IN A landmark moment for regional and queer-owned businesses, Earth & Elm Studio in Dungog has taken out both the “Business of the Year” and “Personal Services” categories at the prestigious 2025 Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards.
The awards, the largest of their kind in NSW, saw Earth & Elm triumph over competitors from across Newcastle and the Hunter region, a testament to the growing impact of this unique wellness space.
Founded by Xavier, a trans man, mental health counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist, and Chel, a multidisciplinary artist and ceremonial tattooist who uses she/they pronouns, Earth & Elm has quickly become a safe and affirming haven for those seeking healing, self-expression, and community connection.
“This isn’t just a win for us,” Xavier said.
“It’s a win for every person who never felt like they belonged in traditional spaces.
“Earth & Elm is about reimagining care, connection, and community.”
Chel echoed the sentiment, adding: “We created this studio as an act of love and rebellion and to see it recognised at this level feels both surreal and deeply affirming.”
Earth & Elm’s offerings range from art therapy and hypnotherapy to ceremonial tattoos, all with a focus on trauma-informed, inclusive care.
The pair’s personal experiences with mental health challenges, neurodivergence, and feeling like outsiders in conventional spaces, shape every aspect of the studio’s ethos.
This win also amplifies LGBTQIA+ visibility in regional NSW, with Xavier and Chel proudly stating, “Our queerness is part of the fabric of Earth & Elm.”
The ripple effects of their work extend well beyond their studio walls, with workshops, one-on-one sessions, and community-based events all aimed at fostering resilience and connection.
For Earth & Elm, the awards are more than just a trophy.
They’re proof that there’s space and demand for healing that is both meaningful and deeply personal.
To those still searching for a safe place to be seen and heard, Earth & Elm’s message is simple: “You’re not alone. We’ve got you.”
By Shannon BENTON
