|
BLOOD red is Bonnie Rodwell's signature colour, and it appears
throughout her restaurant, her home, her extensive clothing
collection and even her hair, albeit not quite so red.
At 52, the New Zealander, who divides her time between the land
of the long white cloud and Mount Tamborine, is comfortable in
describing herself as eccentric.
And she can afford to be - just this month, her stylish
restaurant, Songbirds Rainforest Retreat, carried away Restaurant
of the Year at the annual Gold Coast Restaurant and Catering
Awards.
It also won best new restaurant and best modern Australian
restuarant cuisine.
"It was sensational after only seven months," Ms Rodwell
said.
As head of a multi-million dollar upmarket clothing business,
Bonz, which has seven outlets in NZ and Australia, employs 100
staff and sub-contracts 700 knitters, Ms Rodwell knows the value
and rewards of hard work.
"I started the business 20 years ago with not a cent," she
said.
Now managing Bonz by "remote control", Ms Rodwell is focusing
her energy on a new project, a holistic health spa, set in the same
20ha rainforest as her restaurant.
Working 120-hour weeks, she hopes to see it open, "to those who
know that money can only take them so far", within three years.
"I love doing what I'm doing, that's why I work long hours; I'm
very passionate about the spa," Ms Rodwell said.
"I have a vision, I'm very focused and I have high
expectations.
"I've had a really interesting life and I've always known I was
here for a purpose - this is my purpose.
"That, and to drink a lot of good wine and be happy."
Songbirds Rainforest Retreat restaurant on Tamborine Mountain
Road is complemented by six luxurious villas.
|
