For Founders Sake

This week on FFS! we sat down with Clare, the founder of Soul Tribe Yoga Studio right here in Batemans Bay - and honestly, this one had us thinking for days.

Clare’s path to owning a yoga studio is anything but linear. It starts with backpacking and late nights, winds through a quarter-life reckoning, a coin flip on the side of the road, and a wild story of how she came to acquire the studio that we absolutely did not see coming. There were plenty of laughs along the way, but underneath it all is a really honest conversation about what it takes to build something meaningful in a small, seasonal town.

For two hosts who run on structure and to-do lists, Clare’s heart-led approach to business was equal parts refreshing and genuinely thought-provoking. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing things the “right” way - this one’s for you.

In This Episode We Cover:

• From backpacking and big nights out to finding yoga - and how that shift actually happened
• Why turning 30 made Clare feel like she needed to get “serious” (and what that looked like)
• The truth about her early days of teaching - she hated public speaking and regularly wished the floor would swallow her whole
• How she ended up in Australia, and then specifically on the NSW South Coast
• The coin flip that decided her direction (no, really - north or south?)
• The unexpected, chaotic, and honestly kind of wild story of how she came to own the studio
• What it’s really like running a business in a small, seasonal town - the adversity, the quiet periods, and the reality check
• Why showing up consistently matters, even when it’s just one or two people on the mat
• Behind the scenes of what actually goes into running a yoga studio
• How Clare built a space that feels welcoming to everyone - not just the people who already look like “yoga people”
• Running a heart-led business while still holding firm on boundaries

About Clare

Clare is the founder and owner of Soul Tribe Yoga Studio in Batemans Bay, NSW. She’s built a community-first space on the South Coast that’s as much about belonging as it is about the practice itself.

📍  57 Beach Road, Catalina NSW 2536

🌐  soultribestudio.com.au

📧  [email protected]

📸  @soultribestudio

Connect With Us

📸  Instagram: @for.founders.sake

🎵  TikTok: @forfounderssakepodcast

▶️  YouTube: @forfounderssake

Got a story worth telling? We want to hear from you.

For Founders Sake is brought to you by two founders, for founders — and honestly, for anyone who’s ever taken a leap and figured it out on the way down.

Today we’re joined by Peggy McAlister - a familiar name in our local area and someone who has built a reputation not just on results, but on the way she works with people.

Peggy burst onto the real estate scene in 2008 and quickly became recognised as a top performer both locally and nationally. But this episode isn’t just about success - it’s about what happens when life shifts, priorities change, and you’re forced to rebuild in a new season.

At just four months postpartum (at the time of recording) with her second baby, Peggy is stepping back into business - and doing it with a completely different perspective.

We talk about the reality of returning to work after having a baby, the pressure around “having it all”, and whether success, family life and relationships can truly coexist - or if something always has to give.

This conversation also dives deep into sales - especially for small business owners who feel uncomfortable putting themselves out there. Peggy shares her mindset around selling as service, how she handles rejection, and why focusing on solving people’s problems (not chasing the biggest deal) is what’s actually built her career.

We also unpack:

• What buyers are getting wrong in today’s market

• What sellers need to understand before listing

• How to navigate big decisions with more confidence and less pressure

• The mindset shift that makes selling feel natural, not forced

This episode is honest, practical and grounding - whether you’re in business, navigating a big life transition, or simply wanting to approach sales and decision-making in a more aligned way.

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Links:

Follow Peggy McAlister:

https://www.realestate.com.au/agent/peggy-mcalister-3260056?cid=agent-profile-page|buy:pdp:contact-side-panel

Follow us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/for.founders.sake/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFoundersSake

Today we’re joined by the incredible Sharan - a true business veteran and the woman behind what many on the South Coast would consider an institution.

Having been in business since just 18 years old and now approaching 60 at the time of recording, Sharan brings decades of lived experience, resilience and perspective to this conversation. She’s also spent more than 20 years in business alongside her husband - something we both agree is a huge achievement in itself, and a dynamic not many could navigate day in, day out.

From the much-loved Bodalla Bakery to its next chapter as Bodalla General, Sharan’s story is one of evolution, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her community.

But this conversation goes far beyond baked goods and beautiful cakes.

Sharan takes us behind the scenes of what it has really looked like to run a small-town business through some of Australia’s toughest moments - supporting first responders during the bushfires, navigating the uncertainty of COVID, and finding ways to keep both her business and her team afloat when everything felt like it was working against her.

She shares how, in the middle of chaos, they pivoted quickly - bringing comfort into people’s homes through curated high teas - a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there is still room for creativity and connection.

We also dive into the parts of business that aren’t often spoken about.

Sharan opens up about the risks that come with running a business, the weight of leadership, and the reality of things not always going to plan. In a deeply honest moment, she shares her experience with bankruptcy - something so many business owners face, but so few talk about publicly. This part of the conversation is raw, real and incredibly important.

Because behind every “iconic” business is a person who has had to make hard decisions, carry pressure, and keep showing up regardless.

We talk about what it means to run a business that’s so deeply tied to community - being part of people’s weddings, celebrations and hardest days - and the quiet responsibility that comes with that.

And finally, we look ahead.

The transition into Bodalla General marks a new era - a reimagined space that blends the heart of the original bakery with a nostalgic general store feel. It’s a reflection of everything Sharan has built, learned and endured - and a reminder that reinvention is always possible.

This episode is about resilience, honesty, and the true reality of small business.

It’s about starting again, even when it’s hard.

And it’s about the kind of strength that doesn’t always shout - but shows up anyway.

Links:
Bodalla General: https://www.instagram.com/bodallageneral/

Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/for.founders.sake/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFoundersSake

Today we’re joined by Kirsty, founder of Camel Rock Surf School — a business that’s not just teaching people to surf, but creating space for women in the lineup.

After landing on the Far South Coast in 2018, Kirsty built her surf school in Bermagui from the ground up. But her journey hasn’t been all sunshine and salty hair.

In this episode, Kirsty opens up about the darker side of breaking into a traditionally male-dominated surf culture — including facing bullying, territorial behaviour, and even nasty posters being put up around town. Instead of backing down, the local community rallied around her in a powerful show of support that helped strengthen the business even further.

We also talk about the realities of running a surf school — the early mornings, the constant watching of wind and swell charts, and the unpredictability of building a business that’s entirely dependent on weather and ocean conditions. It’s a far cry from the “spending every day at the beach” lifestyle people often imagine.

Kirsty shares how her Surf & Stretch women’s retreats came to life — bringing together surf lessons, yoga and connection — and why the demand for women-only sessions continues to grow. Through her popular Waves for Womenclasses, she’s creating a space where women can step outside their comfort zones and support each other in an environment that feels welcoming, empowering and fun.

And throughout the conversation, one thing becomes clear — the genuine joy she gets from teaching first-timers and watching someone stand up on their very first wave.

This episode is about resilience, community, and carving out space where there wasn’t one before.

In this episode we talk about:

• The reality of running a surf school and building a business around weather and ocean conditions

• Facing bullying and territorial behaviour within surf culture

• The local community support that helped Camel Rock Surf School grow stronger

• Creating safe and supportive spaces for women in the ocean

• Surf & Stretch retreats combining surfing, yoga and connection

• The rising demand for women-only lessons and retreats

• The joy of teaching first-time surfers and watching confidence grow in the water

  
  

  
  

  
  

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LINKS:

Camel Rock Surf School
https://www.camelrocksurfschool.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/camelrocksurfschool/

Follow For Founder’s Sake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/for.founders.sake/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFoundersSake

This week on For Founder’s Sake, we sit down with Robyn and Abbey, the mother–daughter duo behind CORABE, a beautifully curated interiors store in Batemans Bay specialising in one-of-a-kind vintage and upcycled furniture sourced from Northern India.

What started as a shared love for interiors, travel and restoring unique pieces has grown into a thriving regional business bringing globally sourced craftsmanship to the South Coast.

In this episode we dive into how CORABE came to life, the reality of sourcing furniture internationally, and what it’s really like running a business with a family member.

Robyn and Abbey share the behind-the-scenes of travelling to India to source pieces, the complex logistics of getting furniture back to Australia, and the surprising parts of the global furniture trade that most people never see — from freight costs and container delays to Australia’s strict quarantine processes.

They also open up about one of their earliest challenges when their first container shipment didn’t quite go to plan, resulting in a costly lesson that set them back more than $60,000.

We also explore the dynamic of building a business as a mother–daughter partnership — the trust, the tension, and the unique strengths that come with working alongside family.

And of course, we talk about why they chose Batemans Bay to open their store, the realities of running a premium interiors business in a regional town, and how they’ve built a brand that brings resort-style living and globally sourced craftsmanship to the South Coast.

If you love interiors, travel, or hearing the real stories behind building a business, this episode is packed with honest insights, big lessons and a few unexpected moments.

Connect with CORABE & Follow For Founder’s Sake

Website: https://corabe.co/
Instagram: instagram.com/corabe.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/for.founders.sake/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFoundersSake

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Aimee from APC Home Loans - bringing 17 years of experience in finance, banking and lending to the mic.

With nearly a decade spent inside one of the big four banks before launching her own brokerage, Aimee shares how APC Home Loans came to life, what pushed her to step out on her own, and what she’s learnt building a business in an industry that can often feel overwhelming or intimidating.

This episode isn’t just for business owners.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, refinancing, investing, or simply trying to understand where to start - this conversation is packed with practical, easy-to-understand education around the home loan process.

We dive into:

• Where first home buyers should start (before they even look at properties)

• How much deposit you really need

• What lenders are actually looking at

• The biggest mistakes people make before applying

• How refinancing works and when it’s worth considering

We also go deep into lending as a self-employed or small business owner - covering:

• Why it’s different to PAYG lending

• How tax deductions impact borrowing power

• How far in advance business owners should prepare

• What documents lenders need

• The common myths that stop people from even applying

And because we love the human side of business, we also chat about:

• The growth of APC Home Loans

• The pressure of running your own business

• Being a working mum and navigating that constant juggle

• Redefining success in different seasons of life

We wrap things up with a quick-fire true or false myth-busting segment that clears up some of the biggest misconceptions around brokers, deposits, self-employed lending and more.

This episode is equal parts educational and relatable - with plenty of laughs along the way.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, business owner, investor or just curious about how lending really works, this one’s for you.

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Links mentioned in the show:

APC Home Loans
https://www.apchomeloans.com.au/

Follow APC on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/apchomeloans/

Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/for.founders.sake/

Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@ForFoundersSake

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All the information in this episode is of general nature and used for educational purposes only. Your full financial needs and requirements need to be assessed prior to any offer or acceptance of a loan product.

Credit Representative APC Home Loans 550068 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328

This episode is a behind-the-scenes chat between Shelb & Em as we unpack how we’re intentionally setting ourselves up for the year ahead - in business, life and everything in between.

It’s not about hype.
It’s not about unrealistic resolutions.
It’s about clarity, ownership and execution.

In this episode we talk about:

Scaling smart — and learning the hard way
Toward the end of 2025, we made what felt like a smart next move for the podcast: bringing on an editor. The goal? Faster turnaround times and the possibility of moving from fortnightly to weekly episodes.

For Em, this was a big step. Letting go of the editing process - something she’s deeply particular about - wasn’t easy. But growth requires delegation, right?

Let’s just say… it didn’t quite go to plan.

You’ll have to listen to hear exactly what happened - and what it taught us about control, standards and trusting the right people.

Effective goal setting (without the fluff)
There’s nothing wrong with a big, lofty goal. But dreaming is one thing - executing is another. We break down how to reverse-engineer ambitious goals so they’re actually achievable.

Measuring success beyond numbers
Not every goal has a dollar figure attached. Some are about energy, health, presence or capacity. We talk about how to measure progress when success is a feeling - not a financial metric.

Hiring a ‘non money-making’ team member
When is the right time to invest in support that doesn’t directly generate revenue? We unpack the mindset shift required to hire for capacity and sustainability - not just immediate ROI.

Our business goals for the year ahead
We share what we’re building, refining and focusing on - and where we’re intentionally stretching ourselves this year.

If you’re mapping out your year, questioning your next hire, or sitting with big goals that feel slightly uncomfortable - this one’s for you.

Success isn’t accidental.
It’s intentional.

Follow along:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/for.founders.sake/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFoundersSake

If this episode resonated, take a screenshot and tag us - we love seeing you listening.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Hatcher — Mayor of the Eurobodalla Shire Council, local business owner, and dad — to unpack what it really looks like to juggle leadership, business, community, and family in a very public role.

This conversation moves fast and jumps around (in the best way), and it quickly becomes clear just how much passion Matt brings to everything he does.

WHAT WE COVER IN THE EP...

Starting & running businesses

• Matt’s journey into business and what it takes to get something off the ground

• Preparing for a big summer season before the bushfires hit and the Shire came to a halt

• Accidentally stepping away from his business after becoming deeply involved in disaster recovery

• Being immersed in recovery efforts for around 18 months

• A viral moment during this time that resulted in selling over a quarter of a million dollars in coffee beans online

Spilling a little tea ☕️

• Matt shares insight into a new business venture he’s involved in — Bar Something

• Early details around the vision and why it’s something completely new for the area

Community & volunteering

• The importance of local community groups and volunteering

• New and creative ways clubs and organisations can raise money

• Why community involvement matters in regional areas

How local government actually works

• The difference between local, state, and federal government, and who is responsible for what

  • Disaster recovery

  • Public transport

  • Infrastructure and planning

• What it was really like running for Mayor

• The very normal moment Matt received the call that he was the new Mayor

• Going from a regular citizen one day to Mayor the next

• How council chambers operate, voting systems, and why the Mayor is essentially one councillor among many

Development, consultation & criticism

• How Development Applications (DAs) work

• Community consultation and notification — and why much of it often goes unread

• The pushback and negativity that can arise when developments appear around the Shire

• Handling criticism, negativity, and confrontational moments — particularly in Facebook community groups

The human side

• Wearing many hats across business, leadership, and family life

• Balancing public leadership with being a present dad

• Staying grounded while operating in the public eye

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  LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EP...

  • Bar Something
    https://www.barsomething.com

  • The Kiosk
    https://www.instagram.com/its_the_kiosk/

  • The Bearded Brewer
    https://www.beardedbrewercoffee.com/

  • Guerrilla Roasters
    https://www.guerrillaroasters.com/

    
    

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    Follow For Founders’ Sake

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/for.founders.sake/

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ForFoundersSake

  
  

  
  

In this episode of For Founder Sake, we sit down with Gabby Good, co-owner of a boutique interior furniture and homewares store with locations in Batemans Bay and Milton. Gabby’s journey is a powerful mix of creativity, resilience, and real-world business decisions - the kind that don’t always come with an easy answer.

We talk about the day-to-day juggle of motherhood, running two retail stores, sourcing stock, and still finding space for yourself outside of business. Gabby gives an honest look at what it’s like managing the moving parts of retail - from product selection and trade fairs to budgets, cash flow, and the pressure of getting it right season after season.

We also rewind the clock to a pivotal moment in Gabby’s career - when an opportunity came up eight years ago to buy into an existing business rather than start something from scratch. We unpack that decision, the risks and advantages of buying into an established brand, and how Gabby and her business partner have grown and evolved the business since then - making it their own while respecting what was already built.

This episode also dives into the harder side of business. Gabby opens up about making the tough decision not to continue the lease on the Batemans Bay store - a choice rooted in growth, sustainability, and long-term vision, even when it comes with emotional weight. We explore how founders navigate these moments, and why closing a door doesn’t mean failure.

We also reflect on the uniquely challenging years faced by South Coast businesses. From the devastating bushfires to COVID lockdowns, Gabby shares what it was like opening the Batemans Bay store just before the world shut down - and how local and online community support played a huge role in getting through those uncertain times.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Buying into an existing business vs starting from scratch.

• How the business has evolved and grown over the past eight years.

• The reality of juggling motherhood, business ownership, and personal interests.

• Running two boutique retail stores in regional towns.

• Making tough business decisions, including closing a physical location.

• Opening a store just before COVID and navigating lockdowns.

• The impact of bushfires and the role of community support.

• How Gabby sources stock for a boutique homewares store.

• Attending trade fairs, planning ranges, and staying disciplined with stock budgets.

This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and incredibly relatable for anyone in retail or small business - especially those who’ve had to rebuild, adapt, or rethink their path over the last few years. Gabby’s story is a reminder that business isn’t just about growth for growth’s sake, but about alignment, sustainability, and knowing when to pivot.

🎧 Listen now for an insightful chat about creativity, community, and the courage it takes to make hard decisions - even when your heart is deeply tied to the outcome.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, make sure to follow For Founder Sake wherever you listen, leave a rating, and share this episode with another founder who’ll appreciate the honesty behind running a retail business.

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Guest: Gabby Good – Co-Owner, Boutique Interior Furniture & Homewares
📍 Batemans Bay & Milton, NSW
🛋️ Curated interiors, furniture & homewares
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @spaces2538
🎙️ Follow the podcast: @for.founders.sake

In this episode of For Founder Sake, we dive head-first into one of the most powerful yet overlooked parts of running a business - mindset. Because no matter how good your product, marketing, or team is, the way you think will make or break your success.

It’s just us this week - Em & Shelb - and we’re getting real about the mental roller-coaster that comes with entrepreneurship. From confidence highs to crippling self-doubt, from bold decisions to late-night “what have I done?” moments, this episode is an honest exploration of how your internal world shapes everything in your external business.

Shelby opens up about one of the biggest chapters in her career - taking on huge financial commitments to grow her Canberra clinic right before the second COVID lockdown hit. We talk through what it felt like staring down the terrifying “L-word” (liquidation), how she clawed her way back, and what that experience taught her about resilience, ego, and self-trust.

Here’s what we unpack in this episode:

• The link between mindset and business success - why strategy means nothing without self-belief.

• Shelby’s story of expanding her clinic, the financial pressure that followed, and how she rebuilt.

• Imposter syndrome - how it shows up for founders and how to move through it.

• “Fake it till you make it” confidence - what that actually looks like in practice.

• Pricing confidence - knowing your worth and giving yourself permission to profit.

• Learning from failure without letting it define you.

• The daily habits and mental reframes that keep us grounded when things get hard.

This episode is raw, vulnerable, and probably one of the most relatable ones yet. We strip away the highlight reel and talk about the parts of business people don’t always share - the fear, the pressure, the moments where quitting feels easier than continuing, and the mindset shifts that pull you back on track.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your pricing, questioned whether you’re good enough, or wondered why business sometimes feels heavier than it should, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that mindset isn’t a one-time fix - it’s something you build, test, and rebuild again as your business (and life) evolves.

🎧 Listen now for a deep, honest chat about how your thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk directly shape your success - and how to start thinking like the founder you want to become.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, make sure to follow For Founder Sake wherever you get your podcasts, leave a rating, and share this episode with another founder who could use a reminder that they’re not alone in the hard stuff.

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Hosts: Em & Shelb – Co-hosts of For Founder Sake
💬 Real conversations about the highs, lows, and “FFS” moments of business and life.
🎙️ Follow along on Instagram: @for.founders.sake