The Genies Gals behind Genie Juicery
The Genies Gals behind Genie Juicery
Born and raised down-under, best friends, Melanie Barnish and Cara McIlroy have called Hong Kong home for several years, after relocating from the Gold Coast, Australia. Having both worked in the city’s thriving fashion industry for many years, they began to feel the repercussions a busy lifestyle of a Hong Kong city dweller has on ones body. With no suitable detox options available at the time, Genie Juicery was born.
As certified Health Coaches from the school of Integrative Nutrition, the girls have put themselves in good steed to educate Hong Kong’s health conscious. Originally a juice detox program, Genie Juicery has been delivering cold pressed juices since 2011. With the demand for healthy options growing in the city, the girls took the leap and opened their first flagship store in the iconic ifc shopping mall. Now selling juices, smoothies, nut mylks, cold brew coffee and raw food, Genie Juicery is a one stop destination for all things healthy in Hong Kong.
MELANIE BARNISH
Co-Founder Genie Juicery & Acting Director
ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY AUSTRALIA, MELANIE BARNISH (FORMERLY WHITE) IS ONE HALF OF THE SAVVY DUO BEHIND WELL-LIKED JUICE BRAND, GENIE JUICERY. MELANIE COMPLETED HER SCHOOLING ON THE GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA, ATTAINING A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS MAJORING IN MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT AT BOND UNIVERSITY.
Growing up amongst the great outdoors, health and fitness has always been a big part of Melanie’s life. Always keeping fit and active, playing different sports and health conscious, it was no surprise when Melanie’s passion helped forge a successful career in the juice industry. However, it was the fashion circuit that originally caught Melanie’s attention.
After university, Melanie successfully started her own footwear and handbag range, frequently travelling to Hong Kong and China where she oversaw the product development and manufacturing of her own designs. From the years 2006 – 2011, Melanie’s products could be found throughout major fashion houses across Australia and New Zealand.
After a move to Hong Kong, where she initially dabbled in some modeling, Melanie soon gained employment for swimwear brand Sunseeker. Heading the design team for the Australian brands international range, Melanie saw the expansion of the brand, selling in over 16 countries worldwide. The job took her around the world, attending trade fairs in Paris, London, New York, Sydney, Italy and Spain.
Coming back to her roots, Melanie and school friend Cara, saw a massive health gap in Hong Kong. Having both worked in the city’s thriving fashion industry for many years, they began to feel the repercussions a busy lifestyle of a Hong Kong city dweller has on ones body. With no suitable detox options available at the time, Genie Juicery was born. As certified Health Coaches from the school of Integrative Nutrition, the girls put themselves in good steed to educate Hong Kong’ heath conscious. Originally a juice detox program, Genie Juicery has been delivering cold pressed juices since 2011. With the demand for healthy options growing in the city, the girls took the leap and opened their first flagship store in the iconic ifc shopping mall. The store opened in August 2014 and is successfully selling cold pressed juices, smoothies, nut milks, cold brew coffee and snacks to Hong Kong’s health crazed. Genie Juicery is a one-stop destination for all things healthy.
Plans are in place for Genie Juicery to expand throughout Asia in the coming years with more store locations in the works and product development on the horizon. With Melanie ‘s flair for all things entrepreneurial, this brand is destined for great things.
CARA MCILROY
Co-Founder Genie Juicery
HAILING FROM AUSTRALIA, CARA MCILROY IS CO-FOUNDER OF POPULAR JUICE BRAND, GENIE JUICERY, WHOSE OUTLET IS SITUATED IN IFC SHOPPING MALL, CENTRAL HONG KONG. CARA WAS BORN IN COUNTRY VICTORIA, THIS IS WHERE HER LOVE FOR ANIMALS WAS INGRAINED AND WENT ON TO SPEND A MAJORITY OF HER ADOLESCENCE IN BRISBANE.
A mixture of Australian, Singaporean, Swiss, Irish, Thai, German and Arabic, Cara’s unique heritage helped direct her towards a formidable career as a model and TV presenter. Starting out her profession in Singapore, she was quickly lured to the hustle of Hong Kong as a promising 21 year old model. Cara has walked for the likes of Dior and Max Mara and has shot a host of commercials, print ads and fashion editorials for magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Clair. A highlight was appearing alongside supermodels Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell in a Duran Duran music video. In 2010 the popular celebrity model branched out into TV hosting, debuting on Channel V, Star World and National Geographic Channel.
Being an avid health nut, Cara and school friend Melanie, saw a massive health gap. Having both worked in the city’s thriving fashion industry for many years, they began to feel the repercussions a busy lifestyle of a Hong Kong city dweller has on ones body. With no suitable detox options available at the time, Genie Juicery was born. As certified Health Coaches from the school of Integrative Nutrition, the girls put themselves in good steed to educate Hong Kong’ heath conscious. Originally a juice detox program, Genie Juicery has been delivering cold pressed juices since 2011. With the demand for healthy options growing in the city, the girls took the leap and opened their first flagship store in the iconic ifc shopping center. The store opened in August 2014 and is successfully selling cold pressed juices, smoothies, nut milks, cold brew coffee and snacks to Hong Kong’s health crazed. Genie Juicery is a one-stop destination for all things healthy.
As a wife, mother, dog lover, business owner and career lady, Cara is a woman who wears many hats. And with plans to open more Genie stores throughout Asia, this mum-trepreneur isn’t slowing down anytime soon.