Game Changers
The Central Coast’s own trailblazers reshaping industries and leaving their mark. From pioneering sustainable building practices to revolutionising aesthetic medicine and transforming the music and beauty landscapes, this dynamic group of individuals are reshaping their industries and leaving an indelible mark on their community here on the beautiful Central Coast.
Exemplifying innovation, creativity, and unwavering dedication, these are their remarkable journeys so far, showcasing how humble beginnings and a supportive community are at the core of these Central Coast locals’ success.
Words: Jacqueline O’Neill / Photography: Tess Lehman / Production and Styling: Colette Harvey
ELEANOR PENDLETON
Multi-Award Winning Beauty Journalist Founder & Creative Director, Gritty Productions
Born and raised on the Central Coast, Eleanor’s earliest memories are of sitting in her father’s news agency on West Street, Umina, inhaling the scent of paper magazines that has now been all but lost to the 1990s. It was here, around the age of 9, that Eleanor would ‘pretend’ to be a magazine editor with her sister, flipping through the pages of Girlfriend magazine and similar titles, holding an unwavering determination to one day curate a women’s lifestyle publication of her own. “I was utterly obsessed,” recalls Eleanor. “I was one of the few people who knew from a young age that this was exactly what I was going to do.”
Attending St. Joseph’s Catholic College in East Gosford, Eleanor continued reading and carved out a plan to study journalism after year 12, securing a Diploma in Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in only two years. At the same time, Eleanor regularly sent emails to the editorial coordinators of all her favourite magazines, until one day, standing in the middle of Erina Fair, her phone rang – and she received her first offer to intern at Cosmopolitan magazine.
Her journey then led her to move to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and later, the Northern Beaches, taking various editorial roles, from Cosmopolitan to Famous Weekly Magazine, where she made history as the youngest Beauty Editor in Australia at just 20 years old. In 2010, Eleanor left her role as Beauty Editor at InStyle magazine to finally launch Gritty Pretty, Australia’s first interactive online magazine dedicated to beauty. From its inception in 2010, Gritty Pretty has reshaped the landscape of beauty and style journalism in Australia and brought readers the latest in beauty news, trends, beauty shoots, how-to guides, videos and more.
After launching Gritty Pretty, it would be several years before Eleanor returned to the Central Coast with her young family in 2021 to be closer to ‘home’, and she now can’t imagine being anywhere else. “Growing up, I would spend every weekend with my family and younger sister at Avoca Beach, and to now be creating those memories with my children and raising them in the place I grew up…it’s really, really special.” explains Eleanor.
As Eleanor’s life has evolved and after a decade in business, so too has Gritty Pretty – growing from a multifaceted platform that encompasses a quarterly magazine, website, podcast and events division to becoming a multidisciplinary creative production agency. “Gritty Productions brings together the very best photographers, motion directors, stylists, creatives and influencers to bring a brand’s backstory or new launch to life. Our superpower? Story-telling that cuts through the noise,” says Eleanor. The next chapter sees Gritty Productions continue to service some of the world’s biggest brands including Clarins and Georg Jensen; ideating, producing, and executing their next advertising campaigns. With a rumoured new venture also on the horizon, the future continues to look bright for this Central Coast local.
ANDREW GEORGE
Sustainable Builder & Managing Director, Lou Projects
A true ‘jack of all trades’, Andrew George walked a path through many trade experiences and apprenticeships across the Central Coast and beyond, before finally becoming a licensed builder and launching Lou Projects here at home in 2014 and growing it into the highly successful sustainable building company it is today. After seeing all sides of the building industry, Andrew was driven to build a company that could do things differently and shake up the industry. As a result, Lou Projects’ key focus is on building healthy, high-quality and high-performing homes – meaning they’re comfortable, enjoyable places to live, while saving money, resources and the environment at the same time. Many of Andrew’s builds are awardwinning (including the Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards and the NSW Regional Building Awards), and are built in-line with the principles that underpin the German ‘Passivhaus’ concept – the only internationally recognised, performance-based energy standard in construction.
Stemming from his childhood curiosity around environmental conservation, Andrew has always been inspired to integrate sustainability into his business, and explains that even if a client isn’t prepared to build a home that is fully ‘Passive House’ certified, their heart still goes to building more beautifully designed and energy efficient homes. “My idea of what it means to build sustainably has and will continue to change. One of our main focuses now is building a house to last, because if a building doesn’t last, it doesn’t matter. We do this by prioritising getting the foundations and the structure right. This generally comes at only a slight extra cost when compared to a conventional build, so if the budget is tight, we look at where we can save money on less critical items like fixtures and finishes,” Andrew explains. From here, Andrew and his team can weigh up all options and provide support in the design process to ensure all clients can build a sustainable home with a budget they can afford.
Beyond building, Andrew’s focus is on culture within his business, fostering a passion for education, and looking after his team. He believes firmly that if he focuses on mentoring his team to do good work underpinned by sustainable principles, with honesty and integrity, the ripple effect of this over time will change the industry. “When I was younger, it was all about changing the world, I had this macro perspective. Now, it’s me and the team focusing on our own little unit, and building from there – and over time, we know that’s where we’ll see the big change.”
Above: Left, Andrew George. Right, Dr. Nik Davies
DR. NIK DAVIES
Aesthetic Doctor, Owner and Director of Klinika
Since moving to the Central Coast in 2014, Dr. Nik Davies and his specialist techniques in aesthetic medicine have attracted an almost cult-like following as he has worked across a number of popular, local cosmetic, beauty and wellness clinics before recently opening his first solo clinic, ‘Klinika’, in Erina.
After graduating in medicine in the early 2000s, Dr. Nik gained distinction from one of the first recognised medical aesthetics programs by Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and now has nearly two decades of experience in specialist medical aesthetics practice.
Today, Dr. Nik is a global thought leader in the industry, speaking at cosmetic conferences and training doctors and nurses around Australia in a range of techniques including NeoGraft™ hair transplantation methods. Dr. Nik also represents the dermal filler company, Teoxane, who provide premium products for cosmetic treatments, and serves as the medical director of Silk Laser Clinics Australia, Australian Skin Clinics, and Eden Laser Clinics, ensuring impeccable standards of care across a network of over 150 facilities across Australia and New Zealand.
The crowning achievement of Dr. Nik’s vision, though, is Klinika, a recently-opened ‘sanctuary’ in Erina where beauty converges with wellness. Klinika transcends the conventional clinic, offering a space designed to evoke tranquility and comfort while delivering top-tier medical care.
Here, Nik and his team offer a comprehensive suite of services – from cosmetic injectables to cutting-edge laser therapies, hair restoration, medical-grade skin care, IV therapy, nutritional counselling, incontinence treatments and functional medicine – all designed to improve confidence, revitalise the skin and leave clients looking radiant, and glowing from the inside out.
Driven by a passion for excellence and innovation, Dr. Nik Davies continues to redefine the boundaries of aesthetic medicine, authoring clinical papers, providing feedback across the industry and setting new standards for quality and patient satisfaction. His unwavering commitment to enhancing natural beauty and promoting holistic health remains the cornerstone of his practice, earning him acclaim and trust across the Central Coast – and well beyond.
BIANCA MUTUKURA
Musician & Model
Bianca Mutukura‘s journey as both a music artist and model speaks to her versatility, determination and up-for-anything disposition. Growing up surrounded by music, Bianca’s initial foray into the industry began at the age of 14 when she wrote her first song, “Open Doors”, an alternative acoustic track, in 2018. Following its release, Bianca quickly went on to collaborate with industry giants like Universal and Sony at a young age.
Despite her own initial doubts about her abilities, Bianca found herself in the studio writing her own music shortly after commencing her career, honing her craft and learning as much as possible. Exploring different sounds, Bianca then worked with alternative dance and hip-hop artist, Fossa Beats, under her stage name ‘Norway’ to release “Need Me” in March 2022. Most recently, Bianca’s evolution has seen her release “Sinners and Saints”, a pared-back, ethereal acoustic number that, in her words, explores her “emotional journey of moving out of home to study in the city at only 19”. ‘’Sinners and Saints” was released independently, with Bianca committed to developing an authentic sound for her music. Inspired by artists like Hozier and others, Bianca’s lyrics often embody ambiguous themes, allowing listeners to interpret them personally.
Alongside her music career, Bianca was also scouted on TikTok by modelling agency, Bamby, in 2021, who operate agencies in both Australia and New York. Since her signing, Bianca has worked with a number of Australian and global brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Pasduchas and Napoleon Perdis. She also interned with Christian Dior in the same year, further developing her knowledge of fashion.
Looking back on her experiences, Bianca acknowledges the influence of Central Coast upbringing on her journey – explaining that while she loves the exposure of the city, she finds a deep creative richness in her local community and regional roots. “No matter where my career takes me, there’s something really grounding about coming home,” she reflects. “I love the city, but nothing quite beats coming home to the Coast.”
Bianca’s aspirations for 2024 include furthering her modelling career, releasing new music, and even pursuing opportunities abroad in cities like New York or London. Right now, she’s also studying psychology, but acknowledges that she has little way of knowing exactly what lies around the corner. Whatever comes next, we know Bianca is one to watch.
RUBY ARCHER
Singer & Songwriter
Playing piano from the age of eight and singing “since practically forever”, Ruby Archer is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter hailing from the NSW Central Coast and has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of jazzy rock and husky vocals since her debut EP, “chamomile tea”, released in 2022. Ruby’s creative journey has been fostered by the musicality of her family home, inspired by her adoration for the great Jeff Buckley and jazz prowess of her mentor Dorian Mode, while also firmly rooted in school choirs and percussion ensembles, providing a strong foundation for her talent and passion. Ruby’s evolution as a musician has culminated in her coming-of-age as a pianist and vocalist, inspired by her mentor Dorian Mode’s introduction to jazz and composition.
Ruby’s talent has seen her win the Australian Children’s Music Foundation Songwriting Competitions and receive invitations to perform at prestigious events like YIPA and the Discovered talent competition. Her debut EP was also funded by grants from the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts and ORiGIN Music Publishing Award, testament to Ruby’s lyrical prowess and musical versatility.
In 2022, Ruby formed her band, the Groovy Doobies, marking a new chapter in her music career. Their success culminated in winning first prize at YouthRock and signing with ORiGiN Music for mentorship. Ruby’s accomplishments continued with her acting debut in the series “Soundtrack to Our Teenage Zombie Apocalypse”, followed by winning triple j’s Unearthed High Competition in 2023. Throughout her career, Ruby’s music has reflected her personal growth and evolving style, blending introspective lyrics with vibrant melodies. Her latest album, “Oh So Tender,” produced with Jack Nigro and Joshua Craig, showcases her diverse songwriting abilities and was met with critical acclaim upon its release in November 2023.
For Ruby, authenticity and emotional resonance come above all else. “As I go through different phases of change, so does my music,” explains Ruby. “I write for myself, and part of that is ensuring my music is as genuine as possible.” We know true creativity can’t be rushed, but we’ve been told you can keep an eye out for Ruby’s next album sometime between now and next year.
KYAL AND KARA DEMMRICH
Full-time Renovators & Owners of Diverse Design & Construct
Since rising to fame as one of Australia’s favourite TV couples ten years ago, Kyal and Kara Demmrich have established themselves as ‘renovation royalty’. They’ve worked on over 40 projects since their first renovation in 2008, before their time on “The Block” made Kyal and Kara household names across Australia in 2014. They also completed another six renovations in six weeks on “Reno Rumble” in 2015, and have regularly contributed to Network 10’s “The Living Room”. But if you go back to where it all began, it was on the Central Coast where they purchased their first home all those years ago, starting their renovation journey while Kyal completed his carpentry apprenticeship and Kara pursued a degree in physiotherapy.
Beyond their television success, Kyal and Kara have flourished as business owners and entrepreneurs in their own right, running a successful design and construction business renovating homes across the Central Coast. While they’re renovating homes – designed to keep in mind the way they’d personally like to live, in suburbs they’d love to live in – the duo also document their renovations online and through social media. In the process, they showcase a range of products and materials that are either stocked in their online homeware store, K&K Homewares, or sold through brands that count them as ambassadors – including Beaumont Tiles and Bisley Workwear.
As their family grows, their work has also allowed them freedom from the constraints of ‘regular’ jobs. When looking forward to the year ahead, it’s a healthy balance of more projects, and a little time off to spend with the family and enjoy all that the local area has to offer.
KEIRA RUMBLE
Founder & CEO of Krumbled Group
After being diagnosed as pre-diabetic in her early twenties, Keira Rumble realised she needed to make a change. Keira enrolled herself in a nutrition course, and subsequently went looking for healthy snacks at the supermarket – with little success. Quickly recognising the hidden sugar content in the ‘healthy’ snacks she did find, Keira began making her own snacks, documenting her journey and posting about it online.
What started as a batch of protein balls for a charity event turned into over 60 orders for various cafes across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs that Keira would deliver on her lunch break of her “regular” job. Like any true entrepreneur would, Keira walked away from her stable full-time role to dive headfirst into her new business venture, commercialising the product and educating herself on the world that is contract manufacturing. The concept for Beauty Bites was born, being the first functional snack food bar, creating the category that you now see within the supermarkets. Krumbled’s collagen and vitamin-filled Beauty Bites are now sold across Australia, in Coles, Chemist Warehouse and other independent retailers. Fast forward a few years and Keira found herself on a personal fertility journey, once again looking for better options – but this time for cleaner skincare. Keira was successfully selected to be part of the Sephora Global Accelerator Program which fast tracked Keira’s next business venture, Habitual Beauty, a clean beauty and nutraceutical brand stocked in Australian beauty giants Adore Beauty and Sephora.
During her pregnancy, Keira suffered from a severe case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and again found herself looking for solutions – creating another brand called ‘Mini + Me’, launching with a hydration support drink called Hydramama designed for “conception, pregnancy, post-partum and beyond” at its core. “I just love creating brands, creating solutions to solve a problem and helping other women,” Keira explains.
Now, Keira runs her businesses from her office on the beautiful Central Coast, the place she also calls ‘home’, supported by a local team of 15 – made up primarily of mothers where they manufacture everything in house. Keira is deeply passionate about offering flexible working arrangements to suit the curveballs of motherhood. “Work life balance is definitely not something I have at the moment,” Keira laughs, “because work can be so chaotic, and motherhood is too. But being able to take my kids to the same beach I swam at growing up? It’s that full circle moment, and it’s so special being here.”
