A Celebration of International Women's Day

Biz bio:

Be Heard Therapy & Supports aim to make a positive impact in the world of the children and families we work with and advocate for each individual's voice to be heard, regardless of which mode of communication they use.

Three things Rhy wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Believe in yourself and what makes you unique. On the hard days, this is what helps you stay strong.
• Take care of your mental health. When you invest yourself so fully in your business it’s easy to forget that you're only human and need to take time to recharge.
• Invest time in networking. Finding your biz family is so special because it gives you people to share your wins and talk through your challenges.‍‍

‍One thing she’d tell her younger self: ‍

You can do anything you set your mind to, so make sure you’re dreaming big.

Biz bio:

At Melissa Martin photography, I take pride in crafting and capturing images that tell your story in a way that appeals to your audience. Giving you the images, and the confidence, you need to put you, and your business, out there.

Three things Melissa wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Build a community/email list.
• Don't be afraid of what you don't know.
• Slow down and take your time. Businesses take time to grow.

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

You don't have to be like everyone else – it's ok to not fit in.

Biz bio:‍

Whether you moved from your country of birth because of your great grandparents, your parents, work, education or love, hopefully, you’ve started to call wherever you are now, home. Dual Nations Designs celebrate wherever you’re choosing to call home. We do this with multinational designs, which you can put on whatever products you choose.

Three things Richa wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• If you don't try you’ll forever wonder – what if?
• Procrastination will not bring results, only action will.
• Just because it didn't work out doesn’t mean it’s a failure. 

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Trust your gut instincts and always be authentic.  

‍Biz bio:

Virtually Yours is Australia's most professional Virtual Assistant Network – for Aussie VAs and Freelancers. We help new and experienced VAs grow their businesses through training, community and job leads. We also advocate for the Australian VA Industry, help business owners better understand outsourcing and even help them find their own team members.

Three things Rosie wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Find your self-employed tribe because you’ll never be able to talk about your business with your non self-employed buddies.
• It's easier to get someone to sign an agreement than to get them to pay when they haven't signed one. 
• Some people in business will burn you. Just do you and don't worry about them. ‍

One thing she’d tell her younger self: ‍

You're more powerful than you know.

‍Biz bio:

Studio Carly was created in April 2020 to fulfil my need to help other small businesses grow – whilst looking their damn best. My passion is in powerful graphics and design that not only elevate your business but also provide customers with a trustworthy, authentic user experience while they navigate your brand. 

Three things Carly wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• The ins and outs of finance and money management.
• The power of networking.
• Have some money put away for growth and a plan to reach goals.

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Don't stay settled in one job for more than 4 years, and if you feel the calling to take a leap of faith and start your own business, do it!

‍Biz bio:‍

When I started an online-based business it awakened my techy mind and I found that I had a real knack for getting in there and working out how the tech worked. Learning on the fly made me realise that the systems I set up got my business ticking along quickly and I was able to pass on what I'd learned to my clients. Encore Admin was born. 

Three things Korryn wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• You’ll learn a lot about yourself when you start your own business – both good and bad.
• When you enjoy the work you do being a business owner can be addictive.
• Get a support network. Small business life is not a solo sport. 
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Remember that you are enough, and everything you do is enough.

Biz bio:

I’m a creative web-designer and digital marketer who is obsessed with nature, learning and building human connection through small business. I am passionate about helping small business owners design a digital space that allows them to succeed, connect and inspire.​

Three things May wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• How lonely the self-employed journey can be if you don’t surround yourself with like-minded people.
• Get really solid on cash-flow management.
• There might be a few sleepless nights.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

All things are difficult before they get easy. Just keep trying.

Biz bio:

The Admin Mama helps business owners focus on their business rather than their admin.

Three things Diandra wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• It’s ok to ask for help.
• You can’t be good at everything.
• You can say no.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Believe in yourself, in your skills and your knowledge. 

Biz bio:

I absolutely love helping businesses stand out on Instagram. My passion for this beautiful app drives me to equip clients with the necessary tools to stand out in the online space. 

Three things Kirsty wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Making time for yourself can help grow your business.
• Spend less time researching and consuming content and more time doing the thing!
• Only say yes to clients and projects that are a ‘HECK YEEEEA’!
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Stop seeking the approval of others. Trust God always. Surf more, shop less. Get comfortable spending time with yourself. Love relentlessly. 

Biz bio:

Kat leads digital marketing strategy for her clients at Engine Scout, and connects all the dots to understand your company needs and future goals. When she’s not busy networking and discussing big ideas, she’s planning her next big travel adventure to some exotic corner of the globe. 

Three things Kat wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Embrace mistakes – it’s ok to make them, learn from them and then move on and never repeat them. 
• Understand your numbers – if you want to grow your business, you need to understand how financials work. 
• It can be lonely so it’s vital to build a community of like-minded people around you.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Stop analysis paralysis – 1 hour of doing something towards your goal is better than 10 hours of just thinking about it.  

‍Biz bio:

I had a vision to earn money through Instagram (without having to wear bikinis) so ​I started Creative Cacti because I saw a gap in content creation for small businesses. I wanted to give small businesses the opportunity to have super cool social media pages without having to have a huge budget. 

Three things Ash wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Treat every sale and client like they are a superstar.
• Keep learning even though you think you know enough.
• Don't rely on friends to buy from you or book with you. 
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

You can do anything you put your mind to. Run a business. Quit your job. Travel the world. Speak your mind. 

Biz bio:

Our goal is to work alongside parents and families to best support their children. We do this through identifying clear goals, providing consistent intervention and engaging in collaboration with families and other key supports (for example, schools and teachers). We will always provide up-to-date, evidence-based intervention which is innovative and gives a positive experience to all involved. 

Three things Hibba wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• It'll be the best thing you do.
• It's the most difficult thing you'll do.
• You will love it.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Whatever your dream is; the thing that you can't stop thinking about, just start.

Biz bio:

I help bloggers and online entrepreneurs with their social media management, administrative tasks, and written content creation. I usually work with creative entrepreneurs like lifestyle bloggers, hairdressing salons, health coaches, designers, and more.

Three things Hayleigh wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Time blocking is key.
• Ask for help.
• Share your secrets and sources – no one will interpret them like you will.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

The biggest thing holding you back is yourself. Stop making excuses and start taking action.

‍Biz bio:

With over 10 years of experience implementing systems and processes for a range of businesses large and small, I experienced firsthand the overwhelm business leaders can experience when systems are letting them down and they’re failing to get the outcome they need. Every business is unique and deserves the best support that aligns to the way they want to work – The Artisans offers that support. 

Three things Nicole wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• You won't have an immediate team to share with, which can be lonely. Find your community and create genuine connections.
• Running a business is not just about doing the work, you need to invest time in working on your business.
• You don't need all the things – technology, programs, working with coaches. Be selective with your choices and include personal development in your budget planning each year.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Embrace every opportunity – you have no idea where it could lead you.

Biz bio:

Your business is one of a kind. Your story is powerful and your brand deserves to be seen.

Found Creative Co can help you discover what makes you unique and create beautiful branding that works, right through from your logo to your website – and everywhere in between. 

Three things Emma wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• The importance of knowing your numbers.
• Find a supportive community of like-minded women.
• Trust your instincts.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

You are stronger than you can possibly imagine so don’t let fear hold you back. Create, and confidence will follow.

Biz bio:

I’m super passionate about all things business, especially marketing and partnerships. I love working with businesses to help set up effective strategies that enable them to meet their objectives and maximise their potential. 

Three things Sarina wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Don't be afraid to outsource, pay people and invest in your business. 
• Understanding business finance, the concept of paying yourself and your super. Plus charge what you're worth. 
• Ensure contracts are in place and checked by a lawyer.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Confidence is key, don't worry what everyone else thinks, believe in yourself.

Biz bio:

Actually Boutique is a visual representation of my heart and soul. After many years dreaming, talking and planning, I decided enough was enough and I was going to make my dream a reality – a store that’s home to so many amazing Australian brands, with a focus on eco-friendly and ethically manufactured products.

Three things Georgia wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• You’ll work harder than you ever have before but the reward is worth it.
• It can be really lonely.
• Don't let other people sway you with their opinions. 
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

You have a lot of hours in the day and if you're looking to build your business, while you're working a 9-5, it's definitely achievable but put those extra hours to good use.

Biz bio:

Instagram is my jam! I work with small to medium biz owners in the health, wellness and beauty industries by helping them to elevate their Instagram presence, grow their community and ultimately build their business.

Three things Eloise wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• That it's ok to ask for help.
• You’ll figure out a lot of it along the way.
• Having supportive people around you is EVERYTHING.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Stop wasting time thinking about how others see you, just be yourself.

‍Biz bio:

Co-founder of Oh My Digital, Hayley is the pro at strategy, big ideas and data. She has been working in the marketing industry for over 10 years, mainly in the retail and agency space, specialising in digital marketing. Her passion for coming up with unique strategies for small businesses and startups to implement and use to build their businesses makes her a unique part of the Oh My Digital team.

Three things Hayley wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• Invest in a good quality website to begin with (it will save you SO much pain later).
• Get a service agreement done before you start working with anyone.
• Work/life balance doesn't exist in business. It becomes about finding a new normal and loving every day of the craziness!
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Trust your gut. People are going to tell you that you can't, or that certain things should be done the stock standard way. But that doesn't mean they're right. Go against the grain and do what feels right for you. And LISTEN when your gut screams *run away* from opportunities that don't feel right. 

‍Biz Bio:

Co-founder of Oh My Digital, Katy is the content queen and brand voice chameleon who uses her storytelling skills to connect businesses with their dream customers. She’s worked across a wide range of industries including non-profit, fashion and tech. Today she helps small businesses and start-ups build their brand online and grow their business through digital marketing.

Three things Kaitlyn wishes she’d known before starting her biz:

• It’s okay to ask for help.
• It's okay to go at your own pace.
• You don't have to do things the same way as everyone else! Embrace what makes you different, that's your superpower.
  

One thing she’d tell her younger self: 

Treat people the way you want to be treated but also expect the same in return! Don't accept anything less.