Behind every successful man, there’s a woman—or in the case of billionaire hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes, a handful of powerful, discreet, and undeniably glamorous women. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after a tumultuous year that saw his Merivale empire under fire for its workplace culture, Hemmes is leaning on these women to help steer the ship back to calmer waters. Could 2026 be his redemption year? It’s looking promising, with his ambitious Byron Bay expansion and Melbourne’s Parkade project gaining momentum, despite whispers of local resistance. Yet, the real story lies in the shadows of his inner circle—the women who quietly hold the keys to his kingdom.
Hemmes, who transformed his family’s modest business into a dining and hospitality juggernaut, owes much of his success to these behind-the-scenes power players. In his personal life, there’s girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel and ex-partner Kate Fowler, both integral to his world. But it’s on the business front where two women truly stand out as his gatekeepers—and they’re anything but ordinary.
Meet Vanya Z Tuarau, the enigmatic ex-model and actress dubbed the ‘Queen of Level 6.’ While some might dismiss her role as merely ‘paid to party,’ insiders know better. Vanya is the mastermind behind Merivale’s uber-exclusive penthouse nightclub at The Ivy, catering to the crème de la crème of Sydney’s elite. Her ability to anticipate and fulfill the whims of high-rolling patrons is legendary, and her loyalty to Hemmes is unmatched. But here’s the part most people miss: Vanya’s role isn’t just about glamour—it’s about discretion. She’s witnessed some of Sydney’s wildest, untold moments, yet her lips remain sealed. Her position comes with a hefty paycheck, but it’s her unwavering loyalty and behind-the-scenes influence that make her indispensable.
Then there’s Holly Kaiser, formerly Holly Asser, a PR powerhouse who’s no stranger to navigating the high-stakes world of Sydney’s elite. After a high-profile split from Roxy Jacenko’s PR firm, Holly reinvented herself, climbing the ranks at Edelman and Crown Sydney before landing at Merivale as its PR chief. Her Instagram feed is a masterclass in glossy, high-end branding, but her real skill lies in shaping the narrative around Merivale’s premium venues—especially during its year of bad press.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Hemmes’ inner circle is undeniably influential, questions linger about the dynamics of power and loyalty in his empire. Are these women truly equals, or are they carefully curated extensions of his brand? And what does their presence say about the role of women in male-dominated industries? One thing’s for sure: in the world of Justin Hemmes, nothing is as it seems—and these women are far more than meets the eye.
What do you think? Are Vanya and Holly the unsung heroes of Hemmes’ success, or are they simply cogs in a well-oiled machine? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
