The Heart & Sole: Meet Cathy, Shoutique Founder

22 July 20254 min read

Having been a staple of the independent fashion world on the Gold Coast since 2007, we sit down with Cathy Hardy, owner of Shoetique, to discover the key to her enduring success and some of the must-have styles in footwear this season.

What was your vision for Shoetique when you first launched in 2007?

In August of 2007, we first opened our doors in Scarborough Street with a vision for a beautiful, independent European footwear retailer for women. We only had footwear and accessories back then, and once we moved to Australia Fair in 2018, we added more clothing and other products to our range. 

We really centre around premium quality and a personalised service – when we first started out, there were more than 20 independent footwear retailers on the Gold Coast, and now there’s only three of us! We’ve certainly stood the test of time, and our customers know that they will walk away with something they love.

With such an enduring business, how do you adapt to new trends in the market and styles?

I think the biggest change for all within the women’s footwear industry is the wearability of sneakers with everything. Sneakers are hugely popular now, and we can style them with shorts, with dresses or wide leg pants, they are a must-have for our customer base. 

Other popular styles include our beautiful handmade Spanish Espadrilles (a personal favourite of mine!) – I think it all comes down to comfort, and at Shoetique we really focus on aligning comfort and style.

Even with the rise of e-commerce, consumers are keen to return to in-person shopping for a more meaningful and personal experience – how do you like customers to feel when they visit your store?

It’s just truly personal service – you get service and knowledge of what we know and what could be a good alternative to what you think you need. Sometimes, going to a physical retail outlet provides you with the chance to be surprised.

Not everyone realises this, but photographing footwear can be very tricky – it doesn’t always come out looking the way it appears in real life, or conveying the feel. Showcased with our beautiful clothing, handbags and accessories range, getting to experience our shoes in real life makes it a really positive experience. You know you’ll always pick up something fabulous, but more importantly, you’ll be fitted correctly and there’s a higher chance of finding the right shoe.

When customers have experienced the difference, they always want to come back.

What are the ‘must haves’ for you to stock a shoe design?

It’s always about quality for us – we aren’t down the lowest ends of pricing (or fast fashion) but we sit comfortably in the middle range of pricing. Nothing outrageous, but you’re paying for quality and durability (as well as beautiful and unique styles!).

We’ve really curated our range at Shoetique, European shoes and clothing (lots of Italian and Spanish designs), and women come to an independent retailer expecting to find something better. You won’t spot our shoes on everyone, and we cater to customers all across the Gold Coast who know they’ll find something special here.

When you’re stepping out on the town, what will we spot on your feet?

Our Spanish Espadrilles are number one! You never have a problem with comfort, they are super stylish and handmade – they just work for our lifestyle here on the Gold Coast whether dressed up or down.

Any favourite retail moments or memories across your career to date?

I love when interstate or international customers return to visit us – it gives me such a buzz that we’ve made that level of impact. I might even get an email from an overseas customer asking for me to ship something or looking for another style, and that tells me they love the product but the service is something they remember us for.

We’re lucky to have really endured as a successful independent retailer for a long time – we never sit still, and we’re always looking for new ways to excite our customers. 

More Than a Meal: The Heart Behind Havafeed

There’s something about a home-cooked meal that really says, well, home. For the team at Havafeed Gold Coast, that feeling is exactly what they set out to create — a warm plate, a familiar face, and a sense of belonging for anyone who needs it. It’s a universal way to make someone feel welcome and cared for after a long day at work or a stressful afternoon juggling schedules. The comfort that comes from sitting down to a plate of your favourite family dish is hard to replicate, no matter how tempting the local takeaway might be. But for those without a home, or without someone to share a meal with, it’s a comfort that is often out of reach. Meet the Founders Behind Havafeed Gold Coast After recognising the need to support people doing it tough during a conversation with friends who had recently lost their jobs, Gold Coast locals Lindsay and Robyn Burch saw an opportunity to make a difference. With a newly discovered family inheritance, the couple decided to buy a van and start collecting loaves of bread from local bakeries in an attempt to bring a little kindness to a community grappling with rising living costs and increasing social isolation. Since then, the parents of three have dedicated their retirement years to founding Havafeed, a not-for-profit charity that provides fresh food and support to the community. [SUGGESTED LINK: Havafeed official website – havafeed.org] As former pastors, the pair’s compassion for others comes as no surprise. What started as a small group of volunteers quickly grew into a place where disadvantaged families, pensioners, people experiencing homelessness and victim-survivors of domestic violence could come for a hot meal and a conversation. More Than a Meal: What Havafeed Offers Most mornings at 4.30am, Robyn and Lindsay are packing the van with supplies and preparing to meet fellow volunteers at the Mermaid Beach Community Centre. Once they arrive, it’s all hands on deck to set up tables and chairs, prepare breakfast and get ready to open the doors at 6am. Going through an average of 10 kilograms of bacon each week, the service provides everything from a freshly made breakfast sandwich to a friendly face and a sense of belonging for Gold Coasters doing it tough. But it’s not just food on offer. Alongside a free Sunday church service, two representatives from Queensland Health’s Homeless Outreach Team are available twice a week to provide support. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Orange Sky laundry team also visits with its free mobile washing and drying facilities. [SUGGESTED LINK: Orange Sky Australia – information about their free laundry and showering services] Co-founder Robyn says demand for services like Havafeed continues to grow. While the organisation is busier than ever, she says the people they meet and the visible impact of the service make it all worthwhile. Stories That Make It All Worthwhile Serving thousands of visitors and more than 300 meals each week, Robyn has plenty of memorable stories. One in particular stands out. “I suggested to him that he go home, and he said, ‘I can’t go back there. Nobody would want me,'” Robyn recalls. Lindsay created a Facebook account for the man and, within an hour, five people were looking for him. One offered him a job, while another offered him a car. “They were all there to do what they could to help him,” she says. “Since then, he’s got a better job that he really likes.” He was also able to travel to Melbourne and spend time with his daughter at the Royal Children’s Hospital a week before she passed away. “There’s plenty of stories,” Robyn says. “Just that one sticks in my head.” This September will mark 33 years since the couple began their mission of providing “guidance and hope” to locals. Along the way, they were recognised with the 2024 Senior Australian of the Year award. [SUGGESTED LINK: Senior Australian of the Year award – Australian of the Year Awards website] Gold Coast veteran Michael says the friendship and support he found at Havafeed have been invaluable. “Their positivity and encouragement have lifted me up during some of my darkest moments,” he says. “Thanks to their help, I am now on a path to recovery and am starting to feel like myself again.” Volunteer Anna McHaven, who has been involved with Havafeed for five years, says it is the environment that makes the organisation so special. “Robyn and Lindsay have created a warm and caring place of safety where all are valued and respected,” she says. Of course, the work is not without its challenges. Keeping up with supplies and meeting demand remains an ongoing concern. “We rely on donations and some weeks you’ve got plenty of stuff, some weeks you’ve got half, and then the next week you haven’t got any at all. It’s just like that continuously,” Robyn says. How You Can Support Havafeed Gold Coast It costs approximately $2,000 a week to keep Havafeed running. Along with its generous partners, the organisation relies on community support to continue its work. During opening hours, non-perishable food items and groceries are always welcome at the Mermaid Beach Community Centre, while larger donations can be arranged for collection. Whether it’s setting aside an item from your weekly shop or lending a hand at breakfast, every contribution makes a difference. Havafeed welcomes volunteers and donations year-round. Whether you can spare time, food or funds, your support helps ensure no one in our community goes without. For more information, visit havafeed.org.

Our Community

Crafting Spirits with Heart: The Story Behind Imbibis Distillery

Behind every great craft spirit is a story of passion, persistence and a little bit of courage. For Jason and Maree Hannay, the founders of Imbibis Craft Distillery, that story began with a dream to create something uniquely Australian – and deeply personal. Today, their boutique distillery has earned international recognition for its artisan gins and brandy, but the journey to get there has been just as rich as the spirits themselves. Jason, your background is in winemaking. How did the journey into distilling begin? Jason: I spent more than 20 years working in the Queensland wine industry, so fermentation and flavour were already part of my life. But I’d always had a fascination with distillation – the science and artistry of transforming raw ingredients into something complex and expressive. Eventually, that curiosity turned into a dream to craft my own spirits using local ingredients. That dream became Imbibis. What was it like launching a distillery from scratch? Jason: Equal parts exciting and terrifying! We officially launched in late 2019, and within months we were navigating a global pandemic. But the response from the local community was incredible. People really embraced the idea of an Ipswich-based distillery producing premium spirits, and that support kept us going in those early days. Maree, you’ve had a very different career path. How did you become involved? Maree: My background is actually in the corporate and legal worlds. I worked with organisations like Woolworths, BHP and MinterEllison before joining Imbibis full time. But creativity has always been important to me – I’m also a watercolour artist – so stepping into the distillery gave me a chance to bring that creative energy into the brand. These days I wear many hats: marketing, events, customer engagement… and occasionally bottle labelling and glass washing! Your spirits have already won international awards. What makes them special? Jason: We focus on small-batch production and high-quality local ingredients. Many of our botanicals are native Australian flavours like lemon myrtle, native pepperberry and bottlebrush. The idea is to create spirits that reflect where we live and the ingredients available around us. What does it mean to see your work recognised on the global stage? Maree: It’s incredibly rewarding. When we started, we simply wanted to make beautiful spirits that people would enjoy sharing with friends. To now see our gins and brandies winning medals internationally is both humbling and exciting. And finally – what’s next for Imbibis? Jason: We’re always experimenting. Distillation is a constant journey of discovery. Whether it’s a new botanical blend, a small-batch brandy or something entirely unexpected, we’re always looking for ways to keep the creative process alive. Stay tuned for launch of Ipswich’s very first whiskey. Coming soon. For Jason and Maree, Imbibis isn’t just a distillery – it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, local ingredients and the simple joy of sharing a drink with good company. imbibis.com.au

Our Community

Growing strong girls, empowering futures

By Megan Stray More than a decade ago, while working as a kinesiologist in a small clinic beneath my home, I began noticing a pattern that was impossible to ignore. Young people were arriving not with the usual childhood complaints, but with something far heavier. Seven-year-olds struggling with debilitating anxiety and missing large amounts of school. Ten-year-olds already prescribed antidepressants. Bright, sensitive young girls battling eating disorders far earlier than anyone expected. Behind every child was a family searching for answers, hoping to find the missing piece that would help their daughter feel safe, confident and whole again. Watching these stories unfold, it became clear that something needed to change. From that realisation, Heal.ed Tribe was born. What began as a deeply personal response has grown into a local not-for-profit organisation supporting young girls across the Gold Coast. The first initiative was a small three-day retreat for five girls experiencing eating disorders and their mothers, alongside two teenage girls living in homeless shelters. There was no rigid clinical agenda. The intention was simple: to create a space where young people felt seen, supported and genuinely cared for. Today, almost eleven years later, Heal.ed Tribe continues to focus on education, prevention and early intervention, helping young girls build resilience and strengthen their mental wellbeing. Every program and conversation is grounded in a core belief that no young person should feel alone in their mental health journey. The challenges facing young people continue to grow. Experts predict that by 2030, mental health concerns could become Australia’s greatest disease burden, surpassing cancer and heart disease. Yet beyond the statistics are the real stories and quiet breakthroughs that remind us why community support matters. Because these girls are the women of our future. Watching a young person rediscover hope, confidence and a sense of belonging is powerful, not only for them, but for the families and communities surrounding them. To learn more or support the work of Heal.ed Tribe, visit healedtribe.org.au

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Elevated Alfresco: A Conversation with Mary Sidey of Dune Outdoor Luxuries

For more than 17 years, Mary and Ben Sidey have been shaping how Gold Coasters live outdoors. As the founders of Dune Outdoor Luxuries and the exclusive Australian distributor of iconic U.S. brand Brown Jordan, Mary has become synonymous with timeless design, premium craftsmanship, and serene alfresco living. We sat down with her to talk inspiration, luxury materials, and the secrets to creating outdoor spaces that truly feel like home. The Inspiration Behind the Craft What inspired your passion for luxurious outdoor spaces? MARY: I’ve always wanted to create a sanctuary at home – a place for family and friends to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Travelling overseas exposed me to brands that were operating at a higher level. Brown Jordan stood out for its heritage, attention to detail, and marine-grade materials. Becoming their exclusive Australian distributor was a natural step. Their designs from the 1940s are still relevant today — timeless and enduring. The Art of Effortless Elegance What’s your secret to transforming an ordinary outdoor area into a sanctuary? MARY: Layering and using only the best materials. Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylics are non-negotiable for us – they last and elevate every space. I also keep accessories minimal; the furniture should always be the hero. When the design is strong, the space feels calm, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. Alfresco Trends – and What Lasts What trends are shaping luxury outdoor spaces? MARY: I focus on understanding a client’s lifestyle. Onsite consultations help create flow from indoors to outdoors, making the space feel cohesive. I don’t chase trends – create long-term spaces. For apartment living, I recommend deep seating instead of dining, encouraging more use and comfort. Timeless design always wins. The Dream Outdoor Haven If you could design your ultimate outdoor space, what would it include? MARY: A pool and covered seating area layered with an outdoor rug and sheer Sunbrella curtains. An outdoor kitchen with a built-in Weber BBQ, oversized pots filled with lush plants, and furniture that connects seamlessly to the interior. Outdoor rooms should feel just as beautiful and inviting as the indoors. A Standout Project Is there a project that holds a special place in your heart? MARY: One home in Sanctuary Cove stands out. The developer asked me to stage the outdoor areas. I encouraged them to invest in quality furniture, and it transformed the property. Interiors were staged professionally, and I styled the outdoors with Brown Jordan furniture, cushions, and plants. The result? Top-dollar sale — and the buyers purchased all the furniture. It was the perfect example of how powerful outdoor design can be.