Starting a business can be a challenging and rewarding journey, especially for women in Australia who have faced gender bias and discrimination in the workplace. Australia is a country that’s home to some of the most inspiring women entrepreneurs who have disrupted their respective industries, created businesses that have helped their communities, and inspired others to do the same. In this article, we’ll introduce you to twelve unstoppable women and share their stories, lessons learned, and how they've achieved their goals.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it."
- Karen Andrews, Australia's Minister for Industry, Science and Technology
These Australian female entrepreneurs embody that spirit, creating their own futures through their innovative startups. Let's dive into their stories and the lessons they've learned along the way.
Melanie Perkins, Canva
Melanie Perkins co-founded Canva, an online graphic design platform, in 2012, at just 25 years old. Canva has since become one of Australia's most successful startups, valued at over $15 billion in 2021. Perkins' passion for design and her vision for a user-friendly graphic design tool inspired her to launch Canva, which has since become a global phenomenon.
Perkins' advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to "be passionate about what you do and find something that you really care about." She also advises entrepreneurs to "find a great co-founder or team, someone who complements your skills and can help you on the journey."
Canva: Professional Tips and Tricks When You Design with Canva (Step by Step Canva Guide for Work or Business with Pictures) by Patrick Ejeke (Author)
Cyan Ta'eed, Co-founder of Envato
Cyan Ta'eed is the co-founder of Envato, a marketplace for creative assets and digital services that has become a major player in the tech industry. Ta'eed, who was born in Egypt, moved to Australia at the age of nine. She started her career as a graphic designer, working for various companies before founding Envato with her husband and another partner in 2006.
Ta'eed's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to "be prepared to take risks and be comfortable with uncertainty." She also stresses the importance of networking and building relationships with mentors and advisors. "You need to have people who can support you and help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship," she says.
Envato has since become one of Australia's most successful startups, with over 10 million members worldwide and revenues of more than $200 million. Ta'eed has attributed much of the company's success to its focus on customer service and community building. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, she said: "We've always tried to be a very community-focused business. We've got forums where people can talk to each other, we've got a blog where we write about what we're doing, and we try to be as open and transparent as possible."
Cyan Ta'eed's lesson learned: "Believe in your idea, and believe in yourself. Starting a business is not easy, but if you have a strong belief in what you're doing, you'll be able to overcome any obstacle that comes your way."
Focus on building a community around your business and prioritise customer service to create a loyal following.
Lisa Messenger, Collective Hub
Lisa Messenger is the founder of Collective Hub, a media and education company that empowers entrepreneurs and creative thinkers. Messenger launched the company in 2013, after a successful career in journalism and publishing.
Messenger's advice to entrepreneurs is to "be bold and think big." She also stresses the importance of embracing failure and learning from mistakes. "Failure is just a stepping stone to success," she says. "It's important to have a growth mindset and be willing to learn from every experience."
Jane Lu, Showpo
Jane Lu is the founder of Showpo, a popular online fashion retailer that has grown to become a global brand. Lu launched Showpo in 2010, after quitting her corporate job to pursue her passion for fashion. Lu, who previously worked in accounting and finance, started the company from her parent's garage in 2010 with just $60,000 in savings.
Lu's advice for entrepreneurs is to "be persistent and stay true to your vision." She also advises entrepreneurs to "surround themselves with positive people who will support and encourage them." "Starting a business can be tough, but having a strong support network can make all the difference," she says.
Showpo has since become a major player in the fashion industry, with revenues of over $85 million and a presence in over 80 countries. Lu has emphasised the importance of taking risks and not being afraid to fail.
Dr Catriona Wallace, Flamingo AI
Dr Catriona Wallace is the founder of Flamingo AI, an artificial intelligence platform that helps businesses improve customer engagement and sales. Wallace launched Flamingo AI in 2014, after identifying a need for more personalised and engaging customer experiences.
Wallace's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to "identify a gap in the market and create a solution that solves a real problem." She also stresses the importance of resilience and perseverance. "Starting a business is not for the faint-hearted," she says. "You need to be willing to work hard, learn from failure, and keep pushing forward."
Bridget Loudon - Expert360
Bridget Loudon is the co-founder of Expert360, a platform that connects businesses with freelance consultants and experts in various industries. Loudon, who previously worked as a consultant herself, was frustrated by the traditional consulting model and saw an opportunity to disrupt the industry by creating a more flexible and affordable solution.
Expert360 has since grown to over 20,000 freelancers and 2,000 businesses and has raised more than $30 million in funding. Loudon has emphasised the importance of building a strong team and surrounding herself with people who share her vision. In an interview with Women's Agenda, she said: "Building a company is a team sport, and you need a team around you who are as passionate and committed to the vision as you are."
Surround yourself with a strong team who share your vision and are committed to the success of your business.
Sarah Holloway - Matcha Maiden
Sarah Holloway is the co-founder of Matcha Maiden, a company that specialises in high-quality matcha tea products. Holloway, who previously worked in corporate law, discovered her love for matcha during a trip to Japan and decided to turn her passion into a business.
Matcha Maiden has since grown to become a leading brand in the health and wellness industry, with products sold in over 30 countries. Holloway has emphasised the importance of perseverance and not giving up in the face of challenges. In an interview with The Business Woman Media, she said: "Starting a business is not easy, but if you're truly passionate about what you're doing, then it's worth fighting for."
Persevere through challenges and stay committed to your vision and passion.
Jo Horgan, Founder of Mecca Cosmetica
Jo Horgan is the founder of Mecca Cosmetica, a leading Australian beauty retailer that offers a range of exclusive and international beauty brands. Jo started Mecca Cosmetica in 1997 because she saw a gap in the market for a luxury beauty destination in Australia. Today, Mecca Cosmetica has over 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
"Surround yourself with the right people who share your vision and passion. Building a successful business requires a team effort, and you need to work with people who are aligned with your goals and values."
Emma Isaacs, Founder of Business Chicks
Emma Isaacs is the founder of Business Chicks, Australia's largest community of women entrepreneurs. Emma started Business Chicks in 2005 to create a supportive community for women in business. Today, Business Chicks has over 50,000 members and has hosted events with speakers such as Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Emma Isaacs' lesson learned: "Be persistent and don't give up. Starting a business is not easy, and there will be times when you want to throw in the towel. But if you're passionate about what you're doing and believe in your vision, keep going."
Sarah Hamilton, Co-founder of Bellabox
Sarah Hamilton is the co-founder of Bellabox, a beauty subscription service that delivers a monthly box of beauty products to its subscribers. Sarah started Bellabox in 2011 with her business partner, and they've since expanded to include brands such as L'Oreal and Benefit Cosmetics.
Sarah Hamilton's lesson learned: "Be willing to take risks and be open to learning. Starting a business is a learning experience, and you need to be willing to take risks and try new things to succeed."
Jodie Fox, Co-founder of Shoes of Prey
Jodie Fox, the founder of Shoes of Prey, is another Australian female entrepreneur who has been inspiring women with her startup story. After studying law and commerce, Jodie worked as a lawyer for several years, but she felt unfulfilled in her career. One day, she decided to pursue her passion for fashion and started designing shoes. Together with her co-founders, she launched Shoes of Prey in 2009.
Jodie's startup story is unique because Shoes of Prey was one of the first companies to offer customisable shoes online. This concept was revolutionary at the time, and Jodie faced many challenges along the way. However, her perseverance paid off, and Shoes of Prey grew into a successful business that attracted the attention of investors like Nordstrom and Khosla Ventures.
Jodie's experience taught her many lessons about entrepreneurship. She advises aspiring female entrepreneurs to take risks and not be afraid to fail. She says, "You've got to put yourself out there and take risks, and that's hard. But it's also incredibly rewarding when it pays off." She also encourages women to seek out mentors and support networks to help them on their entrepreneurial journey.
“It's always darkest before the dawn.” – Jodie Fox, Founder, Shoes of Prey.
Krista Watkins, founder of Natural Evolution Foods
Another Australian female entrepreneur who has made her mark is Krista Watkins, founder of Natural Evolution Foods. Krista has a unique story behind her success. She grew up on a banana farm in Queensland and witnessed firsthand the wastage of bananas that did not meet the strict cosmetic standards of supermarkets. This inspired her to develop a solution that could utilise the waste and help reduce food waste.
Natural Evolution Foods was founded in 2011 and has since then become a leading manufacturer of green banana flour, a gluten-free and nutrient-dense alternative to regular flour. Krista's journey has not been an easy one, with numerous challenges faced along the way, including a devastating flood that destroyed her entire farm. However, Krista's determination to succeed saw her through this difficult time, and she emerged stronger than ever.
Reflecting on her journey, Krista believes that it is essential to surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people. She says, "You need a team of people around you that believe in you and your vision. When you have that, anything is possible." Krista's story highlights the importance of resilience, creativity, and innovation in achieving success.
There are countless other inspiring stories of Australian female entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. From Sarah Holloway, co-founder of Matcha Maiden, to Holly Cardew, founder of Pixc, each entrepreneur has a unique story to tell. One common thread that ties them all together is their determination, hard work, and resilience.
As we celebrate these amazing women and their achievements, we must remember that their success did not come overnight. It took years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to get to where they are today. Their stories serve as a reminder that anything is possible with perseverance and determination.
The stories of these twelve Australian female entrepreneurs are a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and innovation. Their journeys have not been easy, but through their hard work and resilience, they have achieved remarkable success. As we look to the future, we must continue to support and encourage women in entrepreneurship and create an environment that enables them to thrive. With the right support and encouragement, women can be unstoppable in achieving their dreams.
Sources:
- "Emily Skye." Emily Skye, Emily Skye, emilyskye.com.
- "Krista Watkins." Natural Evolution, Natural Evolution Foods, naturalevolutionfoods.com.au/pages/krista-watkins.
- "Sarah Holloway." Matcha Maiden, Matcha Maiden, matchamaiden.com/pages/about-us.
- "Holly Cardew." Pixc, Pixc, pixc.com/about.
- "Canva." Canva, Canva, canva.com/.
- Business Chicks. (n.d.). Jodie Fox. Retrieved from https://businesschicks.com/jodie-fox/
- Williams, Z. (2018, May 28). What Shoes of Prey's Jodie Fox learned from her company's spectacular collapse. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/what-shoes-of-prey-s-jodie-fox-learned-from-her-company-s-spectacular-collapse-20180524-p4zh1d.html