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THE STORYTELLER

I am a storyteller. It is a gift that has allowed me to share ideas and connect with others in meaningful and inspiring ways. Pebbles Ink is an extension of that gift and a platform where I hope to showcase how these ideas evolve and a hub for the collective of what is “Pebbles Ink”.

The best stories are the ones that speak to the heart, not just the mind.The best stories are the ones that speak to the heart, not just the mind.

Me?

I am Petra Hughes. Creative Director (award-winning), Designer, Photographer, Product Developer, Author, Publisher, Reviewer, Web Designer, Small Business Consultant, ‘major ideas person’ and self-proclaimed dreamer and entrepreneur.

As an author, photographer and consultant, I draw from my vast industry experience in retail, design, web development, marketing, advertising, product development, writing and publishing to deliver the complete package to small businesses looking for innovative and inspiring solutions to create awareness, recognition and success for their products and industry. I specialise in food-related industries, understanding the industry as a consumer, retailer, producer and reviewer.

I think out of the square, embracing new technologies and ideas, and make it a rule to have fun with my clients, whilst giving them the skills to confidently manage ensuing creations. Most importantly, I work closely with my clients to help them to understand processes employed and maintaining that relationship, continually providing ongoing support as their business grows.

(I am happy to share my space with Bush Stone-curlews as I think they are kinda cool)

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My Story…

A JOURNEY OF INSPIRATION

My story has been a journey of inspiration and creation which constantly evolves into new chapters.

I am an author, designer, photographer and publisher of three food related books; A Gourmet Odyssey – Noosa to Mooloolaba; Ginger – the flavours and the flowers (award-winning); Shane Stanley’s Noosa Farmers’ Market. I have published an award-winning magazine (2012 Awarded Qld Multi-Media Award for Best Non-Daily Qld Publication for Regional Foodie Magazine) and was the Creative Director, Administrator and Developer of Local Harvest – The Sunshine Coast Food Directory (www.sunshinecoastregionalfood.com), an online directory of Sunshine Coast based foods. After managing and developing the directory and content for 20+ years, in 2023, I handed the reins over to FAN (Food and Agribusiness Network) so that I could free up some time, and so the directory can continue to evolve.

I also created Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds (www.pebblesandpomegranateseeds.com.au), a travel/lifestyle blog, as a bit of a hub for all of my interests and where I document the experience either through my images or through the written word. It has been a bit neglected of late as I have spent the last two years working on a novel and a couple of other projects, but I may take up the blogging pen again sometime soon.

Pebbles Ink has always been my business portal, but that, too, has evolved. With this latest metamorphosis, I have chosen to debut some of the projects and passions I have worked on in recent years as they are freed into the universe to become new chapters that blossom into being.

Petra is an exceptional website designer and has been my go-to expert for design in all aspects for over twenty years. Her websites are not only visually stunning but she has a knack for making them functional and Google friendly, delivering exactly what businesses need to thrive online. She combines creativity with a practical, down-to-earth approach to marketing, achieving proven results every time. In addition to her web design expertise, Petra has a remarkable ability to design and prepare beautiful artwork for print and is a talented photographer with an artistic eye for detail. I’ve recommended her to many clients, all of whom have been thrilled with the websites she’s created and the positive impact on their businesses.

Anita Milas, Anita Milas Photography

Petra created my On the Ridge Cooking School website; we worked closely together, consulting well along the way. She gave sensational advice and support, plus she went well above all my expectations in every way. I needed photos to support and provide interest on the website; she is also professional photographer and takes fabulous photos. We had two photo shoots, one an all-day affair, both providing me with photos which I still use in my marketing programs. In 2010, Petra created my next website for my new cooking school in Melbourne, Cooking on the Bay. It is also a wonderfully attractive and easy to use website, with all the necessary features. She also set up my Facebook page for Cooking on the Bay. My clients often comment on how good my websites look and how easy they are to navigate. Petra understood exactly what my requirements were; made excellent recommendations and suggestions and consequently, the results have always been sensational.

Tonya Jennings, Cooking on the Bay

Petra’s creative and artistic talents go without saying. Just look at her previous achievements!! Her ability to listen and visualise with such an open mind is a rare and unique talent. Creating the desired look, feel and message of an entire website without losing sight of the clients requirements is an outstanding skill that Petra owns. Her clear thinking and approach with each and every task is accomplished with eagerness and total commitment. Not only is Petra a talent genius in web design, she has optimism and willingness to get the job done properly. My personal favourite is that she explains the details of running the website in simple terms so nothing becomes too daunting. That’s a big one for me!

Mary Johnston, Flow Therapy

Petra did an amazing job in the planning, creating and designing of our beautiful website. The website was needed when I opened my chiropractic clinic in 2011. Petra was very efficient, prompt and accessible with her work and communication between herself and us as clients. Petra understood our aim, plus the image and content we wanted to portray. Furthermore, Petra was a great guide to us in creating the best design, structure and layout for our website. She had the good ability of keeping us on task with the content, which was very much appreciated. As we were new to managing our own website, Petra was very helpful in teaching us the ropes on how to manage and update, as well as how to incorporate our social media platform on our new fantastic website.

Yolanda Jennings, Well Balanced Chiropractic

Looking forward to helping you make your business the success it deserves to be!

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The Story Continues…

STORYTELLING HIGHLIGHTS

Launches + Awards

  • 2013 Launched Pebbles and Pomegranate Seeds – www.pebblesandpomegranateseeds.com.au
  • 2012 Awarded Qld Multi Media Award for Best Non-Daily Qld Publication for Regional Foodie 2012 Launched Regional Foodie Magazine (Creative Director & Publisher)
  • 2010 Launched Regional Foodie website – now part of Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds
  • 2009 Published Shane Stanley’s Noosa Farmers’ Market
  • 2009 Awarded 2010 International Gallery Silver Award in the prestigious IHPAC The Graphic Professionals Resource Network in Recognition of Excellence – for Superb Craftsmanship in the production of Ginger – The Flavours and the Flowers as a showcase for Picpress (Victoria)
  • 2008 Published Ginger – The Flowers and The Flavours
  • 2008 Launched Local Harvest Directory – www.sunshinecoastregionalfood.com.au
  • 2007 Published A Gourmet Odyssey – Noosa to Mooloolaba

The Written Word

  • Blogger – Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds – www.pebblesandpomegranateseeds.com.au
  • Blogger/Directory Administrator – Local Harvest – Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory
  • Blogger – Regional Foodie
  • Blogger/Reviewer – Sunshine Destination Point
  • Reviewer – Weekender Magazine (Sunshine Coast) 2010-2012
  • Reviewer – Brisbane Good Food Guide 2012-2013
  • Writer/Creative Director – Regional Foodie Magazine 2012

Questions?

What’s with the fairywrens, right?
It’s a nod to my late mother – my shining light of inspiration through life and beyond.