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Women who mean business: our success special Cheryl Stewart: winner of the Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year Award heryl is a business powerhouse and equal parts soul and savvy. Cofounder of popular health food company Morlife, she has helped take the organisation from one strength to the next, all the while maintaining her proud Australian routes and driving her company forward on an international scale. The most rewarding thing about running her own organisation, Cheryl says, is,“… that moment when you see your products in places like a spectacular Dubai mall – it’s very humbling. Also, hearing and receiving the wonderful testimonials from customers about our products. It makes it all worthwhile!” Her principles, and approach to running Morlife, put Cheryl in good stead to win her the Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year Award. She recalled of the moment she won the award,“I was floored actually! It was unexpected but incredibly motivating, and it was lovely to win the award for what value I’ve added over the last 18 years – my father was so very proud.” Cheryl credits the hard work, love and support of her family and employees as a key ingredient in the company’s success. It’s an important brand ethic that every member of Morlife understands the why behind what they’re doing. “This is an integral part of March 2019
creating a great company! It also helps to surround yourself with people that are skilled at what they do, and those that complement your weakness’s,” says Cheryl. It truly is a family operation, with her loved one’s chipping-in to help when Cheryl is away. Maintaining that work-life balance is incredibly important to her, as is her supportive family – her father saying,“We should all be taking notes from Cheryl now.” If starting your own business is something you’ve been thinking of, or even working on currently, Cheryl had some very wise advice:“First of all, I believe you should start a business around something you are passionate about – there’s no point if you haven’t got your heart in it! Secondly, you need a lot of patience and persistence along the way. Lastly, always keep looking at different ways to make things work, be flexible and learn from setbacks. Getting back up after you’ve been knocked down is a learning process.”
Dale Mansfield: winner of the Community Dedication and Social Justice Award ale embodies all the positive aspects of the Gold Coast community and is a beloved member among charities and families alike. Having volunteered 30-60 hours per week since 2010 helping raise funds for sick 16
Photos: Foto Force and John Pyke Photography
Get It’s Kathleen Loxton sits down with four incredible women, who were among the receivers of the 2018 Gold Coast Women in Business Awards