Gigi is the kind of woman who makes you feel seen. A mother, a business owner, and a woman grounded in self-awareness and self-worth, she’s carving a new path—one that celebrates softness as strength, and beauty as a deeply personal, quietly powerful thing. The founder of Honeyroom, Gigi has built a beauty practice that goes far beyond skin-deep. Imagery by Danni Bishara.
Can you tell us about the vision behind Honeyroom—what did you want to create that didn’t already exist?
I’ve always been passionate about people, conversation, community and self care. I studied psychology and was a makeup artist for years. What I do now is a marriage of the two. Early on, it became obvious to me that the ‘beauty’ industry was so much more than ‘beauty’. It’s connection and sharing in an intimate space. It's to trust and empower people by giving them confidence and enhancing their natural self. In the beauty industry I had seen a lot of “transformation” - some of which looked like a full switch up from what people looked like before and I personally didn’t always think it looked better. I wanted Honeyroom to be a space where people’s natural beauty was enhanced and they feel special to look and be THEM.
What’s something people often misunderstand about the work you do?
I think people can sometimes assume that the cosmetic industry is a paint by numbers formula applied to people which is the antithesis of what I want and what is true. The beauty of it is everyone is so unique and beautiful in their own way. All shapes, sizes and ages. I see it as our job and responsibility to make people understand that’s what we stand for in the industry.
Is there a philosophy that anchors your work? A guiding principle, even when the trends shift?
Yes absolutely! Being guided by a client's face and not by a training formula or trending technique is our ethos. We want to enhance what people have, not change it.
How do you balance the clinical side of skincare with the emotional or human side of beauty?
I think for me, the personal connection has always been the heart and the treatments & results have always been the beat. Care is needed for both for our job to be done well. The balance is everything. For me personally, it’s hopeless having a treatment done if the service isn’t great and I pride myself on the fact we care about every part of what we do.
In a landscape crowded with “premium” branding, how do you bring true depth and value to that word?
This is a hard one. I feel like in today's modern world where what you see on social media or someone’s meticulously designed website can be ‘premium’ it’s hard for the consumer to distinguish a difference. I think what makes us different is the years of experience, the high quality training and products that we use and the love for what we do. In a time where cutting corners and saving costs seems to be very normal, that’s not what we’re about. Quality over quantity every time.
How has building a business shaped you — not just professionally, but personally?
It’s been an amazing journey that has happened quite organically, honestly. I have been privileged enough to find something I’m good at, marry that with the things I’m interested in and it has just worked. We’re continuing to grow and learn but all in all it’s been an amazing process. I’ve learned A LOT about myself I didn’t know. Most of which I’ve been pleasantly surprised about, some things not so much (thank goodness for a calendar). I think one thing I underestimated about being a business owner (even when small) is the way your brain never switches off. It simply can’t. When you care this much and it’s yours I don’t think it’s possible to turn down the mental load that seems to never let up. I’ve learned to prioritise my own time and create some rituals in my routine which make this very manageable but it’s definitely busy.
What do you think is uniquely powerful about being a woman in business?
As women I think it’s become so normal for us to ‘do it all’ and for me that’s a catch 22. I don’t think society’s view of women has kept up with the times. We do do it all and that’s powerful yet there has been times I’ve also had to consider - at what cost? I think for me and my family, a lot of consideration has gone into this question. While I absolutely love what I do, I intend to always keep it second to my family’s needs. We do a really good job at balancing all the things and all in all I feel very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.
You’re a mother as well as a founder. Has one role shaped the other in ways you didn’t expect?
Being a mother has definitely shaped the way I approach business. The business has naturally evolved as my motherhood journey has been ready for it to. I've been very lucky to have had the space and time to be very present with my children when they were babies and never had any pressure to get back into work and I think having time and taking opportunities as they’ve come has meant things have happened as they were meant to. In saying that, working more and having my mind often filled with honeyroom has also changed my mothering style. I have to be very conscious about separating home time from work time and focusing more on the present moment rather than the next thing on the to do list.
In the blur of business and motherhood, how do you return to yourself?
It’s become really evident to me that I can’t do either well without investing in myself. Self care and time alone is something that is non-negotiable for me. Even if it's just an hour a day. My time to exercise and unwind definitely keeps my mind healthy. I’m also someone who needs their space to feel the mood I’m feeling. This isn’t always possible with a full house and fun loving little creatures but If I need some downtime I have rituals that bring a sense of calm, whether it’s giving myself a facial, lighting a candle, having a bath or sauna, I try and take what I need.
Do you find that motherhood has changed your relationship with beauty or self-image?
Absolutely! I feel more beautiful than I ever felt pre motherhood. I have a whole new appreciation for my body. It’s carried and birthed my beautiful children and has a much greater purpose than I ever gave it credit for. It’s taken me a while to feel this way but I’m so glad my mindset around body, beauty and sensuality has changed.
How do you define care these days — not for your clients, but for you?
Time. The freedom of having dedicated time for what I need is care. Often what I want is a dance party in the lounge with my kids, sometimes it's a connection with my partner and sometimes I need me-time and having the freedom to schedule my time is such a privilege I don’t take for granted.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of a lot. I’m proud of my children, obviously (they’re really the best thing that ever happened to me and they’re also really f&$*ing awesome people. But I’m also really proud of our little family’s journey. It’s been a winding road of adventure, uncertainty and at times instability but we’ve always had each other. I’m proud of my partner for the unwavering support and I’m proud of myself for learning to give him the same.
What do you think women need to hear more of when it comes to confidence, aging, or relationships?
Ohh woah this is a BIG ONE! Being a mother and hopefully almost wife (lol) and having had literally thousands of conversations with a wide range of other women, I think appreciation and a feeling of being seen is paramount. Women have an innate ability to see the big picture and to make sure things are quietly taken care of but a lot of it is done when no one’s looking. To have someone say thank you or I see what you’re holding and you’re doing an amazing job I think can be the making of a woman. I feel very lucky to have someone who sees me and reminds me, often just when I need, that I’m doing a good job.
What comes to mind when you think about sexiness as you move into your 40s?
Celebration. I think the older I get, the more I want to celebrate my body and my relationship with it. I’ve changed the way I view sexy. I’ve watched the most beautiful women of all ages, shapes and sizes celebrate their sensuality and believe there’s nothing sexier than celebrating who we are with confidence and gratitude for whatever body we’ve been blessed with. There is no perfect.
How has your sense of femininity evolved with time, experience, and motherhood?
It’s been a roller coaster, truly! I’ve gone through phases of feeling like I’ve been completely relaxed in my femininity and others I’ve felt my masculinity is very dominant. The busier I am, I have to work quite hard to keep the balance right by trying to remember to soften and embrace my feminine side. I have a strong line of women in my whanau who are very capable. I feel honoured to have been taught so many things by such strong women, but also remind myself there’s beauty in vulnerability and surrender.
What kind of future are you building — for your business, your family, or yourself?
I want freedom and connectedness for myself and my family. Growing the business really excites me and there’s always a new idea that I need to see through but I also know that the phase of having my babies under the same roof will go so fast and I want to enjoy it. I try not to be too focused on the future. And for myself I’d have to say my health and wellbeing. I’m really enjoying the relationship with myself and want to continue to invest into keeping my body and mind healthy so what I give to others is the best version of myself.
And lastly, what do you hope women in their 30s and 40s begin to believe more deeply — about themselves, their bodies, or their beauty?
To really deeply appreciate themselves and give themselves grace. We can be so envious but everyone has a story. Some may seem or even be more ‘lucky’ or fortunate than others but every scar, trauma, hardship and victory should be celebrated. The hardest things can create the best in us. If it doesn’t feel like you’re ready to celebrate your journey yet, trust that one day you will.