This International Women’s Day, we’ve been working on something a little different, allowing our readers to get to know the women behind HUNTERhunter.

We thought what better way to do it than to get our team to SPILL. That’s right, we’re taking you behind the scenes with each HUNTERhunter team member to find out where they eat, what playlist they’re listening to, where they take our out-of-town friends, and ultimately, what makes them tick.

Keeping with the spirit of International Women’s Day, and as an all-female team, we’ve sprinkled in a few questions to understand what March 8 means for HUNTERhunter.

So, without further ado, get to know the faces behind Newcastle’s favourite online lifestyle publication. Meet HUNTERhunter’s newest recruit, Erica Wildey – HUNTERhunter Advertising & Partnerships Manager. 

Our newest team member, Erica brings with her extensive digital advertising media sales experience, having worked for some of Australia’s top digital publishers. Plus as a Central Coast local, Erica brings all the local food, drink, and lifestyle intel on Newcastle’s southern neighbour.

Let’s kick things off – what does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day for all to come together to celebrate and empower women, to educate and make changes on equal rights.

How do you feel about working with an all-female team?

Firstly we are a bunch of truly skilled media industry people, across editorial, operations, and sales, it just happens we are also women. Being women we wear many hats, daughter, mother, aunt, friend, and with that comes so many other skills that can be used in the workplace that might not fit neatly on a resume.

Where are you from?  

The Central Coast, the coastal lifestyle feels like you are on holiday most days.

Do you consider yourself more of an early bird or a night owl?

Night owl.

What’s your morning ritual?

Stretch, light walk, and a nutritious yummy breakfast smoothie.

Where’s your late-night hangout spot?

More of a long lunch fan atm, but if it was late – Pocket Bar Terrigal.

What’s your coffee order?

Almond milk hot choccie!

Which local venue knows your order by heart?

Flour & Co in Toowoon Bay.

In your spare time, what are your THREE top favourite things to do on the Central Coast?

- Long Jetty at sunset, with BYO wine and a cheese board
- A swim at Toowoon Bay Beach
- The Coast Walking Track – from Bateau Bay to Forresters Beach; sensational views.

If you wanted to dazzle your out-of-town friends and family, where would you take them?

- The Cowrie Restaurant
- 8 at Trinity
- Swells Terrigal

Beer? Wine? Cocktail? Mocktail? What is your tipple of choice and where do you frequently visit?

- The Mango Mafia cocktail at 8 at Trinity
- The Watermelon Margarita at Coco Bar + Dining

On the daily, what’s guaranteed to make you smile?

The sound of the ocean from my home.

What do you NEVER leave the house without?

My phone and Garmin watch.

Tell me about the women in your life who make you who you are?

My mum and sister. They have always inspired me, creative, strong, working mothers, and my biggest supporters teaching me anything is possible.

What are you reading / watching / listening to now?

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Tiny Habits by James Clear. Re-reading both these brilliant books!

If you need a short break away from the Central Coast, where do you go and why?

Shoal Bay. Stunning coastal town and a short drive, but still feels like a getaway. A walk up Mount Tomaree, spectacular views up the top reminding me of the Whitsundays (so blue) ocean swims, Atmos for dinner, and Shoal Bay Country Club for live music and tunes.

What would you like to see more of on the Central Coast?

Live music! Bands, and even just more acoustic sets at restaurants.