Australian actress, singer-songwriter, model, wife and mother, Melissa Tkautz wears many hats. Known for her role of Nikki Spencer on the popular Australian TV soap opera, E Street. During the early 1990s she had a solo music career, and had top 20 hits on the ARIA Singles Chart with “Read My Lips” (No. 1), “Sexy (Is the Word)” (No. 3) and “Skin to Skin” (No. 16). “Read My Lips” also became a Number One hit in Sweden.

I think we all remember this song and know every word of this song.

Let’s walk down memory lane….

After her stint on E Street, Tkautz has appeared on Paradise Beach , Pacific Drive, All Saints, Swift and Shift Couriers and Housos. Her modelling career has included early child modelling, then as a teen in various pop entertainment magazines and fashion and men’s magazines.

Recently we have seen Melissa re-appear on our TV screens in Real Housewives of Sydney.

Melissa is about to co-host Fashion+Aid in Sydney in October and I sat down with her to talk all things fashion.

Thank you for sitting and chatting with me. First ever Fashion+Aid Sydney is coming up in October which you are co-hosting, what can we expect from the night? 

I’m really excited! Presenting is something I really enjoy. Fashion+Aid is going to be an incredible night of Australian fashion and fun and it’s all for charity and that in itself is amazing. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.

 You’ve recently released a range of luxury soy candles, which is exciting. What inspired you to start the business? 

It all definitely stemmed simply from being passionate about candles and the mood and atmosphere they bring to a room. I think my love of candles all began with memories of my grandmother lighting candles throughout the house before events like exams and shows. It’s something i just love having around the house.

RHOS season 1 just wrapped. What a season full of drama, personalities, fights, fireworks and friendships. What was the experience like being on one of the most watched reality series? 

It was definitely surreal but overall it was an amazing experience. A lot of the time there were shocks that I just didn’t see coming, hence my reactions to some of the events throughout the show. I’ve always been a fan of the Real Housewives franchise and having the opportunity to be a part of it was amazing.

Singing, acting, reality tv… What’s next for you? 

Theres so many things I would love to do. I think there’s a real fanbase for Real Housewives of Sydney Season 2 and I would love to work with all the ladies again, if the network decides to pick it up for another season, I’d love to be a part of it. I love presenting, that’s always an amazing experience – I love being a part of events like Fashion+Aid, it’s always a nice feeling to be around people that are passionate and creative, especially when it’s for a good cause. I’m also looking to release more music in the near future and BOAR (a movie that I’m staring in) will be hitting cinemas very soon! I can’t wait for everything yet to come!

Coffee or Tea.. how do you have it? 

I actually love both. I like to have a tea and a coffee every day! I like my tea strong and I love a skinny cappuccino without the chocolate on top!

You come across grounded and very down to earth in this crazy industry. What is your secret? 

Honestly it’s really easy to stay grounded if you’re always remembering to treat people with kindness and respect. If you treat people the way you want to be treated, you’ll find that they return that kindness and respect to you and everything remains genuine and definitely more rewarding.

Do you have a quote or a mantra that you live by? 

I always live by the mantra ‘treat people the way you want to be treated’. It’s the easiest thing you’ll ever do!

How would you describe your style in 3 words? 

I guess I would describe my style as Sophisticated, Stylish and Edgy. That’s definitely what I want to achieve in my looks. I love adding a little bit of flair to more sophisticated and traditional looks.

What is a secret you can tell us that no one knows about you? 

I don’t like to walk around my house barefoot. I have to be wearing house slippers or shoes – I can’t just walk around barefoot!

Melissa will be co-hosting Fashion+Aid in Sydney on 14th October. For tickets head HERE.

KB xx