About Makki.
Makki is a specialised service provider in venue management, events and business growth/planning. With such focus, comes a carefully curated team of people who have expert experience in their field and consistently deliver excellent outcomes.
From our administrative support and event coordination, through to strategic consulting and management, everyone at Makki is passionate about achieving great success for our partners.
The Founders.
Amanda Appel is the co-founder of Makki, an enterprise that founded the notable wedding venue, The Bower Estate (Bower), and most recently, Kwila Lodge.
With 20 years’ experience in the arts, marketing and communications industry, her career has seen her work broadly across PR and marketing disciplines.
Her professional career began at HOTA (formerly known as the Gold Coast Arts Centre), followed by PR Management at the Animal Welfare League of Queensland. She then pivoted to the private sector in PR and crisis communications consulting for industries such as energy retailers, developers, Meals on Wheels and more.
As a passionate animal advocate, she then took up the position as Marketing Manager at RSPCA Qld HQ in Brisbane. After years in this role, Amanda made the sea change back to the Gold Coast, working in specialist medical centres within the marketing and operations space.
Nearly 10 years ago, she opened her first business, a Medi Spa on the Gold Coast, followed in quick succession by two additional businesses, Atom Labs, a manufacturing company, and BLOC Cosmetics.
Two successful business sales later, Amanda took her next opportunity, this time in partnership with her sister, Nikki Scarrabelotti. The family farm was destined for sale, and this was sad news to the sisters, so, eight years ago, Amanda and Nikki began the research and development to turn a hobby farm into a wedding venue. What started out as a ‘simple’ idea to ensure the security of the property, has turned into a thriving business, that has only just begun in terms of its potential.
With major development planned for Bower, and wider expansion in her future, Amanda looks forward to what the next decade will bring in the wedding and events industry.
Nikki Scarrabelotti is the co-founder of Makki and a Graduate Architect.
Her career began in the architecture world after graduating from Bond University. She worked in Brisbane and New York for many years on varying scales of commercial projects. Her fields of expertise are in project management, design and planning.
When the opportunity presented itself to partner with her sister and transform the family farm, it was the perfect project for her to pivot and use her skillset for the benefit of her own company.
She now oversees the complex operations for Makki's venues, and looks forward to the future projects in the company's pipeline.
Current Venues.
Small beginnings require big plans. From enterprise creation, brand development, to venue and event management, we take your plans and put them in to action. Experts in SEQ prestige event venues, see below our current projects and how we assisted with their business journey.
The Bower Estate.
The Bower Estate is a glorious Eco Estate set on 120 acres of unparalleled beauty and environmental heritage nestled in the Gold Coast Hinterland between Lamington National Park and Springbrook.
Approved for weddings and events in stunning natural settings, this space is a dream for both those who work there as well as our clients.
Explore The Bower Estate | Follow us on Instagram
Makki created The Bower Estate on behalf of the owners (Makki founders’ parents).
Operating in an autonomous operational management role, we delivered outcomes from the DA process, all the way through to business planning, launch phase, and continue to manage the Venue’s operations, events and promotion.
Kwila Lodge.
Kwila Lodge is the newest premier wedding destination of the Gold Coast. The venue’s rich heritage history meets contemporary elegance in the beautiful lush surroundings of Mudgeeraba.
Approved for weddings, events and on-site lodge accommodation, Kwila offers a unique exclusive experience in a tranquil oasis to suit every celebration.
Explore Kwila Lodge | Follow us on Instagram
Makki created Kwila Lodge together with co-owners, founders of Ridgeway Catering.
Operating in an autonomous operational management role, we delivered outcomes from design, all the way through to business planning, launch phase, and continue to manage the Venue’s operations, events and business development.
Our Services.
Event Management
We coordinate all manner of events from weddings and galas through to baby showers, retreats and everything in between.
Primarily these events are delivered at our partner venues (see projects).
We can deliver signature/one-off events at other private locations by enquiry.
Events Venue Design & Development
Advisory consultants for venue creation, aesthetics, business development and operational manuals.
Latest News.
Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards.
From humble beginnings with big dreams, Makki has now reached our next benchmark winning the May 2022 Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards for the Tourism, Hospitality and Events sector.
The Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards highlight the growing importance of the Gold Coast as a business hub and recognise leading businesses throughout the industries. The Tourism, Hospitality and Events Award celebrates excellence in destination and stewardship management specifically focusing on business offerings to external markets and improvements in the areas of technology, sustainability, social and cultural movements.
For Makki, knowing that our business model is getting recognised for being effective, purposeful and innovative was once an aspiration of ours however now is a reality. Moving forward, Makki aims to be acknowledged for more industry awards and accolades increasing our portfolio in the local and international market.
Panelists at the 2024 Evolve Conference.
Co-founder, Amanda Appel has been invited to be a panelist at the 2024 Evolve Conference in Brisbane on 22 August 2024. Evolve is an obligation-free afternoon of business insights especially for wedding professionals to scale up their business — hosted by Easy Weddings/Venue Crew.
This years conference topic is ‘ Embracing a Changing Market’ discussing needs for diversification, the demand for unique and tailored experiences have heightened, and communication preferences have changed significantly.
Contact Us.
Say Hi.
© 2024 Makki – Gold Coast, Queensland. Venue and event management specialists.