As the co-host of the Youngpreneur Society podcast with my daughter, Charlotte Enever, I wanted to share my own journey on how I became an entrepreneur—starting way back when I was just eight years old.

When I was eight, my Mum and I started going to craft markets together. My Dad was an art teacher, so creativity was always part of our household. My Mum had just gotten a sewing machine, so she decided to give the craft markets a try.

At that young age, I made little baby blankets, potted Christmas trees, and crafted lavender bags, scrunchies, magnets—anything I could think of to sell.

That was my very first business, and it was exciting! For about 12 months, my mom and I attended these markets together, but even when she stopped going, I kept at it.

My Dad would drive me once a month to the market so I could keep selling my creations. My brother even got involved and started making things like windmills. It was such a fun experience, and we were learning a lot about how to run a little business.

Around that time, my dad gave us a calf to raise, and once it was ready, we sold it to help fund our travels around Australia. That experience showed me the importance of working for what you want, and it sparked my entrepreneurial spirit.

As I got older, around 15 or 16, my friends started getting jobs, but I wasn’t too interested in working for someone else. Instead, I started my babysitting agency. I loved babysitting, so every Friday and Saturday night, while others were out, I was working, and I enjoyed it.

I had always loved the idea of teaching, and that’s where I thought my career would go. But something changed during my studies; I discovered marketing, and I fell in love with it. It was a world where creativity, strategy, and communication all came together, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be.

In 2001, I met my husband, and we started our journey into business consulting. We would go into other people’s businesses, helping them as external consultants, giving advice, and offering support. But by 2009, after we had our daughter Charlotte, I felt ready to leap into full-fledged entrepreneurship.

That’s when we launched our first business, Family Capers, a parenting hub where families could connect and do fun activities. We got to work with some fantastic brands and characters like Cookie Monster, Elmo, Barbie, and even Mattel. It was such a thrill to be part of that world, but while I loved Family Capers, I found myself drawn back to marketing. It’s what I truly love: helping businesses grow and flourish.

It wasn’t long before I realised that there was a real need for a space where small business owners could come together, learn, and support each other. That’s how Business, Business, Business was born. My husband and I created a Facebook community for business owners to connect, share knowledge, and grow together.

That community has since grown into a full website and publication, and we’ve been able to monetise it by sharing our expertise. It’s been so rewarding to see business owners helping each other and forming genuine connections.

Now, we’ve come full circle with the Youngpreneur Society, a project that is so close to my heart. I started my entrepreneurial journey at eight years old, and now I’m watching Charlotte embark on her own business adventures.

Together, we’ve launched the Youngpreneur Society to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs: young people with big ideas who need the right support to bring those ideas to life.

Our mission with the Youngpreneur Society is to provide young entrepreneurs with the resources, skills, and community they need to succeed. We want to foster a space where young business owners are not only encouraged but cherished.

We’ve spent the last couple of years building this foundation, and I’m so excited about what’s to come in 2025 and beyond. We’ll be offering business collectives, hubs, and tons of resources to help these young entrepreneurs grow their ideas into reality.

As I reflect on my journey, there are a few lessons I’ve learned that I want to share with you. First, “No” doesn’t always mean no. Sometimes it just means not now, or that you need to find another solution. Don’t be discouraged by rejection; it’s part of the process.

Second, it’s okay to be yourself. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the right clients and customers want you. Authenticity is powerful, and while not everyone will connect with you, that’s okay. They’re not your audience.

Third, community matters. Ideas take many shapes and forms, but having the right people around you to support and encourage you makes all the difference. I’ve been lucky to have amazing support throughout my journey, and I want the same for every young entrepreneur out there.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ask for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and no one can. The best thing you can do for your business is to seek guidance, ask for feedback, and admit when you need a hand. It’s not a weakness—it’s smart.

I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Youngpreneur Society and to see all the amazing ideas you have come to life. I’d love to hear about your journey—what are you creating? What’s your business? Reach out to me through the podcast or leave a comment, and let’s connect. Let’s grow together as we take on this entrepreneurial adventure!

Learn more from Linda Reed-Enever:

You can find Linda at https://www.enevergroup.com.au or connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lindareedenever.

Caterina Sullivan is a multi-talented entrepreneur who has turned her personal values into the foundation of six successful businesses. Based in Canberra, Caterina’s journey is anything but conventional. From her early days working in government and non-profits, she now leads a dynamic portfolio of companies with her husband, driven by a shared commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Caterina's introduction into the world of business was not a straight line but rather a winding road influenced by her experiences and personal values. She shared that her time in government and the non-profit sector provided her with a unique perspective on how policy and people intersect. But it was her own entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her desire for autonomy and impact, that led her to venture into business.

Her journey is also deeply intertwined with her identity as an autistic neurodiverse individual, a factor that has shaped both her worldview and the way she operates as a business leader. Far from being a hindrance, Caterina sees her neurodiversity as a strength, enabling her to approach problems with creativity and resilience. She emphasised that every decision she makes is guided by her values, with sustainability at the forefront of every endeavour.

More than just a buzzword, sustainability is the core philosophy behind her businesses. She explained how she and her husband are dedicated to ensuring that their ventures positively impact the world on multiple fronts—economically, socially, and environmentally. Caterina spoke about the importance of running a business that not only profits financially but also contributes to the well-being of society and the planet.

She believes that the role of businesses in the modern world extends beyond making money—they have the power to shape the future. And with that power comes the responsibility to make decisions that consider the long-term impacts on the environment and society. Caterina stressed that young entrepreneurs must integrate sustainable practices into their business models to ensure they are not just surviving but thriving in a world increasingly concerned with ethical consumption.

As Caterina pointed out, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. With growing consumer awareness and evolving legislation, businesses must be proactive in their approach. She highlighted the importance of staying informed about government policies and environmental regulations, as these can significantly impact business operations.

The conversation also touched on consumer trends, with Caterina noting that today’s consumers are more likely to support businesses that align with their personal values. This shift is driving companies to be more transparent and accountable in their practices. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for entrepreneurs, especially young ones. Caterina encouraged her peers to embrace this change and use it as a chance to build meaningful, sustainable brands.

Despite her success, Caterina is no stranger to the struggles of balancing work and personal life. In the podcast, she candidly discussed the pressures of running multiple businesses and the toll it can take on mental health and relationships. However, she believes that balance is achievable when personal and professional values are aligned. By creating businesses that reflect her commitment to sustainability, she finds it easier to maintain her well-being and remain motivated.

For Caterina, sustainability isn’t just about business practices; it’s about maintaining personal sustainability too. She stressed the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, especially for entrepreneurs who are often driven by passion but can quickly burn out if they don’t take time to recharge.

In closing, Caterina offered advice for young entrepreneurs who are just starting on their journey. Her message was clear: Be purposeful in everything you do. She urged aspiring business owners to think beyond profit and consider how their actions will impact the future. In a world where sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority, those who fail to adapt will be left behind.

Caterina’s story serves as a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about financial success—it’s about creating something that has lasting value. Through her work, she is shaping a better future, one sustainable decision at a time.

Learn more from Caterina Sullivan:

You can find Caterina at https://www.caterinasullivan.com.