Everyday Hands Creation Award
1. What do you create, and what inspired you to start?
I create safe, joyful, and empowering spaces where women and young girls can feel seen, nurtured, and celebrated. Through Mel’s Beauty on the Run, I bring pamper parties and self-care experiences to life from birthday spa days for little girls to “Girls Night In” events for women needing time to reconnect and recharge. My inspiration came from seeing a gap in the market and an opportunity to offer mobile beauty experiences that focused not only on pampering but on connection, confidence, and self-love.
Through my work at Penrith Women’s Health Centre, I also provide therapeutic massage for women in the community who are experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, or domestic and family violence. These treatments are more than just physical relief they are a way to release anxiety and rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and identity.
My involvement with the Aboriginal community especially through the Yarning Sistas Circle in collaboration with the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service has allowed me to listen, learn, and contribute meaningfully to spaces where culturally safe support is needed.
Across all areas of my work, I am inspired by the strength of women and the power of creating environments where they feel seen, nurtured, and celebrated.
2. How does your creativity serve others or bring joy?
Creativity allows me to tailor each experience whether it’s a themed spa party for kids or a calming infant massage class to the emotional and physical needs of those I’m serving. It brings joy by creating moments of laughter, relaxation, and transformation. For many of my clients, these aren’t just services they’re treasured memories or stepping stones in their personal journey.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see a mum leave feeling less isolated after a group class, or a young girl glow with confidence after being pampered like a princess. Creativity brings joy when people feel seen, safe, and free to be themselves—that’s my mission in everything I do.
3. What personal values show up in your craft?
My work is led by compassion, authenticity, empowerment, and community. I show up as my full self in every interaction, making sure my clients feel heard, valued, and respected. Whether I’m guiding a mum through her baby’s first massage or helping a child feel special at their birthday spa party, I lead with the heart.
I honour each woman’s story, especially those navigating trauma or hardship. Through respectful listening, culturally informed practice, and trauma-aware care, I ensure each person I work with feels safe, supported, and never alone.
Inclusivity is another core value I believe in making beauty and wellbeing accessible to all women, regardless of age, background, or circumstance.
4. Tell us about a project that holds deep meaning for you.
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been involved in is my massage work with women impacted by trauma, DV, and mental health challenges at Penrith Women’s Health Centre. Each session is carefully designed to support the woman’s emotional and physical safety, offering a rare moment of calm where they can let go of fear and anxiety, even if just for an hour. Knowing I’m part of their healing journey is an honour I hold close to my heart.
I also hold a special place for my involvement with the Yarning Sistas Circle, which offers a culturally safe space for Aboriginal women to come together, heal, and be heard. My contribution there, in collaboration with the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, has been deeply meaningful and humbling.
On the other side, the celebrations I create through Mel’s Beauty on the Run especially for women who rarely take time for themselves are also close to my heart. These are more than just beauty treatments; they are reminders that every woman deserves to feel pampered, loved, and worthy.
5. How has creativity transformed your own life or healing journey?
Creativity has been both my sanctuary and my strength. It has allowed me to carve out a career that reflects my heart: helping others, creating joy, and building safe spaces for women and children. In times of personal hardship including grief and emotional exhaustion my work has given me purpose, healing, and a deep connection to others walking their own journeys.
The relationships I’ve built, especially through massage therapy with vulnerable women, and the celebrations I’ve created for everyday women through my mobile beauty business, have shown me that healing can happen in many forms. Whether it’s through touch, laughter, listening, or simply holding space.
Creativity didn’t just build my business, it’s helped build me.