I Started a Business

Just before the world turned upside down with COVID, Sarah identified a gap in the market and launched her fashion brand, Kireina. As trends shifted during the pandemic, so did her focus — leading to the creation of her signature wide-leg “Freya Jean”, now a best-seller. 

In this episode, Sarah shares how her love for denim and commitment to quality led to Kireina’s growth, particularly through their unique capsule drops that keep customers eagerly anticipating what’s next. From mood boards to manufacturing, she takes us behind the scenes of her design process, and highlights the importance of maintaining in-house customer service and feedback. Sarah also reveals how her background as a fashion importer guided her through the wholesale landscape, positioning Kireina as a boutique favourite known for offering both in-store and online experiences.

@kireina_australia
kireina.com.au

While seven months pregnant with her second child, Joni listed her handmade Christmas ornaments on Facebook and local groups under "Joni’s Pop-Up Shop." The positive response led her to design her first pair of earrings, marking the beginning of her business, Wood With Words.

In this episode, we explore Joni’s dedication to crafting unique accessories inspired by her surroundings. From Australian native animals to everyone’s favourite foods, Joni’s creativity knows no bounds! As a self-taught artist, Joni emphasises her appreciation for heartfelt customer emails that help drive her business forward, and how she continually refines her skills to enhance her craft without compromising quality. She reveals how her hard work has led to preparing a major order for a second store at Melbourne Airport, and adding the Sydney Botanic Gardens to her growing list of stockists.


@woodwithwords.au
woodwithwords.com.au

Growing up, Sarah always dreamed of becoming a dancer. However, after university and a few life twists, she decided to channel her creative flair into starting a business influenced by her desire to help people. Inspired by her "dumpling queen" mother and her family's love of food, Sarah introduced her conversation-starter seasonings to the world. 

In this episode, we chat with Sarah Leung from Alg Seaweed as she shares her inspiring journey into the world of nutrition and the hurdles she overcame transitioning from managing a wellness centre to launching a product-based business. Sarah discusses the incredible support she receives from her family and friends while balancing motherhood, the thrill of launching new products to keep things exciting, and how she uses Instagram reels to showcase her favourite recipes. She also explores the agility of small businesses, emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes to move forward, and reflects on the pivotal moment when Alg Seaweed was relaunched in 2021, paving the way for a partnership with Woolworths.

@alg_seaweed
@capturingyumminess

Website: algseaweed.com

Beth's journey began during her makeup sessions with clients, where she made a simple yet profound observation: cleaning makeup brushes shouldn't be a hassle. Dissatisfied with the available options, she created a quick-drying solution to simplify the task. 

In this episode, we chat with Beth Wilson, the visionary behind Saint Jack Cosmetics. Beth shares how her love for makeup and valuing people’s time, served as the catalyst for her quick and effective brush cleaning method. We explore her strategies for captivating audiences through content creation, overcoming camera shyness to promote her brand, and how her background at a marketing agency played a pivotal role in shaping Saint Jack Cosmetics. Beth also highlights the importance of pursuing a venture you're passionate about to stay motivated, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. 

@bysaintjack
Website: saintjack.com.au

Darren's journey began with managing GPS tracking for golf carts, but a chance encounter with a farmer sparked a revolutionary idea: why not apply the same technology to cattle? Realising the potential in this market, Smart Paddock was born. 

In this episode, we catch up with Darren Wolchyn, the brains behind Smart Paddock. Darren discusses how he stumbled upon a niche market that launched his global journey, helping farmers keep tabs on their cattle. We dive into a variety of topics, like juggling time zones, the game-changing impact of Starlink services in rural areas, and why having a kickass team and network can make or break your success. He also shares tips on applying for funds from Breakthrough Victoria and why it's crucial to get advice from mentors and people outside your business bubble.

@smartpaddock
Website: smartpaddock.com

After a coffee date with a friend, Lor found herself intrigued by her friend's appearance, all thanks to a stunning set of eyelashes. This initial curiosity set Lor on a path to becoming the triple threat she is today, skillfully managing a beauty salon, online store, and accredited eyelash training program.

In the episode, we sit down with Lor Nicol, the brains (and beauty) behind Lash by Lash and Lash Loft & Beauty Bar in Parkdale Melbourne. Lor shares her story of deliberate and thoughtful growth, embracing new opportunities as they arose. She openly discusses her early challenges in establishing a management style that resonated with her team and why she was very close to selling her business. We chat about her innovative business idea that she hadn’t seen done before and the importance of meaningful conversations in her entrepreneurial journey.

@lashbylash | @lashloftandbeautybar
Website: lashbylash.com.au

With entrepreneurial spirit running in both Sharleen and Vivian’s families, it was only a matter of time before they embarked on their own business journey. 

In this episode, we’re hanging out with the dynamic duo, Sharleen and Vivian, the creative minds behind The Beauty Fridge. We chat about turning a shared dream of breaking free from the 9-to-5 into reality and unravel the wealth of insights they've taken on board since launching in November 2018 – from designing & distributing their products, keeping up with marketing trends, and the advantage of having a work partner when lacking self-motivation.  

@thebeautyfridgeofficial
Website: thebeautyfridge.com.au

With a passion for flowers, a one-day floristry course under her belt and many late nights on Youtube, Samantha took a chance and started her own floristry business amidst the pandemic.

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Gallagher, the mastermind behind Peach and Petals, a dried floral business that has beautifully flourished in just three short years. Samantha shares her journey from selling bouquets on Facebook Marketplace to having her own space at CLIK Collective, the importance of celebrating those small wins and the challenges of achieving work-life-balance as a business owner.

@peachandpetals
Website: peachandpetals.com.au

Four years on from selling her business, Mel was presented with an opportunity to purchase her business, BABYink, back for $100k. With some life savings behind her and a keen entrepreneurial spirit, Mel bought it back and set her sights on further expanding BABYink into the wholesale space and becoming Australia’s largest distributor for European baby brands. She did just that. 

In this episode, our founder and director, Harry Kempler sits down with friend and owner of Kollektive, Melinda Farley. They recount Mel’s business journey from running a side hustle at the kitchen bench to a booming business operating out of CLIK Collective. From navigating the challenges of being a working mum and striking the elusive work-life balance to seizing entrepreneurial chances, she offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners. Mel chats about taking chances, the importance of team culture and knowing why you started. 

Instagram: @kollektive.au
Website: kollektive.com.au

Emerging from an inspired moment in a bathtub 16 years ago, Sarah has nurtured her vision into a collection of hair, body, and home products meticulously crafted to add a touch of emotion to your daily rituals.

In this episode we sit down with Sarah Fisher, the brilliant mind behind denu, as she guides us through her journey as a purpose-driven entrepreneur, shedding light on the significance of being Australian-owned and made. She talks about the evolution of her business goals over her impressive 16-year tenure and shares stories that highlight the connection between scent and emotion, resonating with the heart of denu's philosophy.

Instagram: @denu_australia
Website: www.denu.com.au