Livin on a prayer.....

Last night I was pleasantly surprised by a night out with my partner and friends which took me to a place I would never go to, listening to music I would never want to and dancing to "Livin on a prayer" by Bon Jovi. I have to say that this was not really my idea of the "privileged life" but somehow I managed to have more fun than I have had in a very long time.

It made me think about how as we get older we also become more settled in our ways and often do by habit what we have always known. We seldom try something new because we judge it, we go to the same places, eat the same things, listen to the same music and then wonder why life has lots its shine!

It took Bon Jovi and a wholesome night out at our local for me to remember that the best things in life don't ALWAYS have to be the most expensive or look pretty but that some of the best memories I have are of the most simple things in life. And for anyone that knows me would also know that I would never be found in a place "like that".... surely a humbling experience to see that it's not the place but the people that truly make the difference and that simple and wholesome and down to earth Aussie Aussie Oy Oy are needed to balance out the linen tablecloths, air kisses, fashion events and the glitz and glam of the world of privilege which I love so very much!!

This weekend I learnt that dinner at the local Life Saving Club, a pizza out of the box with a great DVD, dancing to Bon Jovi and singing along to Livin on a prayer has a place in our lives and that if we give ourselves the permission to really live life and not judge we would unexpectedly be fulfilled in ways we never thought possible!

Reflections on love....

Often we find ourselves in relationships that happen to show us the very things we have been trying to hide. When love comes so does the mirror, the ability to see exactly who we are.

I find this process and journey so empowering. Through the other we get to define ourselves, we get to see the places that are still hurting and we also get to become crystal clear on exactly what we want and do not want in love and in life. How amazing!!

I am inspired by the journey that we take through loving, giving and being with the other. The conflict which arises and makes us question whether this is in fact the right path or whether we are giving up on the dream and taking second best. I have also realised that there is no second best, there are people who come to show us and reinforce within us what truly matters. A test from above perhaps to see whether we will stay true to ourselves and our dreams.....

I am always grateful for these tests as hard as they continue to be and with each one that I pass my life gets better, I become greater and feel more empowered than ever before. I become more committed to making my dream a reality and feel that power inside that will never let anything get in the way of it!

No matter how hard things may seem, we can trust that there is always a greater purpose behind it.

Private Interview with Mahalia Barnes

I've recently realised the importance that family play in the role of making us into who we truly are. Can we really reach our full potential if our family life was one of hardship, dysfunction and lack of love or is it exactly those things that make us reach for the stars and be greater than we ever thought possible....

We all hear of stories about those that grow up in less than favourable circumstances but somehow they reach deep within themselves and find the strength to create a life full of that which they never experienced growing up. I love those stories because it shows us that no matter what and no matter who we are and where we come from that we can reach our goals, we can live out our dreams if only we believe in ourselves and not allow the past to control us through the story we hold onto in our minds.

The successful women I have interviewed have come from all different backgrounds, some with famous fathers and others with role models they have found outside of their own families but what they share is their drive, determination and desire to find their calling in life and to be the very best by their own definition.

As Mahalia Barnes will share with you in the private interview that despite having an incredible role model and a famous father that this "privilege" which opened many doors also shut just as many. Famous parents or not ultimately we all have to prove ourselves and create our own success no matter what!

Where were you born?

SYDNEY

Where did you grow up?
MITTAGONG IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS TILL I WAS 12 THEN AIX EN PROVENCE IN THE SOUTH OF FRANE FOR A FEW YEARS, THEN TO SYDNEY.

Current city?
SYDNEY

Favourite fashion brand - why?
CAMILLA – SO BEAUTIFUL AND COMFORTABLE!

Favourite designer - why?
CAMILLA FRANKS – SHE MAKES GREAT STUFF AND IS A GOOD FRIEND TOO!

How do these fashion brands/designers empower you as a woman?
THEY ARE GREAT TO WEAR, BUT ALSO LOOK FANTASTIC, VERY FEMININE, AND NOT ONLY FOR THE SKINNY, MODEL TYPE GIRLS – CLOTHES FOR REAL WOMEN!

Favourite charity?
THE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL – HAVE WORKED WITH THE GEORGE GREGAN FOUNDATION CHARITY EVENTS FOR THEM.

Favourite artist? And why?
MUSIC? PROBABLY ARETHA FRANKLIN OR TINA TURNER – SUCH INCREDIBLE SINGERS, STRONG POWERFUL PERFORMERS, INSPIRING WOMEN!…ARTIST OTHER THAN MUSIC? I LOVE VAN GOGH. I LOVE HIS COLOURS AND HIS SUBJECT MATTER REMINDS ME OF LIVING IN THE STH OF FRANCE.

Favourite holiday spot – why?
THAILAND. I’M HALF THAI AND HAVE BEEN GOING THERE MY WHOLE LIFE. THE BEST FOOD!

Favourite resort/place to stay?
IN AUSTRALIA, KIM’S BEACH AT TOWOON BAY, GREAT ATMOSPHERE AND FOOD, RIGHT BY THE WATER.

Things you love and cant live without?
MY PARTNER BEN, MY BABY RUBY, FAMILY, FRIENDS, MUSIC AND GREAT FOOD

How did you start out?
I GUESS, AS A KID WITH MY SIBLLINGS, YES I WAS A TIN LID – WE RECORDED OUR FIRST RECORD WHEN I WAS 9, BUT I WOULD REALLY SAY THAT I GOT STARTED IN MY DADS BAND AS A BACKING VOCALIST WHEN I WAS ABOUT 15.

What do you love most about what you do?
I LOVE BEING ON STAGE AND SINGING WITH MY BAND, MUSIC JUST MAKES ME HAPPY. I LOVE BEING ABLE TO TRAVEL AND SEE DIFFERENT PLACES, MEET A LOT OF PEOPLE. I LOVE SEEING OTHER PEOPLE ENJOY OUR MUSIC. I FEEL SO FREE WHEN I’M SINGING, COMPLETELY IN THE MOMENT.

What do you feel is your calling and how do you achieve it through your art and work as a singer/performer?
I GUESS IT IS TO ENTERTAIN, TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SOMETHING THROUGH MUSIC. I ALSO LEARN A LOT ABOUT MYSELF THROUGH SINGING AND WRITING SONGS, HONESTY IS AN AMAZING THING. IF YOU CAN BE PURE AND HONEST IN YOUR PERFORMANCE, AS WELL AS IN LIFE GENERALLY, IT IS VERY LIBERATING.

What other professions have you tried and when and how did you know that this was your calling?
I HAVE WORKED IN RETAIL, I USED TO WANT TO BE AN OLYMPIC SWIMMER, BUT I’VE ALWAYS KNOWN I WANTED TO BE A SINGER. I GUESS IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY!

What inspired you to become a singer/performer? Did you always know what you wanted to do?
MY DAD I SUPPOSE. HE ALWAYS SANG AND PLAYED US GREAT MUSIC. I ALWAYS WANTED TO SING, MUM AND DAD NEVER PUSHED US IN ANY DIRECTION, BUT GAVE US A LOT OF SUPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

How much did your father Jimmy Barnes influence your career choice?
WELL, HE WAS ALWAYS TOURING AND PERFORMING, AND AS I SAID PLAYING US LOTS OF GREAT MUSIC, IT ALWAYS SEEMED LIKE A GREAT OPTION FOR ME. I SAW HOW MUCH HE LOVED HIS WORK.

How has being the daughter of such a successful Australian artist given you the upper hand?
IT HAS DEFINITELY HELPED ME, FIRSTLY BECAUSE I’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH DAD AND HIS BAND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, WHO ARE ALL AMAZING, THAT IS AN OPPORTUNITY NOT MANY WOULD GET, BUT PART OF HIS SUCCESS IS HOW HARD HE WORKS AND HE HAS DEFINITELY TAUGHT ME THAT. A LOT OF DOORS ARE OPENED BY WHO I AM, BUT JUST AS MANY ARE CLOSED. UNFORTUNATELY PEOPLE SEEM TO ASSUME A LOT ABOUT WHO I AM AS AN ARTIST, AND HOW I HAVE GOT WHERE I AM SOLELY BECAUSE OF DAD, BUT I DON’T REALLY MIND WHAT PEOPLE THINK, I’D JUST LIKE THEM TO COME AND SEE ME PERFORM AND DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES WHY I AM WHERE I AM.

How did you go about achieving such a level of success? We want the secrets….
HARD WORK, PASSION, LOVE, PATIENCE, CONFIDENCE, COMMITMENT…A LOT OF SHOWS AND A REALLY GOOD SUPPORT NETWORK AROUND ME. I LOVE MY WORK, SO IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE DOING LOTS AND LOTS OF TOURING, IT DOES TAKE HARD WORK THOUGH. I THINK PATIENCE HAS BEEN VERY IMPORTANT TOO.

What do you believe is the reason you are where you are today?
I HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR A REALLY LONG TIME, AND I’VE WORKED REALLY HARD AND BEEN BLESSED TO WORK WITH A LOT OF GREAT MUSICIANS. I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT SUCCESS AND FAME REALLY QUICKLY. IT CAN HAPPEN, BUT MORE THAN FAME I WANT LONGEVITY AND RESPECT. I WANT TO ENTERTAIN PEOPLE OF COURSE, BUT I AM ALWAYS TRYING TO IMPROVE, AND SING BETTER FOR ME. I SET A VERY HIGH STANDARD FOR MYSELF, BUT I AM STILL VERY CONFIDENT IN MY ABILITY. IT IS SO IMPORTANT AS AN ENTERTAINER TO HAVE CONFIDENCE, NOT ARROGANCE BUT REAL CONFIDENCE. YOU NEED TO BELIEVE IN YOUR SELF, BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO BE ABLE TO LAUGH AT YOURSELF AND NOT TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY. BE THICKSKINNED (BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS CRITICISE – ART IS ABOUT PERSONAL TASTE) BUT DON’T LOSE YOUR EMOTIONS. BALANCE.

What is success to you?
SUCCESS TO ME IS HAPPINESS, BEING ABLE TO MAKE THE MUSIC I LOVE, BEING RESPECTED MUSICALLY, BEING ABLE TO TOUR AND PLAY TO NEW PEOPLE, AND CONTINUE TO LEARN AND GET BETTER. MOVING FORWARD IS SUCCESS. BEING TRULY HAPPY IS SUCCESS.

What has your success enabled you to do? What other goals and dreams has it allowed you to pursue?
IT HAS ENABLED ME TO TRAVEL AND PLAY TO LOTS OF PEOPLE, MEET AND WORK WITH AMAZING PEOPLE. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED TRAVELLING TO NEW COUNTRIES, AND MY SECOND PASSION IS FOOD AND COOKING. I LOVE GREAT FOOD. WITH ALL THE TRAVEL AND SUCCESS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GO AND EAT AT AMAZING RESTAURANTS ALL AROUND THE WORLD!

Was success a choice or something that just happened? What conscious decision did you make to get to where you are today?
I GUESS IT JUST HAPPENED, I MEAN WHEN YOU GET INTO ANY ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY YOU ARE CRAZY TO SAY YOU DON’T HAVE A GOAL OF BEING SUCCESSFUL, BUT HOW SOME PEOPLE MEASURE SUCCESS IS VERY DIFFERENT TO OTHERS. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN SUCH GREAT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH MY MUSIC, AND AS I SAID EARLIER SUCCESS FOR ME IS BEING COMFORTABLE AS AN ARTIST AND ENJOYING YOUR WORK, AND GETTING THE CHANCE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS. I MADE THE CONSCIOUS DECISION NOT TO SIGN A RECORD DEAL OR RECORD AN ALBUM UNTIL I WAS READY AS AN ARTIST, I WANTED TO KNOW WHO I WAS AND WHAT KIND OF SOUND I WANTED TO ACHIEVE BEFORE I REALLY PUT MYSELF OUT THERE. I AM SO GLAD I DID.

What do you believe contributed mostly to you achieving success and becoming a leading singer in Australia?
HARD WORK! AND PASSION. I HAVE BEEN PLAYING LIVE SHOWS OF MY OWN FOR OVER 10 YEARS NOW AND FEEL LIKE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS I REALLY KNOW WHO I AM AS AN ARTIST, I DON’T FELL LIKE I AM TRYING TO BE ANYONE ELSE, I AM JUST ME. I LOVE WHAT I DO SO MUCH AND I THINK PEOPLE SEE THAT AND IT HELPS THEM TO ENJOY MY SHOWS. I THINK CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY.

Who are your role models and what inspires you about them?
MY DAD – HE IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST ARTISTS IN AUSTRALIA, BUT HE STILL WORKS HARDER THAN ANYONE ELSE I KNOW. WHEN HE IS ON STAGE I’VE NEVER SEEN HIM GIVE LESS THAN 100% EVEN WHEN HE’S TIRED. HE ALSO ALWAYS MAKES TIME FOR PEOPLE, HE IS SO GOOD AND GENEROUS WITH HIS TIME. NOT TO MENTION HE’S AN INCREDIBLE SINGER! I HOPE AT 54 I CAN BE GOING STRONG LIKE HE IS, STILL ENJOYING IT, STILL GROWING AS AN ARTIST. TINA TURNER – ONE OF MY FAVOURITE VOICES/PERFORMERS EVER. ARETHA FRANKLIN – FOR THE SAME REASONS. THEY BOTH INSPIRE ME AS PERFORMERS AND HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR SO LONG!!

What do you attribute to your success and having reached being at the top of your game? HARD WORK, LOVE, DEDICATION, LUCK, SUPPORT…AND I DON’T FEEL THAT I HAVE REACHED THE TOP OF MY GAME YET…I’VE STILL GOT A LONG WAY TO GO!

Have you had a mentor along the way and who inspires you most and why?
YES, MY DAD. I AM ALSO INSPIRED BY ALL THE AMAZING MUSOS I’VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH, THEY HAVE ALL TAUGHT ME SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS.

Who would you most like to meet and why?
WELL I GOT TO MEET ARETHA FRANKLIN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO WHICH WAS INCREDIBLE! I GUESS TINA TURNER.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
PATIENCE. WORK HARD. LOVE WHAT YOU DO. CONFIDENCE.

What difficulties and challenges have you faced to get to where you are and how did you turn them around?
A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE MADE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ME AND MY ABILITY BASED ON WHO I AM, BUT I FEEL THAT I HAVE MANAGED TO “PROVE MYSELF” AND OVERCOME A LOT OF THOSE PRE FORMED IDEAS THROUGH A LOT OF TOURING AND CONSISTENCY IN MY PERFORMANCES. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN FAMILY DIFFICULTIES ALONG THE WAY, BUT WE HAVE ALL MANAGED TO GET THROUGH THEM WITH A LOT OF LOVE AND COMPASSION AND A GREAT SUPPORT NETWORK OF EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

When things were tough and there were moments where you doubted yourself and the path you were traveling on? How did you overcome the doubts and what did you do?
I HAVEN’T EVER REALLY DOUBTED MY PATH. I GUESS I’M VERY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT.

What has been your strategy when things got tough personally and professionally?
WORK HARDER. I DON’T BELIEVE ANYTHING CAN STOP YOU IF YOU REALLY WANT SOMETHING. I AM NOT REALLY A NEGATIVE THINKER, I (SO FAR) ALWAYS SEEM TO THINK EVERYTHING WILL BE OK WITH TIME.

If you could say one thing to women out there to inspire them on their journey to success what would it be?
DON’T GIVE UP, BUT REMEMBER THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE FLEXIBLE AND OPEN TO CHANGES ON YOUR WAY TO BECOMING SUCCESFUL. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR OPPORTUNITIES AS THEY PRESENT THEMSELVES ALL THE TIME, BUT OFTEN GO UNNOTICED. WORK HARD, NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS WITHOUT HARD WORK AND PASSION. LOVE WHAT YOU DO OR YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME.

Do you have a favourite quote you would like to share with us and what it means to you?
“IN MY MIND, WE CAN CONQUER THE WORLD” – STEVIE WONDER FROM THE SONG YOU AND I….. I ALWAYS FEEL THAT WAY.....BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING.

The King of Caftan..Colin Heaney Interview

With so many inspirational female designers I was interested to find out if there really is such a big difference between the sexes and how a man thinks when it comes to designing clothes to make a woman feel gorgeous on the inside and out and the strategies behind his success.

Colin Heaney is a Caftan designer living in Byron Bay....I had recently come across his designs and I have to say that wearing a caftan created by Colin gave me an air of confidence, strength and a feminine power, gentle and fluid but strong.

Colin Heaney knows the Art of Luxury and has created Luxury of Art in the divinely sensuous, high quality silk kaftans, sarongs, scarves and a coordinating swimwear collection. Each delicate piece in the Collection is an exquisite alchemy of art, a life time investment.

His designs are truly a work of art, each piece offering women a form of self expression through fashion. Each piece unique and special connecting women to their goddess within.

From the unique mind of an exceptional artist to the form and body of a woman, it is the artist’s intention that each garment move and uplift the wearer, transporting her to exotic
locations and back to the true essence of herself.

Here we bring you the true essence of this great designer and his journey to empowering women in Australia and globally.

Where were you born?

Vancouver, Canada

Where did you grow up?
Vancouver till I was 8 years old and then LA

Current city?
Byron Bay, NSW

Favourite fashion brand – why?
Etro, for their use of prints on flowy feminine style

Favourite designer – why?
John Galliano, his innovative designs

How do these fashion brands/designers empower women?
Allow women to express their individuality and strength of feminine softness

Favourite charity?
I want to support women’s refugees

Favourite holiday spot – why?
BALI the softness
Favourite resort/place to stay?
Four Seasons resorts

Things you love and can’t live without?
Friends and creativity

You have a brand which empowers women….What has been the inspiration behind the brand?

My desire is to create beauty.

How do you feel that what you create has the ability to help women?
When I see a woman put on one of my kaftans her movement becomes more fluid and she drops into what I would call a feminine space

Where does your inspiration come from?
I feel that all my life I have been led. About 10 years ago I was visited by a powerful feminine energy in the form of a vision of the Goddess. It wasn’t fertility or softness it was raw feminine power. I heard the message follow me, at the time I had no idea what it meant but over the years my life has become more and more full. Looking back I can connect the vision to what I am doing now.

Why do you love caftans and why has this been the focus of what you create as a designer?
I originally decided to make kaftans because it seemed like the ideal vehicle for my prints, I love how they move and that they suit every woman.

How did you start out?
I originally designed a range of scarves and sarongs but soon decide to make kaftans and after that swimwear.

What do you love most about what you do?
I love that I can play all day and then I get to see my play turn into something that makes women feel strong and centered

What do you feel is your calling and how do you achieve it through your art and work as a designer?
My calling would be to try to be true to myself, to grow and change and give. All of these things are given to me through my art.

What other professions have you tried and when and how did you know that this was your calling?
When I was 18 I learned leatherwork then moved onto a range of media, wood metal fiber, candles and then to glass which I did for 20 years.
I always try to do what I enjoy and if I am having a good time and growing I know it is what I am supposed to be doing right then

What inspired you to become a caftan designer? Did you always know what you wanted to do?
I have always known what my next step should be but I don’t see a lot further than that.

Who has influenced your career and how?
I suppose the people that have been the biggest influence has always been my customers {collectors}
How did you go about achieving your level of success? We want the secrets….
The secret to success is not a secret at all. It goes back to think and grow rich
1. Have a desire
2. Believe that you can achieve your desire
3. When the universe presents you with opportunities, ACT and keep going till you succeed.
4. Be happy to fail because every failure brings information.
5. The most successful people make the most mistakes
6. Make your own choices and don’t necessarily follow the rules. There is nothing that can’t be improved on.
7. Welcome change

What do you believe is the reason you are where you are today?
I have always tried to live my own life.

What is success to you?
Doing what I love and being surrounded by love.

What has your success enabled you to do? What other goals and dreams has it allowed you to pursue?
My success has given me the certain knowledge that it is possible to live in my own way. Knowing this allows me to pursue anything I have a desire for.

Was success a choice or something that just happened? What conscious decision did you make to get to where you are today?
Success has just happened, I have always believed in myself and I don’t give up. If I have made a conscious decision, it is to follow my own path in work or relationships. Having said this there have been many times in my life when I have failed.

What do you believe contributed mostly to you achieving success?
Do what I love, don’t give up and don’t be afraid to have failures.

Who are your role models and what inspires you about them?
My role models treat everyone with respect and are not judgmental
What do you attribute to your success and having reached being at the top of your game?
Loving what I am doing

Have you had a mentor along the way and who inspires you most and why?
No one person comes to mind but I have picked up a lot from other people. The people that inspire me the most follow their own path. I find Nelson Mandela the most inspiring person because of his self responsibility and courage to forgive.
Who would you most like to meet and why?
I am happy with the people that have come into my life and I look forward to meeting more

What are the most important lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
To always remember, no matter what is happening in my life try to not project any negativity onto others and be truthful and open in my relationships

What difficulties and challenges have you faced to get to where you are and how did you turn them around?
As with everyone I have never ending difficulties and challenges. I don’t believe that I turned them around as much as went through them to the other side. The only way out is through.

When things were tough and there were moments where you doubted yourself and the path you were traveling on? How did you overcome the doubts and what did you do?
Because I feel I am walking my path, I know that my life is my responsibility and that all I need to do is keep going and have faith.

What has been your strategy when things got tough personally and professionally?
Trust Love and Love Trust

If you could say one thing to women out there to inspire them on their journey to success what would it be?
To accept responsibility for your feelings, once we accept responsibility for our feelings our lives start to improve.
To accept responsibility for your life, never to blame yourself, but to allow it to show you where you need to grow.

Do you have a favourite quote you would like to share with us and what it means to you?
A quote by Mark Twain “ I am an old man and I have seen many troubles, fortunately not many of them came true.” It reminds me that living in the future is pointless, just relax and do my best.

Security......an inner journey

We often believe that security is something that someone else can give us. A feeling that comes from a job, our partner and the things that make us feel that we are safe like our possessions. In the past few years and as a result of the GFC, many have come to realise that true security comes from a place deep within ourselves and that "job security" really does not exist.

All that we ever have is ourselves and the people who will support us through the most challenging and uncertain times. What we have is who we are and the ability to deal with what comes our way and make the best of it! We cannot control the outcome of any situation but we can certainly find the strength to get up again and again and find that power within. It is this power that will ultimately decide what type of future we are to have. This power is a belief in ourselves and that we can weather any storm and come out winners despite what has happened to us along the way.

I watched a movie the other night with my partner called "Up in the air". What I took from the movie was that in an uncertain world full of redundancies and company closures that who we become through it all and the people who hold us up whilst we walk the path alone and search for the meaning in the darkness and hardship is what gives us the security we seek.

Often in life we are "Up in the air", we feel like we are without any footing, out at sea without a clear destination and without an anchor. It is these times that we must sail away from the safe harbour and explore the unknown..... In the movie the people were being laid off from their jobs and in one scene George Clooney says "How much did they pay you to give up on your dream" and the man answers $50,000 + vacation pay!

It made me think about how we all give up on our dreams and we are paid a measly $50k as compensation. The question is whether this is really enough and what security are we looking for as we work away year after year for a pay packet and never work towards building our own empires or at least doing what truly fulfills us and working towards a greater dream that will give us a greater life with the friends, partners and family who were there for us when we had nothing and now can share in our success. What a beautiful life that will be!!

Life at the top...

On Sunday I ventured out for a drive up the coast with a special someone, the conversation turned to whether wealth, riches and success are for everyone and why are there some people who believe that the love of fashion, super yachts, luxury cars is superficial and materialistic?? But I must say that the view from our Audi was much better than from a Hyundai....

I have always wondered why if you can live life at the top why would you want to live any other way? Growing up my brother and I always had an abundance of great food, luxury surroundings, comforts and brands. Despite being immigrants in a new country my parents and especially my mother instilled in us the passion for the good life. She taught me that you can do without many things but when it comes to good food, health and looking good that these were non negotiables. She was right!!!

The question is why would we choose to live life any other way? There are people living in the apartments we want, driving the cars we love, wearing the brands we adore and it is such a pleasure to be part of that universe. Superficial? Wrong? Materialistic? I dont believe so! I believe it is our divine right to want to achieve the very best for our lives and for those that we love and to enjoy the surroundings in which we live each day. Beautiful things inspire me, cheapness does not...call that wrong but it feels soooo right!! I believe that true wealth comes with being connected spiritually and that you can definately have it all if only you take the risks and have a big enough dream.....

In life we make choices about who we want to be, how we want to live and then take the steps to achieve all that we want. Some make choices for greatness, which requires some level of risk. I remember reading that when we have more money we also have more opportunities to spend it, to lose it and that responsibility is not something some people want. Being "comfortable" is easier, with success comes a risk that you could lose it all....but as its better to have lived and loved than to never have loved at all, this is also true for wealth....

Love, money, spirit are all part of this beautiful world and we are here to enjoy them....definately nothing superficial about that!

The new look Private Access is here.....

The new look Private Access is here..... We look forward to bringing you the luxury brands, products and experiences to inspire you to live a privileged life.

We'll be sharing with you the interviews from some of Australia's Elite, their stories and their climb to the top. Life at the top is about empowering yourself in all areas - fashion, beauty, business, wealth, wellness and travel.

Private Access™ is the place for women who are going places. Whatever age or stage of life the Private Access woman knows what she wants and aspires to be the very best according to her own definition. Our goal is to help women by bringing together the world of fashion and the world of spirit. To teach women that they can have it all and can be whatever they dream to be....we give women permission to shine.

Private Access™ is where women begin the journey of feeling good about who they are and what they want. They are not labelled as superficial for wearing Gucci or as masculine for empowering themselves financially or being powerhouses in the boardroom.

Empowering one woman can transform the world with generations to come. We don't believe that to be spiritual you must be poor, but that a woman who has everything that her heart desires will be a force for good in the world and has the power to change herself, her family and the planet.

Private Access™ gives women a place where they belong building their self worth through education, empowerment, inspiration and connection.

At Private Access™ we use the world of fashion to pursue our passion in reaching women and making a difference whilst helping women in finding their true voice for self expression in the world.
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Its that time of the year again...by Elsie Kassis

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week kicks off today with the coveted opening spot going to one of Australia's perennial favourite designers Lisa Ho. I love this time of year and what makes it super special in 2010 is that the event will be celebrating it's 15th Birthday.

We have certainly come a long way in regards to the Fashion Industry in this Country since Fashion Week's inception and I am so glad that this annual showcase of draw dropping talent and awe inspiring designs has gone from strength to strength each year wowing us all with unforgettable fashion moments.

I will be covering as many shows as possible this week with highlights to include the aforementioned Lisa Ho as well as Rachel Gilbert, Aurelio Costarella, Nicola Finetti, Friedrich Gray, Alex Perry, Manning Cartell, Jayson Brunsdon, Romance was Born and Ruby Smallbone.

So let the gossip, glamour and chaos begin!

Fashion Fever...

What Does Fashion Mean To You?...by Elsie Kassis

"Fashion and personal style mean different things to different people. To some it is about religiously following the trends. For others it is about making an individual statement. To others again it is about self validation - of having the latest It Bag or next season's hottest heels before everybody else. Fashion fuses culture and the arts. It takes its influence from the street. From what music we listen to. Which films we watch. It is about self expression.

What you clothe yourself in is simply an extension of the person you are or hope to be and it is this very fact that makes fashion so attainable to so many. As little girls we revelled in getting into our mothers wardrobes and playing dress ups. As an adult this very act simply transgresses into shopping for ourselves. Fashion is supposed to be fun. It is something you can play with. You can wake up each morning and ask yourself, 'just who am I going to be today?' and answer that question simply by opening up your closet.

Some people may scoff at the very idea of fashion. They dismiss it as being unnecessary and frivolous. Useless even. But they are wrong. The Fashion Industry is a multi billion dollar International organisation that employs millions of people around the globe. Fashion is innately powerful. It's impact is evident all around you, every single day. It does not only make you look good but it makes you feel good as well. Just think of that wonderful feeling you get when you first put on that new outfit you've bought for a particular event and how amazingly confident you feel walking into that room because of it. Fashion represents creativity, hours upon hours of hard work, serious money investments, business opportunities and the dedication of inspirational people day in and day out.

This is what fashion means to me.

Each Monday I will be bringing you the latest of what is happening in this glamorous, competitive, hard working and always chaotic industry as well as the latest looks for the Private Access Woman. Stay tuned for next weeks column as with Rosemount Australian Fashion week kicking off today and celebrating a cool 15 years, I will be letting you in on all the happenings, the goss and the fab collections for the new season ahead.

In the meantime feel free to visit me at www.diaryofafashionmuse.blogspot.com for your daily fashion fix.

Love, Elsie xo"

Super Yachting to success.....

I have always loved the way people come into my life and bring with them the gifts and lessons that I most need to learn. I have often found it interesting to observe what and who is sent my way.... I have realised that we often get the essence of what we ask for and perhaps there are stepping stones to get to the dream and the people that enter our lives are part of the beautiful journey we take to get there!

A special person has recently shared with me a secret to his success...he taught me that steady growth is the key and that patience and incremental growth little by little is what I should be aiming for! Born 3 months premature and wanting to get out in the world I have always been in a hurry and still am. There is so much to do, to see, to experience and we live in a world where we want it NOW!!

Looking back and reflecting on the past 2 years I see how far I have come....I didn't realise this until meeting someone who was the exact opposite and appreciated the small achievements he had made along the way! It truly amazed me that someone would want to take the time to get there and sail slowly when they could get a super yacht instead and in his case even design the very one he wanted to get him there!!!

The message I share is that there are people who come to us for a reason, a season and some for a lifetime, some go and others stay..... but each of them bring a special gift and lessons to help us along the evolutionary path....