Building honest hospitality businesses, one craving at a time.
From relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired dining at Rústico at Hay Shed Hill, to boutique stays infused with character and seamless transport services that make every outing effortless, each venture carries a signature touch: warmth, accessibility, and a spirit of celebration.
Investor, Rústico Queen Bee & Award-winning Hospo Entrepreneur |
Investor, Rústico Queen Bee & Award-winning Hospo Entrepreneur |
Hospitality isn’t just a business. It’s a way of life.
It’s about creating spaces where people gather, celebrate, and connect.
Driven by honesty, grit and joy — the same qualities that shine through in her restaurants, her teams, and her leadership. Vanessa’s achievements are measured not only in awards and full dining rooms but in maintaining balance, nurturing relationships, and proving that big dreams are achievable without compromise.
Investor, Rústico Queen Bee & Award-winning Hospo Entrepreneur |
Investor, Rústico Queen Bee & Award-winning Hospo Entrepreneur |
About
Vivacious, determined, unapologetic and deeply hospitality-driven — Vanessa Phillipson is a restaurateur, tourism entrepreneur and force of nature in the South West of WA.
Born in Rockingham in 1979, Vanessa is the proprietor and general manager of a growing suite of hospitality and tourism businesses: Rústico at Hay Shed Hill, Rústicoq Bed & Breakfast, Kings Cabin Busselton, Rústico Weddings, and the innovative Rústico Ride and adding Rústica Estate to her growing portfoilo .
Her energy, creativity and no-nonsense approach to leadership define not only her businesses but also the community she builds around them.
Investor, Rústico Queen Bee & Award-winning Hospo Entrepreneur |
Investor, Rústico Queen Bee & Award-winning Hospo Entrepreneur |
The foundations of Vanessa’s career were laid early.
At just 10, she was helping her father serve mussels at Fremantle markets during the America’s Cup era. Part-time restaurant jobs, a career in competitive media sales, and life abroad sharpened her resilience, communication and entrepreneurial instincts.
Her philosophy remains simple: know what you don’t know and fix it. Constant training, travel, benchmarking against the best, and building strong, loyal teams have been cornerstones of her success. Vanessa thrives on developing people as much as developing businesses — ensuring her ventures grow with integrity and passion.
Let’s talk business.
I’m looking to partner with businesses seeking guidance, momentum and long-term strategic value — including equity opportunities.
Fill out the contact form to get started.