Jacinta Richmond
Travel, Hospitality, Events, Fashion Advisor.
Story Teller.
Queensland, Australia
Three decades in hospitality, tourism and fashion, and twenty years writing about it. Jacinta Richmond brings sharp attention to detail and a global top-1% TripAdvisor eye to every brand, resort and event she touches.
ABOUTJacinta has been travelling since her kindergarten days in the back of a Ford Falcon station wagon — refined, over decades, into a career spent reviewing, advising and shaping the hospitality and fashion industries.As founder and creative director of the Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival for eleven and a half years, she worked with global fashion names — Myer, Thang de Hoo, Nicola Finetti, Ed Hardy — and led ventures spanning designer markets, style awards and industry associations.Earlier chapters include operations leadership at Fiji's Turtle Island Resort, running Melbourne's most storied nightlife venues, fashion columnist and a travel column as Destinations Advisor for Solo Traveller Magazine.Today, she offers the same discretion and detail as a private advisor to hospitality venues, resorts and experience providers — part secret shopper, part strategist, entirely honest.Global Top 1% Contributor, TripAdvisor — Consider Jacinta your very discreet, very detailed private secret shopper, every stay reviewed with the same sharp eye she brings to advising venues. Over 500 ReviewsJackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula "I love a good arrival driveway. Tick. I love something a bit different at reception. Tick. The pool overlooking the vineyards was stylish, simple and lovely." — General Manager Clare Hoffman thanked her for the detailed feedback and confirmed it was shared directly with the housekeeping and maintenance teams. Read the full reviewThe Point Resort, Bargara "On-site parking and walking distance to the beach & cafes... make this a great option for a quick getaway." — The resort thanked her and confirmed her notes on the pool furniture and spa were passed on for review. Read the full reviewIntrepid Travel — Turkey "By far the best Intrepid trip I have been on... Mother Nature at its finest, history, culture. This trip has it all." — Intrepid's Customer Care team called it a lovely review and said they hoped to have her travelling with them again soon. Read the full reviewLa Badira, Hammamet, Tunisia "From the moment the car pulled up to the moment I left, La Badira was an enjoyable experience... a beautiful experience to just unwind." — Guest Relations thanked her, noting her comments motivate the team to keep striving for excellence. Read the full reviewNovotel Brisbane Airport
A detailed August 2025 review covering both what worked and what didn't — the hotel's management responded directly, thanking her for the thorough feedback and confirming they'd followed up with her personally. Read the full review
TESTIMONIALSPassion and determination
I first met Jacinta Richmond in 2010. I had read about her iconic fashion week while on a family holiday on the Sunshine Coast and contacted her to introduce myself in my capacity as an International fashion consultant/agent and board member of the World Fashion Organisation. I was very taken with her professionalism and passion, a strong relationship between us was born where I became a mentor to what was to become an International Fashion Week. Over the years I had the honour and pleasure to attend many of Jacinta's events and meet the amazing talent in the form of designers both national and international. It has been joyful and rewarding to see the steady organic growth each year all made possible by the passion and talent of Jacinta Richmond and her team.
Many young models and fashion designers commenced their careers on the back of their involvement and training under the leadership of Jacinta where they received their first break. Jacinta is also responsible for numerous Award shows each year and has organised many training events to build the commercial knowledge and viability of the brands in the national market with the view to international export in the future. I was happy to attend and participate at some of these world class seminars.
I believe the 10th anniversary of the Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival is the perfect time to produce this wonderful book which I am sure will become a historical bible of the development of fashion designers over the last 10 years in Australia and beyond and will be of great interest to students, designers and the fashion industry as a whole throughout Australia.
I truly hope that all of you readers will enjoy and treasure the beautiful memories recorded in this 10th Anniversary Book and appreciate the passion and determination of Jacinta Richmond who conceived the idea of a local fashion week but grew it into an international event on par with any such event anywhere in the world.
Margaret Rushe-Farrell — Independent Fashion Agent, Board Member World Fashion OrganisationIncredible to witness
You would be hard pressed to find a more passionate, determined and creative thinker than Jacinta Richmond. I have worked on projects with Jacinta for more than 10 years and she always delivers an incredible product – an event that is polished and professional. She is organised, detailed and a creative problem-solver. Her ability to access industry contacts and draw people together is extraordinary. In fact, the way she curates a festival, embraces talent and enables people to collaborate on the event is incredible to witness. Many creatives have flourished under her tutelage. This leadership is her signature.
Rosanna Natoli — Journalist/News Presenter/University LecturerJack of all trades who has mastered them all
I have known Jacinta Richmond on a business level since 2013, starting with the Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival (SCFF).
During that time I have been exceedingly impressed with Jacinta's abilities to run major fashion events seamlessly and with aplomb (not just the SCFF). As a model agent, every year, I was asked to put forward a series of models for casting and consideration to walk in the fashion shows.
I was ALWAYS comfortable sending my models to work with Jacinta on SCFF and any other projects associated with that. I always knew they were well taken care of, and given a great opportunity to get some experience on large fashion events. Particularly new models who were just finding their footing in the industry. They all loved working with Jacinta, and many of them would come back routinely every year to work the event, unless of course I had assigned them to another city/country.
Jacinta has an incredible ability to keep a handle on every single thing going on at any one time. She is extremely sharp minded, skilled at immediate problem solving, and deliver a polished, finished product from beginning to end.
During all of these events, I also noticed, that Jacinta had wonderful communication skills with her clients/designers. They always respected her and it was reflected even in simple conversations they may be having during the event, or simply as friendly interactions once the formalities were over and the atmosphere was more relaxed.
Once the shows were over, there was always a long line of people wanting to congratulate her on another very successful event. Each year trumping the previous.
Jacinta was never at a creative loss, to each year, come up with new ways to present/feature any of these events. From choosing the perfect venue each year, to building the entire event around it, also taking into consideration the designers involved each year. It was wonderful to be surprised to see how it would all unfold.
Jacinta's marketing skills are also top knotch. From garnering some of the top Australian designers and stores, to the internationals who would travel to show their labels at the SCFF and showcasing new up and coming labels looking for a start.
It would be fair to say that Jacinta is a "Jack of all trades, who has mastered them all." I have never seen a ball dropped on her watch. I would feel 100 per cent confident in having Jacinta run ANY event she was hired for. She can handle anything thrown at her, and deliver. In summing up, Jacinta is the consumate, intelligent professional.
Jo Shiels — Director, Hunter Model ManagementDetermined to succeed
This is to confirm that I've known and worked with Jacinta Richmond in her capacity as the Creator, Director, Organiser and Marketing Guru of the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival.
I was her liaison with the Economic Development Branch of Sunshine Coast Council and found her to be extremely proactive and a very effective problem solver. Many road blocks were placed in her path and she never failed to remain focused and determined to succeed.
The Festival she created and built became very well respected both within the fashion industry as well as within the general community. I have no doubt that Jacinta will succeed at whatever she puts her mind to.
Geoff Peters — Formerly of Economic Development, Sunshine Coast CouncilDown to earth with no pretence
I have had the privilege of working with Jacinta Richmond since 2015, (in her role as Director of the Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival). Jacinta puts on a highly professional event, she is organised and very professional, running a tight ship. Always friendly and helpful, she has been of great benefit to me over the years with her eye for detail and supporting me in styling my models for the best looks on the catwalk, as well as achieving great print and television publicity for me. I can always reach out to her for a contact or with a question and she will always respond quickly.
For someone in such a position within the industry and with the knowledge of the industry she clearly has, Jacinta is down to earth with no pretence. I would be happy to work with her again.
Nicola Finetti — Designer, Nicola FinettiEnthusiasm and energy
Jacinta Richmond brings an enthusiasm and energy to the boutique events stage, from public speaking, to celebrating local designers and the business community.
Assia Benmedjoub — Ragtrader MagazineHelps designers with marketing and branding
I am really happy to say that I have known Jacinta Richmond for a long time as the fashion director of the Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival. We have collaborated to support the program of the event. I am a fashion designer from Indonesia, and I am also the Chairman of Fashion Designer Association – Indonesian Fashion Chamber. The Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival, under the direction of Jacinta, is a very good event that helps designers with their marketing and branding.
Ali Charisma — Chairman of the Indonesian Fashion ChamberMy aspirations can be encouraged
In 2016 I first met Jacinta Richmond, founder and director of the Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival (SCFF), when attending my first fashion runway casting call. Normally, I was very apprehensive to be casting for such a big event as one of my first potential runway shows, and when it was my turn to walk down the runway in front of the casting directors I was delighted to be met with very kind, professional faces who were interested to see me there for the first time. My feelings of apprehension quickly changed to feelings of encouragement and possibility as Jacinta said she was pleased to meet me amongst other words of encouragement she shared.
Following on from this I was ecstatic to be booked for the 2016 SCFF and had no idea of the experiences yet to come. I modelled for the SCFF for the following years and was lucky enough to be the first male model ambassador for a fashion event anywhere in the world. This prestigious position usually coveted by females was for the first time in history offered to me by Jacinta, and the effects of such a role were long reaching. I have gone on to model on serial occasions for the Mercedes Benz International Fashion Week in Auckland, New Zealand, as well as shoot the front cover of various fashion magazines, of note, the cover of the Influencers Issue of Gladys Magazine in the USA, which was realised on my penultimate trip to Europe.
Working closely with Jacinta over the years that I modelled in her international event I learnt a great deal about the fashion world and was lucky to be able to foster significant relationships within the SCFF family and beyond. Jacinta provided an environment of encouragement, but never relinquished a commitment to the highest standard, be that in fashion, dealings with clients, or the comportment of the individuals involved in making the event a reality. In short, Jacinta was and is my greatest teacher of the fashion world. She generously offered me her time to share years' worth of experience and insight into the workings of the fashion world.
The sum of these experiences and skills acquired throughout a career in fashion such as Jacinta's cannot be found in a book or even gleaned from a short conversation with such an individual, however, I have been lucky enough to be welcomed by Jacinta to be her friend and to continually be afforded glimpses and proverbial pieces of gold from her rich experience knowledge base. Such moments spent together are instructive and inspiring. With Jacinta I feel like my aspirations can be encouraged and a logical diagram to achieve them can be drawn out and pursued. For this I am forever thankful to my main mentor and close friend who not only shares this professional côté with me but that of a nourishing friendship.
Charlie Hall — International Model, Hunter Model ManagementA fashion powerhouse...there is no other
Jacinta's knowledge and passion for the fashion industry is shown through the amazing team she fosters and incredible events she curates. I met Jacinta in 2012 when I joined the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival core team and over many years was able to grow and evolve with the team and event under Jacinta's direction which became something truly special that all locals, nationals and international guests and fashionista's got excited about attending every year. This was the vision of Jacinta's that with her hard work, drive and passion she created and delivered every year above and beyond and I am so grateful to have been a part of the festival, originally as core team and then as a guest. Jacinta Richmond is the Sunshine Coast's fashion powerhouse… there is no other.
Cheryl Slender — Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President, Swissport Asia PacificMade a huge impact on my career
I am writing this testimonial for Jacinta Richmond with much gratitude. I first met Jacinta in 2012, where I started working on the hair team for Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival, this event was directed by Jacinta every year flawlessly, every detail was perfectly refined, Jacinta worked tirelessly for it to be bigger & better every year & it quickly became my most looked forward to event of the year! Thanks to Jacinta for giving me the opportunity to join the team every year following that, I have created many great industry connections including Jacinta as a professional mentor & friend. I was offered the position of Hair Team director personally by Jacinta for 2017 & 2018 which has been one of the most exciting achievements of my career so far.
Jacinta also gave me the opportunity to work as a lead hair stylist at the Wishlist Foundation Spring Carnival events & as the director of the hair & makeup team for the International Women's Day fashion event at Rainbow Beach. None of this would have happened for me without the support & faith put in me by Jacinta. In 2019 I started to look into opening my first bricks & mortar salon, I asked Jacinta for advice & after a meeting with her she gave me the confidence to go for it. I don't think I could have taken that leap without her encouragement. Jacinta has made a huge impact on my career and opportunities I've had to grow & succeed.
Elizabeth Martin — Creative Director, The Guillotine Hair ArtistryHas played a role in the success of many designers
Jacinta Richmond is a dynamic visionary, her love for fashion is undeniable, Jacinta has played a pivotal role in the success of many designers, models and fashion events. Jacinta has an unstoppable drive and an unrelenting passion for the industry. She has much to offer the fashion world in terms of leadership, mentoring, scouting talent, event planning and so much more.
**Judy Copley **— Judy Copley CoutureBoundless energy and unwavering commitment
Jacinta is a wonderfully creative person, enthusiastic to get the job done. She has boundless energy and an unwavering commitment to see things through. She has a talent for attracting others around her and empowering them to learn and to grow. Jacinta was a great partner to work with and I've the highest regard for her capabilities and attitude.
Leanne Layfield — Let's ConnectDelivered on every single item as promised
As the major drawcard for our International Women’s Day 2020 event at Rainbow Beach, the fashion parade had to deliver. We had a lot of sceptics and the last fashion parade held in the region was probably held in the 1980's. I knew of Jacinta's work and never expected someone of her calibre and reputation would even consider running a parade for us, however, if we were going to do it, we had to do it well.
Right from the start, I knew the parade was her mission and I needed to do nothing except provide for her needs and she would take charge. Holding the model search was first and gave us an indication of the interest in the event and created awareness with our public so we could start the publicity two months prior to the event in earnest. It also showed our community this was going to be an event worth attending and as they were searching for local talent too, the word spread around the region. Because Jacinta also brought with her a contact who was an International Model Agent, it increased the interest and one of the locals actually did receive an international modelling contract – a young man – so they were credible, professional and competent in the process.
Jacinta was very clear with what she needed and very thorough with her communication. I knew she had her side under control and we just needed to ensure we honoured our part. Jacinta delivered on every single item as promised. She is an absolute professional to work with and I am confident, she will go to whatever lengths are necessary, to produce a show above and beyond the hopes of the organiser. It was a fantastic success and I would absolutely and highly recommend this lady, Jacinta Richmond for any event you may wish to hold. She will be the jewel in the crown of your event.
Lee McCarthy — Women's HQ
A way of bringing out the best in people
Jacinta has the ability to see things in people that they are unaware of. She has a way of bringing out the best in people, and encourages without bias.
Melisa Andreatta — Entertainment Industry PromoterFormidable fashionista
So, in she came, formidable fashionista, style queen sister, white magic woman, straight shooter, wardrobe warrior…within a few minutes my fears had vanished and fun and new energy was flowing.
Natalie Ing — ArtistA great business woman to learn from
I have known Jacinta since 2013 when I commenced as an intern with the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival. I requested the opportunity to continue to work with Jacinta and her team and from 2014-2018 I was offered the opportunity to take on various roles within the event and business to continue to develop my skills. Jacinta has always been a strong supporter of career development and providing opportunities for students and staff to grow.
Jacinta was always encouraging of a collaborative and creative team. I always felt empowered to make decisions and felt there was a mutual trust and respect between us no matter what position I was in. She was also a great businesswoman to learn from.
Natasha Bury — Event ManagerShe believed in me, challenged me, made me lift
Starting a fashion line can be daunting, and this is where I met Jacinta Richmond for the first time. She believed in me, challenged me, made me lift, put me in contact with people that would help and give me the answers I needed.
Jacinta's mentorship has been helpful to many designers, me included. She 'knows her stuff' – Recently when she suggested I go to a VIP launch to check out a range, she said – 'Look at the hems, they're hit and miss. Check the cuts – these items work, these don't.' This caused me to look harder, with a more discerning eye, giving me invaluable insights into the industry.
Being mindful of everyone wanting a piece of Jacinta at International Fashion Week on the Sunshine Coast, I would get my list together and she would patiently and thoroughly answer my questions, often giving loads of additional information that I would need, yet hadn't thought about. With expertise across all areas of fashion – design, fabrics, events, model selection and management, marketing, social media and more, Jacinta has certainly had a positive impact on my Digital Print product lines.
Robyn Hills — Designer, RobynGRAPHSSupported women of different ages and body shapes
Jacinta very much supported women of different ages and body shapes. Her show did not comprise of the traditional catwalk models which was so refreshing as a parent and a woman. She taught her audience that women are beautiful no matter their body shape or look.
Linda Schmidt — Mature-age modelProvided inspiration every single day
Jacinta was an amazing manager and mentor during my time with the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival. She was passionate, dedicated and provided inspiration every single day. Despite her busy lifestyle as an Event Director and Fashion Consultant she was always willing to provide the support and guidance I needed. She has been a huge influence in my growth and development, passion for work and strong work ethic.
Maddison Jones — Junior Practice Manager, DB ResultsAn extraordinary woman
I've had the pleasure of knowing Jacinta for many years now; as a fashion writer, director of a leading fashion festival, event co-ordinator, stylist, mentor and now friend. She is honest, true to her word, encouraging, impeccably organised, able to juggle the unthinkable all at once and professional through and through. At our time with Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival Jacinta had a presence no one could top; she was consistently successful in getting the best out of each person of the team. Her ability to see a woman's shape and understand what suited her whilst keeping in mind such woman's sense of style, is like nothing I've personally witnessed before. An extraordinary woman – there's no one else quite like Jacinta Richmond.
Shannon Guthrie — Former International Model and Retail ExpertA dynamic, creative entrepreneur
I met Jacinta Richmond through her work as Founder and Director of the Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival, at which I was honoured to be a showcasing designer. Jacinta is a dynamic, creative entrepreneur, with a cosmopolitan vision or art, fashion and sustainability. She is incredibly delightful to work with, and a supportive and encouraging friend and mentor to many.
Sharka Bosakova — Designer, Sharka BosakovaDoes what she says she will do
I had the pleasure of working with her across several venues for around 5 years across the 1990's. She was my manager when I was a DJ at Chasers in South Yarra (capacity 1600) and has also hired me as a freelance DJ across several other venues such as the Down Under Rock Café in Carlton (capacity 400), the Marquee in South Melbourne (capacity 650), and the Palace in St Kilda (capacity 2000).
Since moving on from the music industry 15 years ago, Jacinta has developed a long-lasting professional association in the fashion world with great success – and I can see why. It has been my experience that Jacinta is well organised, communicates exceptionally well, does what she says she will do, and is willing to listen to all ideas with the intention of utilising it where possible. She gave me clear direction regarding what she expected from me and was always pleasant and engaging. It is her nature to seek out and focus on the positive and creative. I learned a lot about people management from her and would be happy to work with her again as her skills and talents are universal.
Stratos Pavlis — Industrial Relations & Music IndustryA major influencer in this industry
I was scouted by IMG Models thanks to Jacinta … Jacinta is a major influencer in this industry and to this day she has always had my back. … She wanted to make sure that I was not working for the wrong people and that I was not being exploited. I basically grew up with Jacinta as my mentor. I owe her my career and my future with IMG Models.
Taylor Ridley — IMG ModelsWow! That was the best session
I have been working with Jacinta Richmond as my mentor, meeting on a weekly basis since February 2022. The last 5 months have propelled me forward to reach my objectives and I am now at a stage where I am selling dresses!
Investing in a mentor/coach with specialised knowledge and experience in the fashion industry offering advise, guidance, motivation and encouragement has helped me excel and saved me time and money! Jacinta with her wealth of knowledge and experience has guided me with specific and actionable suggestions, develop strategies and solutions, set specific and measurable goals, embrace new opportunities and challenges and develop a timeline which holds me accountable to achieve specific items that need actioning to help me achieve my goal of running a successful fashion brand.
Engaging with a mentor will allow you to be smart with industry business, smart with a business plan, smart with money and smart with production. At the end of a mentoring session with Jacinta I believe I finish with an excitable squeal and "WOW, that was the best session! I got so much of that!"
Abigail Wilkins — Abigail Jane Designs
ENTREPRENEUR
The entrepreneur's life called at the end of 2000. A baby on the way, an eclectic career spanning nightclubs and band venues, ski and five-star international resorts, and finally the arts — it was time to let the creative brain take hold. Experimenting, experiencing, learning and potential are things Jacinta continues to embrace.Travel & Experience — reviews, advisor.
A background in hospitality and tourism, paired with a love of travel, led to TripAdvisor reviews (top 1% globally).Wisdom & Wellness Expo (2024) — Founder
Launched to showcase wisdom and wellness businesses in the Bundaberg region through a one-day event supporting spiritual, physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. (Under new ownership since 2025.)Australian Fashion Manufacturing (2021–2023) — Co-Founder
A Queensland manufacturing hub built to train First Nations people in garment production for Australian fashion brands, born from an idea after a trip to Uluru.Sunshine Coast International Fashion Festival (2008–2019) — Founder & Director
What began as a one-off event spanning eleven years, giving rise to Frocks in the Vines, Off the Rack, Another Woman's Closet, and Designers on Tour.Sunshine Coast Style Awards (2008–2019) — Founder
A search for the region's most stylish resident, judged by anonymous "style stalkers" who never knew one another's identities.Coconut Luggage (2004–2009) — Designer & Manufacturer
Unable to find tropical-print luggage for her two-year-old daughter Leilani's first trip to Fiji, Jacinta designed and launched her own line.Melon (1999–2004) — Designer & Artisan
Born from a search for the perfect crochet bikini, Melon grew from swimwear into hand-painted children's clothing after the birth of her daughter.
Copyright Jacinta Richmond 2021