The member's spotlight

What does it really take to build a successful local business and become part of the community along the way?

In this Member Spotlight, we chat with Marina Makhlin, Vice President of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce and owner of LJ Hooker Bondi Junction, about business, real estate, leadership and the importance of local connections.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Marina’s journey in real estate and business
• What she’s seeing in the Bondi Junction property market
• Why relationships and trust matter in business
• The role of community in building a successful local business
• Why connecting and supporting other local businesses matters

🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation about business, property and the power of community in Bondi.

In this new episode we meet with Sandra Hudson, the owner behind Hudson Bakery, the gluten free bakery in Bondi Junction.

The bakery is a strong, established business that has grown considerably over the past few years, and Sandra shares what has helped drive that growth ( including the support of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce)

We talk about the power of community, the future of Bondi Junction and everything in between.

Go listen now!

In this episode, we speak with Pete Mazec, founder of Green Olives Organic and long-time board member of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce.

Pete shares his journey building a local food business, along with what 5 years inside the Chamber has taught him about community, connection, and supporting small business in Bondi.

We also unpack the shifts he’s seeing in the local business landscape—from changing customer behaviour to the rise of community-led commerce—and what it all means for the future of independent business.

A grounded, insightful conversation for founders and business owners navigating growth in a changing world.

In this episode, Marie sits down with Paul Stubley, founder of Rollout Marketing, to explore how storytelling, branding, and customer experience directly shape business success.

With 15+ years across sales, retail, print, and customer experience, Paul shares why most businesses are undervaluing one key thing: how their brand feels, not just how it looks.

💡 3 Key Takeaways🚀 About the Episode

1. Stories sell more than products
Businesses often have powerful stories—but if they’re not clearly communicated, they lose impact and revenue.

2. Experience changes perceived value
From signage to store design to websites, customer perception can dramatically shift price, trust, and buying behaviour.

3. AI is accelerating small business growth
New founders can now build systems, qualify leads, and scale outreach faster than ever using simple AI tools.

A practical, forward-thinking conversation on how to turn your brand into a full customer experience—not just a service or product.

Rollout Marketing: https://rollout.marketing/

In this episode, I sit down with James Henegan, the founder of Boss Clinics in Bondi Junction, a fast-growing clinic helping people take control of their hair health, confidence, and self-image.

We go behind the scenes of what it really takes to start a new business in a competitive wellness and aesthetics space, and how James turned a focused idea into a growing brand with real impact.

We talk about:

• The personal story behind Boss Clinics and why James started it
• The realities of launching a new clinic in Bondi Junction
• Building trust in the hair and wellness industry

• Lessons learned from the early stages of growth and brand building

Whether you’re curious about hair health, building a clinic-based business, or starting something from scratch in a crowded market, this conversation is full of practical insights and honest lessons.

A powerful reminder that strong businesses are built on both expertise and consistency and that starting before everything feels perfect is often the real beginning.

Boss's clinic: https://bossclinic.com.au/location/bondi

In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Handerson, community catalyst and key figure in the Bondi business scene, to unpack what it really takes to build a strong, connected community.

We explore how real community is created through consistency, trust, and genuine human connection, not just networking or visibility.

A must-listen for founders, creatives, and leaders who want to build something meaningful that lasts beyond business.

If you want to reach Stacy, you can email him at :

stacynhenderson.com

What if your mortgage wasn’t just a debt… but a strategy?

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Pirozzi, founder of MAP Lending, to unpack how smart mortgage decisions can accelerate both personal wealth and business growth.

Whether you're a first-home buyer, property investor, or business owner navigating cash flow, Matt Pirozzi breaks down the strategies most people overlook and how to make your money work harder for you.

Ready to think differently about your mortgage and your business growth?
Listen now.

🚀 About Matt

Matt is the founder of MAP Lending, a mortgage advisory business focused on strategy, growth, and long-term financial outcomes. He works closely with founders, professionals, and investors to help them structure their lending in a way that aligns with both their personal and business goals.

What if peak performance didn’t start with working harder — but recovering smarter?

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Sexton, founder of Healing on Spring, a fast-growing wellness sanctuary in the heart of Bondi Junction. As more entrepreneurs and professionals recognise the cost of burnout, Healing on Spring is leading a quiet shift in how our community approaches recovery, resilience, and long-term health.

From red light therapy to lymphatic massage, Ben shares how science-backed treatments are helping clients restore energy, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and optimise performance — both physically and mentally.

We explore:

• Why recovery is becoming a strategic advantage for business owners

• The science behind red light therapy and how it supports cellular repair

• The benefits of lymphatic drainage for stress, immunity, and overall wellbeing

• What makes Healing on Spring different from a traditional day spa

• Why investing in health is no longer a luxury — but a necessity

This conversation goes beyond wellness trends. It’s about sustainability — for your body, your mind, and your business.

If you’re building, leading, or growing in Bondi, this episode is your reminder: performance starts with how well you recover.

Welcome back to the Members Spotlight Podcast, where we highlight the people behind the businesses shaping our local community.

Today’s episode is a special one. I’m joined by Bakari, the founder of Bloke Wipes — a brand born right here, with a strong connection to the Bondi community.

In this conversation, we go beyond the product.
We talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up — the challenges, the doubts, the pressure that comes with being a founder, and the moments that test your resilience.

Bakari also shares what makes the Bondi community so unique — the places, the people, and the energy that continue to inspire his journey as a business owner.

If you’re building something of your own, or you’re curious about the stories behind the brands you see every day, this episode will resonate.

Let’s get into it.

Useful links:

Bloke Products

Today on the Lucky Last podcast, I’m joined by the powerhouse behind Focus on Forbes Media — a branding photographer who’s helped countless business owners elevate their image and stand out in a crowded market.

We dive into the real secrets of impactful visuals, building trust through storytelling, and the shots every entrepreneur needs to take their brand to the next level.

Focus on Forbes Media: https://www.focusonforbesmedia.com/