OAK Christmas Guide 2023

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2023

OAK

Welcome

If you love stories and discovering new businesses in the heart of regional and rural Australia, enjoy the release of our annual Christmas gift guide.

This delightful guide is almost like a mini OAK Magazine, introducing you to some talented business women who share an insight into why they started a business. It's a celebration of the remarkable women behind regional and rural brands, their inspiring stories and unique products.

We've included quick links to their online stores and social media profiles so you can add to cart and give them some Insta love.

As a special treat, many of these businesses have extended exclusive discount codes to our OAK readers, valid until December 23 2023. (Please note that delivery before Christmas cannot be guaranteed after Australia Post's cut-off dates.)

We hope this preview jumpstarts your Christmas shopping journey while also showing your support for these bush based businesses.

Kimberley Furness Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine

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Pre-orders now open Free shipping on all pre-orders. Front cover reveal coming soon.

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Yarragon, VIC

The Ridge House

Kristy Plumridge wasn't born into farming, but she has become a proud custodian of 150 acres of precious pasture and bushland in Yarragon South, Victoria.

Nestled in the rolling hills is The Ridge House, a stylishly restored private country retreat providing a tranquil haven for lovers of fine food, open fires, bracing walks, and breathtaking views. www.theridgehouse.com.au @the_ridge_house Tell us about your business and how it started?

We renovated and stayed in this home while eagerly waiting for our farmhouse at Green Hills to be ready and when we moved out I just couldn't keep this special place all to myself. So, in April 2019, I decided to open its doors to guests.

My original plan was to give it a shot for a year, and if things didn't quite click, I'd consider renting it out. But, I fell head over heels for hosting!

There's something magical about sharing this cozy haven, surrounded by the beauty of West Gippsland and the growing foodie scene of local restaurants and artisans.

What started as a little venture has blossomed into a thriving business, and the happiness it brings me and my guests is still going strong.

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What challenges have your faced in business?

The 2020 Gippsland bushfires, a global pandemic and now a looming 7.5% Victorian state tax on short stay rentals.

There is always some challenge affecting your business you have to work ways pivot and overcome. The key to facing these challenges is to maintain a proactive mindset and a flexible business strategy.

For example, as we confront the upcoming State tax on short stay rentals looking to be implemented in 2025, we're actively exploring new revenue streams, ways we can add more value the accommodation experience and refining our financial planning to mitigate its impact on us and our guests.

What are your favourite work tools?

I’m a big fan of Canva, and my education and training as a Finished Artist means I can really use the tools in this app to the max.

I love the brand kit that stores all your fonts, palettes, logos, etc but especially loving the new AI feature of brand voice which is really helpful in creating text content for ads and socials.

The best tip for creating a brand voice is think of your brand as a person and the communication style they would use.

For example, The Ridge House communicates with a welcoming, reflective voice, embodying the essence of slow living, nature, and sustainability. It's like an old friend, sharing tales of hiking with a glass of local vino by the the warmth of an open fire.

What was your first big investment in your business and what impact did it have?

Besides getting a catalogue of amazing images, for my website, social media and PR, I learned a lot personally through the experience including the art of creating captivating shots, perfecting styling for images, and understanding the importance of impeccable lighting, even down to dusting off sneaky dust bunnies from our light shades.

Four years later, the investment is still paying off, with one of the images selected for the cover of Visit Victoria's quarterly travel magazine supplement in the Herald Sun's Autumn 2023 edition, reaching 100,000 households.

It's amazing how that initial investment continues to showcase our accommodation and continue to enstill an impression on our guests.

What is the best piece of business advice you were given?

The best piece of business advice I've received is simply, ‘just start’. It's a reminder that sometimes the biggest barrier to success is overthinking and hesitation.

Taking that first step, even if it's a small one, can set you on the path to achieving your business goals and a life you want to live.

It's not about perfection, which can lead to paralyses about starting, it's about progress and learning from your mistakes along the way.

I've made typos in Instagram Reels, forgot to fill the guests coffee machine, under quoted my time - but does anyone actually care today?

Maybe my mum; spelling mistakes drive her insane!

My business is still thriving and growing and guests still love staying with us. And, I am still enjoying doing it.

My first major investment at The Ridge House was in professional photography, and it made a significant impact.

I used my entire year's marketing budget to engage renowned photographer Marnie Hawson and stylist Belle Hemming for a two-day photoshoot.

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Mentorship and amplification are two ways that I both receive and give support to women who enter my circle.

I especially love when I get to have these chats face-to-face.

They fill my cup and help to build deeper connections and friendships. ~ Kristy, The Ridge House

What are you currently reading?

‘What's for Dinner? Our Food, Our Choices, Our Planet' by Jill Griffiths. A recommendation I came across in Matthew Evans' (Fat Pig Farm) newsletter.

Evans described it as a "joyous delve into food and farming", and as a small farmer of grass-fed beef and organic garlic, understanding how food reaches my plate is very important.

Jill skillfully dissects her book into chapters, delving into the sourcing of vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. This allows readers to gain insights and make more informed choices about what they consume.

Recognising that we are all consumers of food, and the impact of our choices is significant, Jill's book serves as an accessible educational tool to enlighten us about the consequences of our spending decisions on the planet. It's a simple yet impactful way for everyone to contribute to positive change in our food systems.

How can women support other women?

Mentorship and amplification are two ways that I both receive and give support to women who enter my circle. Actively listening to concerns, providing encouragement and empathy, brainstorming ideas and solutions together, and promoting collaboration over competition are the keys to building strong networks and fostering reciprocity. These actions help us support each other in achieving our goals and overcoming challenges.

Benalla, VIC

Griffith, NSW

The Papered Tree

Kristy-lee Jewellery

Our beautiful earrings will make the perfect gift

Handmade gold-filled and sterling silver jewellery

this Christmas. The Papered Tree hand craft their

made by Kristy-lee in her sunlit studio in Griffith,

earrings using sustainable timbers and beautifully

NSW. Kristy-lee’s current collection Age of Love is

designed papers. With simplicity in mind they are

nod to the style of early ‘90s fashion icons Kate

perfect for everyday wear.

and Naomi. Statement pieces are paired with everyday pieces made to be worn every day and

For 10% discount, add code OAKMAS23

become a staple in your jewellery collection.

www.thepaperedtree.com.au

Kristy-lee Jewellery offers permanent jewellery

@thepaperedtree

sessions in her studio at ROR Space, Griffith. www.kristy-lee.com.au @kristyleejewellery

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Yarragon South, VIC

Kerang, VIC

Green Hills Farm

The Fiit Space Kerang

Elevate your holiday feast with Green Hills Farm's

Founded by Belinda Batchelor, TFSK is a boutique

‘Wine + Garlic + Salt’ 2-pack paired with a locally

fitness and wellbeing studio located in Kerang.

handmade ceramic salt dish. This limited-release

Offering services from remedial massage, in

is the ideal gift for food enthusiasts or a festive

studio and online fitness classes, personal

addition to your Christmas table. Crafted in

training, reformer and matwork pilates,

collaboration with Gippsland winemakers and

gymnasium, women’s fitness and MumSafeTM

Green Hills Farm organic garlic, this red wine-

specialist. Book a class or purchase a gift

infused garlic salt offers a unique blend of

certificate and wellbeing goods to support

herbaceous and garlicky oomph to your

someone special on their journey.

Christmas meat and veggie dishes. Orders close December 5. $60 inc gift box and p&h in VIC. @the.fiitspace.kerang www.greenhillsfarm.com.au @greenhills_farm

/thefiitspacekerang

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Rainbow, VIC

Quandialla, NSW

Matchy Mumma

Quandialla Candle Co.

Matchy Mumma is a brand made with love.

Step into a world of ol' factory delight.

It has been thoughtfully created by women for

Inspired by our natural Australian environment

women with their needs at the forefront.

and a passion for nostalgia, Quandialla Candle Co.

Each piece depicts classic feminine designs

aims to inspires our hearts, our spirit and our

drawing inspiration from a pretty palette of

homes. Superior soy candles are made by hand by

native Australian floral prints.

Sarah Ryan in Quandialla, NSW.

Get 10% off with OAKMAS23

www.quandiallacandleco.com.au @quandicandles

www.matchymumma.com @matchymummathelabel_

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Club OAK Membership ES

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As a Club OAK member, we will support and promote your business through digital and print opportunities over a 12 month period. You are also top of mind when we are searching for a story, podcast guest, products or asked for a recommendation.

This special gift guide is part of our Club OAK Membership. To be a member, purchase a 12 month premium listing for only $429.

The membership offers you the opportunity to showcase your expertise on our blog, feature your brand in social media shout outs and digital gift guides, discounts, a welcome package plus it's fantastic for your SEO aka helps you rank higher in Google.

Use code OAKMAS23 to receive a 20% discount. www.oakmagazine.com.au

Grenfell, NSW

The Social Herd What led you to starting your business?

I founded The Social Herd in 2020 when I was pregnant with my Founded by Alexandra MacAlpine, The

son. I studied design and photography at University in Sydney,

Social Herd provides photography and

completing my degree in 2014. At a loss as to what to do

marketing services to rural based

after finishing my degree, I began working in communications

businesses and individuals. Xan also has

for local government.

an online store of limited edition prints; frame it, hang it and love it for many,

After a brief stint living in Newcastle, I returned to my home

many years to come.

roots in Wagga Wagga where an agricultural-based company employed me for my photography skills and knowledge in

www.thesocialherd.com.au

communications and design. I loved my time with them and was

@thesocialherd_au/

able to travel to some pretty awesome and remote places.

Whilst I was back living and working in Wagga Wagga, I met my now husband Alex and moved to Grenfell to live with him.

Pre-COVID, remote work wasn’t really a flexible or routinely available option for a lot of businesses and so I had to resign from my role in Wagga Wagga and return to a communications position in local government. When I was pregnant and nearing the due date with my son, I realised that I wanted a more creative role that allowed me a little more flexibility, and so The Social Herd was founded in 2020.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?

The Social Herd is an extension of who I am as a person. My personal values are all engrained within my business. I am the only person behind The Social Herd banner which means when people choose to work with The Social Herd, they’re working with me.

There is nothing more joyous either than hearing feedback from clients saying how much they love the photos, or the video. It makes me so happy that what I have completed for them is what they envisioned.

What is distinctive about what you do and how you do it?

My style of photography is very authentic. I try to keep the editing to a minimum and ensure the colours are as true as possible.

I love capturing people when they’re out working or undertaking their favourite hobby or interacting with their friends and family – in particular farmers. I find farmers are a lot more relaxed when they’re not always looking at the camera, and less camera shy when they’re out and about and at work.

A lot of the work I do also incorporates aerial photography using the drone. It’s a whole new perspective for the audience to see. What you see from the air is vastly different to what you see every day on the ground. Most of my work for clients is a combination of photographs taken on the ground and from the air.

What challenges have you faced in business?

Workload, especially after the arrival of Jimmy.

I really had to work out how many clients I could take on at once and how much work I could complete in one week being only part time.

I think a lot of women who are running businesses and raising small children can understand that even when you are part time and running a business, you’re doing full time hours in part time days. It was a challenge for me to say no to work but I had to, to ensure I had balance between The Social Herd life and mum life.

That all the work I create is created solely by myself. Each photograph I capture, each piece I write, each website I design is all completed by myself and it does make me proud to see what I can achieve when I put my heart, head and soul into doing what I love.

What was your first big investment in your business and what impact did it have?

For me it was the purchase a mirrorless camera and a few different lenses. I went from using a camera that I had had since the age of 18 to investing a fair chunk of money into new technology. The difference in my work though really shone through after I had made that rather large investment.

What is the best piece of business advice you were given?

I think for any creative we all experience a little bit of imposter syndrome. Instagram can make you feel like others are doing what you do a lot better.

I remember feeling like that when I first started out. But then someone told me to find fellow photographers who you can talk to and ask questions when you need and who will back you and inspire you and provide quality feedback when you need it. That really helped my confidence.

I have a couple of photographers whose work I admire, and I proudly also call them my mentors. I call them whenever I need help with something, and they are always happy to chat and share their knowledge.

We’re all continually learning. It’s something I hope to never stop doing.

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I like to think my pieces are conversation starters. They hang on the walls and tell a story for each one of us.

Whether it be a story about connecting to the land, living on the land, retiring from the land but still wanting to hold on to a part of it. ~ Xan, The Social Herd

Tell us about your print store and the inspiration behind the different series?

My range of limited edition prints reflect areas of my life on the land as well as scenes that are special to me.

My Social Herd series for example, is a series of images that I hold dear to my heart. They’re sentimental pieces in which every time I look at them, they tell me a story of a first. The first day I arrived at my new home on the land, the first drought, the first intense frost, the first muster, our first wet Spring. They are moments I cherish.

Shorelines was a series a released earlier this year which were captured during a family holiday to Western Australia. For me, growing up, the coast has always been that place I’d to spend two weeks a year every Summer with my family.

Every time I think of the coast, I always think about that two week vacation. The hot sand, the salty air, how your swimmers would take longer to dry because of the saltwater. Constant wet, curly, sandy hair. Endless seafood dinners and nights listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shoreline.

I think a lot of rural families can relate to similar memories of the sea and this is why I wanted to create this series. A little bit of ocean blue hung on my walls amongst images of our land and sheep.

The images are available in various sizes, from A4 to A1 making them perfect for any home or business setting. I love printing my aerials at A1, they make such a huge impression when framed and hung. But I also love the little A4 framed works as they’re perfect for those tiny pockets of wall space, for gifts for others, or for shelves and sideboards.

I like to think my pieces are conversation starters. Humans are curious beings, and I love to think that people stand in front of my pieces and go, ‘Where was that taken?’ or ‘That’s an interesting perspective you don’t see everyday’.

My fine art prints are like any type of artwork, they’re an investment.

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Bendigo, VIC

Swan Hill, VIC

Jess Keeli Creative

Guard n Grow

High-quality art prints, giftware, and DIY painting kits that feature and celebrate our unique native Australian flora and fauna. From the cutest deck of Australiana playing cards to Quokka magnets, Gift tags to colouring packs, everything is locally made to support small businesses.

Get 15% off with OAK www.jesskeelicreative.com @jess.keeli.creative

Sustainable gardening, eco-friendly gardening solutions. Specialising in high-quality coir fibre mats and pots, perfect for conserving moisture, suppressing weeds, preventing soil erosion, and protecting the environment. Our coir fibre mats and pots, made from coconut waste, offer a natural and biodegradable alternative to plastic.

The coir fibre pots are excellent for starting seeds and promoting healthy plant growth. www.guardngrow.com.au @guardngrow

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Leitchville, VIC

Bendigo, VIC

Empowered Styling : Fitted

By Cathy Ballis

CosMedic Solutions

As a bra fit specialist and personal stylist, who specialises in curating versatile wardrobes. I love what I do and I'm here to transform your style and comfort. Help you build the perfect lingerie Capsule to crafting a versatile LiveWear collection , that suits your unique style and lifestyle I'll help you look and feel your best. Let's elevate your wardrobe and confidence together, ensuring you're effortlessly stylish and comfortable, whether it's for a special occasion or everyday life www.intimo.com.au @fittedbycathyballis

Make-up packs: elevate your beauty routine with our high quality makeup products.

Gift vouchers: explore our skin treatments, cosmetic injectables and skincare products.

Cosmetic injectables: treat your loved ones to experience our cosmetic injectables.

Skin treatments package: unwind with our luxurious skin treatments package.

Skincare packs: tailored to all skin types. www.cosmedicsolutions.com.au @cosmedicsolutions

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Rainbow, VIC

Matchy Mumma Tell us about your business and how it started?

Matchy Mumma began when I was pregnant with my fourth Unable to find beautiful, matching

and fifth children (twin boys) and unable to find any matching

underwear sets when she was pregnant

sets of beautiful and comfortable underwear that I could

and breastfeeding, Chantelle Fisher set

conveniently breastfeed the boys in.

out to create her own, launching Matchy Mumma in December 2022. Chantelle lives

I believe that all women should be able to wear underwear that

on a broad acre farm in rural Victoria with

makes them feel good, at a time when their bodies are going

her husband and six children.

through many changes both physically and emotionally.

www.matchymumma.com

I searched for months before deciding to start up my very own

@matchymummathelabel_

label designing and selling gorgeous sets of matching maternity underwear that can also mix and match.

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Each piece has been thoughtfully crafted with a woman’s needs at the forefront, from the fabric choice to the cut and construction.

The collection also includes a stunning floral print that was especially designed for Matchy Mumma by Belinda Eckermann- a local artist living in the same rural area. I hope that by wearing Matchy Mumma underwear, Mummas and mummas-to-be will feel empowered and supported on their motherhood journey.

What do you wish you knew before you started your business?

Exactly what was involved particularly with the marketing side of things as well as the social media side I do find particularly challenging as I wasn’t even on social media before starting my business so its’ been a huge learning curve.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?

Seeing and being able to physically touch products/garments that I’ve actually designed from the print through to the special design features like our UP2 slider. I also love packing orders and making women feel special.

What does success mean to you?

Many different things to be honest. My first success was actually launching my business, then making my first sales. Personal success as well having an idea and following it through despite the many ups and downs along the way.

How can women support other women?

There are lots of different ways women can support each other including collaborations and networking with each other as well as just keeping it all real so women know that they are not alone in the pursuit of balancing it all and the challenges this can bring.

I've also found offering practical support and sharing resources such as childcare/after school care, running kids to sport/activities etc can make it easier for women to balance work and personal life. Kind of like 'sharing the load'.

A series of conversations with incredible and inspiring women in business from regional and rural Australia.

Listen on your favourite podcast app.

Search ‘A Friend of Mine’.

BM Consultancy

reviews

This podcast always offers me exactly what I need exactly when I need it. It has become a go-to resource for inspiration, wisdom and reassurance about being in small business.

Thanks Kimberley, for producing an exceptional high quality podcast and representing the diverse voices of women in business in regional and rural communities.

Mount Beauty, VIC

Gather + Harvest

Gather + Harvest was established by Lee Docherty in 2018 and is an ethical selfcare brand that hand-makes conscious, all-natural products for your home, body and soul in Mt Beauty, Victoria.

Gather + Harvest deliver products across Australia and New Zealand to adoring fans, so they can leave the world a better place one candle, soap and bath bomb at a time. www.gatherandharvest.com.au @gatherandharvest

OAK

What do you love about your product?

I love the difference that our products are making to others. We have helped over 35 mums move from begging and living on the streets of Bali to having a stable income and safe housing.

Each of these mums has multiple children, so the impact of our humble little candle will be felt for generations to come.

What is your biggest achievement in business?

This year we were super proud to have stockists in every state and territory of Australia and also 17 stores in New Zealand.

From a little idea and a lot of hard work, we have managed to create something special from our gorgeous little country town in rural Victoria that customers want across Australia.

What do you wish you knew before you started your business?

How to stay simple and focused. With COVID I feel like we pivoted so much and tried to do anything to survive that we became too complicated and lost focus. I wish we had just stuck to our guns and stayed focused on our goal, but this is much easier to say with hindsight.

What challenges or hurdles have your faced in business?

There are so many challenges and hurdles that have been thrown at us in almost five years of business. From fires, floods and the huge impact that COVID had on our bricks and mortar store.

One of the most challenging aspects for me personally is knowing when to stop and when to delegate. It's easy to work all the time on my business and never feel like a day's work is done.

What keeps you up at night?

Financials. Balancing books and having enough money to keep growing the business. Also, having enough energy to do it all.

Our business is quite labour-intensive, so there are days when I just can't make another thing, but I still have a long list of orders to make and send.

What is the best piece of business advice you were given?

Everyone's life and business is different, so don't compare yourself to others.

Bega Valley, NSW

Albury, NSW

Honey Photo and Film

A Lasting Tale

Is it time to record the life story of your loved Honey Aitkinson is a photographer, videographer and educator. Honey moved into brand photography and video for down-to-earth women and female-led brands with a rural

one? Capture the memories, emotions and authenticity that only the recorded voice can deliver with a private audio life story podcast.

Packages and gift vouchers available.

presence. She also teaches phone photography via an online course and in-person workshop. www.honeyatkinson.com @honeyatkinson

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www.alastingtale.com /ALastingTale.

Bendigo, VIC

Dubbo, NSW

Josie Caruso Real Estate Agent

Adventure Digital

Leanne O’Sullivan is an intrepid traveler; CEO and For Josie Caruso, real estate is more about people, relationships and the real estate journey. As your agent of choice, Josie’s aim is to deliver the best real estate experience possible.

www.barryplant.com.au @barryplantbendigo

Digital Sherpa at Adventure Digital; a tour guide to the wonderful world of online marketing.

From home base in Dubbo, Leanne’s agency gives digital immigrants a tailored map to find their way to sustainable and profitable business. www.adventuredigital.com.au @adventure_digital_au

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Forbes, Central NSW

Essjay Photography Tell us about your business and how it started?

Since I was young I have been obsessed with creating. I knew I Sarah Hodge is an award winning

needed a fast-paced job where I don't get bored and can keep

photographer. She loves to capture the

using my creative brain.

little moments that become lifelong moments. Her services include business

As soon as I finished high school I became a McDonalds

content, couples, maternity, newborn,

manager. I brought my first camera at 18 and decided to start a

family and more.

Facebook Business Page.

www.essjayphotography.com

I worked full time and did sessions weekdays and weekends.

@essjayphotography

Each year I grew, I continuously kept learning from YouTube, and by following inspirational business leaders in various industries. I've never been afraid to start new things and try because if it doesn't work out, I am no worse off than I was, and I will just pivot to the next thing.

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I booked my first wedding never having any wedding experience, I charged $200 and learnt along the way.

In 2017 I had my first daughter and went to working part time alongside running my photography business.

I was beginning to feel a little snowed under with the big demand and knew it was time to take the leap in to a full time photographer.

In 2020 I had my second daughter and decided I was not going back to work anywhere else, and I would just have to 'make it work' as much as I could to try and make the same wage. It worked.

As soon as I had the time to put in to my business it boomed. Within my first year full time I made $79k and my goal was to make six figures the next financial year; I did it. I definitely surpassed my goal of my previous salary of $55k per year.

I am now photographing over 100 sessions per year including weddings, families and commercial work.

It started as a hobby and evolved, intentionally.

What does success mean to you?

Freedom. Live comfortably enough without worrying if I have enough money for groceries, freedom to attend events for the kids at school and to enjoy a family holiday each year.

Who or what inspires you and your creative process?

I am inspired by nature, music and a mother's love, but mostly my sentimental heart and realisation that at any moment life can change, and I can savour people's now in the form of images.

What are your favourite work tools?

Studio Ninja, Lightroom, Canon, XERO, Instagram and Facebook.

What keeps you up at night?

I am not highly organised. I have 29635 idea's running through my head and my chaotic schedule. No two weeks are the same.

In moments of self doubt, how do you build yourself back up?

Think of three things I am grateful for and remind myself that I don't have to be for everyone.

What is the best piece of business advice you were given?

You don't have to be for everyone. Do what you love and those who love it too will come

I hated the guilt that came with being employed and letting an employer down each time I needed a day off. Living with chronic illnesses and going through IVF I always had to travel to Orange or Sydney for medical appointments, creating my own business allowed me to have the flexibility to look after myself.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?

Being able to create and build on something each day that aligns with your values, mission and vision.

What is your next big challenge/project?

In December I am having a Micro Wedding Day where I’m organising and photographing four weddings in one day!

OAK

Bendigo, VIC.

Bendigo, VIC

Empowered to Birth

Kazz & Co

At Empowered to Birth, Debra Wakefield offers a range of birthing classes and hire services.

Some of the courses are available online but many people travel to her purpose-built facility in Bendigo. www.empoweredtobirth.com.au @empoweredtobirth

Kazz & Co is a disability and special needs support service led by Karen (Kazz) Rasmussen. Kazz is a highly qualified professional with almost 25 years’ experience in wellbeing, teaching and support roles throughout Victoria. The team provide support for individuals with mental health challenges striving to live a fulfilling independent life, tailored independent living programs, and individualised support in educational environments. www.kazzco.com.au /kazzco.com.au

OAK

Bendigo,VIC

Mount Beauty, VIC

Jess Keeli Academy

Gather + Harvest

Always wished you could paint, but have no idea

Gather + Harvest is an ethical self-care brand that

where to start, what to do, or know if you are

hand-makes conscious, all-natural products for

even creative enough? Jess is a self-taught

your home, body and soul in Mt Beauty, Victoria.

watercolour artist who is now teaching people

Delivering them across Australia and New

just like you how to get confident painting with

Zealand to adoring fans, so they can leave our

watercolours so you can create art you can be

world a better place one candle, soap and bath

proud of... even if you can’t draw stick figures.

bomb at a time.

Get started today with Jess Keeli Academy's free online webinar.

Get 10% off with OAKMAS23

jesskeeliacademy.teachable.com

www.gatherandharvest.com.au

@jess.keeli.academy

@gatherandharvest

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Bendigo, VIC

Soul Care Bendigo Tell us about your business and how it started?

I have been a hairdresser for 24 years which has been incredible Founded by Gayle Wilson, Soul Care

and it has been a blessing to witness society in this profession.

Bendigo is a place of community and

Lately, something else has been calling me. Something that

empowerment, either through group

reaches more people, leaves a lasting impression, and creates a

sessions of personal development or

healthier, shinier community for a better future for all of us.

private wellbeing consults.

I believe in humans so much, I want to help people get back to Gayle has recently launched Soul Care

simple joys by slowing down and connecting in a sincere,

Bendigo's Podcast - Naked.

positive and fun way; helping to be healthier in mind, body and soul as well as an improved self-esteem and self-worth.

www.soulcarebendigo.com.au @soulcarebendigo

When we align these factors in the workshop space, we take it and spread it to each person we come across, radiating our light to help lift as many people up as we can.

What challenges have you faced in business?

Certainly it would be the balance between starting a business while maintaining other jobs.

Thinking you need to self fund instead of looking into financial assistance. That lead to me burning out.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?

The flexibility to create my own hours.

The massive sense of achievement and learning.

Also the ability to pivot and change concepts at whim.

What do you love about your service?

What is the best piece of business advice you were given?

Make sure you are cashed up before you start.

It just means you can propel forward as you have opportunities. Do not do it all at once!

Create time lines for each step you'd like to achieve.

What are you currently reading and listening to?

I've just finished ‘The happiest man on earth’ and Trent Daltons ‘All our shimmering skies’.

I listen to OAK Magazine’s podcast ‘A Friend of Mine’, and ‘Do you f**king mind’ by Alexis Fernando.

The sincerity and integrity behind its message.

The way people evolve and peel back the layers.

The way people arrive on tense bodies, raised shoulders and then leave floating out - like they are on a cloud. The community of return individuals that are becoming friends.

What inspires you and your creative process?

I'm inspired by the beauty of nature.

Water is a huge part of my ideas process.

Swimming, sitting and watching water.

The ideas just flow from me.

In moments of self doubt, how do you build yourself back up?

I read through all of my testimonials.

They are kind of life what might be said about you during your eulogy. They always remind me how much I help others and give me a boost when I start feeling self doubt.

OAK

PRINT and PODCAST package

Capture the spotlight with this exclusive package designed to introduce your brand in the most captivating way possible.

Our powerful combination of print and

Print + Podcast Package ~ $855 (+gst)

audio exposure will ignite curiosity, bolster

Double page feature story in OAK

engagement and increase your customer

Podcast interview on A Friend of Mine

base.

Feature story re-published on website Social media and email promotion

When you partner with OAK, you gain access to a niche audience where almost

You will need to have a suite of professional

every reader will be significantly interested

photos that are suitable for print.

or even passionate about your product or service.

This package can be pre-paid for Issue 14 (May 2024) for only $855 (+gst). Price

To request a media kit or have a chat about

increases January 2024.

how OAK can benefit your brand, email Kimberley via hello@oakmagazine.com.au

Offer expires 31 December 2023.