FROM SOAP STAR TO SHOP OWNER!
Neighbours, E Street, Home And Away... now Gold Coast business owner! You name it, Melissa’s done it
Even away from the small screen, Gold Coastbased actress Melissa Bell is ticking her way through a list of personal and professional goals, from writing adult ction to getting her real estate licence.
But it’s her latest project that Melissa is bursting to tell Woman’s Day about... her own clothing store, Lilly Blue, based in the heart of the city!
“I genuinely have a deep love for fashion and styling,” she shares. “Over the years, I have very much enjoyed playing so many di erent characters and of course, that comes with costuming. I love being able to slip into something that is perhaps not my style or something I would not wear and transforming into my role.”
It’s clear Melissa takes great pride in her accomplishments and has the type of work ethic to make it all happen, as well as the motivation to see an idea through.
“I would consider myself limitless when it comes to being creative, it’s in my DNA,” the 52-year-old actress says.
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In September, Melissa swung open the doors to her new clothing boutique store, Lilly Blue, after running successful market stores around the Gold Coast. O ering customers a ordable and quality designs, the former E Street star says she has been overwhelmed by the support of customers.
And Melissa’s loving o ering her expert eye to them, even if the cost of living crisis is playing against her.
“ings are di cult in this economic environment,” admits
Melissa, who has refused to be deterred by it all, instead rolling up her sleeves for a bit of old-fashioned hard work to bring her dreams alive.
“I started the store from nothing, I painted and purchased furniture o Facebook Marketplace for decorating and I went o to Bunnings and purchased timber, put it in my car and carried it into the shop myself! “I really had to dig deep to nd this interesting character within myself and to have the motivation to build and create the store I’ve always wanted.”
It might come as a surprise that playing the “character” of a boutique owner, as Melissa puts it, would be one of her most ful lling moves, but she says the support of family, friends and customers has guided her through.
‘I would consider myself limitless with being creative’
“I just love the community feel in Worongary Town Centre. I’ve had many people embrace my arrival,” she says.
“I’m overwhelmed by the heartfelt support for my business to succeed, it’s what takes my project to another level.”
One recent happy customer was Melissa’s close friend and former Neighbours co-star, actress Emma Harrison!
“We’ve been great friends for over a decade and I just love having her in store to try on the new range,” says Mel, who is o ering a 20% discount to Woman’s Day readers who head in-store or purchase an item of clothing via her o cial Instagram page.
“I’d love to see you in store!”