. Tune in and let us know what you think. Otherwise, we'll see you in the new year! We're having a couple of weeks break from the podcast. Have a safe and Merry Xmas and take the time to catch up on a good podcast!Here's to a  more normal 2021.Ben & Jess :)www.surfcoastcreatives.com

Join us for a chat with former advertising executive turned pro landscape photographer Craig Crosthwaite for Ep.4 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. 'CC' as he is known on the coast is the founder of SeeSea Images based in Anglesea. After 30 years in the Advertising industry, Craig decided to up-sticks and follow his passion for the coast, surfing and photography. He and his wife moved into their beach house in Anglesea and made it a permanent stay a few years ago now. A love for the ocean began when Craig started surfing at the age of 8. He's still catching waves to this day. Surfing has given Craig a next-level understanding of wind, waves and weather. Craig balances his surfing addiction with a love for photography and light. Limited knowledge of the wonderful things you could achieve when chasing light led Craig to enrol in a course at RMIT in Melbourne. The crash-course ignited a passion for all things photographic. Craig now combines his love of the ocean and sense of adventure with his newly acquired skills (an old dog can learn new tricks!).And the proof is in the pudding. Craig has quickly grown his account from 0 to 10,000 inside 4 years—a phenomenal effort taking into account the saturated market for photographers on Insta. And the best part? He very rarely posts on social.  This episode is a must if you want to know how to market your business or side-hustle with a bit more flair or get some wisdom on how to parlay your skills into a new passion. Tune in and let us know what you think!Plus, go in the draw to WIN a 20201 Calendar featuring Craig's photography. All you have to do is SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST and we'll draw 3 lucky winners on Xmas Eve! Ben & Jess

We sit down for an exciting chat today with local Jan Juc Mum, Jessica Sherman. Jess is the founder of Sing Act Speak in Torquay. She coaches young kids and adults how to sing, act and speak with passion. Not just that. She teaches her clients the art of self-confidence and believing in your skills and talents as a performer and presenter.Jess is a graduate from the University of Melbourne- Victorian College of the Arts (Bachelor of Music Theatre) with an Associate (ATCL) Performance Diploma in both Speech and Drama and Musical Theatre with Trinity College, London.She performed as Jeanie in 'Hair', Francesca in 'West Side Story' and Judy Garland in 'The Boy from Oz' while studying at the VCA. For The Production Company, Jessica has performed in 'Chess', directed by Gale Edwards.She was also a soloist in Matthew Lee Robinson's 'New Voices' and was the international guest artist for a 10,000 crowd at ‘A Night Before Christmas' in New Zealand two years ago. Our knees are trembling already!It's a fascinating chat and epic story of travelling the world and finding your place. Jess now calls Jan Juc home with her husband Rupert and young daughter Hariette. Find out the inspiration behind Jess's current work and a new album of heartfelt songs due for release in 2021. The story behind this will bring a tear to your eye (girls & guys).Otherwise, tune and let us know what you think with a rating on iTunes. And check out some online courses on Skillshare or become a design pro with Canva this summer. Ben & Jess :)Surf Coast Creatives

Remember that bloke in Warrnambool who caused a ruckus 2 years ago when he sketched a picture of a wombat on the leg of a train bridge?Well, his name is Jimmi Buscombe and we sat down with him for a chat for this episode of the podcast.Jimmi downed tools and spoke to us about the hilarious story behind Gutsy the Wombat, Art and the transition from Chef of 22 years to a nationally acclaimed artist in no short time.He's such a good guy and has a lot of wisdom to pass on. Find out what Jimmi and Magda Szubanski have in common and how Jimmi ended up in Warrnambool on the South-West coast in Victoria. Jimmi also talks with great passion about his wife Sheridan and their young daughter and the influence they've had on his career as an artist to-date.Tune in and let us know what you think. P.S. We interviewed Jimmi while he was on a break from painting a new mural next to Burger Inc in Pakko Street. Go check out the final piece if you get a chance before Xmas!Ben & Jess :)Surf Coast Creatives

Join us for a chat with the founder of Babel Surfboards Luca Rossi as we kick off Season 3 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Luca is an Italian astrophysicist turned surfboard shaper. He's a super-sharp guy and got his start in the cut-throat world of surfboard shaping by knocking on the doors of local shapers on the Surf Coast. They all told him to bugger off except one! Find out which shaper said yes and took Luca under his wing (for 1-hour!).We also chat about Luca's first sighting of a breaking wave in his early twenties while travelling in Brazil. Yes, early twenties!The experience in Brazil sparked an instant curiosity with the ocean and eventual move to Australia where Luca completed his PhD in Astrophysics. The call of the ocean was too strong though. Luca made the decision to let go of academic life and follow a passion for design, shaping and delivering a world-class surfboard to his growing throng of surfing die-hards. If you're into shaping, design, travel, surfing or all the above then this is an episode not to be missed. If you want to take advantage of the OFFER WITH CANVA.COM at the end of the episode then click this link too. They're offering 5 Canva Pro subscriptions for the price of 1!  Canva makes graphic design a cinch for non-designers like me & Jess.Otherwise, tune in to today's episode and let us know what you think with a rating on iTunes!

Season 3 of the podcast is 'go for launch'!Today we turn the tables on host Ben and see how he copes when we make him the subject of today's episode. Tune in to hear co-host Jess put Ben under the microscope with a litany of insightful questions. We talk about taking the leap as a full-time creative, plus who inspires Ben and what scares him. The tables are turned that is for sure!We also chat about what we've been up to the past couple of weeks and reveal our first guest for Season 3 of the podcast. It's a cracker.If you want to take advantage of the OFFER WITH CANVA.COM at the end of the episode then click this link. They're offering 5 Canva Pro subscriptions for the price of 1! See you in Season 3 of the podcast.Ben & Jess :)

Ep.11 - Season 2 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now live! Tune in for a sit-down chat with your hosts Ben & Jess.  We ticked over 10 episodes for Season 2 of the podcast last week, so we thought it was time we did a short recap.  Find out the "7 Things We Learnt During Season 2" plus more heartbreaking news for myself and Jess. We finish on a positive note with some exciting news regarding our NEW partnership with the Workers Hut in Torquay. We're super excited to announce we'll be building a new co-working space dedicated to creatives. We'll be go-for-launch in 2021 so watch this space for more details.   Otherwise, we're having a little break from the podcast. We'll be back in the first week of December for the summer edition of the pod and the start of Season 3 from our new home in Baines Crescent, Torquay. We'll be active on social in the meantime so keep in touch and keep spreading the word for the Surf Coast Creatives podcast.  P.S. Let us know if you're looking to work alongside some awesome people in 2021. You now have the chance to be a part of a new co-working space dedicated to creatives living and working on the Surf Coast.Send us a DM or email direct:benh@surfcoastcreatives.com, or jessm@surfcoastcreatives.comCiao!

Ep.10 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now live. Tune in wherever you get your favourite podcasts. In this episode, we sit down for a chat with founders of the Workers Hut in Torquay, Dave & Rebecca Scott. Dave & Bec open up about their journey since falling in love during their uni days in Melbourne and their current role as custodians of the Workers Hut community.Dave & Bec started the Workers Hut three and a half years ago after spotting a need for a home-like premise for freelancers, solopreneurs and small businesses to work from. Tune in to hear the mission behind the Workers Hut and the opportunity to interact and grow alongside your fellow movers and shakers on the Surf Coast. We also chat about some exciting news for creatives on the Surf Coast and make an announcement regarding the future of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. It's a ripping episode and we cannot believe we are at the end of Season 2 already!We'll be coming to you next week with a special BONUS episode to recap Season 2 and talk about what we've learnt during this season. We'll share some more details about our announcement today and answer any questions you might have as well.Tune in and leave a rating on iTunes or your favourite pod platform if you get a chance!Ben & Jess :)

Ep.9 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now live. We sit down for a chat with the founder of March Creative in Torquay, Brittany March. Britt specialises in commercial design and branding plus illustration in the form of fine art pieces, illustrated wall art, homewares and unique gifts. This talented artist is a homegrown product of the South Australian coast but now calls the Surf Coast in Victoria home. The looming shadow of Great White sharks off the coast of South Australia was one of the big reasons for Britt's change of scenery.  Tune in to find out how this apex predator both inspires and instils fear into Brit.We chat all things business, art, mindest and creativity with some timely advice mixed in for budding artists on the Surf Coast and interstate. Plus, Get yourself a 25% DISCOUNT on Brit's full range of prints from her online store by using the code CREATIVE25*Thanks, Britt!Tune and let us know what you think!Ben & Jess :)P.S. Watch out for Britt's upcoming exhibition in January happening at the Eagles Nest Gallery in Airey's Inlet. We'll announce this on our social feed closer to the date too. *Valid for 1 Month from Thursday 29 October 2020.

Ep.8 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now live.We sit down for a chat with the founders of women's fashion label, Ena Pelly. Meet husband & wife duo, Dani & Tim, from Torquay. A big shout out to Shane Thomson from Jan Juc for recommending this awesome couple. Dani & Tim are so down to earth, and they lay it all on the table in this episode of the podcast. Find out how they quit their jobs and went full-time with Ena Pelly from their home in Torquay after one of their sales agents told them, "we need to get serious." Dani & Tim quickly carved out a niche of raving customers before getting robbed (twice!) and having all their laptops and stock disappear only a few months into their new venture. It's how they bounced back from this early setback that has really helped define the spirit of Ena Pelly and the resilience of Dani & Tim. We cover so much in this episode from business, relationships, finance, mental health and dealing with the haters. It's a fascinating insight into the cut-throat industry of high fashion and the new age of sustainability too. Tune in and let us know what you think with a review on iTunes or your favourite pod platform. Enjoy :)Ben & JessP.S. Use the code BENJESS30 to get yourself 30% OFF any item of clothing from Ena Pelly's online store. Thanks, Dani & Tim!!This episode brought to you by our sponsors Skillshare & Canva.

Ep.7 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now streaming. We sit down for a chat with talented Geelong-based artist Alison White from White In Colour. Al has featured on the front cover of GT Magazine—such is the quality of her work—not to mention a number of private exhibitions and now public murals. Her latest pieces sell like hotcakes via her dedicated website too.Al has the unique gift of immense natural talent mixed with great humility. She loves a chat and holds nothing back in this episode. Hear about her travels through Australia, Canada, Europe & South America and the little known town in Central Victoria that ignited a passion for contemporary abstract work.  We wrap up with a chat about Al's juggling act with family life and artistic endeavours mixed in.Tune in and let us know what you think.Ben & Jess :)P.S. Enter the code FREESHIP to get free shipping on any orders via Al's website. Just enter the code when you checkout. Limited stocks.

We're halfway through Season 2 already!Tune in for Ep.6 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast with iconic Australian artist, Jake Ross. Imagine having Angus Stone, VB and now Justin Bieber among your list of clientele. That's a day in the life for this super-talented mural artist, creative director and illustrator.Surfing Bells & Winki as a kid has brought Jake full circle back to the Surf Coast. We couldn't wait to chat with him given his popularity and +30,000 brethren of followers on social media.It's raw and honest and straight from the gut this episode. We guarantee it. Tune for a chat about all things creativity, mindest, life as an elite athlete, business, Bieber, handling stick from former work colleagues and much, much more.Check out the accompanying blog article too:"Jake Ross Art: Inspired by a Mix of Life & Death"NOTE: There's a bit of language but in a good way. Just be careful if the kids are in the car. Enjoy!

Ep.5 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now ready for download!We sit down for a chat with the founder of Yogi Peace Club in Torquay, Emma Barr. Emma is our first 'born and bred' Surf Coast guest. It's fair to say she has Bells Beach running in her veins!A qualified Yoga Instructor with a Diploma of Hatha Yoga and a Diploma of Yin Yoga, Emma makes a hugely popular line of Yogiwear for women.Designed by the ocean, her mission is to create yoga products to inspire the inner yogi in all of us. All of her designs are tested on yoga teachers and she uses premium, long-lasting fabrics with a keen eye on sustainability and an ethical supply chain.Emma's dream for the Yogi Peace Club is simple, "I just want my yoga products to make people happy."Tune in to find out how Emma made the transition from a corporate job with Quiksilver where she was one of the masterminds behind the Roxy women's surfwear brand. Find out why Emma has no time for setting goals and has no attachment to the success or failure of her Yogi brand as well.So much wisdom and knowledge packed into this episode given Emma's long career in lifestyle apparel for women. It's an episode not to be missed that's for sure. Tune in and let us know what you think with a rating on iTunes or your favourite pod platform.Ben & Jess :)

Join us for Ep.4 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. We chat with the founder of a Torquay coffee magnet called Oceangrind. The man behind this popular roastery and cafe is an engineer turned coffee maestro, Mark Clatworthy.Tune in for a story of grit and determination mixed with a good dose of bravado and passion for coffee beans.Mark has been at it for more than a decade starting at the local markets in Torquay. Now his growing enterprise has its very own stronghold in the Torquay industrial precinct behind Bunnings. Find out how a passion for coffee and a simmering tension with a corporate job lead Mark to follow his passion and take the leap from hobbyist to a full-time coffee roaster. Mark has a big eye on sustainability as well. He wants his three girls to enjoy the Surf Coast and its surrounding natural habitat for generations to come. A focus on the environment has rubbed off on the Oceangrind community too. Innovative policies like "Bring Your Own Cup" and "Swap & Go"  have left an indelible mark on a tight-knit base of customers. Not everyone has been happy with the new policies though. Find out how Mark has team dealt with some of the backlashes. Either way, it's got a bit of everything this episode, especially if you've always wanted to build a community on top of your business. Tune in and let us know what you think with a review on iTunes or your favourite pod platform.With love.Ben & Jess.P.S. See the accompanying blog post "A Coffe Dream Starting with a Popcorn Machine." And get yourself 10% of all online orders at Ocean Grind's online store using the code: OGPODCAST (expires 1 October).

There's not a thing this lady doesn't do! So excited to bring you Ep.3, Season 2, with ladypreneur, Lola Berry. Lola had her bags packed for LA in Feb but was forced to stay put after COVID-19 started to take its toll.She decided to up-sticks from the city and head for the coast instead. We're sure glad she did as it means we got to interview her for Ep.3 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast! Sorry, Lols :) Join us as we uncover the secrets of a serial businesswoman. In fact, Lola has never held a full-time job. Such is her commitment to entrepreneurship and living life to the beat of her own drum. The description in Lola's Instagram profile sums it up:"Nutritionist, yogi teacher, author, founder: @lolacoffee_ Podcast: Fearlessly Failing. Acting student."Yes, we covered a lot in this episode! Find out how Lola keeps a smile on her face despite some major setbacks in life & business and occasional vitriol from online trolls.Tune and let us know what you think. Be sure to leave us a rating if you're listening on iTunes as well. With love. Ben & Jess :)

Ep.2, Season 2, of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast with Tal Lemmens, is now live!Tal is a Fine Art Ocean Phtogographer who recently won a major international award for an image he captured on the South Coast in NSW. Heading out into the water with a pair of flippers and waterproof housing for his camera, Tal can spend hours floating in the sea chasing the perfect shot while getting pounded by giant waves (over and over and over again!) The waves he shoots can be dangerous, but Tal's love of the water keeps him coming back for more. His love for the ocean started in Warrnambool where he grew up but Tal now calls Ocean Grove home.Tune in to find out how Tal manages a busy life working in mental health plus a growing print store with exquisite ocean photography works rolling off the press.Check out Tal's recent interview in Forte Mag and his website here too.Such a fun episode this one so tune in and let us know what you think!From your hosts, Ben & Jess

Join us for Ep.1, Season 2, of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast.We sat down for a chat with super-talented watercolour artist & designer, Natalie Martin. Natalie has a dedicated studio in the Ashmore Arts precinct in Torquay where she thinks, creates, generates an income and gets inspired on a daily basis. Find out how Natalie worked as a designer at Rip Curl for 6 years before taking the big leap as a full-time artist and creative based on the Surf Coast in Victoria. Natalie has her very own online watercolour master class on her website as well. Check it out here or access it on Skillshare and get 2 months FREE access courtesy of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast. Tune in and let us know what you think with a review on iTunes or your favourite pod platform. Otherwise, Season 2 is rolling! Thanks again for your time Natalie and we hope you enjoy the episodes as much as we did. From your hosts Ben & Jess :)Ps. Be sure to check out the all-new Buy Surf Coast website when you get a chance too. This is a great place to find some really talented creatives on the coast and their respective websites. Support your local creatives and buy local where you can!

Tune into this short episode from Ben & Jess. We talk about :What we've been up to the past monthWhat books we've been devouring7 Ways to Unleash Your Creativity, and Provide a sneak peek at our guest line-up for Season 2. We finished Season 1 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast in late July before taking a much-needed break. We're back refreshed and wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks for all your support and kind words of encouragement. We can't wait to bring you Season 2 of the podcast. Tune in to find out which guests we have booked in for the first four episodes. Season 2 is brought to you by our creative partner Skillsahre.com. Jump on Skillshare TODAY to learn some new skills in hundreds of different categories from photography & design and everything in between!From Ben & Jess :)

Episode 11 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now live! Tune in for a sit-down chat with your hosts Ben & Jess. We ticked over 10 episodes for Season 1 of the podcast last week, so we thought it was time we did a short recap. Find out the "7 Things We've Learnt So Far" plus heartbreaking news for your hosts Ben & Jess. If you've ever been a Mum or Dad or you're becoming a parent for the first time, then you need to hear this. We finish on a positive note with some exciting news regarding a NEW sponsor for the pod. We're super-pumped to announce online education giant, Skillshare, have come on board as a partner. With thousands of online classes, Skillshare can help you improve your professional skillset, start that side hustle, pursue a passion project, and so much more.They offer a monthly or annual membership giving you access to all their online classes. Don't worry, you can cancel your membership anytime.  It's where host Ben re-discovered his passion for photography and a newfound love for all things creative. Host Jess has even got on board having completed a short course in bookkeeping recently. She's going to nail that Xero software once and for all! Sign-up and get yourself 2 MONTHS FREE access here. Or GET 30% OFF when you purchase today.  Otherwise, we're off on a little holiday to Beechworth in the foothills of the High Country. We'll be back in September for Season 2 with lots more guests and stories to tell.  We'll still be active on social media so keep in touch and keep spreading the word for the Surf Coast Creatives podcast!Au revoir!Ben & Jess

Ep.10 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast is now live!I cannot believe we're at 10 episodes already. Thanks, everyone for your support. We're closing in fast on 2,000 downloads so we're taking that as a big upvote for the pod. For Ep.10, we sit down for a chat with Dutchman Cees Engelen and his Aussie partner Elly Rose Kennedy.Cees is from a little beach town close to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is known for many things but not so much for having good waves. Yet they surf on a weekly if not daily basis!Cees met Aussie babe Elly during his travels, and now they both live on the Surf Coast in Torquay, Australia.Cees & Elly both have a passion for creativity and Cees recently started his own business in permaculture and gardening called Urban Edible Gardens. "How amazing is it if you can build your own crops and live from what grows in your own garden? Pretty sweet mate!" says Cees.The business was slow in the beginning for Cees but with some awesome projects now under his belt, more and more people are hiring the flying dutchman to reshape their garden, help them get more out of their crops and lots more."It's a true honour and great pleasure to be sharing my experiences and tips with local residents on the Surf Coast," said Cees.And let's not forget Elly's business, Barefooted Branding. Elly has created an earth-friendly branding studio. She makes beautiful designs for brands who are ethically minded and support the preservation of this little planet called Earth. Elly has a big story to tell as well. She grew up in Mitcham in Melbourne but soon realised travel and life by the coast was calling her.Here's Ep.10 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast with your hosts Ben & Jess!Rate it on iTunes and let us know what you think. Cheers!

A chocolaterie in Victoria, or even Australia, is a rare commodity. We're a long way from Belgium after all.But sitting right there on Victoria's Surf Coast is one of Australia's favourite chocolaterie's and ice creameries. We sat down for a chat with the founders of the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for Ep.9 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast.Jess & I were welcomed by a spectacular showroom filled with thousands of chocolates. Not to mention an ever-changing range of freshly made pastries, desserts and artisan ice creams and an all-day café using ingredients from the kitchen garden. I had to pick up my tongue from off the ground :) Yes, drooling.In the ordinary course of business, visitors can join daily hosted tasting sessions, hands-on chocolate making classes for all ages and one of the many special events, or simply watch Chocolatiers at work through giant viewing windows.A lot of this interaction has now gone online with coronavirus taking its toll on foot traffic. They're doing it really tough so there has never been a bigger test of Leanne & Ian's resilience. Not to mention their small army of nearly 100 staff.Tune in to find out how they're coping and hear Leanne's no.1 piece of advice for getting through tough business conditions. Find out how Leanne went about securing funding from private investors to get her first chocolaterie in Victoria up and going as well. It's an episode not to be missed if you're in the business of retail, distribution, tourism or a self-confessed chocoholic!Here's Ep.9 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast with your hosts Ben & Jess.Leave us a rating on iTunes and let us know what you think. Cheers :)