This week’s local mum is Bonnie Gilles. She calls Maroubra home and lives with her 15 year old daughter, 13 year old son and dog Rio. Eastern suburbs mums is interviewing Bonnie about her work and busy family life.
Bonnie G aka Oz Beauty Expert has worked as a hair and make-up artist in the Fashion and Film industries for over 20 years- you name it and she has done it. Bringing so much more than just makeup, her work crosses into Creative Direction, Makeup Education, Beauty writing and Hosting. Bonnie has presented make-up and hair demonstrations on stage at London Fashion week, appeared in TV campaigns for Revlon and Lancome, worked for prestigious fashion houses (and on many a Victoria’s Secret angel!). She has makeup directed TV shows and worked on some amazing feature films including The Da Vinci Code in addition to being a regular beauty contributor on Channel 9. Bonnie was also appointed the personal beauty adviser to the Queen’s lady in waiting of Buckingham Palace.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I have lived here for the last decade.
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Busy, interesting, fun.
How many children?
2 – 13 yo son & 15yo daughter
Favourite Park:
Well it’s hard to go past Centennial but my next favourite would probably be Bronte beach park.
Favourite Beach:
Maroubra (my local)
Favourite kid friendly cafe:
I love sitting outdoors on a nice day for a breakkie roll at Marini Cafe on the corner at maroubra beach. I also love Barzura at Coogee and Luxe Woollahra
Favourite Coffee Spot:
Anywhere by the beach
Favourite date night place:
Ooh The Boat House Rose Bay, Freds, or Totti’s
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to ?
I have literally walked from end to end of the eatern suburbs! My mum and I love walking together and we do different coastal walks all the time. Bit by bit we have covered the whole coast from Rose Bay to La perouse.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
I’d love a bit more culture, a precinct that had a bit more of a Newtown vibe- bars/music/food all in one place. I do miss having that nearby.
Favourite Local Shop:
Being in the beauty industry I’m going to say beauty clinics because there are some amazing ones in the east! Jocelyn Petroni in Woolahra is an amazing facialist, Shape clinic in Darlinghurst are the best when it comes to cosmetic treatments, Tan temple in Bondi do the best spray tans.
Favourite wet weather location:
Hmmm I cannot stand all this rain. Um I guess the cinema with the kids.
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
Maroubra beach or Mahon pool. The best.
Work or SAHM?
Well I’ve been blessed to have only worked for myself as long as I’ve had kids, so I’ve kind of lived the SAHM life and the working life simultaneously. The beauty of having my own business is that I’ve been able to work as little or as much as I want and I’ve been super flexible. So I’ve always been able to attend school functions and things the kids have on.
Motherly advice?
Honestly just when you think it gets easier, it gets harder again. Raising kids is a roller coaster ride! No one knows exactly what they are doing, we’re all winging it! Don’t be too hard on yourself, you are doing great!
