Meet Sandra, 59, wife, mother, chilli festival enthusiast, and all-star life participant
” It’s all about giving my audience my very best”
Hey there! I’m Sandra, a 59-year-old wife, mum, and a lifelong singer. My musical journey began at the tender age of 8 as a Catholic convent schoolgirl. Trained in classical piano, I discovered that singing is my escape from the real world. When I’m on stage, it’s all about giving the audience my very best, focusing solely on getting that pitch right. From performing professionally since age 15 to forming a “power duo” with my guitarist husband, Sean Mullen, music has been my constant joy, evolving beyond the pursuit of money to finding pleasure and relevance in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
“I’m a chilli festival enthusiast”
Beyond the melodies, I’m a PR professional and wordsmith, thanks to my Convent schooling that allows me to type at 120 words per minute. My PR skills support not only our music endeavours but also my passion for organising festivals like Briz Chilli Fest and Chillogan. And yes, there’s a new addition on the horizon – the Gold Coast Cheese Chilli & Chocolate Festival! My son, Philip, adds his creative touch to our family legacy, creating original music and delving into the realms of Philosophy and Psychology while living in Europe.
“I love mixing cocktails, turning it into a cheeky side-hustle”
Aside from the stage and the office, I love mixing cocktails, turning it into a cheeky side-hustle. Embracing Arnie Schwarzenegger’s mantra to “Be Useful,” I’m rarely found idle, though I cherish the art of simply being during holidays. Coming from an immigrant background, my love for cooking and eating reflects my Euro-Asian heritage, with a kitchen routine set to a backdrop of music and a backlog of 100 Instagram recipes waiting to be explored.
“I’m all about saying “yes” to opportunities”
In a bold move, I decided to model for Ocean Road, navigating the challenges of body confidence post-menopause. Despite being fit and healthy, the “menopause muffin top” brought its own set of struggles. Engaging in strength training became my mantra for overall health, combating societal pressures on ageing women. I’m all about saying “yes” to opportunities, embracing change, and staying relevant in a world that sometimes forgets the beauty of ageing gracefully.
“Cheers to all the incredible women out there”
As I navigate the challenges of ageing in an ageist society, I recognise the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities, lifting weights, and staying mentally active. I share my journey in the hope that it resonates with other women facing similar experiences. Cheers to all the incredible women out there – may your journey be filled with strength, positivity, and an unwavering commitment to saying “yes” to life’s adventures!