Ladies who lead
Style Magazine chats with the Women in Business Awards winners.
At Gip’s Restaurant recently a large crowd gathered to salute the women in our community who are inspiring others, achieving great successes in their chosen field and pioneering a way for women who will come after them.
The annual Women in Business Awards fielded stiff competition for this year’s five winning categories, with judges expressing the difficulty of making a decision with so many deserving candidates.
Style sat down with the five award winner to discuss what keep them motivated, and what advice they would give to other women.
Read our in depth interviews with Aleacia Olm, Rising Star Award Recipient, as well as overall 2016 Women in Business Awards winner Melissa Taylor (pages 28, 29).
Here Style chats with award recipients Maddies Burton, Victoria Harris and Beau Minnett.
1) The business world can be tough. Especially if you are carving your own way. What keeps you going through the hard times?
Maddie Burton, retailer and owner of Maddie’s Gift Gallery, Stanthorpe. Community Dedication Award winner
You have to believe in what you are doing. One has to constantly keep trying new things. Use free social media as much as possible. Always offer good customer service and value your staff. If you have family and friends let them support you. Maintain a sense of humour.
Victoria Harris, Year 12 student at Clifton State High School. Empowering Young Women’s Award winner
I have an extremely strong support network so I am very lucky. When I am going through tough times, I know that I can always rely on them, but, as an individual, I know that hard work and tough times are often what leads to success, so I never really worry about rough spots because I know that at some point it will pass.
You need to do your own research. Start small and build a strong foundation. – Maddie Burton, retailer
Beau Minnett, owner/director of Minx Contemporary Hair Boutique. Aspiring Young Business Women’s Award winner
My genuine love for my industry and my clients. My job is fun, creative and so rewarding. I'm so lucky to be able to be in such a positive and fun place each day. I enjoy being able to nurture and help grow the next generation of hairdressers and I hope I can pass on all I have learnt and inspire them to strive for everything they want within life and their careers.
2) Many women read Style Magazine every month…what would you say to our readers who want to start their own business, or create a business career but may be a little intimidated by the thought?
Maddie:
If you feel passionate about starting a business and you are willing to put in the hard work, why not try.
You need a good accountant and banker that looks out for you and gives the right advice. You need to do your own research. Start small and build a strong foundation. Stick to a budget. No-one has the crystal ball, some of us learn as we go along.
Victoria:
I would say to never be afraid. Every single one of you is bold, brave and beautiful; never worry about failing, for if you believe in yourself success will come. You can achieve anything if you work hard, stay focused and never give up. Find your passion, set your goals, focus on the steps and commit to the journey.
Beau:
Be prepared. Be prepared for the ups and the downs and be ready to give 100% to what you decide to do. If you love what you do and you genuinely believe you can really make a go of it, why not? You'll be very proud you did. Research your market and know your brand and what you represent. Be sure to always surround yourself with people who believe in you.
3) What have you learnt about yourself on this journey?
Maddie:
My husband and I purchased an established giftware store 20 years ago because our cattle property was in drought and interest rates were 23 per cent.
It was a do or lose everything if we did not diversify. I have learnt to adapt to change and be more flexible. I never stop learning and growing as a person. I can do more than I ever expected. You can’t dwell on your misfortunes because everyone deserves to be happy, and I am because of my children, family, friends, business, and the community I live in.
Victoria:
I have learnt that sometimes compliments and praise are difficult to accept because usually you just work hard doing what needs to be done or because you have a passion for something not because you want the recognition. However, I have learnt that sometimes you should say "Thank you", accept praise and let others join you in celebrating success.
Beau:
Success is measured differently by everyone, find what you believe to be success and happiness and keep that as your focus. – Beau Minnett, salon owner
I believe that being in small business requires great determination and drive. These are a vital traits that I have worked on and continued to develop and in turn have achieved all I had hoped to in business and more. I'm still excited by what I do every day and I continue to learn new skills within my industry and continue to gain knowledge on running a small business. Success is measured differently by everyone, find what you believe to be success and happiness and keep that as your focus.