22/03/2026
Who helped you when you were starting out?
Last night I had one of those full circle moments which reminded me of how privileged I am to do what I do.
This week, Savvy Style & Training turned 13. Our first ever program was a pilot, offered for free, to Debbie Hill of Lighthouse Care. Debbie sat in on that program, and believed in it enough to recommend it to Marie Barber of Beenleigh PCYC.
Marie was coordinating a pilot program called “Its All About Me”, for survivors of FDV and invited me to incorporate my Styling from the Inside Out program into it. Within six weeks of launching with Debbie, I found myself not only with my first paid gig, but in a pilot program working with QPS, PCYC, Centrelink and referring Community Organisations such as Wesley Mission right off the bat (my first pinch me moment). Not long after this, we were featured on the ABC News highlighting the positive impact that was being made for the participants (second pinch me moment).
This connection and collaboration with PCYC lasted for years, with Marie becoming my mentor, until she sadly passed away (breaking the hearts of all those she supported and who loved her - never forgotten). My connection to the Logan Community has continued and grown to include other community organisations and (for the past 9 years) Logan City Council.
The very generous community of Logan gave me and (my business) Savvy Style & Training, our first hand up.
Last night, I was honoured to be included in the list of invitees of Logan City Council to attend the 2026 City of Logan People’s Excellence Awards. Here we were not only inspired by the selfless work of many in the room, we celebrated the 17 much deserving recipients who received Awards for the work they do.
To my delight, also in the room was Debbie Hill. Whilst we’ve remained connected on social media, our paths had not crossed for some 10+ years. What a poignant and serendipitous moment to happen in our 13th birthday week.
Whilst Savvy Style and Training has grown from one program focused on empowering victims of crime in FDV, it now includes programs focused on prevention education for workplace wellbeing, mental fitness as well as youth and employability programs. Our clients have grown to include Corporate, Government, Young People in Care, RTO’s, high schools, the health and hair industries as well as community organisations. From those humble beginnings, launched with a free program, and a recommendation, that went on to open the door to working with thousands of people across Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
So, who opened the door for you, or more importantly, who can you open the door for? You never know, you may just be that one missing introduction away from changing someone’s life. Thank you Debbie, Marie and the whole Logan Community for changing mine.