The mega-rich parents behind Australia’s young entrepreneurs… and their businesses are a LOT more glamorous than how mum and dad made their fortune

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Australia’s new wave of glossy entrepreneurs may look like overnight successes.

Behind the popular brands seen on Instagram, like those created by the Geminders and the Bonds, lie family wealth originally made through less exciting industries.

We’re not saying young entrepreneurs succeed *only* because of family wealth, but having parents with successful businesses – like packaging or mortgage companies – definitely gives them a boost.

First on our list is Emma Pillemer, whose father is Russel Pillemer, a well-known fund manager. He co-founded Pengana, a leading investment firm in Sydney, with former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Emma, who attended the highly-regarded Moriah College, didn’t pursue a career in finance like her father. Instead, she created Emma Pills, a trendy and reasonably priced jewelry brand popular with Gen Z.

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Emma started her company when she was 19, using several thousand dollars she’d saved from her plans to take a year off after school.

Her parents offered to contribute the same amount of money. Emma had shared that they were pleased she chose to invest in a business rather than spend it on a European vacation.

Just three months later, her jewelry was available on The Iconic, making her the youngest designer ever featured on their site.

Olivia and Kate Bond are sisters-in-law who both became entrepreneurs after marrying into the prominent and wealthy Bond family.

Olivia runs a high-end diamond jewelry business, but she originally trained as a speech pathologist. She’s married to Jeremy Bond, a financial manager and the grandson of the famous businessman Alan Bond.

I remember when Olivia started Olivia Bond Diamonds, just after she and Jeremy got married! It quickly became known for its really special, custom designs and attracted a very sophisticated customer base – it was clear from the start she had a talent for creating truly luxurious pieces.

Kate, who is married to Jeremy’s brother Banjo Bond, owns Bond Street, a luxury sleepwear brand meant to be comfortable enough to wear both at night and during the day.

Before I started Bond Street in 2021, I was married to Banjo, who works in property, for four wonderful years. That experience definitely shaped my entrepreneurial journey!

Olivia has consistently maintained that her business was not funded by her wealthy in-laws, and we respect that. Kate hasn’t offered any comment on the matter. However, it’s natural for any business owner to feel more secure knowing they have family wealth as a safety net.

Sisters Georgia and Bella Geminder are forging their own careers, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, the late packaging industry leader Richard Pratt, and with the support of their parents, Raphael and Fiona Geminder.

In 2021, Georgia started Gem, a company that makes natural, chemical-free products for taking care of your teeth and mouth.

The brand has since expanded its range to include deodorants and other personal care items.

The heiress told the Australian Financial Review that when she started Gem, her billionaire parents provided very little financial support – only a ‘minimal’ amount.

Instead, she invested her own savings from working as a model to get the company off the ground.

Georgia’s sister, Bella, who is also a model, started her own skincare company, Strange Luxury, in 2024. The line focuses on simple, vegan products that offer a luxurious experience without complicated steps.

Next up is Deborah Symond O’Neil, founder of luxury athleisure retailer Mode Sportif.

Deborah Symond is the daughter of John Symond, who founded Aussie Home Loans and is worth an estimated $832 million.

She is married to Ned O’Neil, the son of superyacht broker and Rose Bay Marina owner Denis O’Neil.

In 2014, she started Mode Sportif as an online shop, featuring a carefully chosen collection of designers from around the world and locally.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been watching this brand’s growth with excitement! They really made a splash when they moved beyond online sales and opened their first physical store in Sydney’s Paddington back in 2016. It was a huge success, and they quickly followed it up with a beautiful flagship boutique in Double Bay – a truly immersive brand experience.

Deborah’s sister-in-law Poppy Tzaneros also makes our list. 

Poppy O’Neil, the only daughter of Denis O’Neil, followed her passion for interior design and launched her own company, POCO Designs, with encouragement from her mother, Charlotte.

Poppy is married to Anthony Tzaneros, who is set to inherit ACFS Port Logistics, a major, privately-owned freight and logistics company in Australia.

Katelin Gregg, who co-founded the exclusive skincare clinic Fayshell, comes from a well-off family.

Her father, Rob Gregg, founded Mondeal Aesthetics, a company that’s a major distributor of medical supplies, skincare products, and aesthetic solutions.

Katelin recently received media attention following reports that she and Ella James, co-founder of Fayshell, have separated.

Jaimee Lupton, a former public relations professional in the luxury industry, created the incredibly successful hair care brand, Monday Haircare. Known for its popular millennial pink packaging, the brand quickly gained traction, selling out in stores and becoming a viral sensation.

Her partner Nick Mowbray is the billionaire co-founder of the toy giant ZURU.

Jaimee successfully created her own brand following a career in public relations. However, having someone with Nick’s resources – financial backing, a large network, and the ability to rapidly expand – would have given her opportunities most new business owners only wish for.

Michael Porter, whose family founded the Four Seasons condom company, has also achieved success with his skincare brand, Skin Control.

He started the brand alongside his father, Graham Porter. Skin Control is one part of their family’s larger company, Australian Therapeutic Supplies.

Michael shared with GQ Australia that his father, Graham – who also co-founded the company – has been a huge source of support and encouragement throughout this process.

He’s consistently supported my ideas for the brand and has offered valuable guidance to keep me focused.

Oh my gosh, and get this – Stephanie Onisforou is *also* part of this whole thing! You guys, she’s Theo Onisforou’s daughter – Theo, like, the *huge* property investor and retail king in Sydney! Her mom is Heidi, who he was married to before. I’ve been following the family for ages, and she’s just… amazing. I can’t believe she’s involved!

After Theo bought Andersen’s Ice Cream and handed over the keys, the young entrepreneur opened Café de la Fontaine in Potts Point.

 

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