17 minute read
Previous Award Category Winners
Previous Award Categories
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These final four categories were awarded in 2021. Discover more about the worthy winners of The Innovator Award, The Quiet Achiever Award, The Allrounder Award, and a surprise award!
THE INNOVATOR AWARD
Anything is possible! Yovanka Loria was the winner of The Innovator Award in 2021. With over 25 years of hairstyling experience, she opened her home salon in 2017 after her two darling children had entered school. Around the same time, she identified a massive gap in the market for luxury, high-quality hair extensions that are low maintenance and non-damaging to hair. So, she followed her hunch and secured exclusive rights to develop her own extension brand. In 2018, Yovanka launched 'Yovanka Loria Extensions’ to the marketplace - luxury hand-tied hair extensions. By the end of 2019 it had become a global brand! Her extensions are now stocked in over 60 salons throughout Australia, and over 400 salons in the US.
Winning this award signifies a lot for me - it’s for every single girl who was told no. It's for every immigrant parent that had to fight to build a better life for their children. It's for every girl that got told they weren’t enough, or in my case ‘you’re just a hairdresser’. For every girl who got told they were too uneducated, too inexperienced and were too different – this award signifies that anything really is possible!
Yovanka Loria kicked off her acceptance speech with these strong and empowering words that made everyone cheer even louder! We were keen to talk with Yovanka about her incredible journey and the wisdom she can impart from following a hunch to global success.
// It was fabulous to be able to recognise you for being such a changemaker in the hair industry with The Innovator Award in 2021! What have been the highlights for you since winning this award?
The continued growth that my business has experienced has been a very humbling highlight. My extensions range continues to grow month upon month - I’m constantly amazed by the milestones we are achieving. But to be honest, the positive impact that my brand has had on hair stylists that offer my extensions, is an overall highlight. To see them grow and build a dream clientele and a profitable business model for their business by offering our high-end luxury service is so rewarding. My brand is here to contribute to the progression of setting a new sustainable working standard within our industry. To achieve this is a huge highlight.
// How do you recommend that other women in business stay true to their vision, regardless of the setbacks and others who doubt them?
I actually welcome setbacks and failure, as that is an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s important to keep moving, rather than staying stagnant. No-one has achieved greatness by staying still. Stuff happens – that’s just life. Never lose sight of the big picture and be kind to yourself, sometimes the universe knocks us on the head for a reason (it’s quite often because we are doing too much!).
And as for the doubters, they are always going to be there. Ignore them - become your own cheerleader and back yourself. The doubters are a distraction and are there to test you, as they want to steer you off course. Don’t give them any energy. Again, remain focused on the big picture.
// Looking ahead now, how would you love to empower and uplift other women within your industry?
I would love for people to look at me and say, ‘I can do that too’. I was in my 40’s and had two kids when my brand went global. I had no formal education other than being a hairstylist. I had minimal business experience. But I had the drive. I knew when I was onto a good thing and knew I had to see it through. I educated myself, surrounded myself with the right people that I could learn from and I learnt from my many, many mistakes. I also learnt to tap into my intuition and understood that when things didn’t feel right, there was often a reason why. I am passionate about sharing my learnings and teachings to others so they too can achieve their version of success. This is one area I very much look forward to exploring in the near future.
To read Yovanka's acceptance speech in full, follow this QR code.
Discover more about Yovanka Loria at yovankaloria.com.au
Bianca McLean, The Pond Swim Centre, was the People's Choice Winner of The Innovator Award in 2021.
THE QUIET ACHIEVER AWARD
An accolade to roar about!
Chloe Cocks was the winner of The Quiet Achiever Award in 2021. She is the founder of Roar Speech, which offers accessible paediatric speech pathology services to families across the Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Metro. They have two child-friendly ‘dens’ to welcome our families in Port Elliot and Unley. At Roar, they nurture relationships with each child, their family and communication partners. They pride themselves on playing, being creative, innovative, and fun in our sessions to ensure best outcomes for our ‘Little Lions’. Our mission is to support and encourage each child to build confidence and independence when communicating so they can ROAR!
Finally, thank you to my family...for always believing me and supporting me through every happy moment, and also the more challenging ones. Running a small business is not always easy, and without their support, love and guidance, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love to do.
Chloe Cocks ended her acceptance speech on these stirring words, that sum up small business life. We're excited to hear about her proudest moments and the lessons she's learned.
// It’s brilliant that you won the award for Quiet Achiever last year – definitely something to roar about! Can you tell us, what are you most proud of from your time in business?
Firstly, I must say, it was a complete honour to be nominated and then take out the SAW Quiet Achiever award last year. I usually shy away from being in the ‘spotlight’ and so it was a very proud moment to be on stage representing my wonderful Roar team!
Looking back over Roar’s evolution, I'm deeply proud that I still run a small business. The last 10 years have not been an easy, straight road. I have navigated many hurdles along the way, taken on risk, followed my intuition, succeeded and failed all the while still smiling most days. By taking each day as it comes, has led me to now be surrounded by the most inspiring, supportive group of women at Roar. We organically grew from a team of 3 to 8 in 18 months and over this time also navigated COVID and all the changes and upgrades to systems and processes that was required to sustain a larger team. The team pivoted with ease and grace, always with a smile and warm demeanour. Growth and change, is not always an easy feat, and so to have the amazing support around me, to keep putting one foot in front of the other we have built a trusted brand, with our values deeply rooted in building and sustaining strong relationships. I am proud of my journey thus far and also for all that awaits in the future.
// Having experienced rapid growth in your team – what’s your biggest piece of advice for others looking to increase their staff numbers?
I have never been afraid to have others in my corner and ask for help and guidance by those who have walked the path before me. Over my journey so far, I have leant upon four coaches and mentors who have held me, kept me accountable and supported me through growth and expansion. Also - hire, employ and engage administration to support you! I would not be where I am without my amazing support team, including my Accountant and HR advisor. Engaging expertise from others, will give you TIME to support your growing team and not feel completely bogged down by the everyday running of your business. For me, stepping out of working ‘in’ my business to ‘on’ my business, I believe, was the core to our growth. You can’t steer a ship without a captain and so making the decision, although scary, has been pivotal to our evolution. Finally, I believe in filling up your own cup, you can’t give out to others from an empty cup. That goes for your family and your business so if you’re flying solo or building a team, remember YOU in all of it and give back to yourself first. From that place, growth and abundance is inevitable. // What do you do to keep heading in the direction of your goals and dreams when things get a bit rocky?
I believe taking rest, time away and grounding practices such as meditation and taking time in nature is so important to gather energy and strength to get through the wobbly moments and continue to track in the direction of your goals and dreams. Ensuring you have your goals and dreams written down has also been a gamechanger for me so that I can refer back to them if life gets busy and I feel that I am going off track. This realigns me to my values, beliefs and my purpose.
To read Chloe's acceptance speech in full, follow this QR code.
Discover more about Roar Speech at roarspeech.com.au
Alysha Sparks, Alysha Sparks Artist, was the People's Choice Winner of The Quiet Achiever Award in 2021.
THE ALLROUNDER AWARD
Do what you love!
Libby Trainor Parker was the winner of The Allrounder Award in 2021. Libby is many things to all people: writer, performer, speaker, teacher, parent, partner, business owner, venue manager, and health advocate. Author of the forthcoming book Endo Days (Wakefield Press), Libby has been instrumental and successful in lobbying for funds and raising awareness for endometriosis learning and awareness programs. Libby is a popular MC and speaker, and can also be seen on stage as an award-winning cabaret performer and stand-up comedian. Available to speak at events and seminars, Libby can also run workshops or consult on health and wellbeing, bringing education, knowledge, lived experience and a healthy dose of humour to everything she does.
Aclose business colleague once said to me, 'Surround yourself with women who will mention your name in a room full of opportunities'. At the SA Woman Awards, I heard an entire function room of people praising, recommending, referring, complimenting and congratulating. That's the culture I want to be a part of. That's the roomful I have been searching for.
What a goosebumps moment in Libby Trainor Parker's acceptance speech. Now, we'd love to hear more about Libby's journey and the key to success as a multipassionate business woman. // Your smile absolutely lit up the room when you won! Going back a step - what were the crossroads moments that led you to starting your own business?
I had an undiagnosed chronic illness and I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me, I just knew I couldn’t work the hours I was doing in my teaching job and part time freelancing as a writer. I made the leap into breaking free from a Real Job™ and working for myself when I was given the opportunity to write speeches for a politician as well as run some writing workshops for kids, which was going to offer the freedom and flexibility to work my own hours, as well as a financial base to build from.
After writing for other people for a while, I was struggling with my health and going through some fertility issues and survived a couple of near death experiences and eleven pregnancy losses, which made me decide to take some risks and do things I’d always wanted to do. I started MCing, doing stand-up comedy, I wrote a book, I wrote and performed an award-winning cabaret about endometriosis called Endo Days, I started a venue, and then because I needed even more in my life, I fostered a beautiful little boy! All of the things I have gone through have made me be a better business person and I honestly can’t even believe how lucky I am that I get to do all the things I love for a living and be able to make a difference in people’s lives. // You’re multi-passionate and have crafted your business around doing what you love. What advice would you give to other women wanting to create a business based on their passions?
No one knows and loves what you do more than you, so back yourself and just do it. They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, but I don’t think that’s true. Doing what you love is hard work because you want it to be the best it can be, but that’s why you’re the best person to do it. So jump in, take a risk, do something that scares you and share your passion with the people! // What do you believe to be the key to longevity in business, and achieving your own version of success?
I am a person who thrives when doing something different every day. For a long time, I thought that was a personality flaw and I was frustrated with myself for not wanting to have the same job for a decade, go to the same place every day and work on the same thing. When I started to appreciate that the way I work is project-based and that I like to sink my teeth into something for a short time, see it to completion and then move on to the next thing, I started to succeed. All I needed to do was appreciate how I work and why, and then choose the work that suited my style. I was so relieved when I realised that I absolutely flourish when I’m working on short-term projects and the rest is history! The other thing I did was find my work fam. I made a decision to surround myself with people who would mention my name in a room full of opportunities and I built a community and shared my time with people who believe in me and will back me. And I back them right back! I work alongside a team of absolutely badass women who all have their own businesses, and who all need community, like me. We share ideas, troubleshoot problems together, call on each other for perspective when we need it, and we lift each other up. My freelance fam have been an absolute life saver.
To read Libby's acceptance speech in full, follow this QR code.
Discover more about Libby Trainor Parker at libbytrainorparker.com
Lauren Whiting, LIFT Cancer Care Services, was the People's Choice Winner of The Allrounder Award in 2021.
THE FOUNDER AND LEGEND AWARD
Carly kicked off the evening with her Founder's Speech which had the entire room enthralled, then got right down to business, passing out the Awards to our excited winners.
Wait a minute...Carly got the shock of her life when our MC Kate Burr announced there was a new award!
Pictured below is our MC Kate Burr, Carly, Jess and Carly - all still amazed we actually pulled the surprise off!
Founder and Legend Our Founder, Carly Thompson-Barry knew about the 13 Award categories in 2021, but got a big surprise to hear there was a new award – the Founder and Legend Award! Head of Showcasing, Jess McEachen, took to the stage to not just surprise Carly, but to recognise, thank and celebrate her for the immense amount of work and effort she puts into SA Woman. The spontaneous and well-deserved standing ovation at the end took Carly, the introvert, by surprise and walking down the red carpet amongst it was not what she had ever expected to be doing! This is the speech that Jess delivered.
We wanted to take a moment to thank and celebrate the woman in this room who is the reason that we’re all here.
Which clearly, is the one and only Carly Thompson-Barry. She is the Founder of SA Woman, she is a legend and an absolute force to be reckoned with.
And – as you can see, she has absolutely no idea that I’m doing this! Carly’s someone who is so understated about who she is and what she does, but on behalf of the SA Woman Dream Team, I wanted to take a moment to make sure she has the light shone on her tonight too! And, look despite the fact that I’m a copywriter – Carly is hard to put into words.
But, for me I think her actions speak so loudly and the ripple effects that those actions create sum her up beautifully. Tonight is a perfect example. Carly brings together women from right around our state. She celebrates them for being exactly who they are, and makes sure as many people as possible can see that too. Carly is a self-proclaimed passionate advocate for women supporting women, and she achieves that in spades. And her grit. Her tenacity. Her heart. And, the fact that she just doesn’t give up. It’s just so damn inspiring. Again, tonight is a great example. It almost couldn’t go ahead when we had to change venue last minute – but Carly scoured Adelaide and was determined to make it happen. Clearly, the last year or two has been nothing short of bonkers on so many levels. So challenging, so heartwrenching, so draining. And, I know that Carly has thought about throwing in the towel a number of times. And, fair enough! But she hasn’t.
She picks herself up, dusts herself off, and gets back in there to have another go. To quote one of her posts…
And, what I love and what so many other people love too – is that she makes that journey public. She doesn’t sugar coat it and lets you into the rollercoaster and that it’s not all sparkles and rainbows. Now, for anyone who doesn’t know, the whole reason she created SA Woman was so she could hang out with others who got it. And look what it is today! In addition to a membership base of over 800 women, SA Woman is an absolutely thriving hub for thousands of women in business and careers to stand side by side and support each other through the complexities and challenges…as well as the celebrations and triumphs that come with being a woman in business.
So Carly – on behalf of everyone here tonight. Every finalist, winner and supporter. The SA Woman dream team. Every single one of our members. Every single person in our wider community who you help through your heartfelt posts and emails, your fierce determination, your entrepreneurial spark, and your absolute passion for making the world a better place for us all. We say a HUGE thank you to you.
Because as I said at the start – we wouldn’t be here without you. We all can’t wait to see what 2022 will bring for you and SA Woman. And the far-reaching ripple effects you’ll continue to create in such a vibrant, yet humble way.
Thank you.
This Award was created and donated by the fabulous Alinta Neumann at Macey and Me.
Thank you Alinta - Jess had been thinking of making a speech to thank Carly, but your beautiful thought and iniative to come up with the 'Founder & Legend Award' made it absolutely perfect.
