Belinda Neame
My name is Belinda and I was born in Perth, WA. We left Perth when I was 4 and I have called Canberra home ever since.
I had an amazing childhood in the West Belconnen suburbs and did the bare minimum at school to obtain my year 10 and 12 certificates. I simply loved my social life and my horse who I spent every waking moment with riding through the paddocks! I was married at 21 to my college sweetheart, Tim.
I went on to work in the public service and then became a ‘full time mum’ when my two gorgeous babies were born. It was here that my creative mind started to stir. After I got the kids off to school, I decided a creative career was where I needed to be. I’ll cut a long story short – I ran and operated a cupcake shop in Gold Creek for 8 years and then founded Canberra’s street food event, The Forage.
I spent 5 years in events and magazine production where I would style and direct photoshoots and now, I am the very proud owner and host of Hold Cottage in Gunning.
It’s here where I have truly found my place. The community, the country and the creative freedom have created happiness that I never knew existed.
I believe that beauty is honesty, tolerance and laughter. Lots of laughter. I think there is nothing more beautiful than hearing someone laugh and seeing their face light up.
I love nothing more than creating and styling beautiful spaces. I constantly seek out inspiration through magazines, exploring country towns and being around creative, like-minded people. I love collaborating with other creatives to create content and images and being surrounded by beautiful interiors.
I’m not a morning person, so I start the day slowly. I head up to our family room, say good morning to our dog Gus, open the blinds and then sit on the couch with my back to the sun and have my morning coffee.
I’m a routine-based person, so my days are filled with repeated actions. Coffee in the morning, toast for lunch and I always end my day on a cup of earl grey tea with a dash of honey and cleansing my face with an oil cleanser before I go to bed. Oh, and I always ensure my day has some laughter in it. Especially with my kids!
When I’m feeling uninspired a drive to the country and spending time in our little cottage in Gunning is the perfect remedy. Nothing makes me happier than getting in the car and taking a road trip to discover country towns. I’m obsessed with old world architecture and old, rusty sheds sitting in lush green paddocks. A good cup of tea, coffee or a nice glass of Shiraz always helps too!
Lustre Hair Oil is my go-to. Being blonde and running a hair straightener through my hair 3 times a week means my poor hair is often neglected. I have started using the oil twice a week. I apply it at night and then wash it out the next morning. I cannot even begin to tell you how soft and shiny my hair has become.
Self-care to me means family and time out! I love nothing more than taking time out to clear my mind. Spending time with family always grounds me. No one knows you better than family and that is always good for the soul.