Hospitality expert and entrepreneur
We have a backlog of venues opening and also some new ventures. I am excited to be branching out into a few additional industries as well, including retail, fitness, hotel developments, and even a protein company.
Tell us your story – how did you get here?
I was actually living in Sydney when I was approached for a job in Bali. After gaining some experience on the island, I decided to start my own hospitality company. We opened the first restaurant, Fishbone Local, a few months later. It was a whirlwind from there – we opened Mason four months following, then The Back Room a few months after that. It has been non-stop ever since, and I am now very proud to call Bali home.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Honestly, it has to be sitting here answering these questions with my businesses open and staff employed, despite two years of Covid struggles. The past 24 months have tested all businesses in the tourism industry, and we saw a lot of operators go out of business. I have surrounded myself with supporting business partners, a resilient team, friends, family and an amazing partner, Mitch. Without them all, we wouldn’t be operating today. I guess I am proud of the people I have in my life as well.
What impact have you made in Bali?
I can safely say that I have fed and liquored up a large number of guests over the years… But I would also like to think I have been a helping hand to other individuals and business owners here in Bali. Keeping our staff employed during the past unprecedented years has been a feat that I know I will always look back on with a sense of accomplishment.
What does 2022 look like for you?
2022 is already off to a wild start… We have a backlog of venues opening and also some new ventures. I am excited to be branching out into a few additional industries as well, including retail, fitness, hotel developments, and even a protein company. We established a management company in 2021, which also opened up doors to some amazing partnerships and new opportunities, including our new Shelter restaurant in Pererenan. Next on the horizon is Mason Uluwatu opening there in a few months. I also have a few other projects I am keeping a little on the hush for now.. but watch this space.
Most people might think we’ve been resting the past two pandemic years, but in fact it was the opposite. I am well overdue a good nap.
What do you love most about Bali?
I could sound romantic here and say the sunsets, the people, the energy… But really it’s all the small stuff that you don’t see on tourism advertisements. It’s the knockoff drinks with your staff after closing for the night, the Nyepi lock-ins, or watching tourists drive around in bikinis on wobbly scooters. It’s the late night chats with your hospitality crew, the unexplainable smells on the streets, the days of “one too many Bintangs” and living in this little island oasis with friends.
What's the quirkiest thing not many people know about you?
I have quite an insane love of sports, to the extent that I opened up The Bench Sports Bar during the pandemic with my boyfriend and another friend, just to have a safe space to yell at TVs and cheer way too loudly without too much judgement.
Who is your Local Legend and why?
Katie Allen of Revolver Espresso. I think Katie is one of the least recognised people on the island. Not only is the woman incredibly witty, helpful and supportive, she was also one of the pioneers of coffee/cafes in Bali. Katie, as the person she is and the empire she has built, are both equally admirable.