Her Pop Up, Your Submissions, and a Moment I Won’t Forget…

I’ve been sitting here reflecting in the warmth of the Gold Coast winters sun, still buzzing from last Friday’s pop-up with the Mudgeeraba Laneway Markets, and just wanted to write a little note to share how special it felt.

The whole night was magic. We brought so many people into the Mudgeeraba community - the pizza shop across the road even sold out of dough (which feels like such a win?). People were flipping through magazines, having a little boogie, picking up second-hand clothes, enjoying the Burleigh Drinks, and taking time to really look at the prints on the wall.

One moment that really stayed with me was stepping outside early in the evening and seeing a massive line at Lucy’s 'Burnt Croissant’ stand and not long after, she was completely sold out. It made me so proud to see how much people love what she’s creating. She’s built something really beautiful and watching her grow feels like such an honour. I was lucky enough to grab one of her pastries myself and my son before they were all gone and honestly… I get it.

I also have to mention how proud I am of Somer from The Sensory Boutique for believing in me and giving me the space to bring this event to life. What she’s building for the community is really something special. She’s doing gods work, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Being able to collaborate with her on something like this meant a lot to me.

What really hit me on Friday, as I was setting up, was this quiet little realisation that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. That this - curating, connecting, creating spaces like this - is what I want to be doing with my life. That thought felt so good, and so exciting, and it’s pushed me to keep dreaming up more events like this one.

Since then, I’ve been going through submissions for Volume 5: The Skin Remembers, and wow… even though there haven’t been quite as many submissions this time (I think the theme being so personal might have scared some people off), the work I’ve seen so far is incredible. So raw, so intimate, so beautiful. It already feels like this issue is going to be something really special. I can’t wait to keep piecing it together, to reach out to some of you for little interviews or writing to go alongside your photographs, to get deeper into your stories.

On top of that, I’ve also locked in a few ads for the next issue! Which honestly feels like such a huge step for Her . I won’t lie… lately the imposter syndrome has been loud. As this little side hussle grows, it’s easy to doubt myself sometimes. But then nights like Friday happen. People come up to me and tell me how much they loved it. Businesses say they want to support what I’m doing. And it reminds me exactly why I started.

So thank you. For submitting, for showing up, for buying magazines, for dancing and drinking and being part of this little world with me. You all make it what it is, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Here’s to more nights that feel like magic, more art in prinrt, more beautiful connections and more moments where it all just feels right.

With love,
Charlotte