44 Greater Port Macquarie focus
K A Y L E Y Riddle
A S H L E Y Sargeson
PEOPLE ENGINE OWNER/DIRECTOR
TOUCHWOOD FLOWERS OWNER
Please introduce yourself and your business. Prior to running my own business, I gained over 20 years’ experience as an HR Director for large organisations such as the Hilton Group and TAFENSW. I now support businesses to achieve optimum results by maximising their "people engine". How does your business adapt to change? By always working with the needs of the business. Every business is different; everything we do is customised according to the stage of the business and its culture, whilst considering the current market and environment. Our work is driven by real outcomes. What are your greatest strengths in business? Being able to work at a range of levels and do meaningful work with leaders and teams, using years of experience and knowledge, utilising proven tools and strategies to ensure business growth. They always tell me I help make it easy! Tell us about your involvement in the local community. As VP of the Hastings Business Women's Network, we support locals in many ways. I particularly love coaching and providing business advice. A highlight from last year was the Emotional Intelligence workshop I facilitated; it's resulted in many local business owners and leaders being more productive, loving their work and achieving their goals! What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Do what you love, make good choices about how you spend your time, get plenty of sleep!
EMMA BUXTON
Please introduce yourself and your business. I'm a 33 year old wife, mother of two beautiful children and owner of Touchwood Flowers for the past 15 years. My florist is made up of a team of talented, hard working, dedicated and passionate florists. Our style is modern and elegant, and we love creating designs with different flowers and lush foliage. Community involvement? We are very community focused at Touchwood. We donate to local schools, clubs and community groups on a regular basis. We take on work experience students from various schools to help a younger generation gain confidence and experience in the workplace. For me personally, I run and teach at the Bonny Hills Physical Culture Club. This is a voluntary position twice a week, where we encourage, empower and inspire girls and women of all ages through the love of dance. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? 1. family first always - especially with young kids, time goes so fast; don't sacrifice precious time. 2. Be kind to yourself - keep a healthy mind and body. 3. Ask for help - you really can't do everything! Quote to live by? She believed she could, and she did.
PLUM STUDIO OWNER
Please introduce yourself. Hi, I'm Emma, a mum, sister, daughter and business woman. I opened my salon, Plum Studio just over 19 months ago now, and it was the best and hardest thing I have ever done. What is your business vision for 2020? This year will see Plum Studio creating more of a presence in Port Macquarie and surrounds. Creating more jobs for experienced senior stylists and training opportunities for school based trainees. I have created a relaxed and uplifting work environment for staff, and I would love to keep that growing. How do you juggle work/life balance? This is definitely the one thing I wanted to make sure I got right. I have three little kids, and I don't want to miss out on watching them grow up. So my weekends are filled with quality time, where I am 100% present with the kids. That doesn't mean everything runs smoothly always. There are always days where I have been running in to pick the kids up three minutes before after school care closes. But for the most part, I feel I am juggling OK!
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D R E M M A Rees
C A S S A N D R A Clark
I N T E G R I T I B E S P O K E W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H M E D I C A L D I R E C T O R
S E A S A LT C A F É A N D C H I C K E N S A LT R O T I S S E R I E
Please introduce yourself and your business. Integriti Bespoke Women’s Health offers a range of screening, contraception, treatment and referral pathways for women in Port Macquarie. It is led by Dr Emma Rees, who has a special interest in women’s health and has UK diplomas in obstetrics and gynaecology and sexual and reproductive health. What is your business vision for 2020? Empowering women to make high quality decisions about their healthcare is a fundamental ethos of Integriti. Over the next 12 months we aim to establish shared decision making as routine in every woman’s healthcare journey. I have published research in shared decision making
46 Greater Port Macquarie focus
and truly hope to ensure "no decision about me, without me" will reflect the experience of women accessing the clinic. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? I think it’s really important to recognise how busy life can be and to ensure that every week some time is spent in activities focused on self. Personally I enjoy exercise and try to make time to exercise every day. This helps me to switch off and maintains my fitness levels, which are key to maintaining health and wellbeing. I am a strong advocate that we all need time to relax and recharge and with a three year old, I definitely have to actively make time for this!
Please introduce yourself and your business. My name is Cassandra Clark, and I have been married for 25 years. I moved to Port Macquarie seven years ago with my husband and three children. Since moving to Port Macquarie, we have opened a number of businesses - Seasalt Café and Restaurant at the Marina, and our newest addition 'Chickensalt Rotisserie' at the Kmart Complex. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. I have been involved with the hospitality industry my whole life, and I'm very passionate about it. Over the past five years I have continually supported our local community, from sponsoring sporting teams to individual
donations, to major groups like Braveheart and Cancer Council; this year I am one of the dancers for Stars of Hastings. We are very involved with work placement experience from local schools, teaching young adults hospitality. We now employ over 25 locals. What are your greatest strengths in business? The businesses are all family run with my husband, Marten, two daughters Ally and Bella and our son, Nelson; this is one of our greatest strengths. Seasalt - With its beautiful location, friendly staff, best coffee and fantastic food, has won the top Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in Café Restaurant three years in a row. That makes us proud! The connections and friendships we have made throughout our time here makes for a very happy life.
KELLY WILSON BODILINE YOGA & PILATES
P
STUDIO OWNER. Y O G A & P I L AT E S P R A C T I T I O N E R .
lease introduce yourself and your business. I’m Kelly, studio owner, yoga and pilates practitioner at Bodiline Yoga & Pilates. I’ve been in the business for three months, sharing my love and passion, guiding people from all walks of life on their journey to living healthier and more meaningful lives. Our studio and team are unique to this beautiful region; our space offers Yoga, Barre, Massage and is fully equipped with Pilates Reformers, Wunda Chairs, Caddy and more.
Tamara Grieve from GUT HAPPY. We’re sponsoring and training Dr Kristy from Port Aesthetics, who is Dancing with the Stars to help raise funds for Cancer Council NSW, and we’re teaming up with F45 Port Macquarie, offering yoga at their studio and more. We’re creating awareness of the benefits of who we are and what we represent in the health, wellness and fitness industry.
Bodiline Yoga & Pilates is a unique studio that has a wonderful community vibe and while we focus on continuing to build on the already strong foundation, we’re engaging and empowering more of our community through the traditional and mindful practices and treatments we offer.
We also have some of the most talented and experienced practitioners in our industry, who guide, heal and bring life into the lives of our community. All in all, our space is where our people feel inspired, safe and grow within, and it’s humbling to see and feel the authenticity we have within our community. It truly is a space for everyone.
What is your business vision for 2020? Bodiline Yoga & Pilates is a unique studio that has a wonderful community vibe and while we focus on continuing to build on the already strong foundation, we’re engaging and empowering more of our community through the traditional and mindful practices and treatments we offer. We’re working and collaborating with some inspiring and community focused talent; some of these include workshops with naturopath and nutritionist Denise Hales and nutritional health coach
How do you juggle work/life balance? I’m consciously aware of making time for myself and finding joy in every day, even when it is super crazy. Whether it be a walk along our coast or practicing first thing in the morning, I always set some time aside for me. I’m also fortunate to have supportive and grounding friends and family too.
If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? Easy smashed avo and a latte! Quote to live by? "Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.” - Oprah Winfrey
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B
usiness visions 2020. After a whirlwind 2018/19, this year I am working on growing The Style Vibe brand, which will enable me to help more people in our community
VANESSA L AWRENCE THE STYLE VIBE
48 Greater Port Macquarie focus
and beyond. Plans to complete a luxe and very personal styling suite are underway, allowing my clients a unique and beautiful experience during consultations, dress hire sessions, and group workshops - collaborating with other talented local women in the fashion, health and beauty, hair, makeup and fitness industries. Of course, my priority will continue to be helping women feel good about themselves through my customised personal styling sessions, tailored to each individual and their needs. Adapt to change. A new business is forever growing and changing. As there is no template for my business, I need to be creative, open to new opportunities and figure out the best way to tackle problems as they arise. Lucky for me - I LOVE a challenge! Each day in The Style Vibe brings something new, and I am extremely grateful for the trust and opportunities so many amazing people have given me since starting my business. My tip: Embrace change it’s an opportunity to grow!
Greatest strengths. I believe my greatest strength is that I truly deeply care. I have lived a pretty full life, and the road at times has certainly not been easy. From those experiences I have learnt, grown and understand the most important things in life are caring for yourself and others, not to judge and practice an attitude of gratitude. These qualities help me to do my job which I love so much, with an open mind and help me to make the very best out of every situation. My main goal is always making people feel good about themselves and happy. Involvement in community. I am so proud and love our local community and all the wonderful people in it. I think it is vital we support each other - not just in business, but emotionally too. Buying local, having a chat and being genuinely interested in what’s going on in our community can go a long way. Sharing your knowledge, ideas to help, donating time and lending an ear are all the things I like to do to show my support locally. Also this year I am proud to announce I will be working with the Cancer Council as Creative Consultant and Star Support Specialist at this year's Stars of the Hastings 2020! I am super excited to get on board and again support this very worthwhile cause. Be sure to get your tickets quick - because trust me, this event is going to be next level AMAZING!
MELISSA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA LEE Please introduce yourself. Hi, I am Mel, the face behind Photography by Melissa Lee, creating your memories for the last 11 years. My experience in the photography industry is capturing weddings, maternity, newborn, family portraits, boudoir, glamour and professional online business branding images. I often get asked what is my favourite of all! My response is always the same - ALL OF THEM - especially when I get to follow a couple's journey as they become husband and wife, then capturing the moment they become parents holding their new little baby. I feel so incredibly honoured to photograph so many wonderful families, and even more so for those who come back year after year to update their family portraits, and I get to watch their families grow. What is your business vision for 2020? 2020 is all about being able to teach what I love PHOTOGRAPHY! This year I am running a beginners' "learn how to use your camera" workshop and looking forward to teaching. To me, I think back on where I started and if it wasn’t for my incredible mentor I had all those years ago, I may not be where I am today, so my vision for 2020 is to pass on as much knowledge as I can to those wanting to learn. How do you juggle work/life balance? With two children it can sometimes be hard, between school drop offs, sporting events and booking my weekends with sessions and trying to keep the family/work life balance right. However, I am incredibly lucky to have the most amazing husband and family support system; without their help it would be much harder being a mother and running a small business. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? I'd spend it on doing something fun with my children. Quote to live by? "In life, you get what you put in; everything else comes back round."
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L A U R E N Howard itravel PORT MACQUARIE GENERAL MANAGER
Please introduce yourself and your business. I’m Lauren Howard the General Manager of itravel Port Macquarie, and I have proudly worked in the travel industry since 1991. We are a boutique locally owned travel agency with experienced and dedicated consultants invested in designing and delivering dream holidays. Having travelled to all corners of our wonderful globe, I have firsthand experince in destinations including Canada, Alaska, America, Hawaii, Europe, many parts of Asia, NZ and of course, the ever popular cruise holidays. How does your business adapt to change? Airlines collapse, companies go into insolvency, and worldwide health issues occur - not to mention Australia’s own recent events of bushfires and drought. At itravel we are focused on discussing and planning holidays for clients to destinations that people feel comfortable going to and advising on the best solutions when people are affected. My team is 100% committed to our clients' holiday enjoyment, value for money and being there when unexpected circumstances occur. Being available and flexible is one of our strengths and why customers continue to choose to book with us. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? I think I would order a Pina Colada with two glasses, sit on the waterfront somewhere and share it with a friend, so I felt like I was on holidays.
Lisa Robinson, Evelina Kemp, Grace Delaveau & Deanna Mcinerney EVELINA KEMP HAIR AND BEAUTY Hair and beauty specialists at Evelina Kemp hair and beauty
Please introduce yourself. We are a team of super skilled specialists who love our job. We are a part of a team in a business that has been doing many
C L A I R E Mathews COLOURWORKS AUSTRALIA TERRITORY MANAGER – PORT MACQUARIE
Please introduce yourself and your business. My name is Claire; I am the Territory Manager for Colourworks Australia, and we provide Managed Print Services to local businesses.
Our team has changed and evolved over the years, but our
We are Canon’s largest regional partner and by leveraging Canon’s technology, we deliver a reliable and high-quality service.
degree of experience has allowed us to develop our skills to a
What are your greatest strengths in business?
level of perfection.
This is my 26th year in the print industry and my 3rd with Colourworks. I pride myself on Honesty, Transparency and Knowledge.
fantastic things in this area for 20 years.
What is your business vision for 2020? To improve the energy in people and our surroundings. People are so down due to all the horrible events that have been happening; we all need a space and some time to rejuvenate and be heard. Our team are a super skilled power pack of special souls who love to listen to and spoil our clients. Even if we are a small business, we can improve the emotions and level of self worth in each person who enters our business. Quote to live by? I heard a wonderful poem at the memorial for the fire victims being read on TV - The Dash, by Linda Ellis. She writes that life is not about the beginning nor the end, but all about the dash in the middle. We should try our best to make it all count.
The greatest contribution I make is my customer service and the ongoing advice we continue to give. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? My family moved to Port Macquarie three years ago to achieve a better balance. At home, there is a difference between being physically there and being present, so I make sure I’m present for my two boys. I am also very fortunate to have a supportive husband who ensures I have time for facials, friends and champagne! My role at Colourworks is supported by the business and I have been given flexibility - which helps.
reliable, intelligent & progressive
supporting local business owners to achieve better document management solutions with reliable, intelligent and progressive technology and software 1300 351 594 www.colourworks.com.au 50 Greater Port Macquarie focus
Lee Turner, Cassie Jones-Jefferies, Sandra Magann, Laura Fava
L A U R E N Hawkes
S E A C H A N G E Accounting Solutions
HAWKES CONVEYANCING
BETTER BALANCE WITH SMART ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS
Please introduce yourself and your business. I am Lauren Hawkes, the Director of Hawkes Conveyancing. Together with my staff Ivy and Jessica, we offer conveyancing services for anyone looking to buy or sell property in NSW. This will be my fifth year in business in Port Macquarie, and I’m really proud of what we have built. I’ve had Jessica Black, who is a newly licensed conveyancer, come on board in the last six months, which is an exciting new chapter for us. What is your business vision for 2020? We’re looking forward to continuing to offer great service to our clients, and now as a team of three, with two licensed conveyancers, we have more hands on deck to meet the
increasing demand. Our aim is to provide stress-free and efficient conveyancing for our clients each and every time. We don’t want our clients to ever have to settle for anything less. How does your business adapt to change? The conveyancing process has changed rapidly over the last couple of years. We are now transacting almost exclusively electronically, which has been a huge change from the old paper-based physical settlements. Being an early adapter was key for us - we started using the technology early so that when it became mandatory, we were already on board and knew our way around. We are constantly keeping ourselves up-to-date with all the latest developments, and we’re excited for the future of our industry.
At SeaChange Accounting, we know how important timesaving tech is to running a better business and achieving work/life balance. We use the latest online accounting solutions to provide the insights you need to grow your business and the freedom to focus on what you love. Principal, Sandra Magann, has been crunching numbers for more than 25 years across public practice, commerce and small business. She knows every business is unique and that customised solutions are key. Sandra also understands the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and often encourages her team to join her for yoga or a gym session during lunch breaks. SeaChange is excited to welcome Lee Turner to the team. Lee and her husband know firsthand the juggle of balancing a young family and a busy
business. Lee has a Bachelor of Business and an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. After growing up locally, Lee spent six years in Kalgoorlie, WA before coming back to Port. Her passion is helping small business owners put systems in place to support growth, while freeing up time to spend with family and friends and enjoy the local lifestyle. Cassie Jones-Jefferies is our resident Xero guru and is completing a Bachelor of Accounting. She loves helping clients save time and money with cloud-based solutions for their accounting, tax and payroll needs. Laura Fava owned a small business for more than five years and has a knack for knowing exactly what clients need. This is what sparked her to undertake a Bachelor of Accounting, so she could help others.
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JANETTE HYDE We at FOCUS think it would be difficult to find anyone more deserving of being acknowledged in our Women in Business edition than Janette Hyde. Passionate advocate for the Greater Port Macquarie region, Janette is a tireless volunteer and an active voice for tourism, business and local events. You may also know her through the monthly tourism column she’s been penning for FOCUS for many years …
H
i Janette. You moved to Port Macquarie with husband, Alan, in 1975, and back in those days the town was more of a large fishing village, with a population of around 8,000. Fast forward to 2020 ... and what are your feelings about how the town has evolved? Greater Port Macquarie, even though 45 years have passed, is still an area that has so much to offer. Yes, the population has increased, but the diversity of the accommodation, attractions, cafés and restaurants and retail has certainly enhanced the lifestyle of our residents and visitors. The natural attractions - and throw into the mix our cultural opportunities - we have a lot to be thankful for. I personally remember you from your time owning Port Macquarie Food Bar, the Boatshed Restaurant and your later work with Port Macquarie RSL (then Port Panthers). What are your reflections when thinking about this work history? Since arriving in Port Macquarie and owning and working in the various businesses you mentioned, we were totally impressed with the friendliness we experienced. I think the original charm is still here, even though the population has increased fourfold. The Food Bar was our first impression of Port; the Boatshed Restaurant was fun and a steep learning curve. Many caring people supported us through this period of our lives. My 34 years working for Port Macquarie RSL Club and later Port Macquarie Panthers was the most rewarding time of my working life. The role was such a challenge, but so multifaceted and created so much job satisfaction. Meeting interesting people and organising so
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many events was the order of the day. I owe so much to the wonderful people who have guided and supported me through the years - simply thank you. I know you're a very humble person, and don't like to talk about yourself much, but you've received so many acknowledgements over the years (too many to list!) How did you feel when you were named Port Macquarie's Citizen of the Year in 2019? What an honour to be selected from all the wonderful finalists and be awarded 2019 Citizen of the Year! It made me very conscious of the contribution to the community you can achieve as an individual. One of the highlights during that year was when Mayor Peta Pinson asked me to attend a Citizenship Ceremony and present medals to Greater Port Macquarie residents who chose to become Australians. Whilst I am sure it was very emotional for the individuals, it made me very proud of my heritage and that these people chose to adopt our country for their future. I think the other things that was highlighted to me was the appreciation expressed by so many people for my efforts to make our region a better place. You're well known for your work with the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, and you're on the board for the Chamber of Commerce. What are a few spots/destinations you most enjoy frequenting - and why do you love them? My favourite place has to be Gaol Point in Port Macquarie. We check it out most days. I am sure many of our locals and especially our tourists appreciate the wonderful view. We also love travelling around the beaches, enjoy the tranquility of Sea Acres Boardwalk,
checking out Lake Cathie, Laurieton - North held in May each year is a really important to Brother Mountain in particular, travelling to the start of the Red Shield Appeal. It is heart the hinterland via Kendall and then on to wrenching to hear some of the stories and just Comboyne. As I mentioned earlier, our region how the Sallies support in times of need. has so much to offer. You and Alan retired in 2011, but you Some people may not realise you're a key certainly haven't slowed down. When driver behind events such as the Beatles you're not busy promoting our local area, Festival and the Touch Football State Cup. volunteering and advocating, what are Why do you feel events such as these are your other interests? What do you do to important for our area? relax? Events that add to our local economy, We love seeing Australia and travel regularly particularly in the shoulder season, are really to many destinations, and in particular, the important to many people. The Beatles Festival, Sunshine Coast. We are about to do the which I organised for “Empty Esky” Trip to four years, was just the South Coast, as we great. With its seven recognise the hardship events, it was so much many of coastal towns fun and involved have experienced since the What an honour to be many people in our devastating bushfires. selected from all the wonderful finalists community. You've been a columnist and be awarded 2019 The Touch State Cup for FOCUS for years Citizen of the Year! It is dear to my heart. I now. How much do made me very conscious never envisaged that you enjoy penning the of the contribution to the offer from the Touch tourism column each the community you can Association for Port month? achieve as an individual. Macquarie to host the The column provides State Cup event in 1989 a great way to highlight would have been the some of the wonderful start of a long-lasting experiences available to us relationship. The Junior in Greater Port Macquarie. State Cup was an added bonus for our local As you can tell, I am passionate about our economy. Long may it continue. region and really want to share some of the What volunteer organisations are closest unique experiences … One of which is the Port to your heart and do you still give time to Macquarie Koala Hospital. How many times these days? I have heard our locals say they have lived Bravehearts and the Salvation Army are here for many years and just not visited this very special charities. It is so rewarding for the wonderful facility! If that is you, then take the Bravehearts Local Committee to raise enough time to visit and see for yourself the important money to allow many local kids to see at no work that is being achieved. cost the Ditto Keep Safe Adventure Show. Thanks Janette. The Salvation Army’s fundraising breakfast Interview: Jo Robinson.
L-R back: Karen Bennison, Jacinda Wilson, Amanda Robinson, Denise Durant L-R front: Ally Downing, Michelle Percival, Di Calder
MEET OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS Michelle Percival PRINCIPAL, PERCIVAL PROPERTY
Please introduce yourself and your business? Percival Property is a residential, rural and lifestyle real estate sales office based in Port Macquarie servicing the stunning Hastings and Camden Haven, from Taree through to Kempsey, and west to Mount Seaview. I manage our sales business along with my husband Michael who manages our residential property management business.
We both lead teams of very passionate people who focus on achieving the best outcomes for our clients. We pride ourselves on the levels of service, communication and specialised knowledge. What are your greatest strengths in business? 35+ years in real estate has provided both Michael and I a tremendous skills base to develop marketing strategy and negotiate property transactions - both sales and leasing. Our people are the core of our business and
the reason behind our success. We pride ourselves on being able to identify people with not just the expertise required, but the personal qualities that are integral to creating a market leading team. The Percival ‘people’ excel in every aspect, not just because of their technical ability but their integrity, ethics and empathy. How does your business adapt to change? We have to be incredibly agile in real estate. In real estate the market change is constant. Over the past 36 years we have survived and prospered through very difficult times because
RESIDENTIAL SALES
P R O P E RT Y M A N AG E M E N T
Phone 02 6583 8606 106 William Street, Port Macquarie www.percival.com.au
Phone 02 6583 7499 34 Buller Street, Port Macquarie www.percival.com.au
we have always aimed to raise our standards, focusing on excellence in customer service. We were the first real estate office in Port Macquarie to engage a full time in house specialist marketing team to allow us that agility in changing market conditions. We can respond and deliver outstanding content and marketing for our clients very quickly. We have donated our marketing team services to assist over 30 businesses with free video content and filmed countless community events because we are grateful for the support the local community has shown our business and we love to give back.
PERCIVAL P R O P E R T Y
Greater Port Macquarie focus 53
KERRIE McMAHON Hard work is the most important key to success. Without being willing to work hard and put everything into a venture, business success is nearly impossible. Local tea leaf extraordinaire Kerrie McMahon is currently celebrating her 11th year in business and from humble beginnings, has proven that dedication really does pay off. With her store offering a huge array of teas, you are certain to find something here that really rocks your socks.
H
i Kerrie. You are excitedly celebrating your 11th year in business. How and when did you get started in making boutique tea blends? I have to admit, I didn’t even like tea when we purchased this business, as I had only ever tried tea bag tea. We began the venture with only the business name, a car full of teas, four wholesale clients and 30 teas. I can now look at a tea leaf and know by the aroma and leaf size/colour the type of tea it is. My tea blending inspiration came from so many lovely customers asking if I could source or create them a blend of a favourite tea that had been discontinued or one that was really hard to find. In the earlier days we had naturopath advice with the herbal tisanes blends. Now I think I can do it with my eyes closed. Your business has grown over the years. How many teas did you start out with compared to how many are on offer now? And how has the tea industry changed? We’ve found the tea industry is more directed to quality leaf tea and for us, as natural as possible. Which means NO NASTIES! Our range covers a diverse age, from young children who are wanting a healthy replacement to cordials with our natural only
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fine bone giftware. There's even something fruit infusions, to young adults with funky for the little ones, including Disney licensed natural flavoured teas such as chocolate teaware and "Alice in Wonderland" mini truffles - a gorgeous sweet blend of chocolate kiddies tea sets for a special "tea party". drops, cream pieces (coconut) and dried apple, What do you enjoy most about being to the more health conscious, for whom we able to run your business here on the Mid have organic herbal teas. We still have the North Coast? single estate "normal" I love the flexibility, the black teas, just of a high lifestyle, and of course the quality. We now stock location. We have created 230 teas. an ambience in our store You have a warehouse We stock beautiful Japanese teaware by J Style, along that makes you feel good along with a retail with well known Ashdene as soon as you walk shop, which is full of and fi ne bone giftware. through the doors. We goodies; teas, teapots, There's even something for only ever have very happy tea sets, saucers and the little ones, including customers. gifts. Are there any Disney licensed teaware How will you be particular brands that and 'Alice in Wonderland' celebrating your 11th are exclusive to you? mini kiddies tea sets for a year? It’s important to offer special ‘tea party’. Dinner out and spoiling unique products and our wonderful staff. We great service. Boutique don't drink alcohol, so businesses really can maybe one of my fruit make or break small sangria infusions! towns. We always aim to source the highest Do you have any new products or tea quality and organic products as much as blends coming in that we should keep an possible. We hand blend every single one of eye out for? our teas and only deal with exclusive suppliers, We can refill on the spot your favourite bulk as it's important to us to stand out as business teas. We have new blends in stock ready for - which can be difficult at times. you to take home: We stock beautiful Japanese teaware by PUMPING POMEGRANATE J Style, along with well known Ashdene and
blend of apple pomegranate blossoms and red currants, caffeine free. SINFUL LIQUORICE For lovers of liquorice, black tea, liquorice drops. TURMERIC ELIXIR Designed to support liver function and reduce inflammation. Serve hot or iced. BANANA BERRY SHAKE Delicious banana berry aroma, green tea, sun dried strawberries. STRESS LESS A refreshing and restorative herbal tisane. LOVE CHAI A romantic blend of apple pieces, rooibos, cinnamon, pineapple, rosehips, cocoa, star anise, almond, Rosa pepper and cloves! MONK PEAR A sophisticated tea for Earl Grey lovers with a touch of jasmine and sweet pear. AFRICAN KENYA Light premium African tea with many tips and a gentle touch of citrus tasting notes. CHAMOMILE APPLE SPICED Whole organic chamomile flowers, real apple pieces and cinnamon. A very calming blend. Where can we find you? Location: Between Port Day Spa and Rydges Hotel. Shop 2/1 Hay St., Port Macquarie. Thanks Kerrie.
K E R R I E McMahon
K Y L I E Johnson
J E S S I C A Bird
WO R L D PA R T E A
KYLIE’S ART STUDIO AND SUPPLIES OWNER
LUMEN PHOTOGRAPHY HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
Please Introduce yourself and your business. I’m Kerrie from World Par-Tea, and for the last 11 years I‘ve been lucky enough to work each day surrounded by the amazing scent of everything from organic rose petals to zesty lemongrass, vanilla beans to lavender. I love sourcing teas from around the world, the finest greens through to delicate whites. What is your business vision for 2020? My vision is actually to find a new owner for World Par-Tea who wants to capitalise on what I’ve built. We’re in a great position with the perfect blend of retail, online and wholesale, which means our beautiful store in Port Macquarie has a wide reach that’s not solely reliant on tourists - though we do love them, as we’re right next door to Rydges! Tea makes people happy, and I’d love to see a family or group of friends invest in the business and themselves to take the company to the next level. What are your greatest strengths in business? Definitely customer service; it’s something that has really helped build the business. I’m also a bit of a detective and love scouting out amazing suppliers from plantations across Australia and around the world, as well as nailing down exclusive access to special lines of teapots and accessories. If I were down to my last $20, I would spend it ... That’s a tough one! On my kids probably, so a good supply of Peace Green or Blueberry Cheesecake tea, so we can enjoy some lovely conversation as we sip, and a packet of sprouted seeds to enjoy eating throughout the year!
Please introduce yourself. Hi, my name is Kylie, and I am the owner of Kylie’s Art Studio and Supplies. I’ve been providing quality art supplies and classes to the area for nine years. Previous to opening my shop, I taught classes from home and at Who Framed? In Wauchope. When that closed, there was a need for quality art supplies in the area, so I decided to open, and the business has been growing from strength to strength. What is your business vision for 2020? I am always striving to find new products and keep up to date with how to use all the products that I stock to provide a quality service. This will still be my goal throughout 2020 and to hopefully get Kylie’s Art Studio recognised as a quality art supply and unique gift retailer locally and for the surrounding areas. How do you juggle work/life balance? Working in retail is a six and half day week, so there isn’t a great deal of time to spend on me time; however, I make time for pilates and yoga in the morning and I do try to go walking after work. Painting is my hobby and my work, so it’s great I can practice my hobby while I‘m working.
Please introduce yourself and your business. Hi, my name is Jessica, and I am the head photographer here at Lumen photography - which is based on the Mid North Coast in the gorgeous Port Macquarie area. We specialise in outdoor family portraits, wedding photography, event photography and website/content photography. What is your business vision for 2020? My vision for 2020 is to continue to grow in all aspects of my business - from marketing, being a confident business woman, continually growing as a photographer and keeping up with trends and technology while staying true to the foundations of why I started Lumen, which is connecting with my clients and delivering a quality product. How does your business adapt to change? My business adapts to change by keeping myself up to date with educational resources (marketing, trends, diversifying), keeping an open mind and saying "YES" to everything! You never know when a hidden opportunity will appear camouflaged as something else. What are your greatest strengths in business? My strengths are my person-ability and patience. I love to connect with each person, family, or event that I am photographing. This allows me to customise each session and helps to put my clients at ease, which gives me freedom to capture some amazing moments with them, which translates into a fantastic image.
Greater Port Macquarie focus 55
A successful business
built on
“Beyond braces and Invisalign, we specialise in early intervention treatments for children - which deliver fantastic long-term outcomes - as well as a range of proven sleep apnea solutions to help families sleep soundly.” “I am so proud of the work Eric does - the way he literally changes people’s smiles and their lives. However what many people don’t realise is that he invests so much time into researching and purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, honing his skills and acquiring the knowledge to better educate patients and the wider community.” As Eric himself says: “The thing I love most about what I do is the before and after transformations. Even having treated thousands of patients over 25 years, I never tire of seeing my patients - especially children - leave with a renewed sense of inner confidence that lasts a lifetime.”
Dagmara Saacks // Saacks Orthodontics With a thriving business, an amazing team of professionals by her side, and a friendly and welcoming community, Dagmara Saacks has found her ‘happy place’ in Port Macquarie. So it’s no wonder she’s always smiling!
agmara is the Practice Manager at Saacks Orthodontics - a business she helped establish in 2005 with her husband, Dr Eric Saacks, before moving it from Sydney to Port Macquarie in 2013. “With a busy city practice and a growing family, the relaxed Port lifestyle and friendly community really appealed to us. So when the opportunity came to open a practice here, we grabbed it with both hands.” As well as being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business, one of Dagmara’s primary roles is to introduce new patients to the practice, and make them feel welcome and comfortable every time they walk through the door. “I’m a real people person. I love getting to know our patients and their families and making sure their experience with Saacks Orthodontics is always positive.” “As we know, some people simply don’t like coming to the dentist or orthodontist, so we do everything we can to allay any fears and turn the visit into one that’s pleasant, comfortable and even fun!”
Supported by an incredible team With a Dental Technician and Hygienist background, plus a Business Degree under her belt, Dagmara knows only too well how important it is to surround yourself with the right people. “I can honestly say we have the most amazing team of therapists, hygienists, treatment coordinators and dental assistants here at Saacks Orthodontics.”
56 Greater Port Macquarie focus
“Our business simply wouldn’t be as successful without their hard work, positive attitudes and dedication to our patients. I absolutely love all the girls here and I feel so lucky to have them around.” “Being a Mum and running a business has its obvious challenges, however having such wonderful staff to support us means we get the balance right. Well, most of the time!”
Laying down deep roots in Port Macquarie Whether it’s making patients feel welcome at the practice, enjoying the perfect cup of coffee in a local café or feeling the sand between her toes on one of our beaches, it’s clear that Dagmara has found her happy place in Port and is here for the long haul. “I love everything about Port Macquarie. It has such a beautiful, relaxed lifestyle where people are so friendly and there’s a real sense of community.” Indeed, that’s one of the reasons why Eric and Dagmara enjoy getting into the community spirit, sponsoring the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club, Thunder Hockey, and several local sporting teams, as well as getting involved with local schools.
a Mum and running a business has its “Being challenges, however having such wonderful staff to support us means we get the balance right. Well, most of the time!”
A passion to keep evolving Along with continually delivering exceptional customer service, Dagmara believes one of the key ingredients to long term business success is to keep evolving.
“Local businesses like Saacks Orthodontics play an important role in facilitating community activities and events, so we’re always keen to provide support and give back to the community wherever we can.”
That means investing in the right people and the right technology, plus ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.
Welcoming patients, helping create perfect teeth or immersing herself in the community, it’s all about the smiles for Dagmara!
Chat to a local expert If you’re interested in exploring the latest orthodontic treatments for you or your family, contact the friendly Saacks Orthodontics team for a FREE consultation with no obligation. Call 02 6584 2333, email admin@saacksorthodontics.com.au, visit saacksorthodontics.com.au or drop in to the treatment rooms at 85 William Street, Port Macquarie.
Greater Port Macquarie focus 57
A S H &J E S S
T A Y L A Ward, M A D D I S O N Ross, & L A R I S S A Ward
SESS & SASS DESIGN CO.
TG'S CHILDCARE
Please introduce yourself and your business. We are Jess and Ash from Sess & Sass Design Co. - a sister duo passionate about all aspects of interior/exterior design, property styling and staging homes for the sales market. What is your business vision for 2020? We are so excited to kick start 2020! Our business vision is to shape spaces with innovative yet timeless designs, providing solutions in the field of both commercial and residential interiors. What are your greatest strengths in business? Interior design is very personal; we love building strong, trusting and fun relationships with our clients. We believe this is one of the most important aspects when it comes to achieving the best result during the design process. We keep our knowledge of the latest products
89 Lord Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Ashley Hawthorne 0421 789 573 Jessica Hodge 0438 408 452 info@sessandsassdesignco.com.au sessandsassdesignco.com.au
58 Greater Port Macquarie focus
and trends up to date through communicating with our product reps and regularly attending design expos in Sydney and Melbourne. We also own and have personally sourced and selected all of our property staging stock, which gives us the flexibility to custom decorate each home to showcase it in its best light. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? We are both busy wives and mothers, and let's be honest - the struggle is real … it really does take a village! We believe self care is really important for busy mothers like us; you can’t achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle if you don’t nurture yourself and ensure health is your number one priority. Working for ourselves really drives our passion to do our best for our clients; when you love what you do, it creates a sense of pride and balance.
Please introduce yourself and your business. We’re Tayla, Maddison, and Larissa and we were once tiny tots at TG’s, playing in TG’s natural gardens and playspaces while building up essential life skills. For us, Playing is Learning for Life. Once less than a metre high, we are now proud educators at TG’s Child Care, where we are sharing our gifts with a new generation of children, helping them to build relationships and encouraging collective thinking in a loving and fun environment. We’re still loving every single minute at TG’s! "Just come in for a day, come and play, because we guarantee you are just going to love it here!" What are your greatest strengths in business? Having experienced TG’s from the inside, we want to give the best care we can to the children
we now have under our wings. TG’s has empowered us as women, and we’re so grateful. TG’s lays a sound intellectual, psychological, emotional, social and physical foundation for the children’s development and lifelong learning. The engaging and inviting natural spaces encourage exploration and experiences. We trust and support each other’s gifts and growth. We have a strong connection with families and communities, and TG’s curriculum is always relevant, fun and exciting for the children. Everyone’s special gift makes TG's the magical place it is today. In a place where Playing is Learning for Life, TG's has cultivated a love of learning that took us from primary through high school and beyond as valuable members of our community.
AIMEE PELLEY& JEN STEVENS T H E S E E D C R E AT I V E W O R K S H O P S O W N E R S / A R T T E A C H E R S
Please introduce yourselves and your business. We are the cool chicks behind The Seed Creative Workshops: a comfortable, supportive and welcoming space in Port Macquarie for all ages and abilities to explore new creative processes and grow their own artistic style. We offer kids after school art classes, weekly creative workshops, an awesome school holiday program and private pARTies - the perfect spot for your next birthday, baby shower, hens or team building activity! What is your business vision for 2020? Our business vision for 2020 is to collaborate with local creatives and offer "Artist Retreats", providing a unique opportunity for people to travel to the area, stay a few nights and learn new skills from a variety of artistic workshops.
Art Classes
Creative Workshops
We’re also focusing on group excursions for schools to come to our space and explore mediums they may not have the chance to at school. Teacher groups are welcome to come and earn PLUs and develop new skills in the creative field to incorporate into their curriculum. How do you juggle work/life balance? We both have an awesome tribe supporting us, which is essential for success. Organisation is key; scheduling, to do lists and teamwork helps us stay up to date on daily tasks, to ensure we have leisure time and we always make time for a family funday every week! Our new tradition of Friday lunchtime yoga keeps us grounded and centered, ready to take on the challenges of the week ahead! Quote to live by? “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Private Parties
Kids holiday programs
Fun for all ages and abilities!
@theseedcw Phone: 0447 114 796 or 0402 070 404
2/44 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie www.theseedcreativeworkshops.com
Where Creativity Grows
Greater Port Macquarie focus 59
Celebrate
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY " E A C H F O R E Q U A L "
T H R O U G H
A R T
What better way to celebrate women’s achievements for “INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY “EACHFOREQUAL” 2020 than with an art exhibition!
M
acleay Valley Community media with your "hands out" equal pose for Art gallery chooses to a strong call-to-action for others to support celebrate the positives for #EachforEqual also. International Women’s So, why not join us at the Opening Day by holding an art Celebration on Sunday 8th March from 2pm exhibition highlighting - 4pm for afternoon tea (and wine, of course) how talented women are and encourage at our vibrant little gallery: MVCAG, 5 Kinchela women to participate and follow their dreams. Street, Gladstone, NSW. The exhibition is non-competitive and is All are welcome, and entry to the gallery is open to all women artists in the Mid North free. Coast region. Artists can use any medium e.g. The positive energy, fun and comradery painting, textiles, ceramics, of this event is a delight, sculpture, wood work, metal as women, friends and work, photography, quilting community members join or floral art. to share each other’s artistic The exhibition is nonThis is an opportunity for talents. The catering will be competitive and is open to women to exhibit their art provided by the generosity of all women artists in the Mid work in a gallery; to meet the Macleay Valley Business North Coast region. Artists other female artists and to Women’s Network. can use any medium e.g. discuss their experience; The exhibition runs from painting, textiles, ceramics, to get feedback from their Thursday 5th March to sculpture, wood work, metal work, photography, quilting peers; and to encourage Sunday 15th March 2020. or floral art. and promote art making by For the minimal cost of women. The Macleay Valley $10, you can enter two art Community Art Gallery is a pieces. Entry fees will be community run gallery open donated to the Samaritans, to all artists to hire for exhibitions. to aid in their support for women and children This year the race is on for the gender equal suffering domestic violence. boardroom, a gender equal government, See www.mvcartgallery.org for exhibition gender equal media coverage, gender equal entry forms and exhibition programs. Please workplaces, gender equal sports coverage, join us on www.facebook.com/mvcag for more gender equality in health and wealth ... gallery news. Enquiries: phone Barbara (02) so let's make it happen. Let's be #EachforEqual. 6569 0974 or the gallery (02) 6567 5092. Post your #IWD2020 message on social Email: mvcag2440gmail.com 60 Greater Port Macquarie focus
CARRIE KOPP
C
CHANNEL MANAGER FOR OPTUS
arrie, can you please and building capability, both to deliver within introduce yourself and the Optus world and provide future skills tell us how long you have for additional sales careers. We’re fortunate lived in the Port Macquarie to have a lot of talented and enthusiastic region? individuals across our store network, who I grew up in Port are eager to become the best version of Macquarie since 4th Class; however, I moved themselves. It’s a privilege to play a part in to Sydney when I was 19 to embark on a helping develop this. Having worked within career in the big city. The lure of home and the telecommunications industry for so long, family became too much, so I returned two I’ve developed an agile mindset, allowing me years ago when I transferred with Optus. I to pivot fast to deliver and respond to change. just love the lifestyle which Port Macquarie It’s a crucial skill in telco! provides and spend lots of time at the beach As a working woman, how do you juggle with my fiancé, Kirk and two dogs. life, family and work commitments? How long have you been in Luckily, I have a very supportive partner who telecommunications is very hands on around and in particular, with the home and helps share Optus? the home front workload, I have been working especially because I do work I manage the local Optus at Optus since 2003; long hours and travel quite retail stores across the Mid however, I did have a year a bit. Something I have North Coast and North West away to try something learnt the hard way in my NSW region, providing different, but telco was in career is to try to make sure operational support and the blood and I returned you have a work/life balance guidance across our store to Optus to take on a and give yourself time network and local licensees. management position. So, to switch off each night all up I’ve been with the away from technology and company for just over 16 communication. years. What are you looking Can you tell us exactly what the channel forward to most about achieving in your manager does? role this year? I manage the local Optus retail stores across To create a world class customer experience the Mid North Coast and North West NSW in all of our Optus distribution points, along region, providing operational support and with supporting the local communities' guidance across our store network and local understanding of how Optus can help them licensees. I’m also involved with the planning get connected. I’m also eager to demonstrate and execution of local events, experiential our social responsibility programs across marketing initiatives and Optus sponsorships the Mid North Coast and support those within these local communities. in need via local community sponsorships What are your greatest strengths in and initiatives, such as “Donate your business? data”, “Digital Thumbprint” and “Virtual I’m passionate about developing our people Psychologist”.
T R I S H McGrady
N A R E L L E M C A R D L E (Chapman)
P O R T B U S C H A R T E R S , T O U R S & R E N TA L S P T Y LT D O W N E R / T O U R M A N A G E R
ENERGY WORK MASSAGE
Please introduce yourself and your business. My name is Trish McGrady. Our family lives at Telegraph Point and we operate our family business, "Port Bus", from Sancrox. I am a mother of four children, two of whom still live at home, and three of whom work part-time in the business. Port Bus is a charter, tour and rental company that we have owned for approximately two years now. We have been continuously aiming to grow the tour side of our business, and after taking over the fantastic "Busy Bus" and making it Port Bus, this has been more evident. What is your business vision for 2020? In 2020 our goals are to add an accessible vehicle to our fleet. We believe this will allow all members of the community to join us
on our tours. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? At times I struggle to maintain a healthy balance between work, home and self. The most important tip is to set routines and schedule time for yourself. Every night our family sits at the table and shares a meal together. It is a part of my day that I look forward to most, and it gives everyone a chance to debrief from their work/school life and think more about their home and their self. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? I would take my family out to a meal, as we have always treasured doing together.
Narelle McArdle (Chapman) has a Diploma in Remedial and Sports Massage, with 20 years of experience working with sporting groups, pregnant women, the elderly and people in the workforce. Over the last year, Energy Work Massage is loving its new tranquil space at Flynns Beach. It has been an eventful year travelling to Barcelona with the Australian women’s hockey team to the Exin Masters World Cup to help them bring home a silver medal against England. Massage is my passion - I love making a difference to people’s lives. I have been dedicated to gaining knowledge and will love to share this knowledge with you. I have learned that when the body is working in alignment, energy flows and the body works at peak performance. I invite everyone to have a massage to help decompress energy and lower anxiety levels, bringing your energy inwards. As a bodyworker, I support the whole body, mind and soul. Renew yourself with my specialty Ka Huna Massage, which can be for 1 hour, or to truly experience deep relaxation, I highly
recommend 1.5 hours. The benefits of massage can assist muscular and physical pain. When it’s hard to get to work, go to Energy Work Massage: • Cranial Sacral Massage can assist with headaches • Shoulder Release techniques ease tight shoulders from working on the computer • Remedial Massage eases sore backs from heavy lifting I am disciplined in a wide variety of modalities, and I use a combination of these to tailor the treatment to the individual’s needs. For instance, you could experience Hot Rocks / Modern Cupping / Trigger Point to complement your massage. My business hours have now been extended to include Monday to Friday and Saturdays. As I have three young children, I will be closed for the school holidays so try and grab an appointment now. Energy Work Massage offers Gift Certificates. Come see me for a massage to realise the full potential of your body’s natural energy and vitality.
Greater Port Macquarie focus 61
SUSAN RUPERT MBC RECRUITMENT
Meet Susan Rupert, Director of mbc. Susan manages all four divisions of mbc and finds her role a particularly rewarding one. Outside of work she’s also a keen advocate for sport and supporting charitable organisations …
H
i Susan. What originally analyses, problem solving are essential day to brought you to the day skills that I would struggle without. Greater Port Macquarie What do you love most about your area (or are you a born current job? and bred local)? I love the ability to assist our candidates We relocated here with what could be at times life-saving from Sydney after we acquired mbc. Living opportunities. in Sydney was incredible, but we love the Being involved in nursing services allows us incredible opportunity and lifestyle that the to help some very vulnerable people. Most Mid North Coast offers. of all, the business allows us to be able to What's your role with mbc ... and what's contribute to some very worthy causes. That generally involved alone makes it all worth with this position on a it. day to day basis? mbc Recruitment won I manage the four Business of the Year divisions in mbc, which at the Holiday Coast Don’t try and fight are all run as individual Credit Union Greater every battle; pick out the businesses. Together Port Macquarie important ones and battle with the divisional Business Awards those. You sometimes have to managers we decide last year. This is a lose a battle to win a war. When you are at home, be on business goals and fantastic achievement! present in the moment directions. Our head To what do you feel your family is precious. office here in Port the business owes its Macquarie provides success? central services for all This is a direct result of locations in NSW, and I the dedication and effort have direct responsibility of all the staff working for the staff providing those services. at mbc. We have some incredible staff who What gets you out of bed and motivated have worked for a number of years towards for each day? this goal. I can make a difference in the world It'll be difficult to top this achievement, around me. We are blessed enough to but what are the business' plans for 2020 secure oftentimes life changing positions and moving forward? for our candidates. We are in this business Due to the fast-paced growth experienced to help people and empower those in over the past five years, we curbed growth our communities. By expanding into new in 2018 / 2019. This allowed us to bring communities and expanding our service business policies and procedures in line range, we are able to help more people. with growth, and we will concentrate on You have a background in accounting; continuation of aggressive business growth how does this help with your current in 2020. role? When you're not working, I hear you're a My background in accounting has instilled keen advocate for sports! What sports do in me some very basic principles which has you follow/most enjoy - and what sports benefited me throughout my career. do you/your family get involved with at Time management, accuracy, financial a local level? 62 Greater Port Macquarie focus
I love most sport and enjoy watching it. We are very involved with rugby union. Our youngest son is still playing with the Pirates. Outside of work, what do you do you to be a good member of our community? We contribute to a number of charitable organisations. We support some families in our community privately. We also sponsor some sporting clubs, including the Port Pirates in Port Macquarie and the referees club in Tamworth. Every year we choose a specific charity to support and contribute to that cause throughout the year. How do you juggle all your commitments of work, leisure and family? Always be present in the moment, whether you are at work or at home. I am careful to organise my time between
work, leisure and family. Organising myself focuses on firstly finding free time and then making sure I use it effectively. This allows me to recharge and be present in everything I do. What advice would you give to other women in business when it comes to achieving a great work/life balance? Don’t try and fight every battle; pick out the important ones and battle those. You sometimes have to lose a battle to win a war. When you are at home, be present in the moment - your family is precious. What do you love most about work and life here in Port Macquarie? I love the close proximity to the beautiful nature in Port Macquarie; within minutes you can connect with nature and for a moment forget about the stresses of life. Thanks Susan.
LEAH KELLY JUST BETTER CARE MID NORTH COAST DIRECTOR
P
lease introduce yourself and your business. I’m Leah Kelly, I have over 15 years’ experience in homecare and I’m the Director and Business Owner of Just
Better Care Mid North Coast. I’m also a local,
be a business that values its staff. We know
to making our staff feel valued and part of
community aged care network meetings.
all our clients well and our staff when they
our success. We never let them forget how
What are your tips for maintaining a
call. We feel that being a part of the local
important they are being at the frontline.
balanced lifestyle with work, home and
community is key to our success.
As a business, we cater to both aged care
How does your business adapt to
and disability customers so this means our
change?
work is varied and we have the opportunity
Change is our business! Working within
to make a positive impact on more people in
a wife and a mother to a busy three-year-
the home and health space it’s critical we
the local community.
old boy. Just Better Care Mid North Coast
continue to support our customer’s needs as
Tell us about your involvement in the
is an in-home support provider here in the
they can change quite rapidly. We are always
local community.
Port Macquarie/Hastings region, providing
checking in with our customers to ensure
support to people who are ageing or those
they are listened to and that we have met
Macquarie community. In the last twelve
living with a disability. Our number one
their support needs at the end of each visit
months I’ve been out visiting our customers,
priority is to help our customers feel safe,
to their home.
as well as holding a series of open days at
secure and independent in their homes and communities. What is your business vision for 2020? Our vision is simple; to continue to
What are your greatest strengths in business? see this as a weakness, but it is vital when
This is a work in progress! Running a business with a 3-year-old and husband who works shift work in emergency services has been a massive challenge. We recently unplugged and spent a weekend in Waitui as a family. The peace and scenery allowed
I’m a local! I live and work in the Port
us to take a well needed break to recharge.
the Glasshouse, educating attendees on our services, and how they can access in-home
I’m a big people pleaser. Many would
self?
I’m lucky that I have a terrific team of professionals that can look after the office whilst I was away. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it?
aged care.
We love being near the water so it would
I’m also involved in the local Chamber
establish Just Better Care Mid North Coast as
providing a quality and reliable support
of Commerce; Hastings Women’s Business
be spent putting together a picnic and
a provider of choice for customers but also
service for our customers. This is also integral
Network and I regularly attend the
enjoying a day at the beach as a family.
In-home, social & lifestyle support Just Better Care Mid North Coast supports people to live independently and confidently within their home and local community. Whether it’s help with everyday tasks, or a Home Care Package, Just Better Care can deliver customised support that’s tailored just for you. Our Services
Ask us about a Home Care Package
Help around the home
Personal care
Meal preparation
Post-hospital support
Overnight support
Dementia support
In-home nursing
Respite for carers
Palliative care support
Travel & transport
Speak to our friendly, local team today. Call (02) 6590 1060 justbettercare.com/mid-north-coast
Greater Port Macquarie focus 63
G A B R I E L A Schwartzberger
S H A R O N Rathbone
JODIE CANDIA & ALISON WILLIAMS
BEAUTPRESS PTY LTD T/AS PORT CITY STEEL DIRECTOR
I N S P I R E D C R E AT I O N S B Y S H A R O N R AT H B O N E
SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOU SUPPORT MANAGERS
My name is Sharon Rathbone, and I am a creative content writer. I cover everything from real estate advertising to website content, video scripts, resumes, company and personal profiling and business award submissions. I generate original copy ideas that grab the attention of the target audience.
Please introduce yourself and your business. Support Services For You Mid North Coast was founded by business partners Alison Williams and Jodie Candia in May of 2019. We are a NDIS provider of compassionate, nurturing and experienced carers, specialising in disability support. No matter how little or how much help is needed, we are “Committed to Caring”. What are your greatest strengths in business? Driven by our vision to be the most trusted care provider and inspired by our mission “To Empower People”, we strive to make a real difference in the community, giving our clients the support and empowerment they need to live their best life. We are committed to providing world-class services for people and families living with a broad range of disabilities on the Mid North Coast. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? At Support Services for You our balance of work, life, home and self is not difficult to maintain. We are keen to get out of bed every morning to see what the day brings, what new awesome people we meet and how we may enhance someone else’s life; this in turn improves our lives. To have a job/workplace that you are passionate about brings all aspects of your life balance into play; how wonderful to be doing a job that we truly love.
Please introduce yourself and your business. Our business specialises in engineering and steel fabrication of any kind, but mainly we build truss press machinery designed in house. Our staff consists of husband Tony Kundicevic and a team of another three. What is your business vision for 2020? Exporting of our machinery overseas and assisting local businesses with any engineering and fabrication needs. How does your business adapt to change? We constantly improve our machinery design with regards to safety and technical aspects. We always find more efficient processes to complete projects and handle daily changes. What are your greatest strengths in business? We are able to design and manufacture world class machinery sought after worldwide. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. We employ two apprentices, buy local and assist other businesses with special design components. My husband and I also play music as “Chill Factor duo” and have done a few charity events for Leslie Williams, cancer and the RFS. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Work hard, but also find a hobby/passion and take time out to relax and holiday.
64 Greater Port Macquarie focus
What is your business vision for 2020? Stay aware of the latest industry trends, as well as listen, research, create and focus on compelling copy that delivers the required key message. How does your business adapt to change? Thinking strategically and being constantly vigilant on a daily basis. It’s a balancing act between being resolute and flexible. Being open to learning and aligning to shifts in today’s working environment is vital. What are your greatest strengths in business? Determination, dedication and creativity. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. Organised cancer fundraising initiatives for two local families with the support of some amazing individuals and businesses. Donated my artwork to various charities. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Take one day a week for yourself. Plan your week so that you have that day to look forward to. I diarise on my phone as “Flamingo Day” and try to work appointments around that one day.
A M A N D A Ehlers PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB GAMING MANAGER
How did you get started in your role?
from the local members about their experience
I came to Port City in 2002 from working in a club in Sydney for nearly eight years, where I worked my way through the ranks from picking up glasses (GPU), working in the cashbox to supervisor and then manager.
and knowledge of Port Macquarie and then to
After working here for nine years, initially working in the cashbox, I was given the opportunity to be the Gaming Manager at Port City. Which of course, I accepted. What do you love the most about working at Port City Bowling Club? To be able to go to work and love what I do is easy when I work with such amazing staff and meet characters in our members and visitors. I like the diversity in the Club and my role. No day is the same. There are always great stories
hear stories from the visitors to our beautiful town is a bonus. I can have a laugh and I'm always learning something new. What are your greatest strengths in business? • Great listener, able to interact with a diverse range of people and environments. I can pick up on what’s going on before it's spoken about. • Attention to detail and ability to find a workable solution. Quote to live by? Everything happens for a reason.
Think H I B B A R D S Over 85% of people enquiring to own their own home with Hibbards are women. Women are the doers, the influencers, the mothers (even to those who are not their own) and arguably a driving force behind the continual success of businesses and society - to say the least. Women are so highly valued within this company, and we attribute our success at Hibbards to the collaboration between the amazing women and men we have on staff. Here are just some of our awesome team at Hibbards working in Head office, Coffs Harbour: Kath Sparke: with Hibbards for 20 years! Together with her daughter Keryn Sparke they are the cracking team that run the conveyancing department. Tash Stengert: Pre-Construction Manager; managing the work leading up to the construction of each home. Kelly Frewen: Sales Administration Manager.
An integral part of driving each sale through to settlement across all our regions; assists with special projects and acquisitions. Karen Lauder: Accounts Manager, with Rachael Newman: accounts receivable; these ladies are the heart of the Accounts Department. Trisha Barry and Fiona Whalan: the clever duo forming a fundamental part of our estimating team. Kim Purcell: Service Consultant; running our After-Sales Service Department. Taking care of current clients, past clients, and assists property managers for our investor clients. Tamzin Shotbolt: Promotion; Marketing; PR and Media. Responsible for bringing in new business and making sure everyone in all our regions knows who we are. This is big business. And we’re changing lives by creating opportunities for people to fulfill their dream of home ownership.
Greater Port Macquarie focus 65
meet the
COVER STARS
Styled by The Style Vibe Vanessa Jane - and wearing Steal My Vibe dresses.
K I R S T Y Rayner R AY N E R S L AW Y E R S P R I N C I PA L S O L I C I TO R
Please introduce yourself and your business. I am the owner and principal solicitor of Rayners Lawyers, Port Macquarie’s newest law firm. I have a special interest in preparing sophisticated estate plans for singles, couples, blended families and high net wealth clients. As a small business owner, I also love helping other small businesses with their business succession planning and business contracts, including terms and conditions, website terms of use and appropriate disclaimers. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. Rayners Lawyers is hosting free estate planning seminars covering Wills, Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianships, Trusts and Superannuation on 3rd March at 7pm at the Bonny Hills Community Hall and on 22nd April at 7:30pm at the Emerald Downs Community Centre. Further details about our free community events can be found on our website or by contacting our office. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Personally, I find that exercise, healthy eating habits and being outdoors is key. They all help to alleviate stress and provide the energy that I need to perform at my best both professionally and at home.
J E S S I C A Cassegrain What were your first thoughts when you were asked to be on the cover? I was absolutely honoured to be in the company of so many inspiring and successful local business women. You were selected as an "emerging woman in business". Can you tell us what goals you have in 2020 for yourself and your business? Continue to build on the success that our agency has cultivated for 35+ years through my commitment to discover new ways to better support our clients throughout their real estate journey. What sort of feelings did you have once you were all dressed up and shooting the cover? It was a fusion of feeling excited and humbled (with just a dash of nerves!) If you could have lunch with three women (dead or alive) who would they be and why? Emma Isaacs, founder and global CEO of "Business Chicks", for her passionate advocacy of women in business. Lisa Wilkinson, whom I admire for her tenacity, philanthropy and enduring success as an accomplished journalist. And lastly my mum, Robyn, who raised her three daughters to be strong, independent women and is our guide post for everything.
J E N Stevens What were your first thoughts when you were asked to be on the cover? Pure elation and excitement! I’ve never been on a cover before, let alone done a photo shoot! You were selected as an "Emerging Woman in Business". Can you tell us what goals you have in 2020 for yourself and your business/brand? Continued growth for the business, working on collaborating with local artists and schools and continuing to develop and improve our creative programs and provide a fun and relaxed environment for people to express themselves creatively. For myself, focusing on health and a good work/life balance. What sort of feelings did you have once you were all dressed up and shooting your first FOCUS cover? I’ve never felt more glam in my life! Vanessa styled us all so beautifully and made us feel like a million dollars! The shoot was relaxed and fun; everyone at FOCUS is warm, welcoming and helpful. I felt so honoured to be standing alongside such strong, empowering women! If you could have lunch with three women (dead or alive) who would they be and why? Audrey Hepburn for fashion advice; I have always admired her sophisticated style. Jane Austen, to discuss Mr Darcy, of course. My great grandmother, who passed before I was born. I’ve been told we are a lot alike; I would love to have a conversation with her. 66 Greater Port Macquarie focus
A I M E E Pelley What were your first thoughts when you were asked to be on the cover? I screamed out loud, then I thought, "Are you sure?" Lol. We're so grateful and honoured. You were selected as an "Emerging Woman in Business". Can you tell us what goals you have in 2020 for yourself and your business/brand? For me, it's all about collaborating with our community and offering interesting ways for our kids and adult customers to get creative. We have an exciting round of workshops coming in the next few months featuring amazing locals, so keep your eyes on our upcoming events! What sort of feelings did you have once you were all dressed up and shooting your first FOCUS cover? I couldn't believe it! I kept asking the girls to pinch me. Honestly, it's every business owner's dream to be featured in the best local magazine! We're so very proud to be a part of this. If you could have lunch with three women (dead or alive) who would they be and why? Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, and Amelia Earhart. These three women have challenged themselves by setting goals and gracefully reaching them, no matter what it takes. I can relate, in that I have the confidence to do what needs to be done - and we're pushing our boundaries every day here at The Seed!
K E L L Y Wilson What were your first thoughts when you were asked to be on the cover? Huh? What? Really? Completely blindsided, but felt absolutely humbled. You were selected as an "Emerging Woman in Business". Can you tell us what goals you have in 2020 for yourself and your business/brand? As humble as I am by the selection, the key focuses for me this year include completing my studies in Clinical Pilates and Barre, taking time for myself on a yoga retreat or perhaps more training and continuing to build strong and genuine relationships within our community. We’re going to some exciting places with Bodiline Yoga & Pilates in 2020 and as we continue to engage and build strong relationships with our community, our ultimate goal is to create awareness of the benefits of who we are and what we represent in the health, wellness and fitness industry. I truly want everyone to experience mindful and meaningful movement. What sort of feelings did you have once you were all dressed up and shooting your first FOCUS cover? Most days (… actually, every day) I live in yoga tights, crops and Pilates grip socks, so to have a pretty gown on felt amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I’d do it all again. If you could have lunch with three women (dead or alive) who would they be and why? Oprah Winfrey - the journey she continues to live, her empowering vision and leadership is inspirational. Brene Brown - besides wanting to ask 17 million questions, she is authentic yet fierce. My nana - a very wise, spiritual woman who is forever my guide.
VERONICA LIND VERMILION PINSTRIPES S A L E S M A R K E T I N G C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
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lease introduce yourself and your business. I’m a business and marketing strategist at Vermilion Pinstripes, an international sales marketing and communications agency dedicated to creating happy businesses. We harness the power of our collective expertise in business, communications, marketing and technology to help brands thrive with confidence. What is your business vision for 2020? I want to strengthen our PR and Communications Services in Port Macquarie. In 2020. We’ll introduce service automation, which is a sophisticated customer Help Desk. We’ll also expand into Melbourne. How does your business adapt to change?
I’m a forward thinker and I think a lot - deep and far. As a HubSpot agent we create websites, social media, SEO, apps and other digital tools that work seamlessly together, so you can sell without selling.
Our business model is agile and creative we sense and respond to market conditions quickly, and we predict and create future offerings even before customers need them. For example, we know traditional communications and digital marketing will become obsolete, so we’ve created lead generation communications to humanise digital marketing with deep personalisation. What are your greatest strengths in business? I help businesses be different from competition, not just better. I’m a forward thinker and I think a lot - deep and far. As a HubSpot agent we create websites, social media, SEO, apps and other digital tools that work seamlessly together, so you can sell without selling. Tell us about your involvement in the local community.
Businesses are trying to recover from the effects of drought, bushfires, storms and now coronavirus. We’re giving a helping hand with free marketing consulting on vital business tools like brand message, websites, Facebook, SEO, Google searches and Sales and Marketing automation - spreading some happiness on the road to recovery. Contact me on 0407 779 828 to book your free consultation! What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? I focus on giving happiness to my clients, friends, family and myself! If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? I’d buy a lottery ticket. I always win something, so I’ll get my money’s worth! Lol!
Many happy brands use our marketing services
Websites . SEO . Social Media . Emails . CRM . Sales & Marketing Automation Contact us for a FREE marketing consultation Tel 0407 779 828 Web vermilionpinstripes.com Email info@vermilionpinstripes.com
Sales / Marketing / Communications Greater Port Macquarie focus 67
WENDY SKIMMINGS LINKED COMMUNITY SERVICES ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
P
lease introduce yourself and your business. My name is Wendy, and I have worked within the community service industry as part of the Linked Community Services organisation for 18 years. I am someone who is known for my formidable attention to detail. I pay great attention to crossing the "t"s and dotting the "i"s. So much so, that I have earnt the nickname of "Barbara from Bank World" - a reference from an old TV ad. Linked Community Services helps members of our local community retain their independence by linking them to vital services and social activities. The individual and specialised transport services we provide are relied upon by many to safely deliver them to their destination, with friendly conversation and helpful assistance along the way. This vital link to our community provides our clients with independence, social connection, access to the community and wellbeing. While the organisation is not as old as me, it has been servicing the local area for over 30 years. What is your business vision for 2020? Our mission is to deliver quality services that link people to the community, to promote independence and inclusion. Our business vision for 2020 is driven by an objective of business growth. We plan to drive this growth by helping to enhance the lives of our community members through services such as transport and support. We believe that our local regions have so many untapped opportunities, and I am personally excited to play a key part in helping to realise these opportunities.
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We have recently refreshed our organisation's name Tell us about your involvement in the local (we were previously known as Hastings Macleay community. Community Transport Service) and brand to reflect our I like to be involved in community events and have future vision. We are extremely proud of the new look assisted in fundraising initiatives for our local car club and feel that we have created, and you will soon see our and Careflight Service. I take part in Clean Up Australia new branding all around town on our buses and cars, as Days, and I am a volunteer visitor with our Community well as our updated website. Visitors Scheme. I am Secretary of Parents and Citizens How does your business adapt to change? and I love to attend community trivia nights to help raise We see change as a positive, and money for special programs such we pride ourselves with the ability as Bravehearts and Make a Wish to adapt to changes. Nothing stays Foundation. the same very long. And if it has, What are your tips for we believe it is time to take a step maintaining a balanced lifestyle Change reflects good management, as it back and take a look at what’s with work, home and self? brings new ownership going on around you and ask Maintaining a balanced lifestyle of business ideas to team yourself is it time for a change? ultimately starts with you. My members that can only Change reflects good tips in this area are to look after encourage positive team management, as it brings new yourself, understand yourself and engagement across the ownership of business ideas to team to regularly check in with yourself organisation. members that can only encourage about what gets you motivated. positive team engagement across I try to practice regular selfthe organisation. Many of our reflection, so that I can identify organisation's achievements have where I need to start taking occurred as a result of change. better care of myself. This is really What are your greatest strengths in business? important because if you are not taking care of yourself, One of my biggest strengths is the ability to lead you could potentially become a liability at work, at in times of uncertainty. Changes in government and home or to yourself. legislation can lead to a lot of unknowns and sometimes If you were down to your last $20, how would you a bit of chaos. In these times I recognise that I don’t spend it? have the answers to everything, and I deliver honest I’m all for helping others, so I would spend it on feedback without delay. I regularly communicate to another person who had a need more than I, and I staff about what we are doing and why it will make totally believe I would receive that $20 back to me a difference. I also have resilience and an ability to be twofold. politically savvy. Thanks Wendy.
T R A C Y Driscoll T H E L E A D E R S H I P G R O U P ( T LG ) A PA C H E A D O F C O A C H I N G A N D PA R T N E R
Please introduce yourself and your business. After 23 years in Beijing, China, I moved home to Australia last year and very happily settled in Bonny Hills with my family. My husband is from Beijing, and my two lovely daughters were born there. I’ve been with TLG for six years and have been an executive coach for senior leaders for around 12 years. I have a team of around 70 coaches in Asia Pacific. At TLG we work with organisations, teams and leaders to transform effectiveness and performance. The work I do is incredibly rewarding; I’m very fortunate to do what I love. What are your greatest strengths in business? Before becoming a coach, I held national roles in a global organisation and in an Asia-based company, ran a start up in Beijing and ran my own business. So, I draw
on a lot experience and have the ability to go from big picture to details. I also help leaders balance results and relationships, doing the deeper inside work that helps to achieve big results on the outside. My colleagues and my clients tell me I am a great listener, compassionate and strategic. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. While my focus this year will be establishing the business in Australia, focusing on Sydney and Melbourne to begin with, I also hope I can help in the local community. I’ve joined the HWBN, and they are an amazing bunch of women, so I feel sure there will be lots for me to contribute here. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Pause, reflect and breathe regularly!
ALEISA BYFIELD ALEISA BYFIELD ARTISAN, AIR BNB SUPERHOST
Hi Aleisa. You have recently completed a stunning Airbnb build here in Port Macquarie, creatively designed using your own materials and have just reached Superhost status. Tell us about your property. Sunnyside Studio is a luxury self-contained guest studio built by my partner, who is a local builder and bee keeper, using a combination of our two personalities, passions and skills to ensure it is unique and personal to us, whilst also being a beautiful, relaxing space for guests to feel comfortable in and enjoy themselves. I have handmade the bathroom basin, kitchen splashback tiles and many of the ceramics throughout the studio. We enjoy discussing our work and passions with our guests and being able to provide them with our own complimentary honey. We also have an honesty box out the front for guests and the general public to purchase honey, and anyone can purchase my ceramics by appointment. You are widely known as Aleisa Byfield Artisan and exhibit your pieces for sale at local markets and events. What is your vision for your ceramics brand in 2020? As well as continuing on with my ever-evolving jewellery and homewares lines, which I also sell online through my website and through nationwide stockists, I also plan to diversify and embrace a new direction. I have some exciting new collections in the pipeline, which I’m really excited to share soon. I’m also intending on prioritising my passion for gallery exhibitions
and competitions. I am exhibiting again this year in the bi-annual Northern Exposure at The Glasshouse, where I have collaborated with honey bees on a joint artwork to showcase the artistry and supremacy of the honey bee. The exhibition is on until 19th April and is a wonderful opportunity to see what some of our local artists have been creating. How do you juggle work/life balance? Honestly, not too successfully! The early years in business can be extremely busy and exhausting and whilst working from home definitely has its perks, it’s also incredibly challenging at times. It’s often a continuing juggle of being pulled in many different directions with having three businesses at home and managing the guest studio, but I’m striving for a much healthier balance this year! For people wanting to find out more about you, your brand and your property, how can they best reach you? You can reach me through my email address (aleisabyfield.artisan@gmail.com), Instagram (aleisabyfield.artisan) or Facebook (Aleisa Byfield Artisan). You can also jump on to my website (aleisabyfieldartisan.com) for purchases, stockists and to find the markets and events I’ll be attending. The guest studio can be found directly through this link: www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/38299191? s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_ point=1&sharer_id=126740358&unique_ share_id=8a37d297-59ff-4f47-81d5c311c8e46397 Greater Port Macquarie focus 69
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Ruru Daniella
F
irstly, can you tell our readers a bit about you, your family, what has brought you to our lovely area? I have lived in Bungwahl for 18 months now, with my teenage daughter Shaylani, my partner Steve and our pet cavoodle Lilly. We love that out of every window we can see the trees and so many beautiful birds. Steve is a Worimi man from the Great Lakes Region; a few years ago, when we met and fell in love, he moved to Newcastle to be with us. We always thought we would live somewhere on the Mid North Coast one day; I was thinking more of retirement, until that day felt too far away. Now here we are, loving our new life, which I like to call “the best of both worlds”, with my hometown, friends and family still an easy drive down the road. Your work is very unique - can you explain in layman’s terms what intuitive healing involves, and why we need it/who it helps? I’ll do my best … Our Mind, Body and Spirit are all connected, each influencing the other. Put simply - we are all energy, and our energy needs nurturing to create health and vitality for our whole self. Fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and mothering are creative and challenging times in our lives … So often we do not know the way our cultures have lost the thread - the connection
- the teaching - the wisdom that is buried so deeply within our souls. The most vulnerable time of a woman’s life must be respected and protected; it’s the miracle of life we are talking about here, bringing the next generation into the world. It’s important to acknowledge the sacredness of this - to speak up when something is wrong, to feel comfortable in doing so and to be able ask for help. Empowering women to become their best selves through this time of great transformation, this is nature’s intention, and often we need support to help us along our way. During a session, I hold a safe space for you to feel into, reflect on and explore your own energy, then together we create the way forward. Birth Story Listening does this through talking: I take the lead and guide the way asking specific questions to prompt your thoughts. People often think they will be sitting and telling their whole birth story; however, this is rarely the case. There is so much more to uncover beneath the surface - this is where we go. Birth Art is wonderful when planning for a family, during pregnancy, or to support any new creative venture - a new home or business, for example. It’s a specifically guided process - this time using both talking, the art process and journalling as a way of communicating and going deeper. The cycles of life are literally borne of women;
For any woman who has been through childbirth, they will understand that it comes with no rule book, and - certainly from this writer’s perspective - all support is warmly welcomed. Meet Daniella Ruru - a local resident who provides a unique “intuitive healing” service to women going through what can be the most vulnerable time of their lives.
this is nature’s way. It is up to us in our modernday society to learn what this means in relation to the health and wealth of our families, communities and our home, Mother Earth. How did you first become involved in this particular modality? The birth of my own daughter has been and still is - a steep and long learning curve, or a bit of a roller coaster ride, if I’m to be honest! I was a massage therapist at the time, I didn’t have any fixed return to work plans and, as a new mum, I was open to change. Through our daily interactions I quickly learned that there was a need for people to specialise in pregnancy and postpartum massage; this was the beginning of my own healing journey, along with my new career. Over the years, as I was called to, I introduced energy healing, oracle cards, channelling, intuitive guidance and life coaching - still I felt something was missing - I was called to do more. Even though it had been several years since my daughter’s birth, I had a feeling there was still more healing for me to do around my personal experience of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I also felt that somehow my clients were often needing more, but I wasn’t sure what it was they were missing. I started looking at the work of Pam England, author of Birthing from Within, and following Julia Jones of Newborn Mothers. The importance of being heard and being held were the lessons I was learning from these wise women. I went on to further studies and qualified as a Postpartum Doula with Julia Jones. I also qualified as a Birth Story Listener and Birth Art Mentor with Pam England. For their generous souls, leadership, passion and insight, I’m forever grateful. What have you learned, and what has this
work taught you? I’ve learned just how much birth matters - I’ve learned about the far-reaching effects of each individual woman’s birth story, for her family, her community and ultimately our world. I’ve learned that there is a global movement, with so many communities around the world finding their own unique ways to heal the culture of birth. Any particular words of wisdom for our mums and mums to be out there? You are enough! All your babies really need is you! It’s TRUE! Learn how to support yourself well in your role as a mother, and the rest will take care of itself. There is Self-Care and there is Soul-Care, be curious - learn what this looks like for you. Please ask for help - it can feel scary and so counterintuitive to our independent “I’ve got this” culture, but please give it a try. I promise the more you ask, the easier it gets. Get to know your neighbours, your community, and remember it really does take a village, so make a plan to create yours now. As women, we are by nature curious, creative beings with great imaginations and massive opportunities to transform and grow, with so much good to offer our world. However shy, unworthy or humble we may feel, our world needs our light, so we must practice shining brightly … do the inner work. No one else can do this for us - it all comes from within. How can people contact you if they want to find out more? You are welcome to get in touch by phone, email, text or social media message: 0438 916 561, hello@daniellaruru.com.au FB @healingsessionsformums INSTA @Daniella_Ruru Thanks Daniella. Manning-Great Lakes focus 27
KELLIE, JESSICA & LINDA SMART COAST CONVEYANCING LICENSED CONVEYANCERS
What is your business vision for 2020? I see Smart Coast becoming a household name. The place local clients turn without thinking when they decide to buy or sell. And the place people tell their friends about. (Kellie). If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? Buy a block of chocolate and some lollies! I have a big sweet tooth and if it’s my last $20, I want to enjoy it. (Kellie). How do you juggle work/life balance? We support each other so we can take time off when needed. We are happy and confident people who love seeing the business grow and our families (including the dogs) are the centre of that always. (Jessica). As the newest member, please introduce yourself. I’m Linda. It is an absolute pleasure working with the girls at Smart Coast in such a fun, positive environment with a can do attitude. I have been working in the local area in conveyancing since 2006. Flexible working conditions at Smart Coast has allowed me to spend more time with my family, dogs and various farm animals, as well as cultivating my small acreage utilising permaculture principles. (Linda).
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JESS KARNAGHAN R E S O LV E A N D E V O LV E F O U N D E R , HOLISTIC LIFE COACH AND NLP TRAINER.
Overview of your business. My business offers certification training and workshops in Personal and Professional Development. I also see clients individually to help them overcome and clear any internal barriers to reaching their goals and living their most fulfilling life. What is your business vision for 2020? To collaborate with other like-minded therapists, coaches and healers in the community to create ongoing wellbeing workshops and classes. I aim to offer everyone in the community the opportunity to experience personal development and growth for their mind, body and spirit. What are your greatest strengths? After many years of studying various healing modalities and also the latest research in neuro-science and mindset, I have a wide range of tools to help people with many different challenges. I can also use intuitive guidance during individual sessions that can bring extra clarity to an issue.
D O N N A Carrier BENT ON FOOD/BENT ON LIFE OWNER
Please introduce yourself and your business. I have two businesses, one is Bent on Food Café/Catering Co, and the other is Bent on Life Homewares and Gifts. The café has been operating for 15 years with a focus on local produce and sustainable practices. Bent on Life has been operating for 10 years, with similar core values. Our main seller, Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan, is the world’s best furniture paint. I love to show people how they can turn their tired old furniture into a special piece for their home, with no sanding or priming. What are your greatest strengths in business? My team, the networks I have built, my gut instinct and my ability to see the big picture are my strengths. I like to think that I am empathetic, which makes me good at hospitality. Oh, and I am fussy. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? To be honest, I struggle with this, as I also spend a lot of time in committee meetings, seeking community funding, checking out initiatives, and looking for ways to improve the businesses. I like to paint furniture and write, I make sure that I go to the gym and try to spend quality time with family and friends. I am not great at relaxing, but I love to read, so I have been forcing myself to take time out for reading. I have a café, but you will rarely see me sitting around cafés drinking coffee. I like to keep busy.
HOLLY NEWTON C A R L E Y Burke L A I N G + S I M M O N S M A N N I N G VA L L E Y P R I N C I PA L
What was it about real estate that you made you choose it as a career?
S T A C E Y Evans S TA C E Y L E E ’ S C E N T R E S TA G E P R I N C I PA L
How did you get started in your industry? I have been in the performing arts industry since I was around eight. I started as a gymnast when I was six and then added performance and singing at around 10. I was lucky to have performed around the world and up and down the coast from a young age. What is your business vision for 2020? As a team, we have created this vision statement, as we felt it really captured who we are as a studio: ”Celebrating Individuality, Self Expression and Creativity with our SLCS Family”. From a performance perspective, we have many events within our community that our students will be performing at, along with our very exciting “Grease is The Word” Showcase on the 27th of June, and our End of Year Musical Production will be the 12th of December, both of which will be at the MEC! What are your greatest strengths in business? Just to name a couple - we embrace each student’s unique qualities, and our incredibly passionate team and SLCS family!
I love our industry for its many tangible and intangible reasons. Whether finding a first home for a client, helping a conflicting couple through a separation, or a retired client downsizing into a new lifestyle, my vocation is helping people through the process. What is your business vision for 2020? Growing our brand awareness, increasing our physical team with the addition of new sales specialists/property managers, and continuing to bring to market the latest real estate marketing trends and technology. In 2019, our property management operation grew immensely, and our vision this year is to continue to provide the best value to our landlords and services to our tenants. What are your greatest strengths in business? Laing+Simmons is all about people. Having personal strengths that include having empathy, being accountable, being personable/positive, always smiling, being adaptable to change, and being a team leader are what makes me, and my team, succeed. Quote to live by? “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
D A R L I N G S O F A U G U S T O W N E R / C R E AT O R
Tell us about your involvement in the local community. Being a primary school teacher as well, it has been such a blessing getting to meet so many wonderful children and families through the various schools I’ve worked at. I now have the pleasure of seeing them come in and visit me at my store, along with so many other wonderful new people I have met! I’m a bit of a social butterfly and it really does fill my cup to have constant conversations with our community members. I love hearing all about their passions, their gifts and their life stories. How do you juggle work/life balance? It’s something I’m still working on, to be honest. My business is both an online, international boutique and a physical store, so I feel like I’m working 24 hours a day some times. An important rule that I’ve given myself is that whenever my daughter is in my presence, I put my phone away. My hubby, Dan and I also have a “Electronics down at 7:30pm” rule. It helps keep us accountable and “present” with one another. Family time is my number one priority when we have the opportunity to all be together. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? What a great question! At the moment my pregnancy cravings are screaming “Marvellous Creations Chocolate” to me, but I think I’d probably spend it on a little surprise to see big smiles on my hubby and daughter’s faces. Quote to live by? Be KIND to others but most importantly, be KIND to yourself.
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Amanda Evans G AT H E R + P L A C E P R O P E R T Y S TA G I N G + I N T E R I O R S T Y L I N G OWNER + ST YLIST
What was it about interior design + property staging that made you choose it as a career? After going through my own home renovation and seeing the space transformed into its fullest potential, is what really hooked me. For me, it’s all about the relationship with my client. It’s not just about putting a room together; it’s about bringing the client's personality and lifestyle into the room to create a cohesive + functional space. What drives me most is seeing the smile on the client's face when they see the finished product. What is your business vision for 2020? To triple the property staging + styling side of my business by entering the Port Macquarie and Forster/ Tuncurry Real Estate markets. I have a warehouse of stock to create different styles in each home I stage for sale, depending on its location and target market. What are your greatest strengths in business? My ability to build relationships, great time management, attention to detail and up front honesty. Quote to live by? “Make it simple, but significant.” – Don Draper. Who is your ideal client/customer? Every client is ideal. What I do best is understanding the needs, wants and style of the client, earning their trust to create their ultimate surrounding on any budget.
A M A N D A @ G AT H E R A N D P L A C E .C O M . A U G AT H E R A N D P L A C E .C O M . A U 0 4 0 9 5 74 2 8 0
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Evans Amanda
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manda, please introduce yourself if I could intern with him. He said yes! So, I travelled to and share your connection to the Newcastle every week to learn and work with him. He Manning-Great Lakes. then offered me a job, and it went from there. I learnt a lot I have lived in the Manning Valley most working with Stewart. He is a great mentor, and I admire of my life, with schooling at Tinonee his work greatly. Primary and then secondary schooling How did you manage starting a new business from at Taree High. I moved away for tertiary scratch and juggling McDonald's? education in marketing/management, Lucky for me, time management is one and then returned for love! Craig and of my skills. When starting a business, I have three sons and have owned our it’s a lot of extra hours - as the behind Juggling the transition own businesses in Taree for 14 years. We the scenes set up is huge. Lots of early of businesses and also have a wonderful supportive family and mornings and late nights, but I never family can be tricky. friend base here. We love where we live! worried about it, as I was excited and I see it like a see-saw. You are a women of many talents, loving what I was doing. Once it’s done, You fluidly move from with your interior design business it’s done. So, I focused on that. one thing to another, going amazingly well. How did you Juggling the transition of businesses depending on who, when and where you are needed get started down that path? and also family can be tricky. I see it like and the tasks at hand. We purchased our current home a see-saw. You fluidly move from one 10 years ago, and the home was 40 thing to another, depending on who, years old and needed some renovation when and where you are needed and the and floor plan alterations. We hired a tasks at hand. Having a very supportive fabulous interior designer from Newcastle, Stewart Horton husband and family was also key. from Horton & Co. I loved everything about the process, You and your husband, Craig, have owned from the design aspect, furniture selections and even the McDonald's in Taree for quite some time now. Tell us mess of living in the house whilst it was being transformed. what it’s like to look back on when you first started I had already started studying interiors, so I asked Stewart there to where you are today?
I’m not usually someone who looks back and reflects, as I feel life evolves and everything happens for a reason and you just keep moving forward. But now, looking back - wow! McDonald’s is a fantastic business to own, which creates amazing opportunities. The biggest thing I take from looking back is to always take every opportunity that is presented to you. Have a go and make the most of it. Who inspires you in business and in your everyday life? It’s individual qualities in people that inspire me. Intelligence, determination, compassion, loyalty, honesty and passion. What advice would you give to those women who are wanting to start their own business or make a career change? It’s never too late to make a change and do what you love. Never underestimate the power of preparation. Do your research and gain experience on the ground if you can. This gives you a huge advantage moving forward and not only that, builds your confidence. Make sure you have a great accountant and don’t be afraid to ask for help in areas that are not your strong points. With a busy life such as yours, how do you keep yourself sane and in check? I’m an early bird, so I enjoy getting up and starting my day with some exercise at Anytime Fitness. I love it there. I find having a fitness routine as part of my daily schedule helps me tremendously with everyday life, including stamina, strength and mental clarity. A couple of Active Barre classes during the week nights as well completes my exercise regime. My husband, Craig is also pretty good at keeping me in check! Ha ha! Fast five: Chocolate or lollies - lollies. Red wine or white - white. Cats or dogs - dogs. Beach or bush - shopping? Books or movies - both.
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AMANDA TROTTER AMANDA TROTTER BEAUTY SPECIALIST OWNER
How did you get started in the industry? I always knew I was going to work in the beauty industry from a young age, regularly setting up a home salon in the lounge room of my family home. I started my training in 2005, first in makeup artistry then moving into beauty therapy and have continued to upskill since then. What are your greatest strengths in business? The beauty industry moves at such a rapid pace, so a strength of mine is that I’m always attending different training courses and product events, to ensure I’m offering only the best. Business vision for 2020? In 2020 I want to continue to grow my business and grow my knowledge. I am deeply passionate about continuing to offer my clients the best results based treatments, while making them feel radiant and glowing inside and out as they walk out my door. Quote to live by? Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.
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MELISSA BOURKE NEW BAR SALON OLD BAR OWNER
How did you get started in the industry? It was my dream to become a hairdresser from a very young age. I got my first job at 13 sweeping the floor of a salon, and began an apprenticeship as soon as I could. Over the years I have had the privilege of working in some really amazing, industry leading salons. It is from this 17 years of experience that I have been able to create my own unique salon that reflects both my personal style and the trends of the industry. What are your greatest strengths in business? I love providing a high-quality service, while keeping it intimate for the client - making them feel comfortable and at home within the salon. I pride myself on my ability to tell what hair colours and styles suit each individual’s features - I love what I do and love making people feel good about themselves Business vision for 2020? My vision for 2020 is to ensure that I’m keeping the community connected with the latest trends and techniques, whilst using the highest quality procedures and products. I am constantly looking for new ways to delight my clients - we currently offer barista coffees plus complimentary wine and snacks with hair services, along with specialised treatments and extended trading hours to meet the needs of clients. Quote to live by? Fall in love with the process of becoming the very best version of yourself.
D A N N I Harrison DANNI HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY OWNER
What was it about photography that you made you choose it as a career? I love capturing memories; a photo is a memory to cherish forever. I get to be the one that captures a bride and groom’s reaction on their wedding day. I’m the one who gets to pose brand new babies into squishy little positions, as their parents watch in awe of their new creation. I have been able to capture proposals and women’s beautiful bumps before becoming a parent. I become a part of families, as I’m there documenting all their big milestones. I chose to become a photographer because as clichéd as it sounds, I truly am doing what I love! What is your business vision for 2020? My vision for 2020 is to continue to grow my successful business, keep setting and smashing my goals, all whilst continuing to learn and develop my skills. What are your greatest strengths in business? The first thing that comes to mind is the rapport I have with all my clients. The amount of times the parents say, “You won’t get a smile out of my children” or, “My husband hates photos; you wont get him in any”. With me, the dads and kids have fun and comment on the awesome experience. It isn’t just about knowing how to take a perfect photo; it’s about making the experience one that everyone is comfortable with and enjoys. Quote to live by? Nothing good comes from easy!
JESS K ARNAGHAN REVOLVE AND EVOLVE
Memories are held deep in our subconscious. As an adult, the smell of pine trees and the sound of magpies take me back to my childhood happy place: camping. The subconscious is a powerful tool; it controls what we think of ourselves, the world, our beliefs, and fears. Life Coach and NLP practitioner, Jess Karnaghan, has delved deep into learning more about human behaviour and believes in empowering her clients with their own knowledge for a powerful transformation.
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i Jess. Please introduce yourself and share your connection with the Barrington Coast region. Hi, my name is Jess Karnaghan; my interests and passions include reading, learning, meeting new people, travelling and spending time in nature. I moved to the Hallidays Point area with my husband, two year old and eleven month old only six months ago and absolutely love it here. I grew up in Newcastle and would regularly come to the Forster-Tuncurry area for school holidays. While on holiday in Tuncurry as a teenager, I had my first undeniable “spiritual experience” with a clairvoyant, which propelled me on a lifelong journey to better understand the mind/body/ spirit connection. Because of that, this area has always held a special place in my heart and I dreamed of the possibility of moving here one day - and now here I am! Your business, Resolve & Evolve, is all about helping people re-discover their true passions and aligning these values to become the highest version of themselves. Tell us a little about your background and how this venture came to fruition? My curiosity about all things related to human potential led me to study Reiki at 18 and then several other energy healing modalities during my twenties. At the same time I was working in an emergency services agency and was exposed to a lot of stories of suffering, trauma and violence. I believe regular energy healing and meditation were the only things that kept me from full burnout during those years. I wanted to learn more about human behaviour and why people make certain disempowering choices and how I might be able to help them choose differently.
I became a qualified Life Coach and also Both Life Coaching and NLP impart the power studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). and importance of using language as one of I have been practising NLP, life coaching and your most valuable tools for success. Most energy healing part-time over a number of years, people use negative words to describe their but it wasn’t until I moved here that I felt the situation and even describe their goals with strong urge to officially launch my business and words about what they don’t want instead of make my services more accessible; so Resolve what they do want. A simple practice of getting and Evolve was born! a client to notice the words they use to describe I love the synchronicity that coming to this their life and re-framing their goals in a positive area has once again pushed me out of my way can make all the difference. comfort zone, just like it NLP then helps you did when I was 15 and understand yourself in a inspired me to step up my deeper way by teaching contribution in a bigger way. about the subconscious A simple practice of It’s a pretty magical place. mind. It explores the getting a client to notice You’ve been pretty active connection of our past the words they use to in the community in the experiences and the describe their life and last six months - can you meaning and beliefs we re-framing their goals in tell us more about MIBA? form from them, and a positive way can make I was a bit nervous about how that can lead to our all the difference. moving to a new area with programming or auto-pilot two young children and reactions and behaviours not knowing anyone here. we have as adults. I happened to find a post I use NLP processes to on a local page about “Mums in Business help a client “clear out” unrewarding behaviours Association” (MIBA) networking meeting; or beliefs that have been influenced by other which any women in business (not just mums) people or negative events, and resolve any can attend that was child friendly. I went to a underlying emotional pain. Clients then feel meeting in my first week of moving here and empowered with the freedom of choice on who have since found beautiful friendships, support they want to be and how they want their lives to and business as a result. I was even the guest be. I believe so much in empowering my clients speaker for the February meeting! We had a fun with their own knowledge for transformation. and interactive morning learning about how to I became a qualified NLP trainer so that I can use our mindset to overcome money blocks and teach other people how to become qualified attract more wealth into our lives. practitioners. You have many qualifications under your What can someone expect from a session belt, including Life Coaching and Neurowhen they book in with you? Linguistic Programming (NLP). Tell us how An initial session with me is ninety minutes, you implement these into your practice/ to allow enough time to get to know you, your sessions. history and desired outcomes. Subsequent
sessions I offer either sixty or ninety minute sessions. The beauty of holistic coaching is that every session is different and specifically tailored to the needs of the client at the time. Generally, some of the sessions are dedicated to exploring what is coming up presently and looking at how you feel about your core areas of life and what you would like to improve. Then we delve a bit deeper using NLP processes or an energy scan to see what some underlying issues are that could be contributing to the problems presenting in your life, and we work on clearing those. After every session, a person can expect to have more clarity on a situation, resolve emotional pain and have inspiration on how to move forward. What is it about your role that you love so much? So many answers to this question! It absolutely lights me up when I can help someone discover more love within themselves and for themselves. I love that I can help others heal from the past and reach their full potential. I enjoy when people have what I call a “jigsaw piece moment” and suddenly have a profound insight or understanding into what a pattern playing out in their life has really been about, and from then on have the freedom to move forward from it. It is also incredibly beautiful when a client has a “bliss moment”. This is when they connect in with their true nature and inner wisdom and experience the amazing peace and transformation that brings to life. For anyone who would love to get in contact with you, how do they do so? I see clients online via zoom, in person at the Healers Nook within Forster Yoga Studio or in my home therapy room in Failford. They can find me on Facebook, contact me via my website www.resolveandevolve.com.au or email jess_karnaghan@outlook.com Manning-Great Lakes focus 33
ANITA BUCKLAND-TYLER ETC TEAM LEADER, MANNING
Anita helps people find meaningful work that supports their injury, illness or disability via ETC’s Disability Employment Services.
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hy do you work in this industry and for ETC? I’ve been in the employment services industry for 12 years now, and I still get the same satisfaction of helping someone achieve their goals as I did when I first started. Caring about your customers is an integral part of what I do - if you didn’t, you wouldn’t help anyone and would burn out pretty quickly. I am proud to work for ETC, as it’s a not-forprofit company that provides a person-centred approach to helping people. ETC has a genuine interest in the communities it operates and provides financial assistance to many local projects and community-based organisations. I am happy to say I work for ETC as it truly is a
company with integrity. What is the most interesting part of your industry / role? Working closely with my customers to help them achieve their employment and ultimately personal goals is the best part of my job. While there can be many trials and setbacks along the way, achieving the goal of securing and maintaining suitable employment, watching the individual grow and the changes it makes not only for our customer but also their family will always outweigh any difficulties experienced along the way. What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? That’s easy: PEOPLE (family, friends and community). My job helps people who may need
extra support or guidance in finding work, due to injury, illness or a situation in their life. It may require intervention in some way, presenting opportunities that they hadn’t considered or just listening and believing in them until they believe in themselves. Whilst gaining employment may only be a small part of a person’s journey in life, it can definitely change their world and that of their family - which is why I love doing what I do. When it comes to networking, what’s your top tip for success? Regularly attend networking meetings and be accessible to others to answer questions about your services/industry. Don’t forget to nurture relationships with your contacts to help raise your professional profile and broaden
your access to opportunities (including working through any industry challenges together). Who has been your biggest inspiration? That’s a hard one, but I would have to say my grandmother. She never judged or criticised your choices or mistakes. She celebrated our successes and provided advice and encouragement when things didn’t go to plan (usually with a cuppa and a warm hug if you needed it). Love, honesty and time were the greatest gifts she offered. So, I guess in a way that reflects the work I do now and the person I would like to be. If you would like to some help finding meaningful work that supports your injury, illness or disability, contact Anita at ETC today on 1800 007 400.
Finding you meaningful work that supports your injury, illness or disability.
We’ve helped thousands of people find work and our approach is simple. Finding a job that fits you!
Call Anita, our DES team leader in the Manning, to discuss how ETC can help you.
For more information visit www.etcltd.com.au
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A M A N D A Tate
K R I S T Y Trenchard, S H A R Y N Hinton & S U Z I E Hignett
O W N E R L J H O O K E R TA R E E
H E L L O W O R L D T R A V E L TA R E E S E N I O R T R A V E L C O N S U LTA N T S / D R E A M M A K E R S
As we celebrate women in business, it is nice to remind people that we are also wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunties and if we have any time left, hopefully a friend. Running a business is full on and there is little time to nurture relationships, let alone yourself, when in fact looking after oneself should be our first priority. You are juggling so many balls, you just don’t have time to get sick; you are too tired to organise that dinner party with friends and the weekends are usually spent catching up on paperwork and getting ready for the next week. Sound familiar? I find the hardest judges are women, who critique your business, how you look, how your kids behave and maybe even your marriage. Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, I have time to think and reflect on my career and enjoy the rewards of being in business.
I am also at an age where what people think they know about me doesn’t worry me. Those keyboard warriors on Facebook taught me that lesson years ago, although I will never understand why people want to absolutely crucify someone in a public forum. I am really aware how impactive short statements can be, so my aim is always to encourage, inspire and support people when our paths cross. We have employed many people over the years, and they come and go for whatever reasons, but I would hope that their time with me has been fruitful. Most of my team are women, and I could not do what I do without this awesome bunch of strong, intelligent women who come to work every day and share my vision, contribute to our culture and work their butts off to ensure their job is done professionally, efficiently and with compassion.
Helloworld Travel in Taree was born out of the closure of a previous brand of travel agency. Robyn and James Flanagan from Wauchope Travel knew what highly experienced and motivated staff the three ladies had been for many years and couldn’t pass up the chance to relaunch with the popular Helloworld Travel Brand. All locals, the three ladies have continued to pursue their shared passion in helping travellers to have the best possible travel experience. It has been over a year in the new look office, and many long-term clients have returned to have their travel needs planned and booked. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and we must remain adaptable to new destinations, new products, and different
ways of doing business. Sharyn, Kristy and Suzie are all passionate travellers, and in the year since we relaunched, have visited such exciting destinations as Egypt, Cambodia, Europe, Vietnam, Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands. The up-to-date information gathered on their travels helps them to really get to the heart of a place, and willingly share their knowledge with their clients and colleagues. Our amazing team and community focused new owners have been welcomed and well supported by the business community in Taree, Harrington and the surrounding areas. We have joined Chamber of Commerce and sponsored TasteFest in an ongoing desire to participate in the Manning area. We look forward to seeing you in store!
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D R S C A R L E T T Shackleton G E N E R A L S U R G E O N F O R S T E R P R I VAT E H O S P I TA L
I am a General Surgeon with a special interest in surgical oncology and laparoscopic surgery. I’m from the UK, but came to Newcastle in 2008 to continue training. After completing my fellowship in Tasmania, I worked in regional centres all over Australia, as well as with the Royal Flying Doctors Service in outback Queensland. Settling down back in Newcastle, I’m excited to come to Forster regularly to maintain my commitment to rural and regional patients. How do you adapt to change? I’m lucky that I love change, but if all the possible choices and outcomes seem overwhelming, I try to just come back to the one next action I need to take and go from there. The right path always seems to become clear. What are your strengths? I understand how frightening it can be for a
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patient when they need surgery. I think I’m good at explaining treatment choices to my patients in a way they can understand, which allows them to to take an active role in their recovery and lessens the fear of the unknown. What excites you about your job? I’m really excited by all the current advances allowing minimally invasive surgery and less surgical intervention for patients. It’s a real privilege to have a job where I can see the difference I make every day. Tips for maintaining balance? I don’t know if I’m too good at this yet, but a walk by the sea or chat with a friend always seems to reset me. Quote to live by? You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. (Martin Luther King.)
K O M A L Chandra G R E AT L A K E S P H A R M A C Y P H A R M A C I S T / O W N E R
How did you get started in your industry? Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a part of the health industry. Whilst in high school, I did work experience at a small family owned pharmacy and fell in love with the profession. I was lucky to be offered a scholarship to study at university and secured work both during the holidays and after graduation in the pharmacy. I joined the team at Great Lakes Pharmacy over five years ago and am now a partner in the business, making my ownership dreams a reality. How does your business adapt to change? We are constantly learning and evolving as the needs of the community changes. We openly engage with customers and seek feedback on what they like and what we can improve on. What are your greatest strengths in business? Having great patient relationships and provid-
ing exceptional service. I want us to care for our patients as if they are family. I know I am only as strong as the people I surround myself with, and the team is my biggest asset. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? This is a work in progress! Being accessible all the time, especially as a business owner, means it is a constant juggle, making work/life balance tricky. I have learnt to prioritise family time since having my daughter and make sure my phone is away, so I can be present when at home. I’m also lucky to have a supportive husband, who ensures I have some “me time” to relax and recharge. Self-care is important, as I must be the best version of me to be the best for my team, patients and my family. Quote to live by? Do something today that your future self will thank you for!
M I A Tycehurst FORSTER YOGA STUDIO BUSINESS OWNER AND YOGA TEACHER
Please introduce yourself and your business? We are a team of 14 passionate yoga teachers offering yoga to all levels every day of the week. We like to keep it real and make yoga accessible even to those who have not ever been into personal growth or fitness. In the end, we all have our things to deal with in life, and we love how yoga provides us with tools on how to cope with it all and make you feel amazing inside and out at the same time. How do you juggle work/life balance? I’m lucky, my daughter is now 10 and it’s so much easier compared to a few years ago. I often see mums with younger kids putting enormous pressures on themselves trying to make it all fit. I’ve been there, thank GAWD for yoga!!! Yoga has taught me to just enjoy this relatively short time of motherhood. I’ve learned to put my wellbeing first, and then the other things will fall into place. When I have too much on, I take a break and make sure I feel lovey-dovey again. Whatever I create must come from love, and not from stress or fear. Quote to live by? “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in one drop.” It gives me power and faith, we are all One.
KARINA GERSBACH VA L L E Y V I E W FA R M & C O O W N E R & C O O K O F O U R FA R M G AT E K I TC H E N
Please introduce yourself and your business. Hi, I am Karina Gersbach from Valley View Farm & Co. My husband, Adam and our girls live on the farm and grow several varieties of award winning organic garlic and operate our rustic Farm Gate Kitchen. The Farm Gate Kitchen is my baby, with the support of legendary barista Lucy and our awesome cake maker Janeece. What are your greatest strengths in business? The ability to have total freedom in deciding what dishes get on to my menu every week is empowering. Cooking rustic farmhouse dishes from around the world using our organic garlic and as much local produce I can source is my weekly challenge. This is something new and exciting for our area, teamed with our incredible dining space set within our restored dairy and beautiful gardens. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. The vision we have always had for our farm has been to create a space for the community to come and learn, feel and experience the reality of growing your own organic food in a sustainable way. Furthermore, by showcasing other local artisan growers and producers, the community can experience the talent of our region in one place.
R E N E E Gilbert VALLEY INDUSTRIES C O R P O R AT E S E R V I C E S M A N A G E R
Please introduce yourself and your business? I am Renee Gilbert, the Corporate Services Manager for Valley Industries. Since joining in 2014, my role has grown to encompass human resources, coordination of supports, training, school leaver supports and much more! How does your business adapt to change? Valley Industries launched in 1971 and is now proudly one of the largest employers in the Manning Valley. We have over 400 wonderful employees providing support for over 180 Participants - to help them achieve their ambitions and goals under the NDIS. What are your greatest strengths in business? My greatest personal strength is the ability to juggle! With such a large organisation, spread across multiple sites, I need to be quick thinking, flexible and responsive to whatever the day brings! Within Valley Industries, our strength is our people. Without our passionate and dedicated staff, Valley Industries would not be the service provider we are today.
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NIKKI, NAT& PENNY
M A R I K I Boshoff
INSURANCE ADVISERNET
U LT I M AT E E Y E C A R E O P T O M E T R I S T / O W N E R
Please introduce yourself and your business. Hi, we’re Nikki, Nat and Penny, Insurance Advisers from Insurance Advisernet. (IA). What is your business vision for 2020? Continue developing our local relationships to build trust and expose the company to more local business owners. How does your business adapt to change? We’re in a reactive industry, so change is a constant and accepted part of it. No two conversations or clients are the same. IA has developed technology to help advise our clients on risks within their business showing their exposures and how to mitigate. What are your greatest strengths in business? As a team, we have over 100 years’ experience in most facets of the industry, including underwriting, claims and customer
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service. This enables us to be better equipped to negotiate favourable terms and conditions when placing cover and securing positive outcomes on claims. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. Presently we’re offering claim support to bushfire affected locals who might be with a direct (competitor) insurer. This involves helping them understand their entitlements under the policy to negotiate positive outcomes. This advice is being offered free of charge. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? We all have young families, so it's near impossible to get a true balance, but you’re always striving for it. That’s why we offer our team flexibility, so we can all share in those moments at school or in life that you only get one shot at.
Overview of your business: As an independent optometrist, we provide a full range of optical options, ranging from clinical care, medical eye health treatment, spectacles through to contact lenses. Ultimately, our patients have the freedom to choose what is best suited to them with the knowledge and recommendations provided by myself, the optometrist, and our highly trained and qualified team. What is your business vision for 2020? We aim to deliver a consistently high level of optometric care with old fashioned customer service, with the latest technology, combined with full scope clinical eye care and a full range of options for your individual needs. It is the year 2020: the year of good vision for life. What are your greatest strengths? Knowledge, expertise, service, modern, precision
equipment and an excellent patient-customer experience is what sets us at Ultimate Eyecare apart. Our philosophy is built around the idea that your eyes are the windows to your soul, so we take what we do very seriously and we are very passionate about delivering the best in eye care. I like to manage ocular disease and thus continually establish and maintain good relationships with local GPs, pharmacists and ophthalmologists. We are a very family-oriented practice and believe that the best advertisement is word of mouth. My staff and I are always friendly; we want to know our patients by their first name. We feel like a happy family, where we aim to achieve the best solution for everyone every time.
A M A N D A Dwyer A M A N D A’ S V I P C L E A N I N G O W N E R / P R O P R I E T O R
Please introduce yourself and your business. Hello, I’m Amanda. I’ve owned my business for four years, and I’m completely passionate about cleaning. My business offers a VIP cleaning and treatment service for that royal touch using chemical free Enjo products! What is your business vision for 2020? To have a large team of cleaners working with me and my brand and continuing to promote the use of Enjo products to efficiently clean your home and protect our environment. How does your business adapt to change? My business has been born out of our planet’s need to protect the environment in every way that we can as humans. This is incredibly important to me in business and at this time in our climate’s situation. Enjo products are so
effective and cause no reaction in people who suffer from sensitivity or allergies. What are your greatest strengths in business? I leave a home sparkling clean, and I love my job! I am not afraid to get behind all your furniture items to make sure everything is clean and clear of dirt. How do you juggle work/life balance? I remain on the ball at all times! I am very organised. I also have two teenage children. I value face-to-face customer service. My business thrives on direct communication with my clients. Quote to live by? Be happy! We’re here for such a short time! I believe a clean home gives joy and creates a healthy, ordered life. I believe if you can turn your passion into something you love, happiness will follow!
DEB HOPPER
LIFE SKILLS 4 KIDS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, AUTHOR, TRAINER, PODCASTER
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lease introduce yourself and your business. Hi, I’m Deb, an occupational therapist working with kids and adults who struggle with sensory processing, behaviour and anxiety. I do this through • Part-time face to face occupational therapy locally; • Supporting occupational therapists around Australia with professional supervision; • Two online memberships; • The Anxious to Calm membership for parents with anxious kids; • The Kids OT Pod for Occupational Therapist; • Creating online courses for parents and professionals; • Being an author! I have currently written four books. My most recent was the Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies; • The Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast - which has practical tips for busy parents and professionals. What is your business vision for 2020? To create online courses to support parents and professionals locally and around the world. The first, Build Your Sustainable, Profitable Therapy Business Five Week Boot Camp for therapy professionals starts this week, supporting therapists to start their own therapy practices, so more families can be supported! The next courses will teach strategies to parents and professionals to help with working with kids with sensory processing and anxiety and are based on my full day workshops for each. Being online means that everyone around the world can access them and gives me a global reach. How does your business adapt to change? Being a small business means that I can pivot to meet needs very quickly, whether that is implementing new therapy programs or strategies for local therapy children, or creating a new course for online quickly. For example, as I write I’m in Melbourne for
four days training with world expert in Social Thinking® / social skills Michelle Garcia Winner. I’ll be integrating ideas from this program into my 1:1 therapy and Anxious to Calm parent membership within two weeks. I’m also not scared of investing in new tech to make the business more efficient. What are your greatest strengths in business? • I invest heavily in my personal and professional development through courses and mentoring; • I’m always looking for new ideas for business and therapy; • My team supports me so I can focus on my “genius zone”. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. I’m a member of the Forster Triathlon Club and love being a sponsor of the All Abilities Kids Triathlon each November. It’s a great initiative to encourage kids to be active and to give it a try, new skills and resilience. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Lately I came across a concept that you cannot balance life. It’s impossible. Instead, we juggle. When a “ball” comes down, focus on that 100% and the others stay in the air. So focus on work at work and home at home. Always a juggle, as my office is at home! If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? Rice and beans, a pack of seeds and petrol to get to work. Quote to live by? “We’re not held back by what we don’t have, but by what we don’t use.” Bob Goff, Everybody, Always. Let’s connect! You can find me at www. lifeskills4kids.com.au and join our newsletter for practical and helpful tips, or join the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast. Manning-Great Lakes focus 39
E M M A Jenkins & A L I C I A Tancred PAC I F I C C OA S T P R O P E R T Y N E T WO R K
Please introduce yourself and your business. Alicia Tancred, mother of the two most amazing young boys, Licensee of the Sales and Permanent Rental Departments. Emma Jenkins, Licensee of the Holiday Management Department. Pacific Coast Property Network is one of Forster’s largest real estate agencies, offering sales, holiday and permanent rental management. What is your business vision for 2020? Our 2020 vision is to deliver exceptional and personal service to our clients to achieve the best result for them, building lasting relationships and always maintaining integrity and our motto - we love what do here at Pacific Coast! How does your business adapt to change? Our strong and vibrant team across the Pacific Coast Property Network are full of energy and passion. This allows us to work collaboratively,
40 Manning-Great Lakes focus
drawing on a broad range of experience and expertise. This makes facing any challenge or change easy to deal with, not just adapting to change, but to drive the change. It’s fabulous to be part of a team where everyone loves their job. What are your greatest strengths in business? Alicia - My positive attitude and organisational and people skills. Looking at situations and people with a glass half full approach and a smile always ends in a better outcome, and I’m super organised! Emma - My genuine passion for the people and properties we care for, both owners and guests. I continue to manage a portfolio of properties and feel that being an organised hands on manager best allows me to lead our holiday team. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? Doughnuts!
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J O A N N E Hull PROPERTIES URALLA
H O L L Y Goodman THE GOOD GIFT CO. FOUNDER AND OWNER
Starting from humble beginnings in a little shed, a
Please introduce yourself and your business.
dream that I backed myself on, has shown that grit,
The Good Gift Co is a premium gifting studio and online
hard work and a lot of determination are the key
store. I am passionate about the gift of giving. I believe
backbones to success.
that high quality products and presentation leave a lasting
Moving forward, we have now relocated to our stunning
impression, and therefore I started the online store to
new office at 1/40 Bridge Street, Uralla. At Properties Uralla,
embrace this.
with years of experience in the real estate industry we have
What is your business vision for 2020?
a particular focus on service. Our business is unique and
I recently designed a basket bag, and these bags are made
our goal is to treat each and every person in a caring and
in Morocco; the leather is hand stamped and packaged in
respectful way. We focus on tenants, landlords, purchasers and vendors alike. All are offered the same high level of service. The ultimate measure of our success is shown by the many clients who keep coming back to us and the high
Tamworth. The demand and love for my own bag design has been overwhelming, and as a result of this interest I was receiving many messages about wholesaling. I have now began wholesaling my own products to boutiques around NSW. My vision for 2020 is to continue stocking my products in these beautiful boutiques and aim to get them
percentage of referrals of friends and family to the business.
into more international boutiques.
Tammy and I would like to continue to offer a dedicated
What are your greatest strengths in business?
friendly service.
Based on feedback, I would have to say my attention to
We would both like to thank all our valued clients and all
detail and customer service. I am a people person, and
those who have supported us from the very beginning. Best
communicating is something I feel is very important when
wishes to everyone for a successful 2020.
running a small business.
26 New England focus.
SHANA&LOUISE F L I R T A D U LT S T O R E
Flirt Adult Store has strived since 2003, expanding from a small business in Bathurst to evolving into eight stores across regional NSW, with our newest store right in the centre of Armidale. Our Armidale team pride themselves on not only developing a positive atmosphere for all customers, erasing the stigma about this ever-expanding industry, but also supporting our local communities and charities. After many years in the Flirt family, Louise has moved to Armidale to lead another amazing store with her colleague Shana; they believe all customers, no matter their gender or orientation are well-informed of our products, and all questions are answered with the highest professionalism. As we have recently opened the doors here in Armidale, we have been met with great feedback elaborating the store’s female-positive outlay, friendly, clean and bright environment. We offer our customers a unique opportunity to join in with our educational workshops held in store throughout the year and daily education within the store with any of our informative staff. To celebrate our opening, we enthusiastically encourage all readers to come in and explore all that we have to offer, or just meet our team! Join our loyalty program and get 10% off your very first purchase!
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DR RUTH R AE Dr Ruth Rae’s family and nursing background led to her research into the role of nurses during WWI: She has published numerous journal articles and several books.
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er works include The History of Australian Nurses in the First World War, a trilogy that includes volumes From Narromine to the Nile, Scarlet Poppies and Veiled Lives. Ruth has also written Tony Windsor’s biography and is currently writing Rose Creal’s biography. The focus of this interview is on some of her more interesting discoveries which related to WWI nursing history. Hi Ruth. What’s your connection to Tamworth? Once I completed my nurse training in Sydney and started a family, my first husband and I decided we wanted our two daughters to enjoy a rural lifestyle. Tamworth was a great choice, which I have never regretted. Apart from interesting career opportunities in the health sector, we both completed tertiary education courses at UNE. My BA included a double major: Human Bioscience and Politics. I loved politics and completed an MLitt (politics) as well. Where did your interest in nursing history originate? My mother had some old diaries she would read on ANZAC Day every year. She would have a cry and put them away again. They had belonged to her father, who joined the Australian Lighthorse in 1914 when war was declared and returned four years later: each and every day of his war service he made a diary entry. There were also numerous photographs, letters and postcards. Sadly, my mother died suddenly when I was 30, but she had given me the collection of diaries etc. a few years earlier. She said that I should have them, as I would value them. This claim became a lifelong mission, and it helped me cope with the loss of my mother. I transcribed
the documents via a microfiche film projector, and after five years I had a collection of over half a million words. I donated the original documents to the State Library of NSW (The Fred Tomlins Collection). It was while transcribing Fred’s words I became aware that his sister, Jessie, was completing her training at Sydney Hospital and planned to join the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) when she qualified. Letters between Jessie and her mother indicate Jessie would be well placed to keep an eye on Fred, and later, their younger brother, Will, who also joined the Lighthorse. I was shocked to realise that Jessie and I both trained under the Nightingale System, but her first post-graduate experience was in a war zone. Nurses have little idea of the outstanding contribution their civilian trained colleagues made during WWI. In 1996 my husband and I separated and I went to Canberra, where I worked as the Senior Project Officer (Divisions of General Practice) with the Consumers’ Health Forum (CHF). During this time I became a PhD candidate at The University of Sydney, with a view to writing Jessie’s experience as a civilian nurse who also served at the 14 AGH in Egypt (1916 - 1919. My thesis was later published as From Narromine to the Nile. While working with CHF, I undertook consultations about the lack of health services in rural areas, which brought me back to Tamworth for a week; during which time I met my second husband, Rick, and we married within a year. I returned to Tamworth, where I have operated as a freelance historian, researcher and writer for these past 23 years. What are some interesting things you learned through your research into nurses who served during WWI?
and responsibilities of the One of the main My research also revealed issues which struck me nurse leaders in war and that these qualified nurses was the lack of material peacetime. were extremely well about the contribution What surprised you about educated and politically of nurses during the war the roles the nurses played astute women at this time. in the military books and Nursing was a sought during WWI? organisations. It was after profession for women I was stunned to learn that in the late 1800s and as if they were never twenty Australian nurses were early 1900s. there or if they were, taught how to administer it was a perfunctory anaesthetics in field hospitals role. I had to travel to on the western front. They Canberra regularly to were chosen by an American access the service records Unit to undergo training, and of Jessie and her colleagues. I also searched for they continued to work unsupervised during the the names of nurses who were missing from war. It must have been so difficult to return to the Australian War Memorial Nominal Roll on civilian nursing, where they were not allowed to obelisks, in memorial parks, hospital archives and take a blood pressure. in the correspondence of nurses who served; identifying 2,470 Australian nurses who served. My research also revealed that these qualified nurses were extremely well educated and politically astute women at this time. Nursing was a sought after profession for women in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Women had limited choices: marriage, a governess or Lady’s companion. Nursing at this time and during the war was liberating. During their training they had safe accommodation (nurses’ home); a course of study resulting in professional qualification; opportunities to travel and gain safe and interesting work around the world; a small but secure income. Once qualified they could join the AANS and be sent to far-flung corners of the world, such as India, Egypt, Europe and England while chaperoned by their matron. I am writing a biography of Jessie’s matron, Rose Creal, who was an extraordinary woman. Her life as a civilian matron at Sydney Hospital and then later as matron of 14 AGH, Egypt provided a real insight into the different roles
The nurse leaders were forward thinkers. Jane Bell, matron at (Royal) Melbourne Hospital, insisted that her nurses be allowed to observe surgery on male patients, and this was introduced into the curriculum in the early 1900s. Up until this time, nurses, being unmarried women, were not permitted to observe the male body. Tragically, they observed many damaged male bodies during the war. What future projects do you have planned? Presently the Rose Creal biography occupies my professional life. I love that HSC students are considering the First World War from more diverse aspects, and I love to give students information about nurses’ experiences. Otherwise, I am working on a memorial to Australian nurses who served in Greece, giving lectures and responding to requests from families of nurses. Thanks Ruth. New England focus. 27
With the help of other great people, over the last eight years we have raised $190,636 for Ronald McDonald House and $10,000 for Motor Neuron Disease.
E R I N and K A R L I E P R O F E S S I O N A L S TA M W O R T H
HEIDI MANNING
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Please introduce yourself and your business. Hi, we are Erin and Karlie; we are a young and diverse real estate partnership. We work under the banner of Professionals Tamworth, which is a locally owned and operated agency.
2 C R E AT I V E M E D I A - D I R E C T O R
lease introduce yourself and your business.
Heidi - 2 Creative Media. I grew up in a European family environment; they knew how to work hard, challenge the normal and constantly look for new opportunities. My father started his own joinery business in the ‘70s from the ground up, so being in business was in my blood. After high school I moved to Sydney and Newcastle to study, but after meeting a Scotsman who soon became my husband 20 years ago, this brought us back to Tamworth. I worked with start-up businesses and managed others before 2 Creative Media was conceived in 2006. My business grew quickly into an award-winning creative, marketing, digital agency, along with adding two children into the mix, who are now 11 and 9. What is your business vision for 2020? 2020 is the year of the customer. In marketing we are no longer trying to convince people to buy from our businesses or work with us; instead, the priority is around developing memorable customer experiences, so they keep coming back for more and tell others. Whilst technology has enabled us in business and personally, it doesn’t dominate. I believe to succeed in 2020, we’re having to think beyond what we’re doing and link everything back to the “why” we’re doing it.
to foresee opportunities where no one is looking. I’m excited when changes occur, even when they might initially seem uncomfortable or an “I didn’t see that coming” moment. It’s the chance you get to modify the path that could provide a long term positive outcome. Tell us about your involvement in the local community. With the help of other great people, over the last eight years we have raised $190,636 for Ronald McDonald House and $10,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). However, my private and personal involvement comes down to the basics - stop and spend time with people in need who are right in front of you, the person in the street who you don’t know, or provide a stranger in need with food or money. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self?
How does your business adapt to changing market conditions?
Is that a furphy? Like so many other women in business, I’ve been to my fair share of courses and seminars on this topic over the years and still I fall short of this, but here are my tips anyway: switch on when you have to, and switch off when you can. When you’re at work, you’re all in and when you’re at home, it’s sacred. Make time to be good to yourself without feeling guilty, stay fit physically and mentally and lastly, have a good time doing it.
I’d like to think easily. Our business model is agile and we are always researching industry trends for us, as well as our clients. Our systems are flexible and our approach is always creative. Being a service based agency, we are always reviewing our Servicescape blueprint and making modifications based on our customers’ changing needs.
If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? On a picnic with my three favourite people (husband and two children) talking about how we could work together to earn another $20 each. Some of the best ideas come when you’ve hit rock bottom and from the bottom the only way is up.
What are your greatest strengths in business?
How do we find you?
My ability to innovate well in advance or 28 New England focus.
291 Marius Street, Tamworth, NSW or at www.2creativemedia.com.au
What is your business vision for 2020? To help as many people as possible in our community achieve their real estate goals, and to know that we have made the process of buying or selling just that little bit easier and enjoyable. What are your greatest strengths in business? Getting the job done; we pride ourselves on setting a goal and knocking it out of the park. Honesty, reliability, trust and approachability are our greatest strengths we
have in our partnership. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? The best tip is to work together. Being in a partnership allows us to have the flexibility and balance between work and home life. Erin has two kids, and knowing she has Karlie beside her allows her the time to spend with them on the weekends, and that in turn allows Karlie to take time during the week to unwind and balance out when needed especially now she is renovating her newly purchased home. Working as a team enables us to support and empower each other to always be growing and striving harder.
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Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking
TARA TOOMEY This month Business Minds interviews Urallabased producer and community advocate Tara Toomey, a New England local who wears many hats. Tara is the driving force behind Aurelia’s BnB, The Humble Cook, Seasons of New England Producers, Makers & Creators Expo, and, most recently, the New Englander train experience.
T
ell us about yourself. I grew up in Uralla, am married to Andrew and we have two children. I studied classics and ancient history at UNE and went to Greece on an archaeological survey project. I came back aware that there were lots of things I wanted to do, and promptly fell in to work in the insurance industry in a dispute resolution unit. I always wanted to come back to Uralla, and Dad, who is a builder, was planning to retire. I knew that I had one last shot to work with Dad, so I came home, married Andrew and Dad offered to build one more house. It was a great journey building our home, our cottage and, more recently, our commercial kitchen where I make my food as The Humble Cook. Tell us about your first business. We were still building; I was effectively site manager and we worked on the property after hours and on the weekend. It was perfect timing: starting a family, starting building and starting a business! I started at the Farmers Markets with a stall featuring baking and confectionery - a lot of hard work for not much return, but it allowed me to stay at home with the children. I wanted to work in a way that was family friendly and flexible. Aurelia’s Farm, a two-bedroom BnB cottage, was officially launched in 2009.
And The Humble Cook? New England developed. Diversifying is key. I really wanted my What’s the secret of Seasons’ success? own food to be a big part of our BnB We started in 2014 with a goal of 25 story. I spent two years creating a good makers and 500 patrons. We had to close banana bread and toasted muesli recipes. registration at 52 stalls and 3,200 people Everything we served at the B&B was local came through on the day. We’ve collected and I was also selling my products under postcard data from day one and the the Aurelia’s Farm brand. We decided to numbers have grown. Locals are steady, start The Humble Cook, where our product but out-of-towners and international visitor range includes nougat, brittles, hot numbers have significantly increased. chocolate, and rocky There were many road. talented, creative What were your people who wanted biggest challenges to help as much as For me, it’s all about starting out? they could but didn’t celebrating community. The Farmers want to run it, so Small communities are Market platform we decided to set it the natural home for was challenging. No up as a company makers and producers, as matter how good supporters would help they are directly connected the product, it was when they could, but to the communities they hard to be found I had to take on the call home. between markets. majority of the work. We didn’t have a As both a producer value proposition and an organiser, I’m to differentiate part of that network ourselves from mass produced products. and it’s really important to the strategy. I road-tested markets, expos and events, We’ve recently introduced The New and many did not work either. It was a England Hamper range, with all products problem that would roll around in my sourced from New England Makers, head. I asked myself where the right event Creators and Producers. would be and what it would look like. It Tell us about The New Englander. needed to be affordable, have access to I’d tried to get a heritage train here for transport, and provide a platform that seven years, but couldn’t get anyone to achieved a level playing field for makers engage with me. Finally, Lachlan Valley and producers. The idea behind Seasons of Railway, a not-for-profit train and rail
restoration organisation, responded. We had a clear vision: a bar and a good kitchen for a great chef. Everything served on the train is from the New England. Our patrons will travel from Newcastle to Uralla and Armidale on the Friday, experiencing Seasons, the Uralla Arts Lantern Parade, the Uralla Rotary Art Show and Uralla’s shopping and café strip. There will be four shuttles between Armidale and Uralla on the Saturday and then back to Newcastle on the Sunday. What inspires you? For me, it’s all about celebrating community. Small communities are the natural home for makers and producers, as they are directly connected to the communities they call home. From the really tiny ones that often get lost to the really big ones, I’m determined to create opportunities to showcase their work. Our local makers and producers are the heart and soul of rural Australia. I live this 24/7, because it’s not just a job. What’s next? There are two things this year. Firstly, I am working on developing the New Englander Hampers, with good sales and strong interest already for 2020. Secondly, this year we will be introducing the Copper Oakleaf Awards to recognise producers and makers who have achieved something extraordinary, in terms of product and business. Thank you, Tara.
New England focus. 29
30 New England focus.
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Gretel Vincent was raised in Wallabadah and after living away for some years both in Sydney and overseas, returned to the Tamworth region with husband Craig to raise their children, Stella and Harry. Gretel loves the region but is also inspired by travel and natural products, and this reflects in the beauty and ambience of Bungalow G - her new specialty homeware and lifestyle store.
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i Gretel. How did you come up with the idea for Bungalow G? It’s been a dream of mine for many years. I have always worked in corporate roles but felt the strong urge to do something creative, and I knew it had to be interiors related, because that is where my passion lies. I studied Interior Design at the International College of Colour & Design in Sydney, which I graduated from a few years ago. Since then I have been styling homes part-time, but I always knew that the dream was to open a furniture/home/lifestyle store. I love spending time in the Byron Bay area, which is full of inspiring spaces and businesses, and I wanted to create that same feeling in my store, where people walk in and get that instant feeling of calm, but also leave feeling inspired. The building your store is located in is quite unusual! What can you tell us about it? The Old Bell Tower was originally St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and was built in 1882. It still houses the original bell in its tower, hence the name The Old Bell Tower. My first customer in the store was married here over 60 years ago, and I have had several other customers with similar stories. I love that the building is known and loved by so many people and is a part of their history and the history of Tamworth. It is a special space to be in, and we feel grateful to be its caretakers. What types of products do you stock, and how do you decide what's worth stocking,
and what's not? We stock furniture, homewares and lifestyle products. Being someone who loves interior and homeware products, it was easy for me to choose brands and products that I already love and have in my own home. I chose brands and products that I felt would fill a gap in the Tamworth market, which were not already being represented here. Before opening the store, I went to some Trade Fairs and The Designers’ Markets, where I met some amazing designers with unique products to offer, some of which we now stock in our store. Regarding the furniture, I wanted to offer pieces that are unique but still timeless enough that they can easily fit into any style of home. I’m drawn to the beauty and texture of natural products, so I have a lot of linen, leather, wool, natural stone and timber furniture pieces on offer in the store. I provide a sourcing service as well, so if you can’t find what you are looking for, I can look for that special piece for you. How do you feel Bungalow G differs from other homeware stores? I think it’s in the feel of the store. It’s a special space, and my customers often comment on how calm the space feels. The old building and light filled space is a beautiful backdrop for browsing. I have lounges and arm chairs scattered around, so people will often sit down and have a look through our coffee table books. I also think we differ from other homeware stores because of the unique brands we stock, which weren’t already on offer in Tamworth.
I love using texture to make a home feel relaxed and calm, so I usually layer things such as wool, leather, natural stone and linen.
I think it’s important to be authentic in this type of business. If I don’t genuinely love a product, I can’t sell it. When sourcing new products, I choose items that speak to me and give me that instant “feel good” vibe. Life can be challenging at times, so I think it’s important to surround ourselves with things that make us feel happy and relaxed. Tamworth has some amazing furniture and gift stores, all of which are beautiful and offer different things. I think it’s great that we support each other as small businesses and we all have different styles, because that benefits our customers by having more variety to choose from. How would you describe your own personal style? This is a hard one for an interiors addict like me to answer, because I appreciate many different styles. Your home should tell the story of the people who live there. It’s important to have personal and meaningful items in your home décor, because it’s what gives your home soul. My home’s style is relaxed with a neutral and monochromatic colour scheme. I usually throw in a few pops of muted colours with accessories such as cushions, ceramics, and art. I love using texture to make a home feel relaxed and calm, so I usually layer things such as wool, leather, natural stone and linen. Every now and then I think I’m going to change and introduce lots of bright colours to my home, but somehow I always end up paring it back
to the neutrals. Having said that, I absolutely love colourful interiors, and I definitely feel inspired by colour. My neon sign in the store is hot pink, and I absolutely love it. My main inspiration for interior styling is travel. My family and I love traveling, and I spend a lot of time wandering around admiring buildings, homes, interiors of hotels, restaurants etc. I love Palm Springs style, which is evident in my store. The hero piece in my store is my beautiful counter, hand made out of white breeze blocks by the very talented Jeff from Industrial AF. What are your plans for Bungalow G moving forward? I’ve just attended an amazing seminar in Orange called #The Huddle. I came away feeling really inspired to try out a few new ideas in the store. We are a new business, so it’s still evolving and will continue to do so. I have a few new brands coming on board in the next couple of months, and I will just keep making it interesting and fresh for my customers. I think providing the best customer service and the best experience for my customers, both while they are in my store and also after they leave, is my constant goal. What's the best way to contact you? The store is on Instagram at Bungalowgstore and our website is www.bungalowg.com.au I can be contacted via phone or email; details are on my website. Thanks Gretel. New England focus. 31
Bron Byers
Think H I B B A R D S Over 85% of people enquiring to own their own home with Hibbards are women. Women are the doers, the influencers, the mothers (even to those who are not their own) and arguably a driving force behind the continual success of businesses and society - to say the least. Women are so highly valued within this company, and we attribute our success at Hibbards to the collaboration between the amazing women and men we have on staff. Here are just some of our awesome team at Hibbards working in Head office, Coffs Harbour: Kath Sparke: with Hibbards for 20 years! Together with her daughter Keryn Sparke they are the cracking team that run the conveyancing department. Tash Stengert: Pre-Construction Manager; managing the work leading up to the construction of each home. Kelly Frewen: Sales Administration Manager.
32 New England focus.
An integral part of driving each sale through to settlement across all our regions; assists with special projects and acquisitions. Karen Lauder: Accounts Manager, with Rachael Newman: accounts receivable; these ladies are the heart of the Accounts Department. Trisha Barry and Fiona Whalan: the clever duo forming a fundamental part of our estimating team. Kim Purcell: Service Consultant; running our After-Sales Service Department. Taking care of current clients, past clients, and assists property managers for our investor clients. Tamzin Shotbolt: Promotion; Marketing; PR and Media. Responsible for bringing in new business and making sure everyone in all our regions knows who we are. This is big business. And we’re changing lives by creating opportunities for people to fulfill their dream of home ownership.
Meg Barnden-Hyde
Living the T G ' S WAY at Home and at TG's Child Care Please introduce yourself and your business. We're Meg Barnden-Hyde and Bron Byers. We were both parents at TG’s, and we loved it so much we didn’t want the experience to end! So, we became educators, team leaders, and now we are Centre Managers! TG’s has empowered us women to be who we are today. Meg is at Armidale and Bron is at Uralla! TG’s has become such an important part of our personal lives that we live, breathe, eat and work the TG’s Way. What are your greatest strengths in business? We are mothers at home and mothers to the TG’s Family! For Bron, children are her biggest influencers in what she does. Meg loves staying open and curious to the needs of each child. Listening to them helps her to learn about each child’s gifts and how she can help them discover and find joy in developing them. As parents,
Meg and Bron have first-hand experience and are convinced that TG’s is an industry leader in child care. TG’s makes a difference in the early years because of the quality of care and education from educators, who are also supported in their growth and development. Educators have each other’s backs and are encouraged to discover their gifts to help make the children from six weeks to six years shine and reach their full potential. That is why TG’s is always growing, and Playing is Learning for Life! Building relationships, sharing their gifts and collective thinking come naturally to those who have experienced the loving and nurturing TG’s Way. “Going to TG's every day is awesome. It is our second family!” You’ll always have a loving family waiting for you at TG’s!
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JULIE SHERWOOD Principal - Forsyths
lease introduce yourself and your business. I was born and grew up in Droitwich Spa in the heart of England.
I studied and worked as a radiographer in Cambridge, before accepting a two year contract position at Tamworth Base Hospital Radiology Unit in 1992. I then became the Chief Radiographer for BreastScreen North West, where I worked for ten years. My life as a financial adviser began after I met a wonderful Tamworth dairy farmer, who soon became my husband. We had two beautiful girls, and I found myself wanting to spread my time better between work and family life. I studied remotely through Deakin University to become a qualified financial adviser. I’m now a Principal at Forsyths and work with clients and manage a team of exceptional financial planners and superannuation experts. What are your greatest strengths in business? Supporting my clients plan for the momentous moments in life is where I find a huge amount of personal satisfaction. I love that I can be a voice of reason and guidance when my clients are experiencing or planning for life changes such as parents or spouses moving into aged care facilities, children moving away to university and planning for a happy, settled retirement. It’s wonderful to be able to share in their sense of comfort and happiness that comes with financial security. Tell us about your involvement in the community? One
of our greatest achievements at Forsyths was establishing the Forsyths Foundation. Through the Foundation we support local community groups with more than $10,000 each year. It’s a way that even with my busy family life with my two girls and busy job I can support and encourage the huge contribution community groups make to the New England North West. This year in Tamworth we supported batyr through the White Elephant Ball. We felt that particularly during these times of drought, our young people need the skills to recognise possible signs of anxiety and depression within themselves and their family members. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? When I arrived in Tamworth as a young radiographer, I never dreamed that I would meet and marry a strapping young dairy farmer! I’ve been so lucky to have a supportive, kind husband and father to my children. It’s not something I could have planned, but to have a wonderful partner in life means I can balance being a mother, a wife, a daughter and a voice of reason to my clients and colleagues. I could never fulfil these roles without the lovely farmer I met 24 years ago. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? With my background in health, I have a huge respect for emerging medical research. After nursing a dear uncle with motor neurone disease, seeing a cousin, and recently a client diagnosed, I support research to find a cure wherever I can.
The choice for advisory services in regional Australia. We’re a part of your world. www.forsyths.com.au
Financial Planning / Audit / Accounting / Investment / Superannuation / Insurance Armidale / Inverell / Coonabarabran / Gunnedah / Tamworth
New England focus. 33
JESSICA PEARSON
BRONWYN PEARSON
MICHELLE WESTLUND
PINNACLE PEOPLE Solutions
Bronwyn Pearson is the seemingly indefatigable CEO of Pinnacle People Solutions. Launching in 2013, the regionally based HR consultancy has grown from strength to strength, garnering multiple awards in the process. In that time, the team has also expanded significantly to meet demand from regionally based SMEs and not-for-profits. While their home base is Armidale and Tamworth, Pinnacle People Solutions is actively engaged with businesses from across regional NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.
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retel Khan is the team’s recruitment consultant, Gina Mackenzie and Lauren Quaife are HR officers, Michelle Westlund the newly appointed project officer, and Jessica Kliendeinst is the team’s administration coordinator. The team also includes Jessica Pearson, a registered psychologist who delivers psychological testing as well as education and training regarding mental health in the workplace. “Three team members are originally from Armidale. They left our region to study and work and have now returned home, bringing with them extensive experience and a genuine love for, and commitment to, our region,” Bronwyn said. Pinnacle People Solutions’ success has
34 New England focus.
been built on an understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses operating in lower population areas. These include attracting and retaining quality candidates in the regions and the greater impact on reputation and productivity when you get recruitment decisions wrong. However, the impact of the drought on the economy, in both the short term and long term, has changed the landscape significantly. Bronwyn Pearson’s background in HR at senior levels gives her unique specialist skills and strategic insight, while her passion for helping regional communities has seen Pinnacle People Solutions blossom. The need for highly skilled, empathetic HR support in our regions has never been greater. “In the last eight months we have really seen the challenges presented by the drought
start to impact our regional communities and the businesses we work with. Sadly, this has meant that many businesses have needed to recalibrate for survival. We work with our clients to downsize with dignity,” Bronwyn said. When handling downsizing in smaller regional communities, it is critical that it is handled in a way that doesn’t compromise opportunities for future growth and identifies prospects for displaced staff to gain alternate employment in the region wherever possible. “We need to deal with the issues each business is facing now, helping them where they need to contract and consolidate, but still prepare for future growth. Increasingly we are playing a role in partnering with businesses planning for that future,” she continued. The Pinnacle People Solutions Team
Since launching Pinnacle People Solutions, Bronwyn has achieved NSW-wide Local Government Procurement approved contractor status for the provision of HR services and selection by tender as a preferred HR, Safety and Training supplier for Armidale Regional Council. Pinnacle People Solutions has also been appointed as recruitment partner to support Homes North, the social housing provider for the New England North West, in scaling to meet the demands of the Social Housing Management Transfer project, taking effect in 2019. Consistent with the commitment to building the regional community and economic capacity, Pinnacle People Solutions was awarded the contract to deliver employment facilitation services and the Regional Employment Trials program for the
LAUREN QUAIFE
JESSICA KLIENDEINST GINA MACKENZIE
Regional Employment Trials program for the Northern Inland region by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment in 2018. In one of only 10 regions selected for the Program by the Australian Government, Bronwyn works with a colleague and local stakeholders across the region to develop place-based strategies to address employment challenges and provide opportunities for those who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment. In 2018 Bronwyn won the Outstanding Business Leader category at both the Armidale Business Chamber and the New England North West Region Business Awards, going on to represent New England at State level. Most recently, Bronwyn has been appointed to the Regional Growth and Place Activation Peak Advisory Committee at Armidale Regional Council. The Committee’s primary responsibility is to act as a link between the council and key industry sectors, ensuring open two-way communication, and developing and promoting partnerships and initiatives to drive economic growth. “It’s a really exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of our region by attracting business and investment and creating opportunities for local job creation,” said Bronwyn. Bronwyn is inspired by the huge efforts made by small business owners every day to provide goods and services, as well as employment for over 40% of
Australia’s population. She relishes the opportunity to support their success. Gretel is the team’s recruitment consultant, working closely with business to run effective recruitment processes and building staffing strategies to attract and retain the right people to support their businesses’ objectives. Gretel is passionate about facilitating the perfect match between candidate and client, working to ensure that each business reaps the rewards of making a great hire. Lauren and Gina, the HR officers, work closely with the Pinnacle People Solutions’ team and clients to deliver high quality, fitfor-purpose HR support and advice. Lauren has more than eight years’ HR and talent acquisition experience across a diverse range of industries including health and wellbeing, travel, and education. “I am passionate about helping people reach their career goals and aspirations and setting them up for success,” Lauren said. Gina was attracted to the position at Pinnacle People Solutions because of its regional focus and what she saw was the fit with her personal and professional values. “Having grown up in regional NSW, I understand the importance of sustaining regional businesses, so I am really excited to join such a passionate and dedicated team where I am able to help make a difference,” Gina said. Michelle Westlund, the team’s project officer, supports the team in delivering
GRETEL KHAN targeted research, systems development & tailored project solutions and HR frameworks that solve the problems Pinnacle People Solutions’ clients face. Pinnacle People Solutions’ unique ability to provide regional businesses with education and training in the mental health sphere, focused on the workplace, empowered with delivered Jessica Pearson, a registered psychologist with a background in HR and an understanding of regional communities and workplaces. Policy making is, of necessity, informed by the statistics that come out of our regional economies. However, the statistics don’t necessarily pick up the realities of what is happening. For example, for redundancies to be recorded by the Federal Government, the number needs to be 15 or more - in one hit. Clearly, this excludes proper reporting of the impact of the drought on our regional businesses, their community and, more importantly, the human beings - the staff and their families who are directly impacted by even the smallest of downsizing programs. “What lies at the very heart of our business is our central mission to foster the growth and sustainability of regional communities. To this end, we participate in programs and projects at every level of government, not only do we keep our fingers on the pulse of what is happening, but we ensure that policy and decision makers are informed about the realities of what is happening in our regional
communities. “As a member of a number of boards, and as an employment facilitator for the Regional Employment Trials, Northern Inland Region, and through interactions with our clients in the regions, we are able to provide a more accurate picture of the employment environment and advocate for the needs of businesses, employers, employees and other stakeholders across the region. “We are a learning business, investing in strategic planning and professional development so we are better positioned to help regional businesses navigate the complexities of HR and their greatest asset, their people. Recently, we held our 2020 strategic planning workshop where we focused on really aligning our services to meet the future needs of our clients. “We will continue to support our clients and advocate for regional business, but we are also really focused on preparing our clients not just to recalibrate to survive whether they need to contract or consolidate - but to build the foundations for their future success. We are working with them to identify the people, products and services that present business opportunities and helping them design a workforce and supporting structures that set them up to thrive in the future. At the end of the day, we want each of our clients to know that we have their back and will support them through any challenge” Bronwyn concluded.
1300 856 231
admin@pinnaclepeoplesolutions.com.au pinnaclepeoplesolutions.com.au
We’ve got your back New England focus. 35
Coffs Coast focus 45
EMMA & SANDRA MAKINSON J & P CRANES (JENNY & PHIL) & COFFS CITY CRANES E M M A - O P E R AT I O N S M A N A G E R . S A N D R A - O F F I C E / A C C O U N T S PA Y R O L L M A N A G E R
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hat do you like about what you do, Sandra? I love being part of a family business. Our parents started this company in 2004. I was living overseas at the time, but wanted to move back to help them with the business. Being a part of building something makes you more emotionally invested. It becomes a passion, rather than a job. The work stays fresh, as there’s always
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something new we are asked to do. We have a great team, and it’s fantastic to be exposed to other women working in the industry. What do you like about what you do, Emma? I love everything I do, because our team makes it great! Without them we could not do what we do - they all work very hard, they work safely, are all multi-skilled, and we appreciate all that they do. And I love our clients! They keep us on our toes with some challenging (sometimes strange)
requests, but also the regular jobs that help our business run. They have stood by us year after year, and we are so grateful. I love that the job has such variety. Each day you are presented with new challenges that we have to find solutions for, from developing lift plans to finding the most efficient crane to carry out the works, all within a client’s budget. Personally, I love everything about what I do. However, I could not do any of it without my right arm, which is Sam Smith (our Supervisor). Without him, I would have no hope of time off to spend with my family! Last year I had the honour of being nominated into (CICA) The Crane Industry Council of Australia (NSW) Board. Being around so many knowledgeable industry professionals is an amazing chance to learn and take ideas back our business. What is unique about your business? Our business requires real skill and attention to detail. We are operating huge machines that can be moving incredibly heavy and expensive structures, and it is essential that in our project set up we address every possible scenario that could happen - and then ensure none of it doesn’t! Liaising with third parties for a job to happen is an important part of the job. We’re also unique in that we operate a business in a “not your everyday” female industry. It is a very male dominated industry with a great bunch of men (our team) being mothered every day at work and over protected by their managers (the she’ll be right attitude is no longer accepted in our workplace). Tell us about your own initiative and how this has been recognised recently?
Sam, Sandra and I are working closely with the NHVR and CICA to ensure the integration of the Local Governments running the crane permit system through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. We recently donated our cranes for a demonstration day at the Coffs Race Club with all the regional councils from Port Macquarie to Ballina, to demonstrate the variance in size cranes, levels of permits issued, and how crane pneumatic suspension is so very different to a normal truck suspension on bridge approach. For this, we were issued a Crane Industry Council of Australia Excellence Award 2019. Our company has also been recognised for our contribution to the Certificate 3 in Construction mobile crane operations traineeship participation, having four enrolled in 2019 from regional areas. Last November, we gave a presentation about the Traineeship program at the Annual CICA regional meeting in Newcastle. To date, our company has been featured in three consecutive issues for recognition in the industry. This is a great honour and is confirmation that the initiatives we have in place and the business we are building in this industry are making a difference. How important is it to provide locals with employment and training? Our company is very passionate about employing locals and providing training to existing employees and engaging the younger generation into our industry. Last year we enrolled four Trainees into the Crane Industry Council of Australia (NSW) division Certificate 3 mobile crane operations in conjunction with TAFE Annandale.
Sarah Speirs BUSINESS OWNER, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE ONE STEP CONVEYANCING SERVICES
How do you define your business' unique selling point? At One Step we understand everyone is busy. Life these days can be very demanding, and personal affairs can get pushed aside due to busy schedules and time constraints. One Step prides itself in removing this problem. Our aim for our clients, industry associates and stakeholders is to provide the most streamlined and stress-free experience to the most complex and intimidating aspects of conveyancing transactions. We use the most up-todate legal software technology and have developed our in house Electronic Conveyancing Service, meaning there is no need to leave your busy daily routine to attend appointments at our office. All you need is access to a computer, tablet or smartphone, enabling us to meet with you anywhere and at any time. I am also fully certified in electronic conveyancing (E-conveyancing), enabling electronic settlements through the Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) platform. What is the most interesting part of your industry / role? I love every part of conveyancing and feel truly grateful for being able to work and do something I love doing every day! From the first phone call of an excited purchaser, to a vendor moving on from their family home to retire, to settlement day when all the work comes together. Our team at One Step is very close knit, meaning we all work together to ensure all parties involved in a transaction are kept up to date and the best possible service is being provided. Buying or selling can be a very stressful period in someone’s life, so we are always here to alleviate that stress with our friendly and approachable manner. Forget the legal “jargon”; we speak your language, and you will be reassured by us that no question is ever a “dumb” question. What does 2020 hold for your business? I am very proud to announce that 2020 marks five years of One Step Conveyancing being established. Starting out initially back in 2015 in my small home office, we have grown quickly and are now based in our new office at Surfside Plaza, 2/58 Beach Street, Woolgoolga. We thrive on handling local clientele; however, we can also service clients living anywhere within Australia and around the world with their New South Wales conveyancing needs. Establishing One Step five years ago I had a vision to bring forward a fresh and innovative approach to conveyancing. We are proud to be supporters of several local sporting clubs throughout the Coffs Coast and we're always willing to support community-based initiatives. What is your best advice for doing business with other local businesses? Being born and living on the Coffs Coast my whole life, I understand the importance of building working relationships with local businesses within the community. Clear and open communication, with the ability to communicate on all levels, and always striving to act honestly and ethically is priceless when forming business partnerships. We pride ourselves on maintaining a respectful and trustworthy relationship with all industry professionals in the community. Phone: (02) 6654 1771 Address: Shop 2, 58 Beach Street, Woolgoolga Email: sarah@onestepconveyancing.com.au Web: www.onestepconveyancing.com.au Licence number: 05001089
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The other dimension is the joy of building a team of professionals who can laugh, cry and fist pump alongside you.
BARBARA HAIGH S I L K L A S E R C L I N I C PA R K B E AC H P L A Z A CLINIC OWNER / SKIN + LASER THERAPIST
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hat do you like about what you do? We help you be your best you, by being our best us! I like that we see results from the very first treatment and that our investment in medical grade equipment ensures we can create confident and smooth clients. I enjoy being a witness to the long term benefits of our dedicated skin programs, and I like how our hair reduction clients share their results. My role at SILK Laser Clinics sees me wearing many hats and carrying out a broad range of tasks. I thrive on our extensive range of modalities and working with a highly skilled and motivated team of young professionals. What are some of the unique aspects about your business? We continue to remain an Australian owned franchise and 100% locally owned, staffed and operated. We have succeeded
in creating a nurturing, warm and caring atmosphere with an “everyone is welcome” policy. Laser hair reduction, skin treatments and cosmetic injections are continuing to grow in terms of customer demand, driven by proven results. What is your background in this industry? My professional experience spans more than 28 years across beauty therapy, business mentoring, industry training, small business ownership and people leadership. I have remained true to industry and have observed the innovations as the beauty industry has evolved. I have traded in the wax pot for lasers, my precision hands for microdermabrasion and skin needling machines and added registered nurses to the team of technicians to offer cosmetic enhancements. Each team member brings an extensive and diverse skill set and experience to our clinic. What is the most interesting part of your
role? The joy in running a laser clinic lies in using latest technologies and proven medical grade procedures to help clients feel better about themselves. This can manifest in many ways, including acne-scar treatments, pigment reduction, unwanted hair removal, through to cosmetic enhancements. The other dimension is the joy of building a team of professionals who can laugh, cry and fist bump alongside you. While I still have plenty of stressful and frustrating days, I feel blessed to be working with a great team to serve Coffs Coast residents. Our targets and budgets are large, and they stretch our resources and capabilities; month after month we have been able to achieve them and become the regional benchmark in our network. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? I want to continue to invest in our community. I’m consistently looking at ways
of how the SILK brand can expand and grow, offering more local jobs and creating great relationships with our clients. We strive for outstanding results for our clients at SILK and are determined to remain the industry leader for our clientele. Our best us, for your best you! What is your best advice for doing business with other local businesses? Always shop local and keep the wheels of our local economy turning first. Our business is built on referrals and repeat business and mutual respect for each other’s strengths. Owning a business can often present challenges whilst juggling client expectations, but we can all offer support and encouragement and continue to ensure our Coffs Coast business prospers. How can people get in touch? Contact the clinic direct: 6651 1592, email us at coffsharbour@silklaser.com.au or check out our website: silklaser.com.au
LASER HAIR REMOVAL | COSMETIC INJECTIONS | SKIN TREATMENTS | SKINCARE
SILK Laser Clinics Coffs Harbour 48 Coffs Coast focus
Park Beach Plaza 6651 1592 silklaser.com.au
“People often really don’t know what innovative designs are available that will make their life simpler, and we do.
Rebecca Te Whatu R M K I T C H E N S + B AT H R O O M S / G R A N I T E T R A N S F O R M AT I O N S
What is distinctive about your business? We are a husband and wife team who actually really love working together! Our business, RM Kitchens + Bathrooms specialises in exceptional design and joinery, all built in our own factory here in Coffs Harbour. My husband Mana is a brilliant cabinet maker while I design, project manage and co-ordinate customer service, our skills really complement each other. What excites you about what you do? Pretty well everything! The design process can be so varied. Meeting new customers and working to combine all the functional and design elements, then their excitement as the 3D plan of their build comes to life. Then there’s negotiating the jigsaw puzzle of the joinery on our factory floor, which then becomes someone’s dream kitchen or bathroom. I even love the challenge of those days where everything seems to go pear-shaped, but you sort it out, and finish the day knowing that you have given it your best shot and you deserve that glass of wine. How did you get into this industry? Several years ago, I decided to have a career change from media and started working with a leading kitchen design company. I loved it and progressed to designer and project manager. After meeting my hunky husband Mana, we took a leap of faith and bought Granite Transformations together. Now it’s time to really make it all about us, Rebecca and Mana – so we are changing the name to RM Kitchens + Bathrooms. Does RM Kitchens + Bathrooms say it all or do you offer other services? Your kitchen is the central hub of the home and beautiful kitchens are what we are known for, but we do custom joinery in any area of your home. We have our own factory, so we are not limited, from small vanities and shaving cabinets to joinery for entire houses. We will design, create and project manage, and deliver something special. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? Launching RM Kitchens + Bathrooms is a very personal project for us, it’s about moving forward. We want to be the business that people turn to because we hone in on you “the client”, a premiere business that delivers great outcomes that are not just beautiful but really work well. For me personally this year is about growing and nurturing the great relationships I have with customers, businesses, family and friends. My life is good!
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ToughTITTIES A N O V E L I N I T I AT I V E
Tough Titties is a collective of hard working, risk taking, creative, powerful chicks - making awesome. We chatted with founder Emily Cooper, to find out more.
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here did Tough Titties start? Tough Titties is a Novel initiative that literally came to life over a salad sandwich. Our team have all spent the majority of their careers in Sydney and made the shift to the Coffs Coast to soak up a little more of that work-life balance. As sunny and glorious as it is, we were all missing the creative inspiration and ambitious buzz that’s oozing out of city life. As a creative studio, rather than complain, we thought, let’s do something about it! Our team had every skill set we needed to get this off the ground stat. What’s with the name? While munching on that sandwich, a sneaky glass of wine and a lot of laughter, we landed on Tough Titties. The name had to capture our cheeky, ballsy attitude and showcase that we aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty. We foster a can-do attitude that breeds positivity and a youthful vibrancy. What’s it all about? Tough Titties is a collective of hard working, risk taking, creative, powerful chicks - making awesome. Designed to inspire and empower women who have a fire in their souls. It’s a celebration of uniqueness and independence with a foundation of coming together and supporting each other. There are four major events each year - Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring - and smaller catch ups sprinkled throughout (Follow us on @toughtitties.co for 50 Coffs Coast focus
all the details). of excellence to their brand AND, yes, there will be something for the boys too - less about the Catch Ups. These are smaller gatherings goodie bags and more about the home brew. sprinkled throughout the year where we We want to celebrate the best of the Coffs collaborate with some of our amazing Coast and the incredible creativity that’s on collective. They are all about creating offer so we will be ever evolving. community, highlighting the creative skills of While we began this venture organically, some of our entrepreneurs and encouraging in our region, the uptake has been incredible people to explore and we can see both the something new. need and desire on a Events. These are the big global level to inspire and guns, literally designed to encourage women who make our collective feel DESIGNED TO INSPIRE have an entrepreneurial, amazing, both personally AND EMPOWER WOMEN ambitious spirit. This and professionally. It’s a WHO HAVE A FIRE IN THEIR means our access to welcoming, beautifully SOULS. IT’S A CELEBRATION partners, speakers, curated night where we OF UNIQUENESS AND sponsors and venues partner with the best INDEPENDENCE WITH has grown much further in the business from A FOUNDATION OF than we anticipated. It champagne to sparkly COMING TOGETHER AND feels like we are in the shoes. We’ve made the SUPPORTING EACH OTHER. right lane and the flow is events something we genuinely exciting. all seriously want to go The Team to. The hardest thing is Emily Cooper - Founder getting people to leave at the end of the night! Em is the creative lead, both left and right What’s happening in 2020? brained this lady is strategy minded and We’ve been utterly blown away with the creatively driven. She is the go-to person for response Tough Titties has received to date high level campaigns and has a knack for and even though we consider it to still be in extracting exactly what you’re after. She sees its infancy, 2020 is looking to be a big year! things holistically and pushes for creative We are in the process of securing fire cracker excellence. Fiercely independent, but an speakers who will bring their unique voice, incredible leader for the Tough Titties team. dynamic inspiration and all round good vibes to Ash Vos - Co-ordinator the table. We will be launching Workshops to She’s a total go-getter this one. Ash has come alongside and support startups and small a diverse skill set but specialises in all things businesses who want to ingest a greater level
brand; what’s working, what’s not, how to grow, how to market. She lives and breathes what makes a brand tick. Ash is always behind the scenes, keeping all the ducks in a row. Amber Hannaford - Designer Amber is actually superwoman in the flesh. An enormous heart that is matched equally with her sheer design genius. Her creativity, artistic flare and eye for detail is incredible - she picks up things most would miss. Amber forges the way, all things design on our projects. And yes, there are some dudes! Dan Cooper - Director If storytelling is your jam, this guy’s your man. His cinematic eye, creativity and perfectionism are second to none. His incredible work, commitment and drive are highly admired in our team - “that’s why they call him Biggy Poppa”. Dan is the master of pushing creative ideas into motion and leads all things production. Gordon Baker Motion Editor Our token cool guy, Gordon keeps us all on our toes with what’s hip and happening. Gordon’s unique style and design flair have given him a reputation for fresh ideas and creative excellence. Gordon looks after all things motion. To get involved or join the collective, head to toughtitties.co And follow us on social for the latest @toughtitties.co
NINA BOWDEN Think H I B B A R D S Over 85% of people inquiring to own their own home with Hibbards are Women. Women are the doers, the influencers, the Mothers (even to those who are not their own) and arguably a driving force behind the continual success of businesses and society - to say the least. Women are so highly valued within this company and we attribute our success at Hibbards to the collaboration between the amazing Women and Men we have on staff. Here are just some of our awesome team at Hibbards working in Head office, Coffs Harbour: Kath Sparke: with Hibbards for 20 years! Together with her daughter Keryn Sparke they are the cracking team that run the conveyancing department. Tash Stengert: Pre-Construction Manager; managing the work leading up to the construction of each home. Kelly Frewen: Sales Administration Manager.
An integral part of driving each sale through to settlement across all our regions; assists with special projects and acquisitions. Karen Lauder: Accounts Manager, with Rachael Newman: accounts receivable; these ladies are the heart of the Accounts Department. Trisha Barry and Fiona Whalan: the clever duo forming a fundamental part of our estimating team. Kim Purcell: Service Consultant; running our After-Sales Service Department. Taking care of current clients, past clients, and assists property managers for our investor clients. Tamzin Shotbolt: Promotion; Marketing; PR and Media. Responsible for bringing in new business and making sure everyone in all our regions knows who we are. This is big business. And we’re changing lives by creating opportunities for people to fulfill their dream of home ownership.
BOWDEN CONCRETE A C C O U N T S / A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
What do you like about what you do? Apart from being in business with my best friend, I have always had a passion for property and construction. Having worked in real estate for over a decade, I had to make a difficult decision to make the move to work full-time for the family business, but I am happy to say that I haven’t looked back! What is unique about your business? We are a husband and wife duo, born and raised on the Coffs Coast. Together we combine an abundance of construction and building experience and a wealth of local property knowledge. We offer a diverse range of specialised concreting services, with our main focus on delivering the highest standard of workmanship on schedule and on budget plus always striving to be the friendliest and
cleanest bunch of concreters in the area! Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? I think my husband would say my business and personal goal should be try to not be so bossy … ha ha! But honestly, I have hopes and goals that 2020 will be another successful year for Bowden Concrete, where we continue to expand and evolve within the industry. Personally, I think sometimes we can put too much pressure on attaining “big” goals - so this year I want to focus on the “small” things like phoning friends I haven’t spoken to in a while, or making more time for a cuppa with hubby. Really, it’s these things that matter the most!
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FRESH DENTAL CARE WITH BUSINESS MANAGER KIRSTY CHRISTENSEN
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hat is your involvement in mentoring your team? I play a big part in mentoring the team. HR consumes a large part of my role, and we are continually improving and striving to be better at what we do each day. Having a happy and sound team is ideal, and it takes a lot of effort to maintain this in a team of 68! We are proud to have a strong dental assistant and reception team; the majority started with us with no dental experience and have been taken through our on boarding program to learn the skills they require. Some of our support team have continued further study (Certificates or Diplomas) in the dental industry and some have continued with their newfound passion to go on to study Bachelor of Dentistry or Oral Health Science. To lead young people to grow and develop, take hold of their futures, have a desire to succeed and make a difference is a huge achievement. When you have someone come back to work with you as a dentist or hygienist, or they aspire to take over your role - to me
this is the best compliment I could receive. guarantee you, you haven’t! Leaders are required Being a leader today has taken on a People will only engage with you if they to provide support in a greater scope than what it used to. In respect you as a manager or as a leader. Building whole new capacity, and completing courses such today’s modern working force it is common a respectful relationship (if you don’t already have as Mental Health First to find that you’re a mentor in someone’s one) is the first step to engagement. The best Aid assist in providing professional and personal life, finding that thing you can do is to just be you; if you cannot you with extra tools. the “leave your personal life at home” truly be you, how can people trust you? mentality no longer exists. Leaders are The second step is to recognise the positive required to provide support in a whole new things others bring to the team and what they capacity, and completing courses such as have to offer. Truly appreciate each person you Mental Health First Aid assist in providing you with extra tools. work with for who they are and the value that each person What tips do you have for team engagement? brings to your team. Creating a fun and inspired workplace was my top priority “Employee engagement is about feeling connected, when I stepped into my role as the Business Manager for appreciated, engaged, and happy and having the ability to grow. Fresh Dental Care - to build a team that have fun at work, If you can engage your employees and improve the workplace have opportunity to grow, are challenged and are appreciated. culture, then you will improve the experience that your customers This is not an easy task and is one that you work on endlessly, have when they interact with your business. If you look after your even when you think you have achieved your outcome - I can team, they will look after your business.”
Bulk billing CDBS available Family-friendly practice Extended opening hours Saturday availability
(Coffs Harbour & Macksville)
Children’s therapist PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & STAFF TRAINING FRESH DENTAL
2019
Grafton
Cnr Queen & Victoria Streets
6643 2225
Coffs Harbour
Suite 1, 252 Harbour Drive
6651 1350
freshdentalcare.com.au 52 Coffs Coast focus
Urunga
46 Bonville Street
6655 5800
Macksville
1 Princess Street
6568 1335
/freshdentalcare.com.au
T KYMBERLEI GOODACRE C O F FS L AW C O . P R I N C I PA L S O L I C I TO R
ell us what drew you to the legal profession. There were so many times in my life I was told, “You’d make a good lawyer”. I listened! I was working in the paralegal profession while studying psychology and communications, and the lawyers and barristers I worked with kept telling me my talents were being wasted; so I took their advice and found a career I love, being admitted in 2006 and in 2014 opening my own legal practice - Coffs Law Co. Coffs Law Co offers all facets legal service, but family law is a specialty. Is this an area you’re passionate about? In my personal life I’m very child focused, and in my business it’s no different. To me, kids are the most important piece of the family law puzzle. Early in my career, I saw the grief, anger and loss impacting the kids of separating parents and the struggles parents had because they didn’t have the tools to co-operatively co-parent. I had a strong desire to assist separating parents provide better outcomes for their kids. What sets you apart as a family lawyer? Apart from extensive experience and passion, I help families understand the family law process in everyday language in a relaxed and contemporary office. I’m all about making my clients feel relaxed and safe. There’s also a good chance we can trade stories, because I’ve been there and done that. I have two kids to two different fathers and I’m twice divorced; which has given me insight about what it’s like for
my clients and the sensitivity and empathy needed to support them. I also have two ears and one mouth and I use them in that ratio. I hear my clients and then strongly advocate for them. I use my words wisely based on all the information I have received. I also understand how important it is to work actively with you to resolve your issues confidently and effectively for your individual family’s circumstances. Court should be a last resort, and all parties should walk away feeling they got what they needed. Your focus is on family law, but you do much more. Tell us what other services Coffs Law Co offers? While I’m passionate about family law, I’m qualified and experienced in estate planning and administration, conveyancing - utilising the new electronic conveyancing platform PEXA - and providing independent legal advice for loans, guarantees, leases and employment contracts. Tell us how Coffs Law Co expanded in 2019? Adam Taylor is the newest lawyer to join Coffs Law Co. Adam delivers service to clients with his calm, educated manner. He has a diverse background and is ready and willing to assist parents through separation and their property disputes. Is it important to you that Coffs Law Co services and supports locals? Coffs is a small town and helping separated families be able to navigate a personal dispute in a tight knit community is our specialty.
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GLENDA HALLIWELL The Travel Centre was established in Coffs Harbour in 1949 and has been owned and operated by Glenda Halliwell since 1992. Glenda heads up a dynamic team of travel experts who have travelled the globe and share a wealth of real travel experiences. We sat down with Glenda, to find out more …
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lenda, tell us about your role at the Travel Centre. Not only am I the owner and manager, I am also one of the “deck-hands”, which means I carry my own sales workload. Obviously, this dual role presents many challenges. On the one hand I need to think strategically about the business’ future, while managing the day to day in the office. Top priority is my staff … for them to function to capacity means their needs must be considered and catered for. I also like to keep well informed regarding the nuances of the industry and, importantly, ensure that we are providing the best possible service and product to our clients. I believe that first-hand experience and reliable information is the key when selling travel. Obviously, this all keeps me on the go and I suppose in some sense, quite time-poor. However, the satisfaction of delivering a highquality seamless travel experience to our clients is well worth the effort. What do you like about what you do? Well to start with, I love to travel myself and also love to learn about the world. The richness that comes from seeing other cultures, seeing historic places, meeting people from all around the world is food and drink to me. I’m sure that this job was made for me! Sharing my passion for travel with seasoned travellers, as well as introducing the pleasures and excitement to the next generation of travellers, really is an amazing buzz. The Travel Centre team bring enormous fun and joy to those who book holidays through us. How
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could you not get off on that! What is unique about your business? Undoubtably the most unique aspect is that Travel Centre is the oldest continuously operating travel agency between Sydney and Brisbane. Add to that, the team have been together for many years (our newest recruit joined us eight years ago and the longest started 18 years ago.) Some of the other special points of difference is our specialisation in the cruise market, which we started 13 years ago. In this time the cruise industry has grown exponentially, and the business has followed suit. Tell us about the events you host throughout the year. The team and I all love a little socialising! We host several VIP client events each year. Also, we host the biggest Travel and Cruise Expo on the North Coast; this year the expo is Saturday 30th May. For anyone thinking of travel, our expo is a must. What is the most interesting part of your role? Determining where the growth in the travel industry is most likely to occur and of course, where it will drop off has to be number one. I wouldn’t be alone in wishing I had a crystal ball on that front! The next interesting part is finding the courage to act on those determinations. I think that in any area of sales, having belief in your product and knowing it well is essential if one is to offer genuine advice and information to people. Learning about what the world has to offer really is neverending and certainly interesting to me. Then
tailoring and shaping As record numbers Sharing my passion for travel an experience for of travellers take to the with seasoned travellers, as people who come to skies, the rivers and the well as introducing the me for advice is another seas - with more ships, pleasures and excitement factor altogether. It’s more flights and less to the next generation of challenging to make it legroom than ever - you travellers, really is an work for each individual, should never travel amazing buzz. The Travel but I never shy away without a professional Centre team bring enormous from a challenge! travel advisor behind fun and joy to those who book Why is experience so you. holidays through us. important in advising As travel professionals all things travel? we ensure that you are Clients come to me a person, not a number. looking for information We are committed to our they can rely on, and we help to work out clients' happiness and satisfaction - we want what they need to turn their travel ideas into to make sure each and every trip is packed full reality. For some people travel is a regular of positive lifelong memories. We are with you event; for others it is a trip of a lifetime or a before, during and after your trip - kind of like dream come true experience. No matter which "for better or for worse”. camp a client is from, it is essential that the If things go wrong, which are often outside travel memories are special and the experience anyone’s control, it can be overwhelming for is stress-free. With a good bank of information the traveller. The comfort of knowing you can and well-rounded experience, you have a call and have us take care of re-arranging your holiday is a huge comfort. Travel professionals chance to pull this off. Without it, no hope! have the access and knowledge to help speed I have spoken a lot about the positive aspect your re-accommodation and act as your of travel and holidaying; however, things can and do come unstuck from time to time. When advocate when there are problems. As professionals we have contacts and that does happen, your clients need you as insider information in many places and know their life-line to help them navigate their way the inside out of a cruise ship deck plan. We through the crisis. People want and need have all the information about visas at our reassurance; they need reliable information fingertips. We can recommend restaurants, and they often need you to take care of things sightseeing, shopping and where or where not for them. That’s the experience I’m talking to go. about. We do the work; you just pack and go! Why use a reputable travel agent when Thanks Glenda. planning any overseas travel, as opposed to doing it yourself?
COFFS COAST COSMEDICS
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e are incredibly grateful to be able to live and work on the beautiful Coffs Coast. Coffs Harbour has been home for Dr Rouan Lerm now for the last 20 years, and Lisa has the pleasure of being able to call herself a “local”, having grown up and residing here most of her life. We hope the Coffs studio and Woolgoolga clinic will continue to offer our Medical and Aesthetic services for many years to come. Dr Rouan Lerm is a local trusted, and much loved GP, providing care and advice to patients and clients for more than 20 years. Lisa Engel is a Registered Nurse Cosmetic Injector with over six years’ experience in cosmetic medical treatments; her philosophy is nurturing, caring and gentle. Together we make up the team of Coffs Coast Cosmedics. Coffs Coast Cosmedics celebrates its 10th year in business on the Coffs Coast in 2020.
This is a milestone that we are both humble and incredibly excited about. Our ethos at Coffs Coast Ten years is a great achievement for Cosmedics is to provide beautiful, natural looking any small business, and we would results that restore, like to take the opportunity to thank enhance and refresh the our fabulous loyal clients. Thank you appearance. for a great 10 years and we hope, - so rewarding. many more to come. Thank you all It is with great pride for the recommendations and praise that we announce a you continue to bestow on us. fresh look for Coffs Our ethos at Coffs Coast Cosmedics is to Coast Cosmedics; after 10 years we thought we provide beautiful, natural looking results that might have a little freshen up too! So thanks restore, enhance and refresh the appearance - a to the overwhelming talent of local graphic fresh look that gives confidence and a boost to designer Sam Rowe from Co-Author, we unveil the self esteem. This is why we are so passionour exciting new brand. The look is artistic, ate about our work; it changes lives! The best confident, elegant, technical yet minimal, to repart of our day is the follow up consultation flect our natural style of work, passion and high - the Before and After Reveal is so exciting and clinical standards. The concept behind the new can be very emotional for everyone involved; brand is one of metaphorical journey as seen it is not uncommon to see tears of joy! Giving in the continuous line drawings - a pathway of people their confidence back is such a privilege renewal. The colour palette, shades of emerald
green, enforces a sense of positivity, growth and renewed energy … possibly a touch of envy too! Our work is our art. It is the art of precise science based technique, individual face to face assessment, personalised treatment plans, specific personal product choice, clinical safety precautions, ongoing education and training and most importantly, an artistic eye for detail. We love our work, adore our clients and are staunch ambassadors of individual and age appropriate aesthetic medical treatments. Subtle, beautiful and natural results that are not obvious, but give you a spring in your step and a cheeky, knowing smile.
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JODI WOOD C E O
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hat is your employment background? I have worked at Key Employment (KE) my entire adult life. When I was studying my degree in psychology, I worked casually on reception. When I finished my degree, I started work fulltime as an employment consultant. I became a fully registered psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) whilst working at KE, and I worked for three years in this role providing all assessment and counselling services to all clients. In 2010 I was promoted to Manager of Client Services and acted in this role for 12 months, before again being promoted to DES Manager, a role which saw me take over responsibility for managing all business contracts in three employment regions, across all sites. In the 14 years I have been at the company I have seen KE grow from a staff of eight to 61, with our client base going from 200 to over 1,500. I have seen KE’s business plan change and evolve dramatically, and I have played an instrumental role in assisting to establish several other business streams, including an RTO, Youth Service and now NDIS services. Despite moving further and further away from direct client contact as I have progressed into management, I remain passionate about helping people. I am still a registered psychologist and continue to provide free assessment and counselling services to young people in our youth programs. In 2019 I became the CEO of KE. I now manage all client services, business streams and staff, reporting directly to the Executive Director and Board of Management. After 14 years I still enjoy my work every day and can honestly say I love my job. What are your career highlights and milestones? There have been many milestones in my career, including the design and implementation of two of the most successful youth programs in Australia - KIKASS, which saw over 200 young people gain full-time 56 Coffs Coast focus
apprenticeships in 2011 - 2012 and KAPOW, which has seen over 700 significantly disadvantaged and disengaged young people complete an accredited qualification. Opening a self-funded youth hub was also a major highlight for me, as was winning the Regional Young Business Executive of the Year in 2017. But it is not these achievements that have defined my career. It is the many hundreds of moments and stories of triumph, success and sometimes heartbreak of the people with disability I have assisted that have truly defined my career. I still get goose bumps when a client is placed into employment. Every job placement KE makes is a milestone in my career and is so much more important than any ounce of personal success I have achieved. The clients I work with are some of the most resilient, strong, hardworking people that I have ever had the privilege to meet. Knowing that I have played some part in giving many of these people the opportunity to work; earn a wage; have work mates; and have a purpose is my greatest career achievement. What is your biggest challenge as a leader, and how do you overcome it? I have faced many challenges in my career, all of which have taught me invaluable lessons and ultimately made me a stronger leader. My biggest challenge though, is probably recruitment. I value my staff above all else, so finding the right people is extremely important to me. There are high turnover rates in the employment services industry, so keeping a strong team can be difficult. I’ve certainly learnt a lot about recruitment since becoming a leader at KE. It’s been important finding staff that don’t just match the job description, but match the values and ethics of the company. Experience and qualifications are important, but ultimately hiring people with passion, strong work ethic with the ability to be flexible and a strong sense of community will trump that any day. Our current team is the strongest it has ever been, with almost no staff turnover in the last 12 months. What do you do in your spare time? I am President of my soccer club - Coffs
City United FC and by my three beautiful The clients I work with are volunteer a lot of my children. some of the most resilient, strong, spare time assisting You clearly love hardworking people that I have the club in whatever what you do. Tell us ever had the privilege to meet. way it needs. I go to why? Knowing that I have played some the gym all the time, I am extremely part in giving many of these people enjoy playing many passionate about the the opportunity to work; earn a sports and love to work that we do at wage; have work mates and have a purpose is my greatest career plan and organise Key Employment. achievement events (kids’ birthday Whilst most of my parties and girls’ job focuses on our weekends are my revenue, outcomes speciality). Mostly and KPIs, I always though, I spend all ensure that no matter my free time with my family; my husband what, the individuals we are here to assist Adam and three beautiful kids Charlie (11), are the focus of everything we do. Yes, we Riley (9) and Ivy (2). Life is always hectic, but need results and income to stay in business never boring. but ultimately if it’s not what’s best for the Who inspires you? individual, then it doesn’t happen at KE. I am inspired to be a better leader by When the chips are down and the pressure my amazing hard working team at Key is on to perform, I always remember KE’s Employment. I am inspired to be a strong overall mission and the individual lives we female in business by all the amazing women help change. There is no better feeling than in my life, but especially my mum. I am that. I am so lucky to work for such a great inspired to love harder and laugh more often company, and I can’t wait to lead it into the by my soulmate and husband Adam, and I future. am inspired to be a better human every day Thanks Jodi.
K AREN KYBURZ
My business goal this year is to build my product knowledge and find more innovative products to pass on to the client.
SAWTELL KITCHENS CLIENT LIASISON, DESIGN & SALES
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hat do you like about what you do? The first initial meeting with the client is the best; this is one of the most
exciting times, when all the creative juices get going and the dreams and ideas begin to flow.
What are some of the unique aspects about your business?
and designs and bringing them all together. Secretly, I think this is how I got the job.
measure and quote.
I love that there are no rules; there are so many products out there in the kitchen world, which allows for so much creativity. Sawtell Kitchens is unique in the way we listen to the clients’ wishes to help create their dream kitchen design, whether that be design functionality, aesthetics, blending a renovation or a brand new build. Each and every kitchen should be unique to the client.
What is the most interesting part of the role?
business with other local businesses? in the local area, I encourage people and
What is your background in the industry?
Guiding the clients who walk through the door thinking they don’t know anything about colour, design, textures or set out; I enjoy the process of bouncing ideas and dreams off clientele and helping pull it all together. Most people know what they like and don’t like; it’s a matter of personal choice, with a little bit of encouragement.
I have worked as a commercial chef on and off for the past 26 years, establishing commercial restaurants and food outlets in the area. It’s imperative that a kitchen is designed to flow for productivity and functionality - the same for a home kitchen. I have built and renovated several houses using Sawtell Kitchens. I love researching products
My business goal this year is to build my product knowledge and find more innovative products to pass on to the client. Another big goal is to build the social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and the Sawtell Kitchens website, uploading the exciting, beautiful and unique kitchens we have built and to inspire you to call us for your free
What is the best advice for doing Being a previous small business owner retailers to shop from locals, advertise through local channels, pass business or customers on to other local business, support local charities and create good healthy competition. Sawtell Kitchens has been servicing the Coffs Coast for over 38 years doing all of the above but most importantly, looking after our clients with exceptional quality built kitchens and outstanding customer service. People can contact us: Phone: 6653 3205 Email: sales@sawtellkitchens.com.au Instagram: sawtell_kitchens
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NICOLE DONOVAN Nicole Donovan from the Surf Club Restaurant & Bar is a very special friend of ours who has a big heart for the local community, and she is and always has been a true inspiration for all women, both personally and professionally ...
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ow do you define your business' unique selling point? We are a family run business and have been operating in the Coffs Harbour Surf Club for 11+ years. Over this time we have formed many long term relationships, giving us the opportunity to create and host memorable events for all generations of families (baby showers to 90th birthday parties). We also hold a unique partnership with the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, creating income and raising funds to help with the important job of saving lives on the beach. What is the most interesting part of your industry / role? The hugely diverse and amazing people we get the pleasure of meeting every day, from a 100 year old local birthday girl to families visiting for lunch from France. I can be organising a corporate fundraiser, a government conference, a baby shower and a beautiful wedding reception during the one day. At present my Restaurant Manager, Jason and I are working on around 60 separate events coming up in the next year. New events come in every day. We are a restaurant, but just as importantly, we are an events centre. What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? Yes, hospitality is my passion, whether at work, at home or while teaching yoga or dance. I am a “people person” and feel honoured to be part of the story of people’s lives. I find humans endlessly fascinating and love to learn something from each and every one. I’m also very passionate about good food and the ceremony of sitting down to share love at the table. Do you know you get a dopamine release from sharing this time of
celebration with friends and family? I believe we all need to do this more, whether out or at home. Food is connection. Food is love! When it comes to networking, what's your top tip for success? I’ve been told I’m a natural networker, and I AM A ‘PEOPLE PERSON’ I suppose it’s because I AND FEEL HONOURED am genuinely interested TO BE PART OF THE in people and make STORY OF PEOPLE’S a real effort to listen LIVES. I FIND HUMANS and learn from them. ENDLESSLY FASCINATING You can’t take it too AND LOVE TO LEARN seriously or it doesn’t There are many, many SOMETHING FROM EACH work; people can tell people who inspire AND EVERY ONE. if you’re faking it! Just me daily! However, be yourself, really. And my Ashtanga yoga don’t rely on Facebook teacher of years and or Linkedin. That’s not years, Bec Gilby, challenges me to better “real” networking. Face to face is way more myself on the yoga mat and in life. Yoga is my effective. medicine: physically, spiritually, energetically Do you have any changes planned for and emotionally. I also have my mentor, Ron 2020 within your business? If so, what Vagg, who is my strength in business, as well are they and how will they benefit your as my saviour. He brings me back down to customers? earth and has helped me cope with the not so The most exciting thing that has happened nice aspects of business and has turned into a already this year was engaging my Executive friend for life. I don’t know where I would be Assistant, Damien. He is helping take us to without his glorious guidance. Namaste Ron! a new level, a very steep learning curve for You are a bloody genius. There is also Lynda me, considering the changes in how we do Marshall, my life coach, who has inspired me business (online) compared to a few years to evolve on every level. ago. After 11 years our systems needed Do you have a goal for this year for renewing, and he has helped orchestrate yourself, personally or in business? this magnificently! He has injected life into Personally I will continue to study, practice our business by helping us implement new and teach yoga and Groove dance. Businessprocesses and procedures. Our customers, wise, I want to share my business knowledge suppliers, the Surf Club and our team, by teaching hospitality and helping others will benefit by all the ways we can better grow. I also want to continue mentoring a communicate and service them. Who has been your biggest inspiration? young local entrepreneur and continue to raise
funds for various causes. Giving back feels good! What is your best advice for doing business with other local businesses? Don’t be afraid to negotiate with them if you find something cheaper online or out of town. I’ve found most local businesses will go out of their way to get you to spend with them. Buy local where possible. Also, being understanding that many small businesses in Coffs Harbour are run by sole traders or small companies, and that giving them your business could make or break them. Top tips for customer retention? Asking for feedback and not being defensive when receiving a complaint. Using it as a tool for growth. Remembering people’s names and being genuinely interested and listening when having conversations. Taking the time to do things properly and not rushing, even though you might think it will save money. Quality over quantity is a better business strategy for longevity, although you need the quantity to be successful once the quality and your reputation is established. Thanks Nic. Coffs Coast focus 59
The powerhouse conference, sales and functions teams
T A M M I E Diener
AT PA C I F I C B AY R E S O R T A N D B O N V I L L E G O L F R E S O R T
I N S P I R AT I O N S PA I N T C O F F S H A R B O U R
Growing Coffs Harbour’s conferencing and events business is something that Tanya Watts is truly passionate about. Recently appointed to the newly created role of Group Business Development Manager, Tanya is the newest addition to a team of local female professionals who are setting a new benchmark for business events at Pacific Bay Resort and Bonville Golf Resort.
Pacific Bay Resort in particular has seen the
Attention to growing not only opportunities for the resort properties but also taking a lead in bettering the product and experience for delegates lies at the epicentre of the group’s strategy. “Conferences & Events on the Coffs Coast is a market that is destined for significant growth. We’re focussed on setting high standards, offering a modern refreshed product and strive to enhance customer experiences” says Tanya
area completes the picture. The Bayside Green
refreshment of its main conference centre, new paint, new flooring and styling in addition to a purpose-built bar in the Island Courtyard area – restoring it to its former glory. These major updates compliment the ongoing room refurbishment program at the property. Newly created food and beverage offerings together with a new vision for activating the Bayside Green has been beautifully styled for a host of stand-out recent cocktail events. The team is working closely with Destination North Coast in partnership with the business events program which is aimed at shining a spotlight on the North Coast as the perfect regional conferencing destination.
MEETINGS & EVENTS | GALA DINNERS | NETWORKING | ACCOMMODATION | SPORTING GROUPS
Conference, Create, Connect
The North Coast’s most comprehensive conference and events centre
www.pacificbayresort.com.au sales@pacificbayresort.com.au | (02) 6659 7000 60 Coffs Coast focus
What is the most interesting part of your industry / role? The most interesting part of our industry is that no two customers are the same. Everyone has their own particular style and taste that they want to bring into their projects, and that’s what we love. Do you have any changes planned for 2020 within your business? If so, what are they and how will they benefit your customers? For 2020 we have a big focus on learning about what the customer really needs. This will benefit them, as there are a lot of times they come into the store thinking they know exactly what they want, where the majority of the time it isn’t the best product for their project. With our team talking to the customers about their project, we are better able to provide products they need.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? In the business world I would say I have two people, the first being my husband Mark. He has more than impressed me with his capability of running and growing our business. To see it firsthand has been amazing. The second person would be my previous employer, Peter Game (Tritech Solutions). I worked for Peter for over 10 years, and I learnt a lot of things about business which I truly believe has helped me in the running of our business. What is your best advice for doing business with other local businesses? Supporting locally owned businesses should be the only way to go. Best advice is to show the passion for your job, and in return the other local business will show theirs.
Anna Manz O P E R AT I O N S & T R A I N I N G A D M I N I S T R AT O R M E N AT W O R K
Please introduce yourself and your business. Men At Work is a locally owned and family operated company that specialises in Traffic Services, Labour Hire and Training and Assessment. We take pride in providing the best service possible in all areas of the business and ensuring our clients walk away feeling satisfied. What is your business vision for 2020? 2020 is an exciting year ahead for our Registered Training Organisation. We have just finished building our brand-new training facility here in Coffs Harbour to accommodate our everexpanding student intake. While we have a rather large scope of delivery, we are constantly out of the office, consulting with industry and researching the market, asking clients what they want to see from us. Our focus is looking after our current clients by asking them what we can do to make their experience with Men At Work an even better one. We strive to be the one stop shop for all your traffic, labour and training needs. How does your business adapt to change? We’re responsive. For example, discussions with key clients uncovered a gap in the market for certain courses, that has led to additional courses being added to scope. One of these is a High-Risk Work Course for Elevating Work Platform - boom type 11 metres or more. Our first course will be starting mid-March, right here in Coffs Harbour! Also, keep your eyes peeled on our website throughout 2020; Men At Work will be releasing more courses as the year progresses. What are your greatest strengths in business? Relationships. I pride myself on making strong relationships with key stakeholders, students, trainers and colleagues - when you have strong relationships and exceptional networking abilities, the customer walks away happy. If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? I could sit here and be responsible and answer with things like food, bills, essentials … but realistically, and anyone who knows me will agree to this - I’d probably buy a six pack. 8/21 Industrial Drive, Coffs Harbour. T: (02) 5606 2499 W: www.menatwork.net.au
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K I M Connolly T I N Y H A B I TAT H O M E S
Tiny houses are good for the Australian economy as one solution to our lack of affordable housing and also to create an income stream for homeowners. I provide an affordable housing option for people, especially older single women who are ending up homeless because they are required to use their small superannuation funds or saved money on high rents. When that money is gone, they’re on a 10 to 13 year waiting list for a community house. My passion is helping old and young people create secure housing for the rest of their lives, or to build an income stream. All I have to do is say two words to get attention - tiny houses! Everyone loves them, even if they never plan on living in one.
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I’ve been using this to draw attention to our lack of affordable housing. I’m always looking for the best and lightest materials that will save labour costs and bring my sale prices down. The comments I get from people who know tiny houses and the industry say that my finishes are exceptional. My inspiration was frustration. I got tired of talking about the problem and decided to create an answer. This year I plan to treble my output of homes and as the president of ATHA (Australian Tiny House Association) to legitimise tiny houses. We are working to create standards, so tiny homes are built to certain regulations. I try to source materials locally. Also, be a person of your word. If you say you’ll show up, then be there. I love to work with the client.
LISA DANIEL THE DESIGN CUPBOARD
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ow do you define your who have similar ethics as yourself. Be honest business’ unique selling and trustworthy, deliver what you promise, point? learn how to keep a secret, and continue on, if I listen! And I think! I things get tough. listen to what my clients say, Do you have any changes planned for 2020 so that the design concept within your business? If so, what are they has their thoughts represented, that it is what and how will they benefit your customers? they are actually after, and what they need to I’m not too sure what this year holds. Last portray. year three other ladies and I put on the event I ask the question, does the finished design BOTANICA, which took a lot of heart and reflect my client’s brand, does it impact on time. This year, I am working closely with their market, and does it generate more McGrath Real Estate as their stylist/designer, business for them? And I think, by seeking no doubt benefiting both their clients, and our inspiration from a businesses. I’m also on variety of art forms the lookout for another - fashion, film, creative project to take photography and what on outside my full-time nature has to offer. I work in interior design. I love what I do, and being ‘a then develop my design Who has been your creative’ means that what’s in by injecting my ideas biggest inspiration? my head needs to come out. incorporating colour, My father, an artist, I can’t think of any person finishes and innovation. was integral to my involved in the arts who would be content to keep on What is the most change of career from delivering the same thing. interesting part of food and restaurant your industry / role? owner (in Melbourne) Being creative! No to interior design. My project is the same husband Elliot (who and if they are, they is a filmmaker and shouldn’t be! photographer) has pushed me constantly to I love what I do, and being “a creative” achieve, and also my daughter Eden, who has means that what’s in my head needs to come my heart, and sees the world as I see my art. out. I can’t think of any person involved in Do you have a goal this year for yourself, the arts who would be content to keep on personally or in business? delivering the same thing. My aim is for my business to grow bigger What are you passionate about, and is and better. I have now been in Coffs Harbour your passion also your work? for four years, and I’m aware there are still a Yes, my work is my passion. And I just love lot of people and businesses that don’t know to paint and I love to create. me and my work. I’m always the one being coerced to help What is your best advice for doing family and friends with fashion choices and business with other local businesses? fitting out wardrobes. I also enjoy working Make the relationship an enjoyable one. with others on large community-based projects Open communication, and don’t do to people within the arts. what you don’t want done back to yourself. When it comes to networking, what’s your Top tips for customer retention? top tip for success? Relationships, and basically doing a damn Be yourself, be professional, but have a good job. laugh and enjoy. It’s great to work with people Thanks Lisa.
client money, manage a database to ensure you connect clients to their dream home, have knowledge of finance and investing, be a negotiation expert and have the determination to keep getting back up after being treated like a real estate agent.
every client is different and are dealing with different life situations and stresses when selling. I love the opportunity to be agile and work out what people need and when. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business?
What is your background in this industry?
AMANDA LANGLANDS M CG R AT H E S TAT E A G E N T S COFFS HARBOUR L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E A G E N T
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hat do you like about what you do?
Helping people move from one stage of their life to the next. Selling property is about so much more than offering houses for sale; it is a life transition and a huge upheaval in life. It can be scary, and people need to work with someone they can trust to
have their best interests at heart. What are some of the unique aspects about your business? In real estate you need to wear many hats. You need to sell yourself every day to be selected as someone’s agent, understand the physiology of your client’s circumstances, understand legal contracts, create and design a marketing program, understand building and potential hazards that could cost your
I always have goals both personally and professionally. My personal goals are focused I have worked in real estate for nearly on family, personal fitness 20 years, starting as a and happiness. My business receptionist at Coffs goals are very simple this Harbour Plaza real estate year, and that is to enjoy my before the internet had job and do it well. I am loving My personal goals are any influence on real being part of McGrath Estate focused on family, personal estate - back when agents and know the reach fitness and happiness, my buyers used to come look business goals are very this company has is going simple this year and that in your office window to assist me in providing the is to enjoy my job and do it and photography had to best service and presenting well. be taken to the camera my sellers with the best shop to be developed. I buyers. worked my way through What is your best advice the ranks, performing at for doing business with other local high levels nationally, then owned my own businesses? real estate business, mentoring a team whom Be true to your word. If you say you are I very much respected and enjoyed watching going to do something, make sure you do it, grow. I decided to sell my business at the end and when you said you would. Repeat and of 2019 to take up the role again that I love referral business is developed on trust, and most - listing and selling properties, looking these two small things will shift your business after my clients at the face level. massively. What is the most interesting part of your role?
How can people get in touch?
Every transaction is different, and you never know what to expect. That is because
Amanda Langlands 0408 561 682 amandalanglands@mcgrath.com.au
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BROOKE WICKS
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BODYBYBROOKE NUTRITION & TRAINING COACHING / OWNER
hat do you like about what you do? My business is my passion. I wake up every day and genuinely enjoy what I do, which is helping people to become comfortable and confident in their own skin and learning to be the best version of themselves, no matter what stage of life they are in. I educate for long term results, not just a quick fix, through the process of flexible dieting. The issue with most “diets” is the fact that they are not sustainable long term and therefore, people tend to get results, but go back to where they started very quickly. Through the platform of Instagram, I post daily content, which I write in a straightforward, understandable manner. If I can reach just one person and help them “click”, I see that as succeeding, hence why I continue to do write educational posts daily. What are some of the unique aspects about your business? My business is now solely based online through the BBB app, check ins and Instagram, which provides me with the flexibility to help people reach their goals on a global scale, to the point where I now incorporate a waitlist to ensure my clients receive the highest quality of coaching. Each person has individualised macronutrient goals for their nutrition, along with individualised training programs. My coaching doesn’t involve changing every aspect
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of daily routines, but instead, creating positive habits which align with their goals. Most people have the assumption that they need to restrict foods they love, with a preconceived view of dieting, which has severely impacted their relationship with food. My goal is to show people that they can reach their goals with a balanced approach, being able to have their pizza, donuts and “treat foods” in moderation. What is your background in this industry? I have always had a passion for health and fitness, going to the gym since I was fifteen and incorporating a “balanced” approach to nutrition, rather than being restrictive. Throughout high school, I began to learn about the components of nutrition and experimented with different “diets” and training styles. After high school, I completed my University Degree in Bachelor of Education/Teaching, whilst also studying my Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness, originally just for my own knowledge. After completing my degree, I worked as a teacher, alongside personal training/group fitness. I then studied to be a Sports Nutritionist through Sports Nutrition Australia. From there, my online coaching and personal training got busier and busier, which is when I began to phase out teaching. Whilst I love teaching students in schools, my true passion is educating within the health and fitness industry. What is the most interesting part of your role? Being a coach is such a rewarding job, seeing people evolve, both mentally and physically. Ultimately,
having a coach pushes you to learn from a difference perspective, stay accountable, whilst having someone to be able to reach out to at all times. Having a personalised plan in place is the key to success. My coaching covers more than just diet and training, including lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, water intake and NEAT, which many people overlook but are a huge component when it comes to hitting goals. I encourage clients to be able to reach their goals without needing to spend countless hours in the gym or eating according to a restrictive meal plan. A large number of my clients are mothers who also cook for their families, so my goal is to create a maintainable approach whereby the whole family is involved, as opposed to having to cook separate meals and spending hours exercising, as opposed to spending time with family. What is your goal for this year? In 2019, my goal was to go 100% full-time with “BodyByBrooke”, which was a big step. In 2020, I have plans in place to expand further, helping a greater range of people to hit their goals, whilst taking on further study as a health professional regarding the psychology component, to continue to make my mark in this industry. How can people get in touch? Instagram - @bodybybrooke__ All links are provided from the link in my bio.
My role as an owner of ABCO Caravan Services is to ensure we are able adapt and position our business in the market to take advantage of the positive changes.
L I Z Harrigan
K A T H L E E N Saward
KINGDOM DENTURE CLINIC
ABCO CARAVAN SERVICES
How do you define your business’ unique selling point? At Kingdom Denture Clinic we deal directly with the client in manufacturing dental prostheses, whether it’s full, partial or implant overdentures, or even repairs, relines and mouthguards. We offer a friendly, professional service. We have also introduced digital technology and have been getting some truly amazing results What is the most interesting part of your industry / role? I love to be able to bring a smile back to the person in front of me. In our industry we have some exciting times ahead, and I look forward to continuing to educate myself with what’s out there. Digital is here, and here to stay. I’m proud that I have been able to move forward in learning new techniques to be able to create a better aesthetic and functional outcome. Every person who comes in to see us, they are very unique. No one’s mouth is the same, so it’s a very individual experience. What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? I’m passionate about creating that smile, but I also try to make the experience as happy as possible. I believe that the patient needs to be well informed of what to expect, but also to be comfortable to come in for follow ups and then recall for maintenance. I hear time and time again patients saying that they didn’t know that they needed to reline or replace their dentures. This is essential in maintaining
a healthy mouth. When it comes to networking, what’s your top tip for success? You can always learn something; don’t close yourself off from learning something new. Do you have any changes planned for 2020 within your business? If so, what are they and how will they benefit your customers? We have some big changes happening this year. We are moving to a bigger premises. I’m so excited! We have been in our current location for 37 years, and we are looking forward to our beautiful new space. Who has been your biggest inspiration? This goes without saying, but my dad, Des, is my biggest inspiration. Dental Prosthetists have come a long way in being regarded as part of the dental team. He has been my mentor, and I have been truly grateful to be able to learn from someone I look up to. He has always said, “Be professional in everything that you say and do!”
How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Our business is sales, service and repairs of caravans, but more than that we sell the idea of a lifestyle and an adventure to young families through to retirees. What is the most interesting part of your industry / role? The caravan industry seems to change every day with new products, or a different way of doing things. My role as an owner of ABCO Caravan Services is to ensure we are able adapt and position our business in the market to take advantage of the positive changes. What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? I’m very passionate about our staff.
Some have been with us for nearly 20 years, others are much newer, but without their support our reputation of delivering five star customer service could not have been achieved, nor maintained. Do you have any changes planned for 2020 within your business? 2020 will see a facelift for our Collison Place buildings, with our corporate colours, logo and fencing being used to establish us as one dealership, rather than 2 separate buildings next to each other. Top tips for customer retention? At ABCO we don’t take our customers for granted. Our first interaction is important, but not as important as the next one, whether it be tomorrow or in a year’s time.
Do you have a goal this year for yourself, personally or in business? Well, our goal this year is to have a smooth transition into our new practice and attend some more courses. Our goal is to make patients’ experience a happy and positive one. Top tips for customer retention? Offer a friendly, professional experience. Treat people how you would like to be treated.
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MEET NRMA COFFS HARBOUR Come in and meet our team of passionate insurance professionals at NRMA Coffs Harbour. With a combined experienced of over 60 years in the industry, Sandra, Liz, Cathy, Jodie, Simone and Ashlee pride themselves on providing high levels of customer service, tailoring policies to the needs of their customers.
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his has been proven when the team took home the award for “Outstanding Team Achievement” in 2018 at the annual NRMA Insurance Country Partnership Event and was the runner up in 2019. The Coffs Harbour Team won the award in recognition of their exceptional performance, customer service and contribution to their Community. WE ENJOY BEING PART OF THE COFFS HARBOUR COMMUNITY Community participation is something the team is passionate about. February is a time of much activity when we visit Kindergarten students throughout the Coffs Harbour area presenting a Bus Safety Program. The program educates the students on safe behaviour around buses, what to do if they miss their stop as well as stranger danger. A highlight for the students is a short bus ride so they can practice what they have learned in the session. The Coffs Harbour team have been running the program for over 15 years, this year visiting 15 schools speaking with approximately 800 students. The program is now being extended with NRMA offices in Woolgoolga and Nambucca Heads visiting schools in their area. In November we help out at the Coffs Harbour RRISK (Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge) seminar, which is presented to Year 11 students and aims to reduce adolescent risk taking associated with alcohol and drug use, driving and celebrating. The Special Children’s Christmas Party is another annual event the team look forward to volunteering their time for, giving families with children of special needs a day to celebrate Christmas together. The day culminates in a visit from Santa, each child being given time with him to have a photo taken and receive a special gift.
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it’s time to buy Compulsory Third Party Personal Injury WHAT WE DO The Coffs Harbour NRMA office is privately owned (CTP Greenslip) insurance, which covers costs like and is part of the NRMA Mid North Coast group, medical treatment and lost income for people who with offices in Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Nambucca need it after they’re injured in a road accident. Ask the Heads, Macksville, Kempsey, Tamworth, Armidale and team about NRMA Driver Protection cover. Gunnedah. When you contact one of these offices, you A lot of people don’t know we can also assist with will receive the same high standards the Coffs Harbour insuring your caravan, trailer, boat, farm, your life and team provide. income, as well as travel insurance. The team can show It is this high level of service the Coffs Harbour team how you are rewarded for your entire relationship with are most passionate about in NRMA through the loyalty providing their local community, discount. either over the phone or when If you have a small you walk in the door. Insurance business, or are a can be complex, and you can be Home insurance has a range tradesman, Liz can assured that when you speak with of coverages you can choose assist with your business one of our Coffs Harbour team from, such as Home Building insurance needs. She or Home Contents, or combine professionals, you will receive
can assist with providing them in the one policy to protect information to assist you to make your home inside and out, public and product liability an educated decision on insurance and Landlord Insurance can coverage that is right for you. insurance, covering also protect your investment They are always happy to take the for claims against you property, its contents or both. time to answer your questions, to for negligent acts in ensure you understand and know connection with your what you are covered for. business that results in The team can talk to you about personal injury or property a range of different insurance damage to third parties. General property can be products, such as Motor Insurance to protect your car included for your equipment and tools of trade against if damaged from an accident or for theft, flood and fire loss, damage and theft. There are a range of options or storm damage. They can also give you the choice and coverages available to help you protect what is just to protect you from claims made against you if important to you. you cause a crash. Home insurance has a range of Being local, the team know we’ve had some extreme coverages you can choose from, such as Home Building weather events and the difficulties experienced. We are or Home Contents, or combine them in the one policy happy to assist our customers when they are lodging to protect your home inside and out, and Landlord Insurance can also protect your investment property, its contents or both. When you register your car in New South Wales,
their claim. Come in meet the team and see why “Help is Who We Are”.
D E B Farquhar
O L I V I A Jamison
EAST COAST CABINETS
O R G A N I S AT I O N A L C U LT U R E S P E C I A L I S T
My best advice for doing business with other local businesses and our customers ... I was brought up to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, and I still endeavour to live by that mantra. Our employees have expanded on this by adding, “If you would not accept something yourself, do not expect others to”. This applies to suppliers, customers and anyone else that we are in contact with. If something goes wrong, swearing and tantrums are not going to fix it, but they will get people offside. However, finding a solution and happily acting on it will make everyone happy, and others will respond accordingly. What am I passionate about, and is my passion also my work? My work is one of my passions. I appreciate being able to give our employees a job and love it when they show their appreciation by putting 100% into that job and caring for our customers. Having happy customers is the best form of advertising. For respite from the wonders of being in business, I am a dedicated Rotarian serving the community and assisting with programs that help young people experience life and become wonderful adults in the future. I also serve on the Northern NSW Housing Industry Committee and as a Coffs Harbour Showground Land Manager.
Tell us what an Organisational Culture Specialist is all about? I believe the most important asset in an organisation is its culture. I work with organistions to create environments where employees will thrive, feel valued and appreciated. Organisational culture is made up of many things, policies and process being the most obvious, but the biggest driver of culture is leadership. This means a lot of my focus is on working with leaders to create cultures where people work more effectively together to increase the bottom line. What do you like about what you do? My job is about working with people to make their working lives better, and at the same time creating an environment where the whole organisation thrives. No job is ever the same, but working with leaders to make positive change is really rewarding, as any effective change always starts from the top. What’s unique about your business? I’ve worked in this space for over 25 years and have experience spanning 97 countries, working with some of the most senior government and company leaders in the world, including the UK Prime Minister’s office, BP and Barclay’s Bank. Whether I’m working for government, big corporations, small not-for-profits or small business, I’ve got a wealth of experience to draw from to find the best fit for the organisation I’m working for. What’s the most interesting part of your role? Learning about different organisations and how they work. No two are the same and, while I bring new ways of looking at things to the people I work with, I never fail to learn something from every job I take.
T R A C Y M A H E R and PALOMA BIRCH COFFS HARBOUR AND DISTRICT AERO CLUB Club Secretary and Licensee, and Student Pilot
What do you like about what you do? Tracy: I love being involved and part of making sure the Coffs Harbour and District Aero Club continues to be an integral part of the Coffs Harbour community and the centrepiece of the GA section of the airport, both now and into the future. Paloma: Learning to fly a plane! Learning to fly is an amazing experience; I have enjoyed every second of it. I am excited to continue my training and see where aviation takes me. What’s unique about your business? Tracy: We’re 92 years old this year and have one of the best flying schools in the district. We have a great cross section of the community involved in flying, providing training to students of all ages, and social members who have access to our great facilities and friendly atmosphere. Paloma: All the club’s members, instructors and staff are equally friendly and supportive; it’s such a joy to be a part of. What’s the most interesting part of your role? Tracy: The diversity of people flying; our students range in age from 14 to 76! It’s a real community club, with a great group of people from all walks of life. Paloma: Most people who fly here are much more experienced than me, and most of them have had at least a few amazing things happen in the air. Contact us at info@coffsaero.com or coffsaero.com facebook.com/coffsaero/
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C A T H Fowler
J U L E S Vandermaat
T A M I L Y Jane Harling
REGIONAL ROAR
TA P P I N G W I T H J U L E S
THE GOOD BEAUTICIAN / OWNER
What do you like about what you do? I love translating something complicated into something simple. Digital marketing and search engine optimisation in particular (getting found on Google) can feel complicated. I educate my clients along the way about the approach I am taking, so they can feel confident in how the work I do fits into their wider business plan. What is the most interesting part of your role? Discovering the smart and talented people regional Australia has. Whether it’s a one on one client, where I am building a website, or a guest on my podcast, I love hearing the background and passion people have for the work they do. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? I’ve been rebranding from Cath Fowler Marketing to Regional Roar, to become a full-service digital agency. So, I’d like to continue to expand my wider team and free up my time a bit more to help even more local businesses. What is your best advice for doing business with other local businesses? Just get involved. I’m President of the Business Women’s Network, and I attend other local networking events regularly. Given my work, optimising my website and Google business listing for people in Coffs Harbour has helped new clients find me. Locals love the face to face connection, so you’ll often find me in a coffee shop with a new client. Visit regionalroar.com.au Call 0404 367 887 | Email cath@regionalroar.com.au
I love to help people release stress, anxiety, and trauma from their mind and body in a way that is effective, safe, gentle and fast. I also teach people how to tap, so they can bring themselves calm in any situation.
What do you like about what you do? My passion is to make people look and feel good about themselves. I have dedicated 20 years to refining my skills to deliver just that. My objective is to continue to provide high standards and ensure customer satisfaction. I take great pride in choosing the highest quality products that are beneficial to the client’s needs, whilst being earth friendly and holistic. What is unique about your business? I believe in addressing the problem, along with the symptoms. To be able to do this we use local brand Heritagehealers Holistic Products. Heritagehealers is a unique, holistic wellness program that are committed to using ingredients of the highest quality and purity, derived from natural, renewable resources. Combined in the right quantities in proven formulations, the products work effectively in synergy with your skin to deliver amazing results ... I am also proudly stocking INIKA certified Organic Vegan Makeup. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? In business I would like to place myself in the top three salons in Coffs Harbour and to continue to perform incredible and affordable treatments. To supply amazing products to look after each and every client’s skin, body, mind and soul. Personally, living on the coast allows me to focus on my wellbeing, so I’m able to continue to work and function at my optimal best.
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EFT/“tapping” is an evidence-based stress reduction tool, which involves tapping on acupressure points whilst focusing on negative thoughts/feelings. It’s easy to learn and works well on a wide variety of physical and emotional issues, including phobias and chronic pain, especially when done with a skilled practitioner. Children can learn to tap to deal with their emotions, and it’s the best stress management for parents! I offer a unique combination of 30 years of experience as a therapist/qualified Social Worker, with advanced skills and expertise as an Evidence Based EFT Practitioner and trainer. I have trained extensively with the best professionals in the world, so people know they are safe with me, whether they have long-standing PTSD, work stress or a sexual problem. I specialise in helping people who have experienced sexual abuse to recover from trauma, which they may have suffered with for decades. That brings me the greatest joy. And I train health professionals and educators how to do Evidence Based EFT as well.
Carole Beros LE DÃIN DESIGNS, CAROLE BEROS - OWNER / DESIGNER
How do you define your unique selling point? Our store’s vibe is a mix of old school with the buzz of today. We dress women aged from 18 to ladies in their 90s. Our sizes range from 8 to 20, and our prices range from affordable to treat yourself to something really special. Le Dãin Designs at Sawtell has an expensive look about it, but come in and see us and you will find that it is one of the more affordable boutiques around! We provide a personal customer service, which we have been told is second to none. We can dress you for all occasions, whether it is casual, race days or formal. We can style you completely and make shopping stress free. With the competition of online shopping, you have to strive to be different, professional and have a drawcard that will lure the customers back to you not only because you have a great product, but simply because they really enjoyed the shopping experience. We have an after hours service, which is a must in this fast world we live in, and there is an experienced stylist in store at all times. I agree that online shopping is fast and convenient, but it is only momentarily, and there is nothing exciting about sitting in front of a computer! What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? This is where I am definitely in a great position and super grateful for it! I am a people person, I am community minded, I have event experience, and I love the media, photography and the fashion industry. I am definitely passionate about all of these! So my role with FOCUS as a writer, social pages columnist and one of the fashion stylists marries perfectly with our Le Dãin Designs business. I’d like to add though, there is no conflict of interest with the fashion side from Le Dãin Designs and FOCUS; I am a magazine shoot stylist for FOCUS, and the two are completely separate. I also get to meet interesting people and hear their stories, both with FOCUS and at the store. I also get to cover events for the magazine, and we hold social events at our store most Friday nights between 5pm - 7pm, where everyone is welcome. I love both of my jobs; I count myself extremely lucky! Top tips for customer retention? Just keep working at making your business fresh! Don’t copy anyone; make your business so original that everyone knows that you stand alone and you are all over it! Dress ladies of all sizes and ages. We are not all a size 8 or 20 years old. Finally, make sure your customer service is the best it can be; be helpful and professional, and hard sell is not welcomed anywhere! Have you always been involved with the fashion industry; how did it all start? Like most people, I haven’t always had jobs that I liked, but you do what you have to and family has always come first with me! Before leaving Jersey, which is one of the Channel Islands off the coast of France, I was heading towards studying to be a fashion designer in London. My life changed and I moved to Australia, where I lived on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, before moving up here to the Coffs Coast. When I reached a certain age, I decided I would shake it up a bit and launched my own fashion label. Le Dãin (pronounced Le da) is my family name, and that is how the name evolved. It started with jewellery and as I have always been involved with the racing industry, I was lucky enough to be involved with the Waterhouse ladies and ended up designing jewellery for Suzie, Gai and Kate, along with providing prizes for their various charities. From there, we stocked stores and show cabinets in various resorts, both locally in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Sydney and overseas. Providing prizes for Fashion on the Field events has always been on our agenda, and we were and still are the major sponsors for FOTF events here in Coffs Harbour, Casino and Sydney. By this stage, the next step was to launch our Flagship Store, Le Dãin Designs on First Avenue in our beach town, Sawtell. That was seven years ago, and we are ever changing and still powering ahead. What are your business plans for 2020? We are at present re-vamping the store and introducing a few new labels. We will launch them at an event at the store in the next few months. We stock and will always stock one of our favourites, which is Australian label Philosophy. We support many charities, and we have a good reputation for putting on a great fashion event, so we are currently making plans to stage a fabulous fashion show and dinner supporting a local charity later this year. If you are interested in being a sponsor or being involved, contact us at Le Dãin Designs on 0417 471 019. Planning on a huge 2020!
Le Dãin Designs, 36 First Avenue, Sawtell. 0417 471 019.
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JESS MILLER
G L E N D A Halliwell R O M A N C I N G T H E R I V I E R A , C R Y S TA L C R U I S E S
What is your dream voyage? Europe’s iconic wonders have long tugged on the heartstrings of the world’s most ardent travellers, and Crystal puts you in the middle of it all on an extravagant nine-night voyage from Rome to Barcelona, departing 31st July 2020. Lavish gardens and ancient ruins, lush vineyards and fields of lavender … from the grandeur of Rome to the glamour of St-Tropez and the UNESCO-chic of Ibiza, fall in love with Italy, Monaco, France and Spain in all-inclusive luxury aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity. What is special about Crystal Cruises? Their ship, Crystal Serenity enchants with an unrivalled elegance. Discover the superb cuisine, welcoming hospitality and gorgeous suites and staterooms of The World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line. Aboard, your every wish is catered to with Crystal’s renowned six-star service and a rich roster of all-inclusive amenities. Everything from specialty dining and the finest selection of wines, champagnes and premium spirits to Broadway-style entertainment is included in your voyage - and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi means it’s easier than ever to share your adventures with friends and family all around the world too. How can we find out more? You can pop in to our office at 15 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour, or phone (02) 6652 1833.
ROMANCING THE RIVIERA 12 night holiday departs 28 July 2020 Rome to Barcelona
Visiting: Rome, Livorno, Porto Venere, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Ibiza and Barcelona
Return airfare 2 night pre & 1 night post cruise stay
9 night cruise aboard Crystal Serenity Transfers throughout
Balcony from $9,670pp* QANTAS POINTS~ AVAILABLE ON CRUISE PORTION.
Contact Travel Centre Coffs Harbour on 02 6652 1833 or visit travelcentrecoffs.com.au *Price is per adult in AUD, based on lead-in twin share accommodation in specified category, including Economy Class airfare ex Sydney and air taxes, port and government charges, hotel taxes, and onboard gratuities, correct as at 12 February 2020. Offer is valid for new bookings only made prior to 31 March 2020, is subject to change/ availability and can be withdrawn/changed at any time without notice. ~Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer T&C’s, available at qantas.com/terms. Further T&Cs apply; please ask your travel agent for more information.
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C A R O L Cowling T H E A R T D E P T. O W N E R / D I R E C T O R
C O W L I N G S R & R C A R P E T. M A N A G I N G D I R E C T O R
What do you like about what you do? On a regular basis I get to watch creativity in action. How people explore processes and concepts differently is absolute magic to witness. Having flexibility between work and stay-at-home-parenting is also something I’m so fortunate to be able to do. What is unique about your business? We work really hard to collaborate with other creatives to bring people of all ages opportunities to “play” creatively. A win/win for artist and community is the aim. There is a generous community of artists here in the Coffs region, with a wonderfully diverse range of skills to share. We provide a platform for them to do so, whilst fostering a supportive learning environment for people. What is the most interesting part of your role? I am always meeting such wonderful folk! Also, we don’t have just one model for delivering. We do classes, short courses, workshops, private workshops and one-off events; the flexibility in this means that if something isn’t hitting the mark, we just change it! Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? Business-wise, it is full steam ahead. In April we are opening up an additional studio with collective workspaces, as well as other fun things. Ensuring we do this well is a huge priority. In terms of personal goals, this year I will again attempt the elusive work/life balance.
What is unique about your business?
Which is, of course, a joke!
with the people in my life who are important to me.
My business is renowned for the good ole fashioned service – we spend quality time with our customers, they are important and without them, there would be no Cowlings R & R Carpets. We have a warehouse off site and carry stock for a quick turnaround if our customers are needing or wanting flooring pronto! What do you like about what you do? I like the diversity, no two days are the same! My passion is assisting customers with their floor furnishing selection and narrowing it down with them as there is an array of choices from all the leading brands just like the bigger chains. Marketing is something else I like to dabble in, there’s no marketing division or HR division in our family owned and run business it is all inhouse and created by us. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? R & R turns 50 this year! I have been working on some rebranding, a bit of a freshen up (watch this space). I will be concentrating on working smarter, not harder and ensuring I continue to work on having a work/life balance
Meet the Team. Living Doll Premier Stylists is Coffs Harbour’s leading hairdressing salon. The staff truly believe in bringing out everyone’s inner beauty! FOCUS chatted with the team ...
Lauren Vestey When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I have been a hairdresser for more than 14 years. I love the diversity of work; no two days are the same. When opening Living Doll in 2010, I had two main goals in mind - one, to be a leader in the hairdressing industry and two, to give clients the love and the attention they deserve. I am so proud of what Living Doll has grown to today. What do you specialise in? Experience personalisation; that’s a one of a kind hairstyle. Each individual is unique; we take pride in creating looks just for you. The best hairstyle is one that is tailor made, that complements your face shape, skin tone and lifestyle. #HairContouring with a personal touch of customisation is our specialty; we are here to make you look and feel your best! What advice do you have for people looking to join the industry? If you think a hairdressing career starts and ends with hair, you’re in for a surprise. From client psychology and customer service to time management and balancing your finances, working as a hairdresser will teach you all matter of transferable skills to take out into the world. All of these skills will make you a great hairdresser, but are also great life skills to learn if you do decide to go down another route - not to mention making you a better, more rounded individual.
Kate
Collins
When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I started hairdressing while I was still young at school, with my passion and desire shining through at an early age and now have over 16 years’ experience. Since moving to Coffs Harbour, and meeting Lauren, I realise Living Doll was the place for me. I am so passionate about hairdressing and elevating the industry to a new level. Living Doll strives to have the highest standards in customer service, provides ongoing training, keeps up with modern trends and techniques and has a fun, creative, passionate team who inspire each other every day and I feel so happy to be a part of. What do you specialise in? I specialise in cutting, colouring and styling. Using my years of experience to create easy to manage styles for my clients is what I love to do. To see clients walk out the door with a smile from ear to ear makes my day. For me it’s about wearable style, working with clients’ complexions, styles and personalities to really help to create that perfect look. What advice do you have for people looking to join the industry? I enjoy pampering my clients; knowing how life can be so busy, we often don’t have that “ME” time. When clients are in the salon, it’s all about them - getting to know them and gain their trust, so they can completely relax with me while I am working on their new styles. Find a salon that is filled with passionate people, who will push you to your full potential.
Sharna
Lindsay
When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I have such a passion for the art of hairdressing and making people happy. I feel very lucky to be part of the amazing Living Doll team. I have had some intense training at Living Dolls and am already trained as a Young Gun Stylist in the first year of my apprenticeship. What do you specialise in? I specialise in treatments, beauty and blow-dries. I really enjoy making my clients become completely relaxed and help by massaging away the stress of the day. I love to really do a wonderful blow-dry, where your hair can just sway in the wind. It’s great at Living Doll that we offer waxing and tinting, as I really think it finishes off a fresh new look with fresh eyebrows and lashes that pop. What do you enjoy most about your job? Everything! I love working at Living Doll so much; it doesn’t even feel like work, but more a hobby that I get to do every day. I love that each day you see and do something different, as no one’s hair is the same. You must use your imagination and really engage and listen to your clients’ needs to create that WOW moment. Hair is never boring.
Chloe
Sozou
When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I was approached by a salon that knew me and my natural abilities when I was younger. Ever since my first day, I knew it was for me. Eleven years later ... I am new to Coffs Harbour and have been working for a few months at Living Doll. Living Doll’s core beliefs are what I am very passionate about, and I knew straight away this was the team I wanted to be a part of. Continuous training, passionate styling, fantastic customer service, amazing up styling, and on trend cut and colour work is what I am about. What do you specialise in? I love playing with colour to creative texture and excitement in hair. I love balayage, the flexibility of just sweeping it over the hair to be natural or more defined, depending on your desired look, makes me feel like I’m an artist. I love melting multiple colours together in soft foils, so we can say goodbye to boring highlights. I love cutting to create movement and flow within a style, as hair is never perfect and needs to shift with everyday life. What advice do you have for people looking to join the industry? It’s very rewarding being part of the industry. You get to be creative all day long, and I love the relationship you build with your clients; to be able to have their trust with their hair is a great privilege. Knowing at the end of the day you have made people feel and look great is very rewarding, so just be yourself and treat people how you would like to be treated. You can’t go wrong. Coffs Coast focus 71
EMILY DOCKING & NATALIEAVARD DELLA FOX BOUTIQUE / CO-OWNERS
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hat do you stock? Jewellery, crystals and clothing. How did Della Fox Boutique come about? We are a family duo who are more like sisters than aunt & niece. We have an extensive combined background in retail, fine arts, healing modalities, as well as clothing and jewellery production - all of which complement our relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in store. Previously, we independently ran wholesale businesses in jewellery and crystals, so when the stars aligned to transition into a retail format together, Della Fox Boutique was born. Tell us a bit about yourselves. Facing the challenge of both living with the disability of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, we
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understand each other very jewellery pieces from well and the daily limitations artisans on the Coffs Coast Searching for local that we encounter. We have and Australia wide. and Australian made embraced this and found The crystal collection is products is something very that running our business as hand selected to bring our important to us. a team is how we are able to customers the best quality cope better and be successful and range; whether you women, despite living with are a complete novice or an invisible illness. serious collector, we will What are you passionate about? have something to pique your interest. Both of us have always absolutely loved Our clothing is sourced from Australian jewellery, crystals and fashion. Searching and New Zealand designers, carefully for local and Australian made products is curated; the pieces stocked are all natural something very important to us. fibres to suit the humid climate of the Coffs Anything unique we can get our hands Coast. on, really. So, having a store with a collection We understand that every body is different, of everything we adore all in the one place and our aim is to cater for sizes 6 - 26, is awesome - and we get to share that with with stunning pieces from Jaase, Saffron everyone. Sand, Helga May, Hope & Harvest, Lou Lou What is unique about your business? Australia and more. We focus on procuring quality hand-made What’s the best part about what you do?
When we see our customers getting as excited as we do about the products and when we create loyal customers who return because they “love the vibe” of the boutique and our unique offerings. What is in store for you this year? To develop and grow awareness of the business will be a key area of focus for us, and continuing to source the most beautiful and interesting pieces for our customers. What do you like best about doing business with other local businesses? Supporting local business is something we strongly advocate for. It’s all about the community and building connections, and we get excited about promoting our very talented local artisans - “The Penny Man” and “Amber Moods”. *** Mention this article in the month of March to receive 10% off store wide (excluding sale items) ***
LIZ TURNER NRMA COFFS HARBOUR
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This can provide cover for the self-employed where there is no sick leave available. Our business insurance provides you with value for money, immediate cover, minimal paperwork and flexible payment options. As a special offer, if you mention seeing us in $100 fuel card. (Terms and conditions apply) Let our business help yours. Talk to Liz today about your business insurance needs and see why: Help Is Who We Are.
THE E-COMMERCE BUSINESS COACH
Sarah Quinney is the founder & CEO of The E-Commerce Business Coach. She has, and also helps E-commerce Business owners scale 6 + 7 figure e-commerce businesses through her Women in E-Commerce Mastermind Program.
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arah has 20+ years direct When it comes to networking, what’s your experience in retail and top tip for success? e-commerce digital marketing. Be authentic in every possible way. Give Holds a Bachelor in Marketing and everything an opportunity Retail Management with a Masters Do you have any changes planned for in Design. She has built 4 leading 2020 within your business? If so what 6 & 7 figure e-commerce brands. She still owns are they and how will they benefit your and operates a leading e-commerce surf brand customers? and and runs her leading E-Commerce Agency, Looking to put on some two day workshops along with her leading E-Commerce Coaching/ as well as my online mastermind programs so Mentor Success Services. my clients have hot seat deep Her customer generating dives with experts in the and converting e-ecommerce e-commerce industry! + digital marketing strategies Who has been your are what sets her clients apart biggest inspiration? I am passionate from competitors enabling My mother to be honest! about women being them to unleash a faucet of She is the most genuine, independent business owners, Helping them never-ending, high quality honest and hard working get to where they customers and sales for woman I know - She was a want one in life both their growing E-Commerce single mum who raised two financially and in terms of their personal businesses. independent strong women! development How do you define your Do you have a goal for business’s unique selling this year for yourself, point? personally or in business? Helping e-commerce To help over 200 store business owners scale their owners scale their online online stores. businesses to 6 + 7 Figures. And also find the What is the most interesting part of your balance with my own time industry / role? What is your best advice for doing Watching the transformation of my clients business with other local businesses? lives! Seeing the transformation both in Act with integrity don’t do a job unless you their business skills, but also the personal know you can do it. development. Top tips for customer retention? What are you passionate about, and is Customer service is everything. Your whole your passion also your work? business should be based around the customer I am passionate about women being and their needs. independent business owners, Helping them If you are ready to transform your business get to where they want one in life both and close the gap between where you are and financially and in terms of their personal where you want to be. Apply for coaching with development Sarah at www.sarahquinney.com Coffs Coast focus 73
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W I T H M AT T O S B O R N E F R O M T E C H A D D I C T S
Backing UPPhotos Y O U R
Tech Head
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DAISY MORONEY
H A I R D R E S S E R
A N D
M A K E U P
A R T I S T
an you tell us a bit about photoshoot, how a bride would like to look your career as a freelance on her wedding day or how a client would hair and makeup artist? like their hair cut) is probably the most I did my hairdressing important part of what I do. I also love that I apprenticeship in Sydney, and get to do something creative and call it work! then worked as a hairdresser Where would you like to see your in a couple of beautiful busy salons over the business develop into the future? next few years. I was lucky to work with many I have been really enjoying working on talented people, all with different styles and some commercial projects recently, things like strengths, so I really focused on learning as working with teams from different businesses much as I could from each on doing high quality of them. I always knew I headshots/promotional wanted to add makeup shots, making team services to my skill set, so members look and feel I then went on to study I am a people person. I love great before they get in meeting new people and makeup at The Academy of front of the camera! Often getting to know a bit about Makeup in Sydney. I started them and their story. in these situations people working as a freelance haven’t had professional hairdresser whilst I was doing my makeup training. shots done before, so to Since then I have kept my give them some confidence business going, taking to enjoy the experience on all sorts of work, from weddings to film is something I really love! I have plenty of to photographic work. I moved to the Coffs experience with photographic work, and Coast a few years ago and have been working makeup for camera is different to how you part-time at a lovely hairdressing salon in might do it for an event, so many clients have Bellingen, Outpost Hair, as well as taking commented on how worthwhile it has been on freelance work. I love the flexibility and to have professional makeup done, which is versatility my business provides me and that really nice feedback! I also worked on a short no two days are the same! promotional film recently, which was also lots What do you love most about what you of fun. A different location each day, shooting do? a different scene and therefore some really I am a people person. I love meeting different looks. I would really like to do more new people and getting to know a bit of this kind of work, and my goal is to always about them and their story. I think one of be trying new things within my industry. the most important aspects of what I do is Where can people get in touch? communication, the consultation process Through my website: daisymoroney.com (whether you’re talking about a brief for a 74 Coffs Coast focus
DIGITAL CAMERAS ARE GREAT, AND THANKS TO SMARTPHONES, WE HAVE ONE WITH US ALMOST ALL THE TIME. WE’RE TAKING MORE PHOTOS THAN EVER BEFORE AND BUILDING A LIFETIME OF DIGITAL DATA. BUT DESPITE THE ENORMOUS VALUE OF THESE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS, MOST PEOPLE DON’T HAVE A BACKUP.
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f you asked someone what possession most people store their data, but it still isn’t they’d save from a house fire, most enough. While you’re protected against would say photos, and they’d make device failure, that house fire is going to a point of grabbing an album on the take both copies up in flames. Thieves way out. But with digital photos, would probably grab the external drive you don’t need a fire to lose everything, while they’re bundling up your computer they could disappear in the blink of an eye too, so again, you’d be left with zero copies. with hardware failure or theft. There’s no It’s close, but it’s not a true backup system. warning, no smoke alarm, and without a THE RULE OF THREE! plan already in place, no chance to recover The backup rule of three is best. Just the data. reading this may sound like overkill, IS ONE COPY ENOUGH? but tech is fragile and device failure is You might think a constant risk. We saving your information recommend keeping one to an external hard copy on the computer/ drive or flash drive device, another on an The cloud backup can is enough. You’re external drive, and a be fully automated. If right, it’s better than third copy tucked safely the day comes that you nothing, but since away in the cloud. The need your data back, it’s the data is stored in cloud backup can be ready and waiting in only one place, this fully automated. If the perfect condition. Cloud isn’t a backup - it’s day comes that you technology also means just storage. That need your data back, your data is far away from drive could fail at any it’s ready and waiting in any potential fi re or fl ood, moment, perhaps from perfect condition. Cloud it’s secure and with the age, malfunction or technology also means right provider, guaranteed plain old theft. your data is far away against loss. Often enough, that from any potential fire drive even becomes or flood, it’s secure and lost over the years, put with the right provider, somewhere ‘safe’ and promptly forgotten! guaranteed against loss. And with the way technology is moving, “There are two kinds of people: those accessing that data in 5 years might even who backup, and those who have never lost bring up compatibility issues – some newer all their data”. No matter what the cause, it computers don’t even have CD/DVD drives, always has a deep impact, particularly when yet hundreds of thousands of homes would it comes to precious data. Re-creating some still have photos stored on a disc. homework or the family budget might be TWO COPIES? inconvenient, there’s no way to recreate You might have your extra storage photos once they’re gone. It’s a loss that drive as backup and keep a copy on your hurts for a long time, but it’s very avoidable computer. This is a better solution, and how with the right backup system in place.
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