Hello Eastern Suburbs Mums! My name is Jess Innes and I’m a local mum and business owner. I am the founding director of 100% Dance which is home to a children’s dance studio, pre-professional training program, talent agency and entertainment company. After 17 years of teaching local kids to dance, I am so lucky to have had my very own tiny dancer – My daughter Aurelia is about to turn one and I am absolutely loving being a mum! Pop into the 100% Dance studio in Charing Cross and say g’day as I love connecting with other local families in our community!
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I am a fourth generation Bronte girl! I am so grateful to have spent most of my life in the Eastern suburbs. My great grandmother used to say “the sun shines different in Bronte!”
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Buzzing, Beautiful, Beaches
How many children?
I have one daughter Aurelia Faye who is about to turn one. Aurelia means “Golden” and she is certainly our golden girl. She lights up our lives!
Favourite Park?
Varna Park. I used to climb trees there as a kid with my best friend and watch the world from above.
Favourite Beach?
It has to be Bronte! From the baths to the Bogey Hole, the gully to the seagulls! It’s simply the best!
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
I love to grab a picnic rug and take it to Centennial park and get my coffee and tasty treats takeaway from The Homestead cafe.
Favourite Coffee Spot?
Cafe Sorelle is our local coffee shop just down the road from 100% Dance and not only do they make the BEST coffee, they treat their customers like family. They even came to watch our dance concert to cheer on the students they see every week at the cafe – how many people can say that about their barista!
Favourite date night place?
We spent our honeymoon in South America so I can’t go past a date night at Carbón in Bondi for an authentic Parilla experience and a margarita!
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
Cirque Du Soleil is currently on at the Entertainment Quarter and I’d absolutely love to go and see it! EQ is such a great hub for the arts!
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
I would love to see more local community events. I love the Bondi Festival of the Winds and the Spot Festival. Opportunities for the local community to get together and share what they do.
Favourite Local Shop?
Desordre boutique in Bondi. I’ve bought every “favourite” item of clothing I’ve ever owned there!
Favourite wet weather location?
Randwick Ritz cinema.. don’t forget the choctop!
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
We love spending time as a family in nature. Either bushwalking, Swimming at the beach, snorkelling, paddle boarding, anything active and outdoors!
Work or SAHM?
I am so lucky to have an incredible team at 100% Dance that allow me to balance time solely focused on being a mum whilst also fulfilling my passion in the performing arts industry. I love the balance I’ve managed to find between the two!
Motherly advice?
Never stop playing! Being a mum is the greatest opportunity to experience all the joys of youth again with the added knowledge of how precious it is.
