ENTREPRENEURS OF THE BEACHES

Up and down our beautiful Beaches, a diverse range of entrepreneurs are working hard, breathing life into dreams and making an impact. This month we caught up with eight female business owners to talk hard work, top tips and how when you’re passionate about what you do, anything is possible. Starting now, and every issue in Beaches COVERED., we’ll showcase company founders and visionary locals who are breaking barriers, challenging norms and redefining success. Come along and meet the doers behind the dreams.

MANLY FARM - Sarah Marshall

Manly Farm Owner, Sarah Marshall, wants one thing: a healthy community. Ever wondered why the beach is populated with energetic, healthy bodies? It’s Sarah’s dedication to provide options to nourish, replenish, revive and delight the locals of Manly.

What inspired you to start your own business? I wanted to work in the community that I love and live in. Manly Farm specialises in healthy food and living. This is an ethos that inspires me every day to provide a service to give back to my local community through clean, healthy organic produce. We hope to inspire a healthy community.

What is your proudest achievement as an entrepreneur? Your ‘I’ve-made-it’ moment? Every day I am greeted by grateful and happy customers, which makes me so happy! I love hearing stories of how our shop has improved our customers' health. Knowing that I have helped busy Mums provide their kids with healthy snacks and meals gives me great joy! I take pride knowing that I have contributed to the healthy, glowing faces of the Manly community.

What is the biggest obstacle you have faced in your career and how did you stay motivated during it? Navigating

the last few years and keeping positive with so much uncertainty. We were so privileged to be able to keep trading while so many of our fellow retailers were closed. We worked tirelessly to keep the shelves full with immunity boosting products to help ease the stress within the community. We have come out the other side strong, vibrant and excited to continue to provide new and unique products to the community.

As a strong and successful woman, how do you inspire the next generation of boss girls? By showing how being organised, proactive and hands-on can help you achieve your goals! You pick up skills from every opportunity so don’t be afraid to try new things. This is the best way to learn and to figure out the next step.

How do you manage the pressures of balancing work, home, and personal wellbeing as a woman in today’s society? A positive outlook

is so important along with a healthy mind and body. I am so fortunate to have a loving and supportive partner, a fantastic team and amazing customers. A tight inner circle can boost you during difficult times.

How do you see your business evolving in the future, and what are your long-term goals for it?

We plan to introduce a range of ready-made meals and snacks that you can trust that have no nasties. And, we would also love to be more involved with local organisations to encourage accessible choices for healthy living, food and nutrition.

Shop 16-17 25 Wentworth St Manly
(02) 9976-2128  //  INStA: @manlyfarm
www.manlyfarm.com.au 

MANLY JEWELLERS - Brigitte van Tulder

Brigitte van Tulder, the Owner of Manly Jewellers, is a shining example of success as a single Mum. Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have propelled her business to new heights. With her expertise in the jewellery industry and a strong work ethic, Brigitte has created a thriving business that is admired by many.

Brigitte van Tulder, the Owner of Manly Jewellers, is a shining example of success as a single Mum. Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have propelled her business to new heights. With her expertise in the jewellery industry and a strong work ethic, Brigitte has created a thriving business that is admired by many.

What inspired you to start your own business? The drive to be my own boss was certainly a leading force along with the dream to be able to design and manufacture fine jewellery for a living. Both have been a dream come true… along with working seven days per week… LOL!

What is your proudest achievement as an entrepreneur? Your ‘I’ve-madeit’ moment? The gratitude shown by my wonderful clients, who have trusted me to design and create their cherished forever piece of jewellery or restore a valuable family heirloom to it’s glory, means the world to me. Additionally, I am appreciative of any awards I receive. Moreover, I take immense pride in involving my children in my business. They have assisted me while pursuing their studies, and this has instilled in them values such as professionalism, positivity, mindfulness, and humility. Witnessing their growth is truly inspiring.

What was your biggest career obstacle and how did you stay motivated through it? As an entrepreneur, I have encountered numerous challenges throughout my two-decade journey in business. These experiences have truly shaped my character. Amongst them, the most significant test I faced was confronting the impact of the COVID pandemic directly. However, amidst these trying times, I managed to create a remarkable lounge wear brand called bybrigitte.com. This endeavour proved

to be a major positive during a period of uncertainty. Maintaining a forwardlooking perspective is crucial for any entrepreneur. It is inevitable that hurdles will arise along the way. When faced with obstacles, it becomes imperative to find creative solutions and navigate both beneath and above them.

As a strong and successful woman, how do you inspire the next generation of boss girls? I love working with the next generation of young ladies. They inspire me as much as I try to inspire them. I always encourage them to remain true and genuine to themselves, save money for their future, be brave enough to go for their dreams and stay financially independent throughout their lives.

Looking back on your journey to success, what advice would you give your younger self? I would give the gift of self-belief by assuring her that she is smart and capable. I would tell her to stay on her path and not veer off too much, but if she does, she should be able to find her way back.

What is the most significant barrier for women in the business world, and how can we overcome it? I’ve found that being a single mother to two beautiful children adds another level to time management, financial outgoings and keeping yourself vital to be creative. It’s important for us all to remember how important it is to support our fellow sisters in business on all levels.

How do you manage the pressures of balancing work, home, and personal wellbeing as a woman in today’s society? A great strategy I use is not to sweat the small stuff. There just isn’t time. Running your own business and having a family adds another dimension to life, and balance for me is loving myself along with my children. As a result of this, we are a tight knit supportive tribe.

How do you see your business evolving in the future, and what are your longterm goals for it? Manly Jewellers is growing from strength to strength. We’re thrilled to share that we’ll be relocating our store from Wentworth Street in Manly to Shop 5A in The Corso on June 12th. It’s an exciting step forward for us. We’re still providing our specialised services, including jewellery repairs and restorations, custom made jewellery along with our exquisite ranges of fine jewellery. Thanks to the overwhelming love and support from the Manly community, this relocation is our ‘A-ha’ moment for us! •

5A The Corso, Manly 2095
02 8937 4403
INSTA: @manlyjewellers
www.manlyjewellers.com

Rimba Sweat - Lauren Wright

Lauren Wright is a remarkable entrepreneur and Owner of Rimba Sweat, the Northern Beaches’ first dedicated sauna studio. As a mother of two, including a newborn baby, she navigates the tricky tightrope of the work and home balance seamlessly. Fearlessly pursuing her dream during her maternity leave, Lauren has achieved remarkable success exemplifying the power of determination and commitment.

What inspired you to start your own business? Ultimately, I wanted flexibility as a working Mum. My passion for wellness and sauna therapy ignited my entrepreneurial drive. In January 2020 during my last months of maternity leave, I found the courage to take the leap and embark on my dream.

What is your proudest achievement as an entrepreneur? Your 'I've made it' moment? Opening our second and third locations stands as a proud achievement. It reflects our goal of making sauna therapy accessible to a wider community. Each new studio marks a significant milestone, allowing us to share the benefits of sauna therapy with more people and add value to their health and wellness routine.

What was your biggest career obstacle and how did you stay motivated through it? Undoubtedly, COVID-19 presented a monumental obstacle. Closing our doors for just over three months was incredibly challenging. To stay motivated, I reminded myself why we ventured into the small business game: our family. Cherishing quality

family time and being grateful for loyal clients who recognised our value helped us weather the storm.

As a strong and successful woman, how do you inspire the next generation of boss girls? Inspiring young women is a huge passion of mine. In my media career, I developed teams of strong women and had the privilege of having strong female mentors. I felt it was my duty to pass on this support.

At Rimba Sweat, we provide one-on-one support to our staff, and many have gone on to start their own local businesses. Seeing them grow and succeed brings me immense satisfaction.

Looking back on your journey to success, what advice would you give your younger self? Don't let insecurities hold you back from dreaming big. Work through moments of self-doubt and don't wait for perfection. If you have the passion, take the leap. Trust the journey and believe that you will succeed because you put your heart and soul into it.

What is the most significant barrier for women in the business world, and how can we overcome it? The pressure of balancing multiple roles is a significant barrier for women.

I have an incredible network of female entrepreneurs who understand the challenges, share experiences and support and encourage one another.

There are significant societal pressures on women in regards to managing their home life and career.

What is your strategy behind balancing work, home, and wellbeing? I'm still trying to figure this one out! Balancing work, home, and well-being is an ongoing challenge. Accepting help when offered, staying organised, and being okay when things don't go as planned are important strategies. We set aside a specific day each week for uninterrupted family time.

How do you see your business evolving in the future, and what are your long-term goals for it?

I'm excited about Rimba's future. Our goal is to become the most recognised wellness brand in Australia. We plan to open several new locations in the next 18 months. Building a head office team and bringing our staff along on this journey is part of our long-term vision. We aim to create a positive impact on the wellbeing of many individuals and communities.

Rimba Sweat
212 Pittwater Rd, Manly (02) 8959 0672
11 Grosvenor Lane, Neutral Bay (02) 9712 0165
www.rimbasweat.com.au

Casa Locale - Melita Bruvelis & Jess Crapis

They are the duo behind Casa Locale, North Manly’s most stylish homewares shop. As passionate entrepreneurs, they have curated a stunning collection of treasures that embody style, quality, and functionality. The Northern Beaches have their determination to thank for our beautifully styled homes!

What inspired you to start your own business? Our paths crossed while we were both working independently in the industry, and it was an instant connection. Casa Locale started as a shared workplace, but it quickly evolved into something much greater.

Working with businesses that share our values and work ethics is what drives us. Attention to detail and a strong work ethic serve as the foundation of our business. Our ultimate goal is to create spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality.

What is your proudest achievement as an entrepreneur? Your ‘I’ve-madeit’ moment? To truly be successful as an entrepreneur, you need to be adaptable and continue to evolve. It is equally as important to ensure your values remain intact and to contribute to the community. At Casa Locale, the notion of reaching the ultimate “you’ve made it” moment is ever elusive. We are constantly striving to improve and adapt to the ever-changing market. Our vision of success is driven by teamwork and achieving our clients’ goals.

What was your biggest career obstacle and how did you stay motivated through it? The onset of Covid-19 presented a daunting challenge, forcing us to adapt our lifestyles and product offerings.

Despite the difficulties, it inspired us to expand our ‘Made to Order’ business segment. Our customisation service for Australian-made furniture allows clients to procure products that precisely meet their needs, designed and manufactured in Australia, with shorter lead times, and supports an Australian-owned enterprise. Our Made to Order range encompasses sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, ottomans, daybeds, and bedheads.

As strong and successful women, how do you inspire the next generation of boss girls? Our goal is to inspire and empower everyone. A community comprises of individuals of all shapes and sizes, and it’s the sum of its parts. Therefore, we’re just as thrilled to inspire the next boss boy as we are the next boss girl.

Maintaining composure, staying committed, and focusing on the task at hand are critical. The objective isn’t to rush to the finish line but to relish the journey while maintaining the highest standards.

Looking back on your journey to success, what advice would you give your younger self? Not every idea will be a success –if you fail, fail fast and recover quickly. There is a lesson to learn in all that you experience.

What is the most significant barrier for women in the business world, and how can we overcome it? Gender discrimination, equal pay, and flexible work arrangements are persistent challenges that cannot be resolved overnight. However, we firmly believe in the principle of “Get out of your own way” and offering unwavering support to colleagues and industries. Women empowering women is our ethos. By giving generously, we receive abundantly. Respect begets respect, creating a nurturing environment for all to thrive.

How do you see your business evolving in the future, and what are your long-term goals for it? Exciting things are happening! Alongside our design services, ‘Made to Order’ furniture, and interiors retail store expansion, we’re introducing a unique souvenir range, celebrating the charm of the Northern Beaches. Stay tuned for the launch of these delightful designs in the upcoming months. That’s not all! Get ready for our curated gift boxes, blending Italian flair and the joy of la dolce vita.

Casa Locale
0401 048 112
casalocalenb@gmail.com
www.thelocalehouse.au
44 Pittwater Road, North Manly 2100

Soul Hub - Blythe Rowe

Meet Blythe Rowe, the passionate Owner of SoulHub, Freshie’s coolest wellbeing hub. With a focus on empowering others and promoting wellbeing, Blythe has gained recognition as a visionary in her field. Through her innovative approach and dedication to building a supportive community, SoulHub has become an inspiring haven for countless individuals hoping to transform their wellbeing.

What inspired you to start your own business? Eleven years ago, I left my corporate career to start my training and development company, Human Incite. I wanted to be my own boss and set my schedule to suit my family. My teenage daughters further sparked my obsession with health and wellbeing which inspired me to launch Soulhub. I’ve involved the girls in every step of Soulhub’s journey which has been an excellent way for them to learn about entrepreneurship.

What is your proudest achievement as an entrepreneur? Your ‘I’ve-made-it’ moment?

Watching our community alleviate their pain, improved their mobility, flexibility, and fitness, or enhanced their overall wellbeing and appearance. It fills me with pride. A lovely soulmate in her seventies recently accomplished her goals of achieving fitness, mobility, and optimal health. This brought me great joy and a deep sense of pride.

What was your biggest career obstacle and how did you stay motivated through it? I’ve encountered individuals who projected their own fears onto me, presenting discouraging statistics and reasons why I might fail. However, rather than letting their negativity deter me, I chose to use it as fuel to push

myself harder and smarter. It makes me even more determined to prove them wrong, and through perseverance and dedication, that’s what I intend to do.

As a strong and successful woman, how do you inspire the next generation of boss girls? It takes many qualities to be a good leader, mother, or woman. You can be feminine, nice, approachable, and still be independent and business savvy. Being assertive does not mean that you are bossy. You can have a career, prioritise your own wellbeing and still be a present Mum or partner. It isn’t either or. Be vulnerable, ask for help when needed, learn from others, leave your ego at the door; do the work! Define your own success and be true to what lights you up and try to enjoy the journey!

Looking back on your journey to success, what advice would you give your younger self? Look back but don’t stare. Reflect and learn from mistakes, but don’t let it paralyse you. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Build meaningful relationships with the people around you. Offer your help and be a cheerleader for others. Oh, and don’t get drunk at corporate Christmas parties!

What is the most significant barrier for women in the business world, and how can we overcome it? It’s unfortunate

that biases still exist when it comes to women’s achievements, caregiving roles, assertiveness, and self-prioritisation. To bring about change, we need awareness and open discussions about these societal barriers. When I embarked on Soulhub, I experienced some interesting encounters with men during lease negotiations. Despite being treated like a naive girl, I see it as an opportunity to defy expectations, rise above, and achieve remarkable success. That fierce determination is what motivates me, and I’m fully committed to making it happen.

How do you manage the pressures of balancing work, home, and personal wellbeing as a woman in today’s society? I gave up on the illusion of ‘balance’. I choose now to compartmentalise different areas of my life. When I’m with clients, I am 100% there for them, likewise with my family. I dropped the ‘guilt factor’ that serves no one. Instead, I choose gratitude. I make ‘Recovery Rituals’ a non-negotiable, prioritising time to refuel, recharge and reconnect, sleep and exercise.

How do you see your business evolving in the future, and what are your longterm goals for it? We hope to expand onto a digital platform. I’d love to open more Soulhub locations so more people can experience the magic.

23 Oliver Street, Freshwater 2095
0468 344 883
www.soulhub.co

THE YACHT LIfe - Joey Crútch

Joey Crútch, Co-Owner of The Yacht Life, has forged a remarkable path filled with glamour, adventure and success. With an innate entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the Superyacht industry, Joey has worked hard to build an impressive reputation for herself and her business.

What inspired you to start your own business? With an inherent entrepreneurial mindset, I’ve always approached life with resourcefulness and a solutions-oriented attitude. The Superyacht industry has been my passion, and I aimed to make my mark by showcasing its incredible possibilities.

Being your own boss grants you the ability to shape the narrative of work-life balance, which becomes crucial when starting a family. It is of utmost importance to me to give my business my all while still prioritising quality time for my daughter and family, ensuring that I don’t compromise on either.

What is your proudest achievement as an entrepreneur? Your ‘I’ve-made -it’ moment? Recently, I arranged a five-night charter for a long-term client to attend the Monaco Grand Prix. To my surprise and delight, they extended an invitation for me to fly to Monaco and stay on board as their guest, allowing me to personally experience the incredible event.

It was an absolutely amazing experience. One of the greatest sources of joy for me is leading and managing a team that I am incredibly proud of.

What was your biggest career obstacle and how did you stay motivated through it? In the predominantly male-dominated industry of superyachting, I’ve had to navigate the path of finding my voice and ensuring that it is heard. It has been a challenge to stay creative and continuously generate fresh marketing angles in such a highly competitive field.

As a strong and successful woman, how do you inspire the next generation of boss girls? Always believe in yourself. Even on the hard days, know you are worthy and can do anything you put your mind to. Always take the long road and never any short cuts. I am a big believer in women in business; women are powerful and can succeed at anything they set out to do.

Looking back on your journey to success, what advice would you give your younger self? Don’t stress the small stuff. Have faith in your ability to achieve anything through hard work. I would advise myself to stand up for what I believe in and confidently speak my mind.

What is the most significant barrier for women in the business world, and how can we overcome it?

The key is to build a strong support system around you. Juggling a business, team, Airbnb, and a family would be impossible without the constant support of a loving network of family and friends. I am incredibly grateful for their presence in my life as it enables me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.

How do you see your business evolving in the future, and what are your long-term goals for it?

I have a vision of our team growing and expanding our business internationally. I take immense pride in our current growth and eagerly anticipate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for The Yacht Life. The future holds great potential for us, and I can’t wait to see where we can take our venture!

hello@theyachtlife.com.au
0403 675 842
www.theyachtlife.com.au

BRITT BEAR - Britt Collinson

Britt Collinson, creator of the Australian-made cuddly companion keep-sake Britt Bear, is a shining example of how hard work and determination achieve success. Despite not finishing school and raising her son and inspiration, Winter, as a single parent, she has become one of Northern Beaches’ biggest success stories. Britt is an inspiration to our community, proving that dreams are achievable if you just put in the work!

What inspired you to start your own business? My first moment of inspiration was when a girl bought one of the fluffy frames I’d made for a local market stall. The feeling of thinking “someone likes it enough to buy it!” was so positive and rewarding. From there, I decided not to get a normal nine-to-five job. Instead, I decided to follow my passion for creating things, and along this path I met other creators at the markets who were also creating their own, like cosmetics and candles. We became friends for life!

What is your proudest achievement as an entrepreneur? Your ‘I’ve-made -it’ moment? I’ll never forget the day Harrods called to stock my Britt Bears in their London store. It was a dream come true! Seeing my Britt Tutus in the David Jones’ Window Display at the Sydney CDB store was also amazing. I used to be a window dresser there. It’s also heartwarming to hear from people on how much they love my Britt Bears.

What was your biggest career obstacle and how did you stay motivated through it? I’ve experienced many setbacks, but I’ve learned a lot

from them. I’ve been cheated by agents, duped by distributors and encountered unfair contracts. Given all this, I had to start from the beginning, twice! But I stayed motivated to protect my reputation and integrity and was driven forward by stories of what the Britt Bears meant to so many kids and families. The service of how we repair bears and help ease the lost bear sad moments is very important to me. Anyone with kids will understand!

As a strong and successful women, how do you inspire the next generation of boss girls? Just take the leap! It can be very overwhelming and daunting at times, but it can lead to so much. Don’t give up after the first rejection; use knockbacks as motivation to keep trying. Give your staff flexibilityit comes back tenfold!

Looking back on your journey to success, what advice would you give your younger self? Advice I would give myself is to be more confident and not believe everything other people say they can bring or offer. Qualifications do not always mean that someone knows what they are doing. As a teenager, I left school early and thought that

without qualifications I was inferior to others. But my life and work experiences by far have outshined this.

What do you believe is the most significant barrier for women in the business world, and how can we overcome it? I think women have broken so many glass ceilings, though juggling motherhood will always be a challenge. Running your own business definitely helps with flexibility. For me, dealing with overseas cultures, as a female, was not easy. I overcame it by showing up confidently to meetings – I pretended I spoke a different language once! And I walked out on a massive deal as a bluff. This ballsy move helped me to avoid being underestimated, which was common with many women who were doing what I was doing at the time.

How do you see your business evolving in the future, and what are your long-term goals for it?

I’ve been wanting to compile a book about all the Britt Bears stories I have. I’d love to see all of the letters and drawings from the kids and parents sharing very special moments in print.

Britt Bear
www.brittbears.com.au