When I first launched womeninbusiness.com.au it had a members only area and one of the best things about it was the introductions post.
As the website evolved into a blog I removed the members section but I think it’s time to start that post again and keep it going!!
So, if you’d like, leave a comment below introducing yourself and your business. Give us a little description of what you do/sell and maybe why you started your business or blog? If you haven’t started a business yet – why you want to?
Don’t forget to link to your website and include the http:// part so that we can click through. Can’t wait to hear all about you!
VIEW HERE
December 17, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Hi Clare!
I’ve been following your website for a while now and love it, thank you so much for sharing your guidance with us
My website/business is Wellness WA – which is the online destination for beauty, health & wellbeing in Perth, Western Australia.
We focus on news, reviews and information about wellbeing in WA. At the moment it’s not my full time job – but I LOVE it! It’s so exciting getting to road test massages, day spas, yoga and fitness classes, healthy recipes & more.
I plan to make it my full-time job one day and am slowly getting there
We have over 1,590 Facebook fans & have been running for 2 years!
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/wellnesswa
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wellnesswa
Looking forward to reading about everyone else
! xox
December 17, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Hiya! My business is Latex and Lace – adult party plan and online store. We bring the shopping experience to your home, but are also concentrating on bringing out the sexual, confident women in all of us on our blog – we also currently have a sexy jobs series of stories on our blog, from people in different sexy professions who have taken the time to speak to us, and tell us about their job!
We are always looking for new sexy lifestyle consultants to join our team – however just coming over and saying hello is fabulous – the interactions between us and the customer, mean more to me than having you like our page then never seeing what we do! Come and chat with us, share your secrets and let us help you ignite the passion! xx
http://www.latexandlace.com.au
December 17, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Hi,
Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself. I am about to launch a new magazine called MELBOURNEmade http://www.melbournemade.net.au.
It’s all about our creativity – the artists and producers doing great work, those at home wanting a bit of beauty in their lives, inspiration and I hope a great read too.
First issue comes out 10 Feb 2012 so it’s a busy time as I try to get it all together with a talented pool of people.
Exciting and nerve-wrecking. Why did I do it? Cause of the talent I see around me that goes unrecognised. I wanted to read about and I think others will too.
Thanks,
Roberta
December 17, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Hi Clare and Annette,
I love being a ‘woman in business’ and sharing with others!
My business, Mihad Ali Creations, provides customised wedding vows to Brides & Grooms. I service the whole world so that is never an excuse! I started my business because I love 3 things: poetry, helping others and weddings!
My FB is http://www.facebook.com/macreate
Can’t wait to read the other stories and connect!
Mihad (me-had) xoxo
December 17, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Hi Clare!
Looks like I’m in good company with Annette reading this great website
.
I launched a website called We Love Perth (http://weloveperth.net.au) in July this year. It is a web-based guide to Perth giving an alternative voice to tourism in Perth, Western Australia. It aims to showcase the wonderful places and boutique businesses, as well as the creative side to our city.
The site initially started off as a “oh how fun would it be to have a small guide of the good stuff in Perth that friends can use”, and has now expanded to a To-Do List, search by Map function (my fave part of it!), and a recently launched Events Calendar (eep! so much work!).
But even though it’s a lot of work, it is a heap of fun, we get lots of great feedback and I have so many more ideas planned for it!
Jelena x
December 17, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Hi Clare
I love the generosity that you have to open up your blog to us. Thank you.
I left the corporate life behind when I had my little bubbas (Alannah 4 and Hamish 2), but wanted a new challenge, something that I could be proud of and which would give me flexibility in my work hours. And, after 8 months trading, so far so fabulous!
Make your special child’s eyes light up when you turn your dining table, kitchen table or outdoor table into a world of imagination with a hand-made fabric playhouse from My Playhouse Adventures.
This hand-sewn, uniquely designed fabric cubby house will inspire your child’s imagination and become a treasured place for them to play at home – and when folded into its matching storage bag, it makes the perfect take-along when visiting their favorite relatives, going on holiday, or anywhere you want to bring your little ones!
Available at http://www.myplayhouseadventures.com.
December 17, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Hi Clare
A friend of mine started “Pottering About” (http://www.potteringabout.co.uk) seven years agao and when she told me that she was thinking of moving to Italy just under 3 years ago I jumped at the chance of buying “Pottering About” from her.
The business started as a Mobile Pottery Painting Party provider going out and about in Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Wiltshire providing childrens, adults, & group painting parties.
I took the idea further by introducing other “craft” options and created a second website http://www.thefoamclayplace.com where anyone in the UK can buy craft kits, signature plates, hand painted items, DIY party packages for all.
I already have bookings for 2012 in the diary which include links with Oxford Castle, Blenheim Palace and new for 2012 Basildon Park.
I love being self-employed and the enjoyment I get from seeing everyones faces when I return their painted creations once they have been fired in the kiln.
People will be able to start seeing “Pottering About” items in local craft shops in Oxfordshire at the moment you can find things at The Wish Box Wantage and No Two Things in Didcot.
I am always happy to provide interesting craft activities for groups and knowing that “budget” is always an issue for groups will source the best possible products to fit within any budget.
Going forward for “Pottering About” may see franchise options opening up in 2012.
For more details check out either of the websites.
Happy Christmas! From Marcella
December 17, 2011 at 9:14 pm
My partner and I have a business importing high quality rubber flooring into Australia (http://www.dalsouple.com.au). It’s mainly used in offices, schools, hospitals instead of cheaper vinyl or lino.
I am a trained primary teacher but after meeting him 5 years ago over the internet, I joined him in his business. As the marketing person in our business, our main website ranks 2nd or 3rd in Australia for google searches on rubber flooring.
Also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Dalsouple.Australasia
I couldn’t have jumped straight from teaching to running a small business. I had been involved in a few Direct Selling companies including becoming a leader in one. I also ran my own kids clothing business 15 years ago for 3 years. No internet, no e-mails, no mobile phones, a colour photo copied brochure, it was hard work!
Now we rely on the internet and e-mails for our business. Still amazes me that people buy from us over the internet, never meeting us but e-mailing or talking on the phone.
We target top architects in Australia but get our rubber flooring specified on top projects then have to rely on builders ordering from us. It’s a very hard industry to deal with and as a woman, hard to get men to listen or learn.
My teaching comes out teaching young designers about rubber, and I enjoy advising domestic customers about colours, choices etc.
We’ve just changed our company name to iRubber P/L and just updating our other website http://www.irubber.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/iRubber/217060881650579
Sales have been down for us this year but I think the building industry has done it tough for the last couple of years.
But we have a few positive things in place for next year including promoting our new anti-static rubber flooring for data centres.
Looking forward to having a well earned break over Christmas but will be putting things in place before we start back in 2012.
Merry Christmas to everyone from Mooroolbark, Melbourne.
December 17, 2011 at 9:22 pm
thanks clare, and hello to all of the commentors. it is so wonderful reading about all of your fabulous businesses!
i started a photography business nearly 4 years ago, from home (with my babies underfoot) and that led me to starting my blog build a little biz (http://www.buildalittlebiz.com) in mid 2010 as a way of sharing what i was figuring out about running a little biz from home with other talented, busy mums.
build a little biz has grown so much i haven’t had much time for photography these days (not to mention having another baby in october) but i love it that way! this year i added an awesome weekly newsletter, a number of ebooks, one-on-one brainstorming sessions, and a fab group forum for getting support/encouragement/fresh set of eyes from other ladies in biz.
in 2012 i hope to add a showcase site to show off some amazing mums and their amazing businesses, as a way for us to learn from each other, as well as doing some local and online workshops with other biz mums. it is going to be so much fun!
wishing you all a fabulous end to 2011, and an even better 2012 =)
December 17, 2011 at 9:59 pm
hi!
Thank you for this opportunity. I started designing websites 10 years ago when I was at home with my son. He has now grown up but I’m still here and making websites, and I still love it as much now as I did then.
Our expertise includes brochure websites, ecommerce solutions (online shops) and websites with an admin that you can update yourself. I prefer to work with small to medium sized businesses and help them get their businesses online and ready for the future which will be largely online.
As well as building websites for clients we have a series of online directories where we offer free advertising. If you visit http://www.lifesytes.com.au you can find our directories and it’s just a matter of a couple of online forms and you have a free webpage on our site to promote your business!
I am happy to talk to any Australian business about how they might best get their business online without breaking the bank. Call me!
Have a fabulous festive season!
Rowan
December 17, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Hi everyone, I am a new reader and stumbled across this great site, thanks to @karengunton’s shoutout on Twitter+FB.
I am the co-owner (the other owner is my husband!) of a small business that offers affordable yet effective social media strategies, web content and print copy solutions to other small business owners. We’ve been in business unofficially, since early 2009 from http://www.themomwrites.com but have only just launched our”smallbiz” website
http://www.socialmediadirectbiz.com. Would love for you to stop by and say hi at our FB page https://www.facebook.com/SocialMediaDirect where you can get a free 30-minute consultation as well for your smallbiz:-)
December 17, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Hello Clare and everyone!
Thanks for this opportunity to introduce myself and my business. I’ve been wanting to start a small business for awhile now, through reading to your daily article and other sucessful women in online business, it does inspired me to push ahead
Also, congratulations to your new biz StevieandThree.
I’ve recently just started a home decor online business called Blissful Abode, home decor products mainly offering affordable and stylish cushion covers. The fabrics are sourced from around the world, of which most are handmade. Blissful Abode means- to create colorful and happy living space to make your house feel like home.
I started the business because- I love homewares, I like to share pretty things to other people, and I want the independence to do something that I’m passionate with.
The website is still under construction and for the meantime please do visit my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blissful-Abode/246067035452276?ref=tn_tnmn
Have a Happy Christmas and all the best in 2012!
Thanks and Best Regards,
Pei
December 18, 2011 at 7:32 am
My name is Joyce Watts and I started my business about 18 months ago. CycleStyle is a store selling stylish clothing and accessories for the urban cyclist.
I started CycleStyle after returning from Europe, inspired by their bike culture there, and because I didn’t want to wear fluorescent lycra and carry boring black bike accessories just because I liked to get around on two wheels.
I couldn’t find anything I liked in bike shops – so I decided to search for fashionable and functional cycling products from Australia and overseas, as well as producing some of my own designs, and gathered them all in one lovely store.
Every day I blog cycle chic inspiration on the CycleStyle blog (http://www.cyclestyle.com.au/blog) and you can find CycleStyle on all sorts of social media – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
My BHAG for CycleStyle is for it to be the pre-eminent store for cyclists looking for stylish and functional clothing and accessories in Australia and New Zealand. 2012 will be about growing and expanding the business!
Thanks Joyce
December 18, 2011 at 7:51 am
Hi all!
I started my business, That Personal Touch Domestic Cleaning, almost 11 years ago! I never intended to have a business, coming from the corporate world, but when life throws us a curveball, we as women tend to rise to the occasion!
Starting myself with the good old adds pinned up on noticeboards, I now manage 16 Representatives who are all fully trained and screened to do your domestic cleaning requirements. I have won four business awards and are now planning to expand the system through licensing. I have also been featured twice on Channel 7′s Kochie’s Business Builders.
My motto – Reliability, Efficiency, Respect, Courtesy… Four ways that we hope to revolutionise the domestic cleaning industry.
From adversity you can succeed. In life there are always choices, it is up to us which direction we take when we hit that fork in the road!
Visit me at http://www.tptcleaning.com – and please like my facebook page!
Cheers and best wishes
JANE RICKETTS
December 18, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Hi Clare. Thanks so much for this opportunity and for your wisdom – love your SEO tutorials and your manifesto!
I have started a company called Baby Butler – http://www.babybutler.com.au. I help Sydney parents to be get ready for their new babies – I can do a little bit or I can do everything! Our resources include a midwife who will do prenatal classes in your home or visit after birth to help with the settling in, a certified first aid instructor who does baby first aid classes, and someone to help you understand what gear you really need for a new baby based on your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
Also with Christmas just around the corner we are selling prenatal spa packages at endota spa which would be a fantastic gift for a mum to be!
Thanks again for the opportunity and happy holidays!
Suzanne
December 18, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Hi Clare,
thanks for the sharing and allowing us to share.
I started my business, Getaway Guru, because I was looking for something like it and couldn’t find anything in the market to meet my needs – a true case of necessity being the mother of invention in this instance.
Getaway Guru is a site offering Australian owned holiday rentals throughout France and Italy. Whether it’s a studio for one or a villa for 18, we have an apartment, a cottage or a villa for everyone and for every budget.
Best of all you’re dealing directly with the Australian owners of these properties so can be reassured and book with ease when you’re planning your travel.
Spend some time browsing our great range of properties throughout France and Italy at http://www.getawayguru.com.au/.
Bon Voyage!
December 18, 2011 at 6:44 pm
The idea for Kids Exercise came about from witnessing the powerful link between, exercise, eating healthy and good health. Kids Exercise was founded in 2005.
My two older boys suffer from Kidney disease. Born with the condition and living in the U.K meant that the boys access to the great outdoors was limited and they were constantly sick and in and out of hospital. Since moving to Australia and having access to lots of fresh produce, beaches, National Parks along with a great climate, their health has stabilised and the quality of life for the family immeasurable.
My passion for getting mass participation active programs out there just keeps on growing. I just love what I do!
December 19, 2011 at 8:05 am
What a great idea – I love seeing all the different businesses women come up with.
Mine is Essential Wellbeing for Business, I do websites , mobile optimised websites and online and mobile marketing for small to medium business – making the internet work for you.
I started this business partly because in my OTHER business (a natural therapies center) I was sick and tired of web guys talking down to me and not doing what they had said they would do.
All my websites are able to be self updated, there are no lock in contracts for the content management system like some agencies charge. I’m all about empowering business owners. So if you want to know how or why something works, I’ll teach you. If you want to just hand it over to someone to do, I’m there for you.
I have a facebook page where we share lots of handy bits and pieces from all over http://facebook.com/EssentialWellbeingforBusiness . Come by and say “hi”.
Web site: http://essentialwellbeingforbusiness.com or just click my name
December 19, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Hi Clare!
Thank you for opening the opportunity for introductions. Like the previous posters, I love your blog and find you such an inspiration for women in business.
This has been my first year in business, having reduced the full-time hours in my marketing job. Not to be content with just one business, I’m trying my hand at two!
I’ve just started making my own jewellery (http://www.andrinaandhim.com.au) and have opened up an online store to promote other young, emerging and independent designers here (http://www.emergin.com.au)
I hope that one day, I’ll be able to turn either (if not both) into a full-time income.
Thanks for all your words of wisdom! Naomi
December 20, 2011 at 6:44 am
Hi Clare, my name is Ana and together with my sister Cristina we are desgining and creating jewelry at Dasi Glam (http://dasiglam.blogspot.com/).
Living in the Caribbean most of our designs are very colourful and casual. My sister Cristina is now living in Lisbon and that has been a bit of a challenge, but the good part is that we ended up adding a little bit of European style influence to our work now.
We’re still working full day jobs (economy is bad here too) and creating our company as a businness on the side.
Our goal, however, is to slowly but steadily grow it to a full time business which will include full accesory lines of handbags, scarves, belts and possibly shoes (we’re still brainstorming on that). It’s a lot of work and very time consuming but we love it.
Thank you for this opportunity and Happy Christmas!
December 21, 2011 at 1:56 am
Hello Clare, What a generous person you are having people share their businesses. I enjoy your blog and ezine.
I am an international business coach and corporate consultant for Direct Sales. I started my own business in 2009 after building a six figure income business and becoming the #1 leader in a direct sales company. I then went into direct sales corporate consulting and worked with companies in Australia and the U.S. creating training and mentoring programs.
I am an Australian citizen – originally from the West – and live in Hawaii, so I am in between two worlds and love it.
I am passionate about helping women leap forward in leadership in their direct sales company. When women are empowered it creates an amazing ripple effect for their families and other women.
2011 has been an amazing year for my business with a full coaching practice and creating products and systems for direct sellers who are getting great results.
My website is – http://www.mymentorbiz.com . To receive my bi-monthly FREE ezine, download “7 Ways to Maximize your Income in Direct Sales.”
Look for me on Facebook at Gale Bates – Corporate Consultant and Business Coach.
Merry Christmas to ALL and may 2012 be your best year yet!
December 21, 2011 at 2:07 am
Hi Clare…
I SO enjoy your pearls of wisdom and forward them to all of my friends who love them as well. Thank you, Thank you!
As an interior designer, Decor Dose has been my way of showing the thoughts and ideas, dreams and day to day challenges of my profession. I also share music/media I have discovered and great resources. The photos of before and after are my favorite posts to do.
Blogging is such a great creative outlet! I really have enjoyed it (only been doing it since may 2010) and hope to make DD even better in the future.
Will check out the sites above and good luck to everyone!
Happy Holidays and here’s to a productive 2012!
XO
t
December 21, 2011 at 2:38 am
Hello! I love this site and the weekly news via email when I get them.
I am the creator and owner behind S2 Stationery and Design. We are a communications boutique that focuses on high end, quality and eco-friendly invitations and stationery.
I always say, my passion is stationery, but my business is words and communication. If my stationery inspires you to write and communicate, I am winning! If my invitations communicate your love, passion and quirkiness, I am also winning!
I love paper, always have and after doing invitations and stationery for friends as gifts and upon request, I finally decided to launch the business. We’ve been around for 2 years and we’ve grown in big and small ways, but I’m always looking for more ways to continue growth while still being a small, local, and sustainable business.
You can learn more on my website: http://www.s2stationery.com.
Looking forward to reading more from Women in Business in 2012!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Sara
December 21, 2011 at 5:28 am
Hello! Love the site and always look forward to any email updates.
I work for a jewelry website with exclusive jewelry lines such as Jeanine Payer, Me & Ro, Jamie Joseph, and Victoria Cunningham, are only a few of the many talented artists NEWTW!ST is honored to showcase. From diamonds to leather, sterling silver to platinum, river rocks to pearls, there is something for every one, every budget, and every occasion.
Check out our blog here:
http://www.newtwist.com/blog/
December 21, 2011 at 5:29 am
Happy Christmas everyone. I am Michelle McGrath of Sacred Self http://www.sacredself.com.au
I create self-love reminders and tips that remind you – to love you. Currently this includes a self-love range of 30 Alchemical oils (will be 33 by mid-January when the range is complete). These are created with certified organic essential oils, vibrational essences, colour, sound, sacred mantras and an affirmation with each one that can be used as you apply.
Sacred Self Alchemical oils are gifts from and to the most challenging aspects of myself – providing pathways to self-love. The more I embrace these aspects, rather than deny or ignore them, the more inner peace I experience.
http://www.sacredself.com.au/product-category/alchemical-oils/
I am passionate about falling in love with all parts of myself and celebrating all I am. This lifelong journey is also about creating tools that gently remind others to do the same. The more you love yourself the more love you are able to extend to others. My dream is that everyone remembers this truth.
I also have a box of 44 self-love cards that are very popular that provide a positive focus for each day.
I post self-love tips and inspiration each day on my FB page which has built up dramatically over the past year. It’s wonderful to connect with amazing women all over the world and I am really enjoying the friendships I’ve made – and business opportunities that are unfolding.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to introduce my business and I wish you all a very happy and abundant Christmas and 2012. Lots of love to everyone, Michellexx
December 21, 2011 at 6:11 am
Hello,
Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself. I hope you are enjoying the Christmas holidays!
I am a Sydney based photographer capturing Portraits and Wedding Photography serving Sydney and South Coast regions. I believe in making beautiful photos and plenty of personalised service for each and everyone of my clients.
Photography is my life and I enjoy capturing special moments to tell stories. I document my life with a camera and you will rarely catch me without my camera.
This year I went full time with my photography business and look forward to the new year ahead.
Please stop by my Portfolio Website or check out recent shoots on Facebook.
http://www.sarahstory.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/sarahstoryphotography
I wish you a Happy Christmas with family and friends.
Sarah
December 21, 2011 at 6:36 am
Hi there everyone. My name is Regan and I’ve only just joined the Women in Business community. I can’t wait to take time to go back and read the previous blog posts.
In July I opened an online baby store called Little Treasures. The name is a bit of an homage to my Mum who died in 2007. She always called her grandkids her “Treasures” – and that’s just how it should be, shouldn’t it?
The reason I started an online store was because I was seeing so many talented Mums out there creating amazing things. I wanted to be a part of that – and having no discerning talent myself I thought I could help bring their product to the general population.
What makes this online store different? The fact that anybody can request to sell their product on my site. I’m like madeit.com and etsy.com – but then with other gorgeous products from well known brands like Boon, and the little dog laughed, b.box, Bibska etc etc etc.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a safe and happy holiday.
Regan.
December 21, 2011 at 6:52 am
Hi Clare
I have my finger in a few pies, but mainly invest my time in the writing and public relations business I own, Strawberry Communications, which is based in Tasmania but has clients around the world.
I am also in the final stages of the first draft for Business & Baby on Board, a book about starting and running a business around children. It should be out around Easter 2012.
To find me go to one of these places:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JohannaBD
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StrawberryCommunications
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/johannabakerdowdell
Blogs: http://strawberrycommunications.com.au/blog, http://t-changers.posterous.com/ and http://businessandbabyonboard.tumblr.com/
Merry Christmas everyone!
Johanna
December 21, 2011 at 7:19 am
hellooo to all the lovely ladies out there doing such fab work in the world! I’m Jo and started a biz a year ago with my lovely business partner Janine Ogg. We started up because like many of you we wanted to be defining our own working lives around our personal values!
At Love Your Small Business we empower women entrepreneurs (based mainly in Oz and NZ) to clearly strategise for their ideal lifestyle business so they can:
* create a profitable business doing what they love
* make a difference in the world, and
* do all this without having to compromise on their own relationships, health, balance and personal values.
Ultimately we believe women entrepreneurs can have their cake and eat it too and we are here to help make it happen.
IT’s been a great journey so far with many great learnings and moments of frustration and 2012 is gonna be a pearler for us.
Thanks for this opportunity and look forward to reading about more of your work
Jo
December 21, 2011 at 7:37 am
Hi Clare (and everyone else),
Thanks for the opportunity to share my business with each of you. What a great idea via your blog. I too have similar plans in the new year with the launch of a fresh new website where I hope to interact more with our customers and other businesses.
I have been enjoying your emails for a while now and love being in amongst a great collection of other women (and men) in business.
I started my business 4 years ago and have been continuing to grow ever since. My business is an online store for personalised & photo gifts called ‘DigiGifts’. The website is: http://www.DigiGifts.com.au and there is a link to the blog, our facebook page and twitter there too. Though there are many photo gifts available to buy at large retailers and photo stores nowadays compared to when I first started business, we have continued to grow at a steady rate due to our large range of products which include some of the common gifts, but many more unique items such as personalised novels, personalised cartoon DVDs, DIY photo gifts, edible gifts and much more.
At present I still work part time on my business around my full time job to help ends meet so it doesn’t get as much attention as I’d like, but I hope to increase that dramatically with the arrival of our first baby next year when I have some maternity leave from the full time job and can focus more on the business. This was always the plan to work on it more heavily once we start a family and one day make it a full time business; so that time has finally come around and I’m thrilled to take the next step.
Next year either before or after our baby is due I plan to launch a fresh new website packed with loads more products, photography and personalised gift articles, competitions and more. For those interested be sure to follow us on the social sites or join our mailing list.
Regards,
Nadia
Web: http://www.DigiGifts.com.au
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DigiGifts
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DigiGifts
December 21, 2011 at 8:40 am
Hi Clare and all the Wonderful Women in Business out there!
Thanks for the opportunity to Introduce my business with you,
I’m looking forward to checking out all of your businesses too!
My 4 year old baby is The Pouch Place Australia.
Here’s all our digits:
Web Store: http://www.thepouchplace.com.au
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePouchPlace
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ThePouchPlace
Ebay: http://stores.ebay.com.au/The-Pouch-Place
Blog: http://organzabagsaustralia.blogspot.com
The Pouch Place sells Organza Bags, Satin Bags and Tulle Circles to all kids of industries including for weddings, Jewellers, the cosmetics industry, Hotels, Lavender farms, adult businesses and much much more!
I started the business as an off-shoot of a University project and as a way to kick start my own enterprise which I could grow and develop and I’m loving every moment I put into it!
Having your own business is rewarding in so many ways and I love forming new relationships with like-minded business women who are building their own businesses too.
Thanks for all your Blog updates Clare and I wish you a Merry Christmas!
December 21, 2011 at 8:48 am
Hi Clare and welcome to women in businesses old and new,
Amazing businesses out there – inspiring comments about women moving into businesses for a variety of reasons. My story is common enough, my husband started a sole trader IT business and I began doing all the administration as I have a strong administrator background.
SKEDA is an professional services IT company based in Sydney. 10 years ago it was a sole trader and in 2007 we got serious about the business direction and strategy and became a Pty Ltd company and started engaging staff. Our team are a great bunch, many of whom have plenty of years experience and we often provide advice as much as computer help.
Currently servicing Sydney and Melbourne, we do project based work in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. SKEDA has a strong focus on small business assistance and working with the non-for-profit sector as both of these require a special understanding of how those business types function. Our website is slowly being updated but to get an idea of who we are visit http://www.skeda.com.au
Merry Christmas to the Women in Business team and all those wonderful women who are on a business journey; I wish you all success in 2012 and beyond.
ciao,
Karina
December 21, 2011 at 9:05 am
Thanks Clare, for the opportunity for us all to share and connect. Thanks to each of you who have already shared and will read my details as well. I am Leigh and I am a Transition (Life) Coach.
My business is ‘be.’ I work with my clients on how they can ‘be the change they wish to see’ by making changes/ transformations on a mental, emotional, physical (behavioural) and spiritual level.
It’s really rewarding to work with people who want more fulfilment, purpose and to set and achieve goals in life. I’d love for you to see my website and philosophy on how I work and if you or anyone else you know feels they would benefit from coaching to make contact. The new year is an excellent time to do a bit of a life review and set some intentions on what you’d like to achieve. I am available face-to-face in Sydney and over skype for other locations.
I hope you all have a great break with loved ones and best wishes for happiness and success in 2012.
Many thanks,
Leigh
http://www.be-coaching.com.au
http://www.leighmorrion.wordpress.com
December 21, 2011 at 9:16 am
Thanks Clare for continuing to update the womeninbusiness.com.au website with great content and sending out your newsletter while starting a new business – and new life – on the other side of the world.
I am a web copywriter specialised in writing/rewriting professional content with a focus on SEO, clarity and usability, for small business websites all over the world.
My website is called Content Writer and is part of the company I run with my husband, Triple W Communications. I have been doing this since 2008 and am absolutely loving it. I really enjoy helping businesses make their websites much more effective and I love the flexibility of working for myself.
I’m a prolific Twitter user and also have a Facebook Page for my business. I look forward to connecting with more women in business, not just in Australia but anywhere. Come and say hi!
Website: http://www.contentwriter.com.au
Blog: http://www.contentwriter.com.au/wordpress
Twitter: http://twitter.com/contentwriteroz
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/contentwriteroz
December 21, 2011 at 9:41 am
Thanks Clare. I’ve been following you since you started Women in Business and have learned so much, thank you.
It has been really great reading about all the wonderful businesses here.
http://www.photoshowondvd.com.au/about/
Photoshow on DVD is my business and I specialize in Video Conversion as well as create stunning slideshow using photos and videos for individuals, families and businesses.
http://www.photoshowondvd.com.au/blog/
In my blog, I provide Resources and Tips for anyone who would like to use multimedia for themselves or their business.
It is the best time of the year and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year of 2012. This Christmas is so special because it is the first Christmas with my daughter. All the best to everyone.
Alison
December 21, 2011 at 10:07 am
Thank you Clare. Hello everyone. Like a few people here, I have been following you and have enjoyed reading all about Women in Business.
After 10 years in the mining and resources industry I started Selina Leo Solutions March 2011. We specialise in Projects at Early stages of development particularly start up both global and domestic companies. What makes us different is that we niche ourselves in start up and provide consulting and recruitment services – our areas of expertise are Accountant and Finance, Contracts Management and Investor Relations, Video and photography and International intepretation.
I am inspired each day to deliver excellent results to my customers because my business is a financial vehicle to put something back into the community and help rebuild the “Church Pews” back on the island where I was born hence “Sponsor a Pew”.
I am looking forward to 2012 and I hope everyone else is.
Wishing everyone a great festive season and fantastic 2012.
Thank you Clare for all the wonderful work you put into this site.
Alalum (God Bless)
Selina
December 21, 2011 at 6:00 pm
HI there
My name is Vanessa and I run a small Creative Agency focusing primarily on graphic design, with some wordpress development and social media offerings as well.
One of the more exciting points of difference in my business, compared to the competition is that I offer a wordpress support service for bloggers who want a blog with all the bells and whistles but who aren’t sure how to do it themselves.
The other exciting point of difference is that I include a blog to book service for those members who either blog as a journal and want to produce a yearly book, or for the creative/photographic clients who want to produce an annual portfolio of their work, and don’t have the time to sit and obsess about every last detail!
It’s proved to be hugely successful from the start, and so much so that I’m barely finding the time to make sure my own blog is updated – but I shall persevere!
Thanks for the opportunity to share what I do – and Merry Christmas everyone!
December 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm
There are so many lovely, talented and enthusiastic people here, it’s wonderful. I’m having a lovely time visiting everyone’s sites.
I was a disenchanted chef until 2005 when I left my “real job” and went back to art school until I figured out how to turn my lifelong obsession with art and craft into something that supported my family. At the time I had an idea that I’d like my own gallery one day, but no idea how to go about it. I guess it was luck, fate or whatever that things just kind of fell into place and I now own and operate my own small gallery and spend my days making and painting.
I sell my own fine art and handcrafts along with items created by other talented folks. I also create pencil portraits by commission from people’s photographs.
We recently won a local small business award for excellence in retail.
My site is http://meaghanart.com or you can visit us on facebook and say Hi http://facebook.com/meaghanart
December 21, 2011 at 11:22 pm
I said goodbye to a 20 year journalism career to become a personal stylist. When I did so, I started a blog to market that business. Now the blog has become the business and I now “advise” thousands of busy women each month on where to shop and what to buy to make them feel the very best they can.
My blog: http://www.stylingyou.com.au was judged Best Australian Blog 2011 by the Sydney Writers’ Centre.
December 22, 2011 at 10:01 am
Hi Claire, thanks for your very informative blogs and snippets of info, I’ve been reading them for a while now and do like it when I see your name pop up in my inbox. My business is called Pure Poppet and I started it about a year ago and have had products available for about 6 weeks now. I make natural play makeup for children to use when dressing up and playing and started the business as I wanted to be able to offer something safe for my daughters to use when they were creating characters in their games. It’s been an interesting and exciting year and I hope that 2012 will continue in the same way. So far I’ve had a lot of interest and support which has been great. You can find out more about the brand at http://www.purepoppet.com. Have a great Christmas! Georga
December 22, 2011 at 10:02 am
Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself…it is so nice to hear from everyone and learn more about their passions. I am a Sr.Leader with Jockey Person to Person. I never knew I could find have so much success and personal fulfillment working a direct sales business. I absolutely love what I do as I’m sure the other women who have posted do too. I love fashion and helping women add style to their wardrobe and to also begin and succeed in their business. I am navigating my way around the Internet and can be found on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jockeyjennifer
Twitter: @jockeyjennifer
Google+. Jockeyjennifer
I’m enjoying learning and reading from and about blogging and am hoping to take the plunge at my own soon,
December 22, 2011 at 11:29 am
Hi Clare, thanks for this opportunity. I have so enjoyed reading about all the talent out there.
My little corner of the world is called Crimson Pear (http://www.crimsonpear.com.au) and I do web, surface and print design. I’ve been developing websites for small businesses for the last 10 years but this year got a little more serious. I still have a day job (just 3 days a week) as a user experience designer so my skills in usability, accessibility and information architecture definitely come in handy. You can also find me blogging over at http://www.current-observations.com.
December 22, 2011 at 12:05 pm
In 2005, i found myself a single mum with a 4mth old and 3year old and very disconnected from the world. Then facebook came along and it was a god send. I was able to connect with loved ones within my own limits and boundaries, which help me to gain that social confidence you loss after such a life event. Now i am passionate about helping other be empowered by social media as well as the little know about subject of our youth and social networking.
I love what you do and have followed you for a long time. Thanks for the opportunity, my blog is http://www.pomo.com.au/blog/ It would be great to get your thoughts on my blog. Cheers Lisa
December 22, 2011 at 3:50 pm
What a wonderful resource Women in Business is! I run Green Renters, a not for profit providing sustainability advice for people living in rental accommodation. We run workshops, have an active website and do a range of different projects empowering renters (whether in flats, share houses or social houses) to make their homes more environmentally friendly and their lifestyles more green.
I’m providing some new workshops on making your own skincare and bathing products using natural ingredients, would love to open these to women in business readers as they are at the very special price of $30 per person. You can find out more at http://www.greenrenters.org/workshops
thanks
Cate
December 22, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Ladies, I’m so impressed with the businesses you have set up and am glad I can come back to this list for future suppliers or networks (have already forwarded some of your details on to prospects).
I am a marketer who is jumping the fence to set up http://www.writersweb.com.au which connects emerging Australian writers with readers to get them into the public domain – sort of how a farmer sells direct to the consumer at a farmer’s market. We are in testing phase and plan to launch February 2012.
If you are keen reader or have a book in you (a non-fiction how-to or a fictional work), now there’s a way to get it into readers hands and reviewed and sold without going through the traditional publishing route.
Come and take a look – would appreciate any feedback at this pre-launch stage:
http://www.writersweb.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/writersweb
Thanks Clare for the opportunity and looking forward to more of the newsletters of old.
December 23, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Hi everyone and Merry Xmas. Thank you Clare for making all this possible – so motivating reading what other women are up to and for getting out there and giving their dreams a go.
I have just started my online business and waiting for my website to be completed, I have a free one at the moment which isn’t the best but at least it gets me out there.
My business is BAGS 4 BIZ and I specialise in handbags and accessories for working women. We have bags to compliment both corporate and casual images, with a feminine touch.
I started this because I have a small business and was looking to replace my very worn briefcase and I love handbags. Long story short I became very frustrated spending many hours on the net and in retail shops looking for that ‘perfect bag’ to fit my personal things as well as my day to day business items. Most of them were very boring and masculine looking.
There are millions of bags out there and many many handbag sites, but I found it almost impossible to find one in Australia that was solely dedicated to working and business women and wondered if other business women had the same problem, so I decided to start my own. Good news is whilst I was sourcing wholesalers and products I found my ‘perfect bag’.
I took my time and spent about 18 months researching before I actually took the plunge, so it’s been a long journey.
See us at http://www.bags4biz.com.au or visit us on Facebook.
Best wishes to you all and I’m sure 2012 will bring new and exciting things to everyone.
December 24, 2011 at 1:18 am
Love what you have to say on your fb page about women in business doing what you love, not wearing a suit, and taking a chance on your Self. I’ve never felt so alive… than I do running my own business that I am so passionate about.
Founder of Eco Office Supplies – Australia’s first online retailer to specialise in the supply of sustainable alternatives to everyday office consumables.
http://www.ecooffice.com.au
December 24, 2011 at 1:43 am
Hi Clare & fellow readers,
I’ve been so inspired by the creativity & sheer hard work of everyone who has posted on this. A fantastic resource as well! Being Perth-based, I was thrilled to read about the We Love Perth website.
I don’t have a business as such, but in October 2010 I finally followed my passion for good food & restaurant recommendations by starting a food blog called food sponge. Its not my full time job but it’s been very fulfilling so far & opened up a new world of equally passionate foodies to me! If you love food too, please come & visit me at http://www.foodsponge.com.
Happy New Year & may 2012 be a better & brighter year for all!
Catherine
Looking forward to more of WIB in the new year.
December 24, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Hi Clare…
Thanks again for all your hard work and sharing your wealth of knowledge with us all, I like everybody else really appreciate your generosity !
I am now “3 weeks old” in my Homewares & Gifts business Crazy.Beautiful.Life Homewares in Richmond, NSW and I couldn’t have asked for a better start, a walmer welcome to the area and have already established such a fabulous regular customer base.
I love that I now go to work in the most beautiful environment, not without alot of hard work, sacrifice and yes there have been tears and melt downs but at the end of the day I can say I genuinely love what I do !
I also love to promote and support Australian designers so if you are one and have products that may fit my style (industrial, nature inspired, french country) please contact me at info@crazybeautifullife.com.au or
you can check out my FB page at :
https://www.facebook.com/pages/CrazyBeautifulLife-Homewares/253908634648973
I am loving being a “woman in business” and know I am in good company through your inspiring stories from others in their chosen fields so thanks again.
Wishing you a beautiful christmas surrounded by your favourite people x
December 26, 2011 at 10:07 pm
hi clare i am very inspired from the blog . thanks for sharing such an informative post. Business and Professional Women’s Foundation partners with women, employers and policymakers to create successful workplaces that practice and embrace diversity, equity and work-life balance.
December 27, 2011 at 9:25 am
Hi Clare and ladies
I love your site Claire and thanks for the opportunity to showcase my site.
My passion is helping small business to see new possibilities in their business. I can do this by highlighting areas of improvement in your systems, performance, marketing, and setup. My website offers some free advice and a free marketing checklist and will ultimately include a shopping cart of B2B product offers.
I would love you to send any business questions to me via email advice@bestbuys4business.com.
I also have this feature on my website, so ladies you are also welcome to showcase your business for free including your logo @ http://www.bestbuys4business.com/business-blog/business-links
Cheers
Michelle
PS. Prosperity to you in 2012
December 27, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Hi Everyone,
After having a son 2 years ago i coundnt face leaving him all day 5 days aweek so needed to make a change Ive always been passionate about helping people so started my fair trade jewellery and accessory business so i could work from home and spend precious time with my children while supporting less well of communities around the world, as well as working with other UK Importers we work directly with the producers of our silk jewellery and bags.
As i said i love helping people so also wanted to find away of helping other mums start a business so we set http:/www.the-silk-fair.co.uk so other mums could start a cost affective business with no risk. It a drop shipping business where the business owner doesnt have to hold any physical stock they just use our product images and text on their website and pass the orders onto us we then deliver to their customer. They can then spend time and money on marketing their business.
We do also supply wholesale in the tradional way as well that website is http:/www.thefairtradejewelleryshop.co.uk
So thats about me and my Retail, Dropshipping and wholesale business.
Thanks for listerning
Jeanette Stanley
December 29, 2011 at 12:03 am
Hello everyone
I run a Howards Storage World in Southern River Western Australia. Whillst we have good products and have great customer service the business has been a little slow to fire. We have recently set up a website and can also be found on Facebook and Twitter which we are hoping will drum up some business! Our rewards club is called revolverewards which is also our Facebook and Twittter name. We have some great things for sale and would love to see some new faces.
Will read through all these other comments tomorrow. Happy New Year everyone
Carolyn Bay
December 29, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Hi Clare,
Thanks for opening up this as a forum for women entrepreneurs!
I’m starting a freelance professional writing business in the new year, providing a range of services that include: website copy, SEO copywriting, press release writing, article writing, technical writing, corporate newsletters and more.
Please see http://jacqjolie.com in January for more information.
I hope everyone reading had a wonderful Christmas and 2012 brings you a plethora of enjoyable and uplifting experiences and opportunities!
-Jacqui
December 29, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Hi Claire,
Love your site, and thanks for giving us the opportunity to share our business stories – it’s great to read about so many talented and inspiring women.
I started my business, Itty Bitty Greenie, in 2010 as a way to share my research into eco friendly products for children, as I was pregnant with my own child and looking for green, toxin free and fair trade products.
It has been a labour of love where I have learned many lessons, nurtured my passions for design and sustainable living, and connected with others who share my ethos and want to make responsible choices for their families.
Hope you can take a moment to visit the site: http://ittybittygreenie.com.au/
And wishing you all a prosperous and joyful 2012
December 30, 2011 at 8:51 am
Hi Clare and Everyone,
Hope you all had a lovely Christmas break. I am looking forward to 2012.
I run an an online jobs board called Lifestyle Careers. Our niche and specific focus is the advertising of flexible employment and work at home positions. If you are seeking flexible staff you can advertise your positions with me and I can guarantee you some amazing results. If you are a job seeker looking for flexible employment then sign up for some job mail email alerts. We have had some fabulous positions listed recently.
I also have in development a new site called http://www.wahm.com.au which is due to launch early 2012. Work At Home Mums is an online community and support network for women working from home and for those who would like to. The aim of WAHM is to provide today’s career minded women and women entrepreneurs with the information and guidance you need to manage your time, create balance between work and family, and enrich your daily life.
I also dabble in social media, recruitment and talent sourcing for a number of clients.
Life is busy, but I love it.
Have a wonderful day and I really have enjoyed reading all of your comments above.
Cheers Leah
January 1, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Hi Clare,
I have only just discovered your website and of course couldn’t go past the opportunity to introducing myself before delving into the rest of your posts.
I am coming up to 8 years running my personal and corporate concierge business, Lifestyle Elements, based in Adelaide, South Australia. My husband joined me full time at the end of 2010, just before the birth of our daughter. It has been an amazing and challenging 12 months and we are excited about the possibilities for growing and developing our business in 2012.
We are passionate about helping our clients find time for the important things in their life by taking on a huge variety of tasks on their behalf as their personal concierge, so they can invest their time in more important areas. We love what we do and thrive on providing a really practical service to help people and organisations improve work life balance!
I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog and getting involved with amazing Australian and worldwide business women.
Hello! and thank you
Abbie Allen
January 2, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Hi Clare! Thank you for WIB and the opportunity to share what we do!
I run http://BusinessChic.com.au – a website where I share my photographs of what stylish folks are wearing to work! I established the site on 1 March 2010 and this year hope to expand into sharing products I think will help inspire a stylish workplace – much like your WIB manifesto!
I’m also hoping to have the courage to develop some product lines; one which involves working with talented artists and graphic designers to bring style into the office in a way I think has been overlooked for sometime –
All the best for a bright, happy and successful 2012!
Cheryl
http://www.Twitter.com/BusinessChicTV
January 3, 2012 at 11:56 am
Hi Clare:
I can’t even remember how I stumbled across your blog a couple of months ago, but I have been enjoying your ideas and thoughts. I can’t remember the exact statistic, but in the next 5 years the majority of small businesses will be run by women (or some time frame like that). Regardless, it makes your blog pretty invaluable!
I don’t have a business yet, but am very interested in moving from video editing (current job) to portrait/lifestyle photography (or maybe a combination of both?). A friend pushed me to start a blog: http://lizmceachernhall.tumblr.com/, so I am starting out there.
There are so many great women-run businesses out there!
Happy New Year!
Liz
January 5, 2012 at 11:52 am
Hi Clare,
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I have recently started my own little online venture, Antipodean Love.
My website http://www.antipodeanlove.com.au/ is a new exciting concept store of gorgeous handmade Australiana and Kiwiana gifts. We like to think of ourselves as a classy souvenir store where you can buy and send gifts with love from the heart of Australia and New Zealand.
This concept store was born out of a frustration in sourcing handmade Australiana gifts for family and friends overseas. It is very important for me to give and receive a gift that makes me feel happy and proud. I am proud to come from this part of the world and wanted to give a gift that was representative of Australia in some way but was not at all tacky.
So I launched in November 2011, I am having a lot of fun and learning a great deal along the way.
Thanks again and I wish you all your heart desires for 2012!
Take Care
Kate
x
January 5, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Hi Clare
I came across Women in Business and your website today through the SmallBiz NSW site and very glad I did! What a wealth of information you have on here.
I’ve just set up a new book publishing business – Aurora House – http://aurorahouse.com.au – and will be offering POD (Print on Demand) and eBook publishing as well as author services, i.e. manuscript appraisals, assessments and editing. I also have a blog attached to the site that I am gradually filling up, if that is ever possible.
Aurora House evolved from my love of books. Right from a young age, I loved to read. I eventually found my way to becoming an editor, and from there, the next natural step to me is publishing. That way, I can help other writers and authors to spread their words to many readers around the world. Its fun, and I enjoy the variety of books and the contact with the authors.
I have also set up a twitter, facebook, LinkedIn page and started networking, but, the more the merrier. I’ll enjoy being a ‘Woman in Business’ and getting to network with others.
Thanks for the opportunity of chatting about my site. Happy New Year everyone!
January 5, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Hi Clare, thanks for the opportunity to introduce ourselfs and what we do on your blog.
Looksee design believe in looking at your business with fresh eyes and seeing its undiscovered possibilities.
Based in Brisbane Looksee design has over ten years experience in providing graphic design and website design services to individuals and small to medium size businesses. We work closely with clients from all walks of life to create stunning visual communications for people and businesses all over Australia and beyond…We can update your existing look and feel, add functionality your current site, or provide your company with a complete overhaul by giving you a fresh new corporate identity.
Whether your budget is large or small, we can tailor our services to suit and provide you with a design or a professional site that is original, distinctive and engaging that will give your business the credibility it deserves. Talk to us and we will help you and design… develop… manage… an affordable solution for all your design needs.
Looksee Design is an Adobe Business Catalyst Premium Partner, an online business solution that incorporates 5 systems into one easy to use application – with email marketing, integrated customer database, reports and analytics and ecommerce – allowing you to easily make changes and manage your website as you need.
please visit our website (www.lookseedesign.com.au) or stop by our facebook page and say hi (facebook.com/lookseedesign)
thanks Retta
January 6, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Hi Clare, thanks so much for your tips and support through your site. They are very helpful.
My business began after my own dramatic weight loss transformation. After struggling with an extra 30kgs or so, I finally shifted it for good after changing my mindset through coaching & NLP. Since my own quick and relatively easy weight loss, I became inspired to help other women as I had been helped and started mymindcoach.com.au. I specialise in motivation & mindset for weight loss and self-confidence for women.
My Facebook group is http://www.facebook.com/SlimandSexyClub
and website, with lots of free articles and a stop chocolate hypnosis giveaway is http://www.mymindcoach.com.au
Love to meet or hear from personal trainers, nutritionists or other health professionals for affiliation and networking!
Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself.
Best, Kylie
January 6, 2012 at 2:49 pm
I Love This Website!
My name is Chantelle and I run a non-profit organisation called One Girl. http://www.onegirl.org.au – we work in Sierra Leone, West Africa with women and girls.
We’ve started by providing 100 education scholarships to girls who are at risk of being forced into child marriage – plus we’re starting up a social enterprise that sells low-cost eco-friendly sanitary pads to women living in rural areas. It’s called LaunchPad.
We also ran a campaign called “Do It In A Dress” in October 2011 – http://www.doitinadress.com – which had men and women from all across the world putting on a school dress so that they could send a girl in Sierra Leone to school.
We’re excited about rocking 2012!
So happy I stumbled across this site. Running a non-profit can be damn challenging at time, so making new friends and finding new networks is always great!
Thanks everyone!
x
January 6, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Hi Clare and thanks for the opportunity to talk about myself – who doesn’t love that!
I have been self-employed since November 2001 when I started a virtual assistant business based in Stansted, Essex (UK) providing secretarial and personal assistant services to small businesses and networks. The business went from strength to strength and I loved it. Even after the birth of my son in December 2005 I continued with the business, although I was unable to continue with much of the networking I had previously been involved in.
In 2008 my partner, my son and I emigrated to Perth, Australia and I found it more difficult to grow the business. I was able to continue with some of my old clients but gaining new ones needed more networking which I was unable to do with a small son and a partner who works shifts.
Eventually I admitted defeat and let that side go
But, during the attempt to grow Just Jane VA in Australia I had been able to reawaken the sleeping crafter and designer within me which eventually led to the relaunch of Just Jane in a shiny new coat in late 2010. I now create wedding stationery, handmade cards & tags, special event stationery and hand poured soy wax candles. I love the new creativity this has unleashed in me and (don’t tell my old clients) I love that I can now use vibrant colours and frivolous doodles and graphics on my website and in my work!!!
One thing I have learned over these last 10 years is that the key to success is to believe in oneself first, and to enjoy and embrace every aspect of growing your business your way.
Thanks so much for your great blog. May 2012 bring you much success.
Jane x
January 6, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Aloha, I am a military spouse living in Hawaii. I took a chance on myself and joined Rodan and Fields Dermatologists 3 months ago. These are the same doctors who created Proactiv and what they did for acne, they are now doing for Anti-Aging! These products changed my life and I became so passionate about them that I decided to join the company and sell the product. I have already recouped my initial investment and just earned my first bonus!
Please go to my website to see and purchase these amazing award winning products and please contact me if you would like more information.
ashleyaloha.myrandf.com
ashleyaloha.myrandf.biz
January 6, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Hi Clare and fellow readers
Thanks for the opportunity to introduce my business.
My website http://www.theballetpointe.com.au/ which is a new and fun store for quality children’s ballet wear. Our aim is to provide high quality ballet wear while being reasonably priced.
We stock the usual ballet basics such as leotards, leather ballet shoes, stockings, wrap skits and cross over tops as well as some fun items such as tutu’s, fairy wings and sets and hair accessories.
We have recently launched our business and we look forward to learning about what other items our customers want and enjoying the challenge of a new business.
Best wishes,
Rachael
January 7, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Hi Women in Business!
Thank you for the invitation to say hi.
Allow me to introduce ourselves: we are The Agents @ Agent Morphe Design. I am Agent A (a.k.a. Aviva), and my business partner Agent M (a.k.a. Maya).
We jumped of that scary cliffs edge a year and a half ago to begin our business full time, and are literally living our dream! It’s a very scary step when there is no other form of income or support, however groups like this, and other networking events for women have made the growth and journey a very enriching one.
What we do — we are graphic designers and web designers and Agent M is a photographer .We love to bring in our passion for life and living, adventure and integrity into our working relationships with our clients. Our clients are women like many of you out there, possibly just starting out or already been in the game for a while, but need to get their branding up to scratch, or create their logo, or website, or need some awesome commercial photography with a difference. And we love being part of that important process for other businesses.
Just for fun, check out our latest personal project which is a movie we created of a recent trip ‘The Agents go Camping’ – where we won a tent and decided to experience nature and the tranquility for a few days: http://vimeo.com/34489859
But to see more about who we are, what we do, here are our following links. Please follow us on Facebook or Twitter too!
http://www.agentmorphedesign.com.au (our website)
http://www.subjectmatter.com.au (Agent M’s photography portfolio)
http://www.facebook.com/AgentMorpheDesign (Agent Morphe Design Facebook)
http://www.twitter.com/AgentMorphe (Agent Morphe Design Twitter)
http://www.facebook.com/MayaSugihartoPhotography (Agent M’s Facebook page for photography)
Drop us a line – we love hearing from other business women!
And, before I forgot, we are both shaving for the Worlds Greatest Shave in March, and would love any women out there who would like to sponsor us as a business, to be on board! If you are interested just go to our website http://www.agentmorphedesign.com.au/whatsnew.html for the link to sponsor us
Have an awesome 2012!!
Agent A <3
January 9, 2012 at 8:34 am
Hi Clare,
Congratulations on your move to London!
Thats the lifestyle we all want! Tripping around Europe with no boundaries on income.
Great work on what you are doing with women for business!
Especially in the online space. I think its a brilliant opportunity we have with the internet, and exciting to see so many people are active pursuing their passions.
Ive just graduated from Nutrition & Sports Science and am working on a number of projects all related to the health space,
ultimately trying to build my brand as an expert in the field of nutrition.
I notice there are a lot of others in similar fields which is great!
Looking forward to hearing more from your adventures!
Sasha
January 9, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Hi all,
My little biz is How to be Lovely, Greeting cards and invitations http://howtobelovely.com.au
My designs are an artistic and eclectic collection of original photographs, handmade drawings, patterns and artworks; montage into unique designs, with the art bringing the joy that art gives me to the people who use my products.
I started in 2011 but a new bub put things on hold for a wee bit. 2012, I’m excited planning my next moves and ready to get amongst it again.
Good Luck everyone with your ventures.
Julie
January 10, 2012 at 2:29 pm
What a fantastic website! I’ve yet to find better when it comes to sharing information and experiences with other like minded business women.
I’ve worked in retail for many years, wearing many different hats. Market stall owner, eBay store owner, bricks and mortar store owner, employee, and now an e-commerce store owner.
The idea for Simply Unique Gift Boxes came to me one day whilst I was trying to help a tired and frustrated customer select a gift when she barely had half an hour to spare. She was so appreciative of my help and the fact that I beautifully wrapped her purchase. I had ‘made her day’ she said, and left the store a lot happier than when she entered it.
Such a small thing, to wrap a gift and make someone’s day. I thought about this and wondered how many other people felt the same when faced with the prospect of purchasing all the items needed to create a great gift.
Think about it! You need the gift, a box or wrap, fill for the box, ribbon, a card and then possibly a trip to the Post Office. How many stops and how much time does all this take? I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
So, Simply Unique Gift Boxes was born! We are located in Toowoomba, an hours drive north west of Brisbane, Australia. We create themed and colour coded gift boxes guaranteed to delight, uplift and inspire our customers.
We purchase only the best products for our boxes. Chunky jewellery, scarves, wallets, journals, body products, books. The list goes on!
All beautifully packaged in our matt white gift boxes and presented with belli bands and ribbon in colours and designs to match the products within.
At the moment there are 27 different boxes to choose from with many others still to be photographed and listed. The work never ends, but this website is my creation and I’m very proud of it!
January 11, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Hi all,
Thank you Clare for providing this platform, it seems there are inspiring business women all around but it’s not always easy to know where or how to find connections.
I’m an early career corporate lawyer, but hope to run my own business one day.
At the moment, I’m volunteering with Graduate Women Queensland (http://www.gwq.org.au/about.html) in its relatively new Brisbane Branch. We’re organising an event in Brisbane on 22 February 2012 called “Mentors with Momentum”. The event will be like a “speed-dating” event, but with the aim of bringing together professional mentors and mentees.
We have a handful of men and women attending the event who hope to be introduced to motivated, early career women who they can mentor. These men and women either run their own business or hold leadership positions in various industries (including IT, public service, health, energy, legal and management consulting).
Please visit our main Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/gradwomenbrisbane
Our event page can be found here:
http://www.facebook.com/events/321819331167016/
I would love if you could please “like” our infant Facebook page. Also, if you have in your network any early career women in Brisbane, please pass on the word about this valuable networking opportunity with potential mentors!
Thank you and best wishes,
Georgina.
January 11, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Hi Clare,
What a fantastic idea, I have had a read through some of these amazing businesses and it’s great to see so many others with a passion to put their heart and soul into something they love and believe in.
My gorgeous little business was a dream my mum and I decided to bring to reality and is called Love Lilly. The name originating from my childhood where my nanna would often tell me we were about to go to a party… turns out that party would always end up being ‘Lilly White’s’ Party, also known as BED! Although I would be dissappointed that I did in fact have to go to bed, this saying stayed with me and left me with long lasting happy memories of staying at my nannas house, having a hot lavender bath and getting into fresh white sheets where she would tuck way too tight.
Love Lilly is simply beautiful handmade soap. From skin care bars that leave your skin silky smooth to extroadinary artisan soaps perfect to decorate any bathroom and for wedding and christening bomboniere.
We began in April 2011 and have had such a fantastic response so far which makes the hard work worth while. We’re trying to grow our facebook fan base too!
http://www.lovelilly.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/www.lovelilly.com.au
Thanks again and it’s been lovely to read of so many amazing businesses
Tara
January 22, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Hi! I just stumbled across your website and I can’t wait to start getting the updates. Thanks for opening up this post as a place to introduce ourselves.
I have been working on my website Youthful Homemaker (http://www.youthfulhomemaker.com) in earnest since May 2012. I blog about being a fairly new wife who focuses on frugal living. I enjoy sharing all of the things I am learning as a young wife, and love to help other young wives by answering their questions to the best of my ability. It is such a joy to have a job that allows me to get paid for helping and educating others, I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time.
I can’t wait to read all the other comments above and check out the sites.
January 23, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Hi! Echoing what everyone else is saying above – this is a fantastic resource. Reading through many of the amazing stories of these passionate small businesses – it’s great to see so many women putting their hearts into something they love and believe in.
This is why I started my blog: Zenworkz Authentic Marketing Coaching – http://www.zenworkz/blog/ to provide education and inspiration to all businesses seeking to do the work they love. I focus on authentic brand message creation, identifying your target customer and creating a plan to bring them together for success.
For a daily dose of inspiration you can find me in Facebook – http://facebook.com/zenworkz.authentic.marketing.
I can’t tell you enough how much I love what I do and thanks for the opportunity to share this XOX
January 23, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Hi Clare,
A work colleague forwarded me the link to your website and it is great!
Very new to the online world I have just launched my new business http://www.brandnewjobs.com.au
Born from years of frustrations of other online job sites and very limited competition! I sat back and thought about all the things that were frustrating, time consuming and costly and tried to make sure we did these things better! We also have a big focus on franchising and making the recruitment process easier for franchisors and franchisees.
The feedback on our site has been very positive, but we are up against a massive challenge with the big boys dominating the market.
We are hoping that people will get behind us and help make the recruitment process easier and more affordable.
Any feedback from your wonderful supporters would be well received as we endeavour not to be the biggest but the best!
Wishing everyone a rewarding and successful New Year !
Bernadette
January 24, 2012 at 9:57 am
Hi Everyone!!!
I am an eco-friendly photographer. I love taking portraits, social documentary and landscape images and really anything that I pass in my day to day observations. It is my way of being in the now, and also ‘getting lost’.
I have just launched my business called ‘Your World in Pictures’ which specialises in natural and documentary style photography of people and events.
We also do all that we can to tread lightly on the earth!
….check out my website and tell me what you think!! Cheers, Jac
January 25, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Hi everyone!
I am a marriage celebrant. I started my business because I love weddings and I wanted to help couples create their wedding ceremony to be something that is truly meaningful to them and reflects who they are as a couple. The business has grown significantly in the last 12 months and I am working hard to grow it even further. I have a blog on my website which I don’t update often enough so that’s also one of the things I would like to do more regularly in 2012!
Thanks Clare for all your insights and inspiration!!
Kate.
January 25, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Wow, what a great opportunity and conversation!
I am an artist, and I regularly find myself smitten by nature’s sublime beauty and moved to reflect it on paper. I’m always focusing on creating zen-like quiet in my watercolor and ink..
I’m really excited about the new year-long project I’ve just started of painting the ocean through the times of day and the seasons. We’re in winter now, so it’s the sea at night!
Take a look at my paintings at http://sarahamandajones.com, and if you want to make sure you never miss them, sign up for the weekly email in the sidebar of my blog.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to connect with you real soon!
February 2, 2012 at 11:21 am
Hi Clare,
Having just read your post on adding a blog to an online store, I thought it was so helpful I quickly sent it to Queensland Bloggers meetup group and also some friends with blogs.
At Power of Words, I write sales-winning web copy and e-reports for use in gaining an email list of customers. (There’s a free report about how to build a prospect list on my website).
Appreciate anyone having a look — no-hassle guarantee for those who opt-in. Will also be looking at all of your sites.
February 5, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Hi everyone.
Cl;are – thanks for your wonderful site, I have enjoyed reading for some time now.
I have recently launched a new personal concierge services business in Melbourne, Melbourne Lifestyle Management.
A personal concierge provides assistance with a wide range of tasks or errands to give busy people more time. If you often feel like there is too much on your ‘to do’ list, we can help.
Do you feel like there is always too much on your ‘to do’ list? Struggling to find time to get to the gym, stock the fridge, walk the dog, book your next holiday? You need Melbourne Lifestyle Management.
Melbourne Lifestyle Management is the executive assistant for your personal life. You don’t have to be an executive to use us, we work with small business owners, busy mums, frequent travellers and anyone who wants more hours in the day.
We also offer gift certificates – give the gift of time.
Find out more on our website – http://www.melbournelifestylemanagement.com.au
Or like us on Facebook for special offers and promotions – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melbourne-Lifestyle-Management/302298529822263
February 14, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Hi Clare, I had heard about your blog before but for some reason never added it to my blog feeds, luckily google reader accepted it now
and away I went.
I design wedding invitations, stationery and paper goods for my little label called miki.o. miki.o means three trees in Japanese.
We sell handy, inspirational and pretty paper notepads and printable wedding stationery and other paper goods.
My website is http://www.mikio.com.au and shop mikiodesign.etsy.com.
I’m also on facebook, twitter, flickr and pinterest, for which you can find the links on my website.
Thank you for this opportunity, I’ll definitely be back! Enjoy London!
Cheers,
Bianca