Parked like a postcard in front of a beachside motel, this Mercedes-AMG G 63 isn’t just a ride – it’s a statement. And the driver behind the wheel?
She might call herself ‘just a regular working mum’, but Yvette Hardy sculpts candles like an artist, sets the style bar high, and frequently swaps her heels for a Gi to hold her own on a martial arts mat.
Prior to the photoshoot, our driver’s first question wasn’t about the location or lighting – naturally it was about the car.
What model? What colour? When the answer was yellow, was it mustard, canary, or neon? These details matter when you have an eye for aesthetics and a love for cars.
For the record, the model is the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and the colour, canary yellow. And now, standing in front of La Costa, a charming powder blue motel with playful pops of colour, Yvette Hardy has nailed it—her outfit perfectly complements the car’s vibrant hue.
Iconic and effortlessly stylish, the G-Wagon is not just about looks. Underneath its commanding frame that has enthralled the world for over 45 years, this beast houses a handcrafted 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, pumping out 577 horsepower and 627 of torque.
“I love a car with spirit behind it,” says Yvette. “Electric cars certainly have their place, but nothing compares to the acoustics of a beautifully tuned V8”.
“The Mercedes-Benz brand has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my dad had one—an E-Class, in brown, (a popular colour in the late 80’s). So naturally when I started driving, I aspired to have one.”
Indeed, Yvette made an entrance in a Mercedes-AMG GT, the kind that turned heads—especially with that engine. But back to the G-Wagon.
For anyone who thinks luxury SUVs aren’t cut out for adventure, think again. The G 63 is armed with triple locking differentials, a low-range gearbox, and an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. And since Yvette got behind the wheel, she’s been daydreaming about taking it off road.
“I’ve always adored the G-Wagons, but I think their beauty should be experienced off road,” she says. “If you get the chance, take one for an adventure and see what it’s really capable of.”
If there’s one thing Yvette knows how to do, it’s juggle—family, business, fashion blogging, and oh, just casually being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) state champion.
“I like to dress up, but I also like to choke people for fun,” she says.
Having trained for six years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that involves grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds, Yvette is a current AFBJJ Queensland state champion, and she is looking forward to heading to Las Vegas in August to compete at the IBJJF World Masters Championships.
“It’s amazing what you are capable of when you truly set your mind to it,” she says. “BJJ has taught me to find comfort in uncomfortable situations in every aspect of my life.”
By day, Yvette is the CFO and business manager for her and her husband’s family business, Sculpt Studios. By night, she’s the creative force behind Ancient Candle Co. and Lit Celebrations, two brands turning sustainability sourced soy wax into works of art.
“During COVID, I had this idea for sculptural candles,” she says. “It was almost impossible to find large scale sculptural candles at the time. Statement pieces that could be styled in your home but were also functional. So, we developed the concept, and I launched our first brand Ancient Candle Co. Now, almost 5 years later I never thought I’d still be doing it, but here we are.”
What started as a passion project turned into a thriving business, complete with features in Vogue and Australian Financial Review magazine to name a few.
“We also create bespoke designs and manufacture for other brands which has been really rewarding,” she says.
Unlike typical scented jar candles, Yvette’s designs are coffee table conversation starters—candles that are art.
“We proudly 3D sculpt, print and mould many of our own designs, this gives us a unique point of difference to some other brands on the market,” says Yvette.
The Ancient Candle Co. product range is akin to artefacts for the modern home. Fluted columns, classic Greek busts and brass candle sticks make for exquisite home décor. With inspiration drawn from everywhere including fashion, history, art, and even pop culture, Yvette’s designs are playful yet elegant.
“I grew up in the eighties, so I love incorporating nostalgic elements like vintage telephones and high-top sneakers into our playful LIT Celebrations brand,” she says.
Before candles took over, Yvette was running a popular Instagram blog, @fashionevolve, that has over 14,000 followers.
“Fashion blogging was something I started when I was a new mum,” she says. “It was my way of being creative and connecting with other like-minded people. It was through this Instagram that I landed an ambassadorship with Pacific Fair shopping centre, which has been such an amazing experience.
“Being able to attend events like the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo, co-hosting two seasons of the pacific fair podcast, and playing dress up in some of the beautiful brands available in store have all been highlights of the role. I feel so grateful to have these experiences and to document and share them with my Instagram community.”
Yvette still has a firm foot in the fashion world, but with her business taking off, it’s been a little less front row however, her advice for success is simple: do what brings you joy and surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you.
“I know how difficult it is to start a new business,” she says. “Most people don’t have the luxury of doing something they love and being able to make a living from it right away.
“I was fortunate in the respect that I already worked within a business that complemented the concept I wanted to bring to life; I also had incredible support from my husband who believed in me and the vision I wanted to create.”
“My best advice is this: Identify what you love to do in your free time and then find a way to make it profitable. This is your passion, following it will make you a truly rich in every sense of the word.”
