The AusMumpreneur Awards, presented by The Women’s Business School, celebrate and recognize Australian Mums in business who achieves outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service, and digital innovation. The awards are designed to recognize the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.
Peace Mitchell cofounder of AusMumpreneur explains, “Women are leading the way in business, but they are often the unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes. The AusMumpreneur Awards provide an opportunity to highlight, recognize, and celebrate the incredible work these women are doing whilst also providing inspiration to others of what’s possible.”
The winners of the AusMumpreneur Awards were announced at the AusMumpreneur Awards Gala Dinner on 16 August in Melbourne.
Catherine Ashton
Catherine Ashton of Critical Info has been named as a finalist for the AusMumpreneur Awards in three categories: People’s Choice – Business, Social Enterprise Excellence, People’s Choice – Social Enterprise, and has been awarded bronze in the One to Watch category.
Catherine explains, “Losing a friend so unexpectedly brought me face-to-face with the crucial importance of end-of-life planning. It made me determined to establish a secure platform that would empower people with the knowledge and tools they need for informed decisions and comprehensive preparation.” Critical Info connects over 200 national industry organisations specialising in end-of-life planning and deathcare or bereavement’.
Catherine is delighted to be named as a finalist and is proud of her achievements, especially hosting two Pub quiz fundraisers for funeral poverty as part of the Southside Festival and Australian Heritage Festival. These events attracted over 150 attendees and raised $500 for Sustainable Funerals Group and Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service.
There are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood, as Catherine explains, “It allows me to work flexible hours, prioritizing my health and family”.
Catherine advises others considering starting their own enterprise? “Join a local business networking group – they can be a great source of information; help business owners feel connected and often provide low-cost training sessions.”
criticalinfo.com.au
Julie Fisher
Julie Fisher has been named as a finalist for the AusMumpreneur Awards in two categories: Author and People’s Choice – Business.
Julie Fisher is a mum of 3 boys and is also carer to her youngest son, Darcy, who lives with Down Syndrome.
Her journey into the world of disability with Darcy began while she was pregnant, and together with her family, they decided to provide the best life possible for Darcy.
Over the last 18 years, Julie has become an advocate for inclusion and acceptance, not only for her son but for many people who live with disabilities. She shares her family’s journey with Darcy, which will open your heart to see the beauty of disability.
Julie is a bestselling author, speaker, radio host, and works together with families to ensure their children are being seen and heard. Julie Fisher is delighted to be named a finalist and is proud of her achievements, particularly in raising awareness for inclusion and acceptance for people living with disabilities through her books and public speaking.
There are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood as Julie explains, “I can work on my business, which helps to support my family, while still having the time to do the things my kids need, ensuring I maintain a good work-life balance and, at the same time, meet many other amazing mums in the same sector.”
It can be challenging to be a successful businesswoman while raising a family, and Julie offers this advice for others thinking about starting their own enterprise. “If you have a dream and a passion, don’t hold back. Make sure you take the necessary steps to realise your dream and passion, because doing something you love, really does make a difference not only in your life but also in the lives of many others.”
Dr Fabienne Chevalier
Dr Fabienne Chevalier of Dr Fabienne Therapy Coaching Training has been nominated in three categories: Personal Services, Womens Champion, and Wellbeing Business; the last of which she came in third place for at the 2024 AusMumpreneur Awards.
Dr. Fabienne is a therapist, matrescence advocate, social scientist, and mother. She works largely with mothers of older children (toddlers to teenagers) who feel invisible, undervalued, and like they don’t matter, and who often struggle with anger.
Through individual therapy, workshops, courses and group programs, Dr. Fabienne helps women to navigate the profound and misunderstood identity shift that comes with motherhood. She aims to help them understand how to release the unrealistic and damaging picture of motherhood into which we have unknowingly been socialized, and that affects all aspects of our lives. Additionally, she assists in breaking the associated cycle of anger, resentment, and guilt.
She seeks to change how mothers are valued and supported, creating social and cultural shifts by helping mums challenge maternal stereotypes and gender norms. Dr. Fabienne aims to change society’s cultural conversation about motherhood, particularly addressing the taboo of ‘mum anger or rage’.
“There are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood,” Dr. Fabienne explains, “running a business as a mother can be challenging, but it enables you to set the direction and focus on issues that really matter to you. So many mothers feel pressure to think, feel and behave in a way that is hugely detrimental to their health, wellbeing, and sense of self. They have nowhere safe to voice their struggles for fear of being labelled depressed or bad mothers. Business has enabled me to create a much-needed safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where mothers can freely express their struggles and be heard, supported, and valued.”
Balancing success in business while raising a family can be challenging. Dr Fabienne suggests, “ignoring the naysayers and other people’s judgement, especially in relation to something as sensitive as motherhood, and focusing on what matters to you so you can continue running your own race during difficult times.”
Ebony Flett
Ebony Flett of Red Hill Candle Co. has been announced as the winner of the Homewares category at the 2024 AusMumpreneur Awards at a glamourous gala dinner in Melbourne.
Ebony has innovated the home fragrance industry by designing custom fragrances with purpose and inspiring others to get creative and make their own candles. She founded the business in 2016 from the spare bedroom in the family home, and then in 2020 just weeks after becoming a mum opened their thriving factory and store on the Mornington Peninsula.
Ebony was excited to be recognized in this category because, “It’s been a challenging year for small business, but our team continues to evolve our offering and creating new ways for fragrance to be enjoyed. Our recently opened Scent Bar now means that people can join us every day without a booking to make a unique fragrance.”
It’s sometimes challenging to be a successful businesswoman whilst raising a family but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and Ebony Flett explains why she is so passionate about the work she does and gives this advice for others thinking about starting their own enterprise. “Each day we see first-hand the joy finding your perfect scent has for our customers and the creative outlet that our candle making workshops provide. My advice to anyone looking to start their own business is to find your passion and follow your why”.
Red Hill Candle Co. was born from a desire to provide a quality made artisan product which people feel proud to display in their homes, always with the vision to evolve into an experience. In 2020 they began offering candle making workshops and experiences from their Dromana store location.
Now that that Ebony Flett has been named the 2024 Homewares winner she plans to continue collaborating with like-minded businesses to further see how they can make an impact far and wide.
redhillcandleco.com.au