From beauty behemoth Mecca to software sensation Atlassian, there is no shortage of Aussie entrepreneurial success stories.
However, for every start-up that becomes a household name, there are thousands of everyday Aussie entrepreneurs running small businesses that collectively generate a third of our nation’s GDP.
This World Entrepreneur’s Day, here are three stories to celebrate everyday Aussies who have followed their passions into successful small businesses:
Tahlia Plant, founder of soy candle and diffuser company Bulb & Fossa
Bulb & Fossa was truly a passion project for Tahlia Plant, who created her small business as a creative outlet during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now it’s a thriving small business selling hand-made soy candles and diffusers online.
“Being an entrepreneur allows me the creative freedom to run my business on my own terms,’’ Tahlia says.
“That means having the ability to perform the work when it suits, and allows me to design, create and market the products within independent frameworks.”
With no prior business experience, Tahlia credits her start-up success to doing research to ensure her products could stand out from the crowd and building a website.
“Utilising a website has enabled me to take control of where orders and sales are managed, allowing me to take out some of the manual lifting and focus on other areas of the business,’’ she says.
Tahlia’s top tip for entrepreneurs: “I would strongly recommend leveraging the network around you (friends, family, mentors) and bounce your ideas off them. You can’t please everyone, but those close to you will give you honest opinions and enable your growth.”
Emma McLeavy, founder of Jo + Co Hampers and Floral Design
Emma McLeavy admits to having some self-doubt when she set about launching her hamper and floristry business, Jo + Co Hampers and Floral Design.
However, the former commercial banker said she was prepared to work hard to build a business she was passionate about.
“I’m not afraid of failure and I’m prepared to work hard for what I want, my parents taught me that,” Emma says. “I have carried it with me from childhood.”
Now with Jo + Co she’s reaping the rewards of a more flexible lifestyle as a mother of three young boys and enjoying repeat business from happy customers.
“Sometimes I have had to sacrifice a clean house for a few hampers, but I’m OK with that. It’s a very nice balance, the beauty of working for yourself, from home,” she says.
Emma’s top tip for entrepreneurs: “Starting your own business can seem daunting and at times the goal seems unreachable. But if you’re passionate enough about it, you’ve just got to start.”
Corrin Elliott and Roxane Coutts, founders of Barkery Deluxe Dog Treats
For Corrin Elliott and Roxane Coutts, Barkery Dog Treats started out as just a hobby making and selling dog treats at a local market stall.
Now the duo supply vet clinics, animal hospitals, cafes and sell to doting fur parents across Australia from their online store.
“It all started out as a bit of a hobby really, something we could do on the side as busy mums,” Corrin says.
However, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the team had to quickly pivot from in-person sales to selling through their website.
“We know the importance now of having a good website that’s customer-friendly and easy to navigate,” Roxane says.
“We know we need to future-proof ourselves and solidify our online presence. COVID really taught us that”.
With so many Aussie start-up successes like entrepreneurs Corrin, Roxane, Emma and Tahlia, it’s clear that there is plenty to inspire and celebrate this World Entrepreneur’s Day.
