Photography Keryn Sweeney
With a to-do list, most women would find intimidating Kate Hemus PR manager for ECOYA balances her Australasian role with ease. Trudi Brewer stepped into herworld - both in and outside of work.
How and why did you settle on PR as a career?
I moved to Sydney in 2007 and sort of fell into it. I met Maria Farmer (Maria Farmer PR) and worked for MF for about four years; I was fortunate to learn the craft of public relations from her. Also, it helped that we had an excellent list of celebs, lifestyle, fashion and beauty clients - it just felt like quite a natural role for me.
What do you love about your role?
We have an amazing team, culture and product. What's not to love. I have been given a lot of autonomy in my role that encourages me to take risks and, therefore, learn, and become better. ECOYA is still quite young, but growing quickly and it's exciting to be a part of that growth. Also - it helps to work with such a beautiful product.
Who inspires you?
My mum and my sisters. We are best friends. They are all super talented. My mum and older sister are amazing working mothers and my younger sister is a little interior architect star. I’m proud of them all.
How has your career influenced your style?
I don’t know if my career has so much, but more my age. Sydney is a fairly fashion orientated city and PR even more so, but trying to keep up with that sort of thing is ridiculous and pointless. I try to buy quality staple pieces and wear them with affordable basics. I love a good handbag, lipstick and sunglasses - I believe a great-looking outfit is made of those three things.
What does beauty mean to you?
When you feel good and you have confidence, you project your beauty. It’s about being happy in your skin. There is only one of each of us, and there is no point in wanting another body, different hair, bigger lips – you’ve just got to love what you’ve got. That’s beautiful.
What is your one beauty indulgence?
That would be my brows. I have them dyed and threaded a couple of times a month; I think a great brow shape gives definition to your face.
What is your must-have beauty buy?
Goodness Chia Seed Oil, I'm obsessed with it. It is so nourishing and so light on skin,I use it in the mornings. And at night, I feed my skin with the Trilogy Age Proof CoQ10 Booster Oil.
Your hair is ridiculously shiny – what’s your secret?
I don’t do anything to my hair. Maybe that’s the secret. I don’t dye my hair and I let it dry naturally.
What’s the beauty tip you swear by?
I use a ModelCo Face Tan every morning before I put my makeup on. My daily foundation is a BB cream, I feel, with a tan underneath it's a good base.
What is your favourite fashion look right now?
Denim, bassike tees and slides and a long trench.
What is your fashion weakness?
Sunglasses. I love sunglasses. I probably have 30 pairs.
What handbag will your carry this season?
My classic Louis Vuitton. I don’t own any large bags… I squeeze everything into a tiny clutches.
What do you love most about your home?
It’s got personality. It’s just a collection of things I love and I have picked up along the way. I try to restrain myself but I get too excited with colour and patterns so there are quite a few clashes - but I love it.
What’s your favourite room and why?
Probably the open kitchen and living room. I love cooking and I love entertaining and it is where everyone congregates. I love having friends and family around the table for a drink or a meal.
What makes a great interior?
A bright and light welcoming space that allows you to express yourself and feel comfortable. I always try to have fresh flowers in the house, even if it’s just herbs. The colour and fragrance lift a room instantly. Oh and candles. My house is lit up like a Christmas tree with candles… all year round.
What is always on your bedside table?
My phone and an ECOYA candle. Fragrance enhances emotions. So I burn a Lotus Flower candle on my bedside table - it's a very calming fragrance.