Wins fit label fine
Clothing brand Oishi-m has business honours sewn up
CHILDREN’S fashion label Oishi-m took out top honours as Geelong Business of the Year last night.
More than 600 people filled the Pier Geelong to see the Oishi-m owner Miyo Fallshaw and several of her staff receive the accolade at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards presentation dinner.
The Torquay-based independent clothing brand was established in 2005 and caters for infants and toddlers with a retail store and adjoining head office as well as an online shop.
Judging panel chairman Simon Flowers said the story of Oishi-m’s success over the past decade showed what small business could accomplish in the region.
“It shows what an innovative, independently-owned retail business can accomplish against its bigger competitors with a very limited shop front and effectively having six fulltime staff,” Mr Flowers said.
“The business has built a cult following among their target market and now sells to 37 countries worldwide. They are also very community-minded.”
Earlier in the night, Oishi-m took out the Retail Award for the second straight year.
Long-serving St John of God Geelong Hospital chief executive Stephen Roberts was named the Business Leader of the Year with Jake Munday named Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
The business duo will now be short-listed as state finalists in Australian Leadership Excellence Awards next month. Business of the Year: Oishi-m Stephen Roberts, CEO St John of God Geelong Hospital Munday Sage Choice Carbon Nexus Great Ocean Stays Harcourts North Geelong Waste Management Oishi-m Geelong Mums John of God Geelong Hospital Unique Laser Martlette Graphic Design Legroom Corio Rendine Construction Austins & Co. Blush Bar Farmers Market Centre Golden Plains Supatramp Maree Pigdon Sewing Raw Edge Jake St