When I was young we travelled for many years in a caravan. My parents then settled in Port Stephens, where my siblings and I would spend hours roaming the bush and beaches - I spent a lot of time daydreaming and playing. By high school in Newcastle, my teachers told my parents that "I wasn't much chop", but the world of my imagination was what gave me the confidence and freedom to believe I could go far places. As it turns out, I ended up doing and seeing more than I could ever imagine.

You studied visual arts and graphic design after school. Where did those qualifications take you?

Close to graduation, I left Newcastle for a design career in Sydney and having qualifications served me well. It provided me with the mindset and multi-disciplinary skills to innovate, be resilient, open to change and willing to take risks. I have pivoted many times over the years, way before it was a thing in the workplace. Whatever I do, I take the skills I have built over time and never stop learning.

What did your life look like when you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer?

I had a successful business in graphic and web design, but I was stressed, worn out, functioning on sleepless nights with no self-care, regular anxiety, and episodes where I'd flip out. I thought I was having a breakdown. I was considered to have it all, doing what I thought I should do, working hard and doing what was expected of me. I was working the hustle and killing myself in the process.

Why did you start Creative Queen Bees in 2009?

I could see a common thread emerging, where people around me were burning out or putting their own needs aside as they tried to achieve perfect work-life balance. Diagnosed with cancer, I too had missed the signs to slow down. It wasn't until I made creativity a daily act that I began to see positive changes. By making time to pick up a paintbrush and get creative, I was able to reflect, reset and recharge. My mission from the start has been to help others do the same, as there are many people, women particularly, in situations where they require that support.

What service does it provide?

CQB offers exclusive, intimate, V.I.P (very important painter) experiences to build a creative mindset that can transform your life, health and wellbeing. We offer art picnics and professional workshops to learn these skills and recharge.

How are your workshops unique?

One reason is because they are free from any expectation or need for perfection. So often we aim to be the best of the best and that pressure can be exhausting. My workshops offer people the chance to open themselves up and be free with their expression. By doing this, I offer them the chance to be creative on their own terms, hopefully inspiring them to do so beyond the workshop.

Who is your average client?

My clients are usually women who could be considered 'professional life jugglers'. They often have a full-time job and have kids and a family. I also love working in the corporate space - so small to large businesses looking to improve their team culture and promote professional growth and wellbeing.

Why did you write Daily Acts of Creativity?

During my recovery, I was faced with the uncertainty of my future. By practicing daily acts of creativity, I was able to break through long-held beliefs and stories that stopped me from fulfilling my creative potential. I have healed scars, learned to love myself, and have become a better, happier, healthier, and creative woman in the process. I wrote this book to help others do the same.

Why are you taking your workshops around NSW?

I have always wanted to bring my workshops to more people and provide opportunities for women to embrace their full potential. With COVID-19, I saw the incredible power that comes when people come together to create. With the ease of restrictions and decrease in COVID-19 cases, I want to give people that opportunity again. To come together, create and find some inner peace after all the chaos.

Some people think they are not creative. Is it possible to improve our ability to tap into our creative sides?

Absolutely. We need to stop thinking creativity is something outside of ourselves, that it's somewhere out there. Creativity is not separate from us - it is part of who we are and just like with any skill, you only get better with more practice. Luckily, creativity is a both a mindset and skill that is fun - which also means it's often not prioritised. The biggest challenge with improving our creative ability is allowing ourselves the permission, time, and freedom to do it, as well as taking away the element of perfection.

What's the last creative thing you did?

I'm painting a private mural commission and I working on a series of paintings for an exhibition.

Creative life can be tough financially. What drives you?

Invention, ideas and the love and passion I have for living a creative life. There is an endless amount of inspiration in the world, more than I could ever tap into in my lifetime. Experiencing even just some of that daily makes life worth living and loving.